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The Astonishing, adapted by Peter Orullian from the Widely-Acclaimed Concept Album by Progressive Metal Giants Dream Theater

11/28/2016

37 Comments

 
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Update 12/16:
Read the new update: More info here!
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Vault Books will be publishing the novel adaptation of the widely-acclaimed concept album, The Astonishing, by progressive metal giants Dream Theater. The book will be written by Peter Orullian, award-nominated writer of the current Tor series, The Vault of Heaven. 


Consisting of 34 tracks, The Astonishing album is but one window into the rich world created by John Petrucci. The strengths of the novel form will allow for the expansion of storylines, new subplots, the addition of important characters, answers to story questions, as well as surprises and turns that fans are sure to love.

To bring this vision to life, and after careful consideration, Dream Theater has selected Peter Orullian to write The Astonishing. Orullian is currently published by Tor Books, with an ongoing fantasy series in which music plays a key role, making him the perfect writer to adapt The Astonishing. Orullian is also a trained vocalist, having studied with David Kyle (Geoff Tate, Layne Staley, Ann Wilson), and has fronted touring rock and metal bands. This vocal experience has been key in his ability to write central characters in the story with credibility and authenticity.
 
Shortly after the announcement of The Astonishing album, Petrucci and Orullian connected and began discussing the novel. Over numerous extended phone conversations, in-person discussions, and email exchanges, Orullian gathered a deep understanding of Petrucci’s story and vision. He began to ideate and extrapolate on the core ideas, and introduce story elements to expand on the already substantive world in order to approach writing the novel.
 
The book is slated for release in the spring of 2017. In its first incarnation, it will be a Limited Edition, which will come with exclusive bonus materials, including early audio recordings of songs not used on the album. All of this will only be available in a short collectible print run:
 
  • Full-length novel of The Astonishing, adding new plot lines and intrigue, additional characters and motivations, answers to fan questions, as well as explanations and ideas not explored on the album
  • In-depth Introduction by John Petrucci, going deep on why he wrote The Astonishing album, what it means to him, etc.
  • Definitive interviews of each member of Dream Theater, covering their experience in the genesis of the album, in performing it, what it means to them, as well as their own music history, interests, and part in the band
  • A few early music demos (often taken from original iPhone recordings) of original songs set in the universe of The Astonishing but never used on the album
  • The genesis of one song: From early iPhone recording to final tune, listen to several song clips of the steps in the song writing process of one of the songs from The Astonishing
  • Foreword by a celebrated musician
  • Afterword by a music industry luminary
  • Never-before seen hand written notes, early art renderings, photographs, etc. chronicling the development of The Astonishing, with a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came to fruition
  • An original story by John Petrucci & Peter Orullian, set in the universe of The Astonishing
  • Original cover art on full-color dust jacket
  • Original full-color interior art depicting key scenes in the story, including some scenes not represented in the album
  • Map of the world of The Astonishing
  • Full lyrics, song-by-song breakdown, and final synopsis as written by John Petrucci
  • Printed on 60# acid-free paper
  • Smyth sewn for durability
  • Foil stamping on the front boards and spine
  • Bound in leather
Preorder
37 Comments
June Jantz
1/24/2017 11:45:48 am

Am I on your pre-order list of "The Astonishing, The Novel? I believe I pre-ordered & paid for a copy last November. When can I expect delivery? . Could you send me confirmation of my order? .
Thank You. . C. June Jantz

Reply
Vault Books
1/26/2017 05:35:13 am

Yes, we can confirm your order. The book is scheduled for publication in the late spring. We'll update more as we get closer to publication.

Thanks!

Reply
Daniela
2/2/2017 06:26:33 am

Hello. I'd like preorder the book The Astonishing, the Novel but since I live in Italy, I'd like to know if you ship also in my country. Thank you

Reply
Vault Books
2/3/2017 05:08:25 am

Hi,

Yes, we ship to Italy!

Hope you enjoy the book!

Cheers!

Reply
Vault Books
4/12/2017 05:35:37 pm

Update 4/12:
Because Peter is taking care in giving the story the attention it deserves, and as we assemble all the extras that come with the Limited Edition, we're anticipating a new publication date in the fall. We'll share more updates soon. But we're confident you'll be very happy with the book when it arrives!

Reply
Vault Books
7/23/2017 10:32:54 am

Update on The Astonishing novel here: http://www.vaultbooks.pub/news/update-the-astonishing

Reply
Norm
12/6/2017 02:37:25 pm

Hello...I see that the last update was about 5 months ago. Is there a new date that is to be announced for the release of this novel. Looking forward to it!

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Greg
12/13/2017 07:12:55 am

Last I’ve seen was I got an email said they are trying for Christmas this year...other than that I haven’t heard much more.

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Karen Jacob
12/6/2017 08:45:18 pm

When is this book being released?

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eric vanleuvan
12/7/2017 01:17:43 pm

any idea when the limited edition is being shipped ?

Reply
Elena Norton
12/11/2017 10:23:37 am

I ordered this book last November. When can I expect it. Please!! My husband is dying to get it.

Reply
Vault Books
12/16/2017 07:14:29 am

Hi Folks,

Vault Books here. We are just now getting the final materials from the band. We appreciate your patience as they've been on tour, and we've been waiting to get these materials from them that they want to be a part of the Limited Edition. But, we're very close to sending to the printer. Once we do, we'll be able to provide a publication date.

Again, thanks for your patience, we know you're going to love this book!

Reply
Iwan link
12/16/2017 08:01:07 am

Hi, I believe something special is on the way, and you do your best for that. Thanks

Reply
Andika
12/30/2017 05:46:44 am

I’ve been pre-order list.. and can’t waiting for this until release...

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Hilary
1/9/2018 06:53:45 am

Will the book be available in stores, or just online? I'm in Canada, but shipping/duties/taxes/reliability of Canada Post is a lot.

Reply
Wael
1/10/2018 05:39:10 pm

Hello, I preordered the book early last year and it hasnt arrived yet. Am i on the preorder list and have the confirmation email. When will the book be published? Thanks

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ilyes
1/23/2018 02:59:58 pm

hiya! i want to put an order for the limited edition version and want to know is it still available?
thanks

Reply
Nathaniel Hurst
1/24/2018 11:59:28 pm

So it's been a great deal of time since I preordered this book and can't seem to dig back and find a confirmation email. Is there any at you could confirm for me?

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Julia
2/7/2018 02:10:14 pm

Hello. Will the novel be available in some cheaper options? I only want the text, and the limited edition is too expensive for me.

Reply
Gabriele Leccioli
2/19/2018 02:24:55 am

I've pre-ordered 4 books on 02/12/2016 ... Yes, you have understood right: TWOTHOUSANDSIXTEEN !!!
If I didn't see the updates on Dream Theater's official website I would think this is a joke ...

Reply
The Wizard
2/28/2018 09:22:14 pm

The book was announced on November 2016 though.

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Brandon DeSantis
3/6/2018 08:22:36 am

I pre-ordered a copy in October, limited to 2500 copies for $75. Now I see the limited version as having 700 copies. Is this the same edition? The price is the same.

Reply
Jesus
3/6/2018 10:39:39 am

I preordered this novel since november 2016 and I still have the e-mail of my purchase, I just want to be sure that my order will arrive soon, I know the book will be on March 16,

Reply
Matthew Tanner
3/21/2018 09:55:21 am

I preordered when it was announced early Feb. or March but have not recieved confirmation through email. Can this preorder be confirmed? Any idea of ship date.

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Lauren
3/26/2018 11:29:40 am

Has anyone received the book yet? I preordered Nov/Dec 2016 as well and wanted to know if my purchase could be confirmed.

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Noriko_D
4/10/2018 11:22:27 pm

Hi, I finally received my copy on April 9, now I'm relieved and so excited!! Unfortunately I missed a message you've sent on March 29 to access music files...now the link is expired. Could it be another way to receive them??

Reply
Javier
4/13/2018 06:11:47 pm

Same for me with the audio files!! I'm so disappointed.

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FLEEBS
4/12/2018 06:28:26 pm

I’m really frustrated to have discovered only now that this book is sold out. I am on Dream Theater’s email list, and I expected to receive an email so I could pre-order it, but I never received anything like that from them. I don’t know why there wasn’t more promo for this, as I certainly would have jumped on board as soon as I new I was able.

Anyway, I am really interested in a copy. Is there any way I can still get one?

Reply
Rhydon
4/13/2018 10:58:53 am

I am in the same boat. I just barely learned about this today, and I'm very disappointed that it was such a limited printing. I'd be happy even with an eBook version that I could buy, because the story of the albums was so awesome, and I want to read it!

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Rudy
4/17/2018 11:47:15 am

I received it today !!! It's Astonishing!!!!! Love it, great job!!!!!

Reply
Lucas
4/29/2018 11:36:32 am

Hi. Just got my Book(s). It looks amazing. Very nice job !!! Didn’t have the time to read yet.
But it thinks there is a misunderstanding. I bought one book, and got two. Couldn’t find any email to contact you.
Please, contact me so I can send it back.
Thanks.

Reply
Reno Nichols
7/14/2018 08:46:20 pm

Can I buy one off of you? I need this book!

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Dave Buckingham
5/2/2018 07:00:52 pm

I did receive my book finally about a month ago but have had computer problems an had to do a factory reset so I am just getting to my backlog.

Although I haven't read it yet, I did flip through it and immediately became disappointed with the graphic pages. I was very discouraged to see they were in black and white, especially since I have seen identical photos online that were in color. For the price we paid for the book, you could have spent an extra nickel and printed them in color.

Reply
Rod
6/9/2018 09:32:18 pm

Is the some possibility of get a copy of that? Is it sold out at all?

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Graig
6/17/2018 01:21:20 pm

I had placed my order for the special autographed edition of the Astonishing book a very long time ago... I still have yet to receive it. Can I get an update on when I can expect it?

Reply
Kayli
10/16/2018 08:16:09 pm

I just found out about this book and would love an opportunity to own one! Please have another run printed.

Reply
Steve
12/15/2018 10:43:28 am

Just finished reading both of the Vault of Heaven books and was hoping to get a copy of The Astonishing finding out that this is Peter Orullian's latest book. Any new prints coming out soon?

Reply



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