The points of issue
Bloomsbury, published May 5, 2015. The US first (Bloomsbury USA Childrens, ISBN 9781619634442) and the UK first (Bloomsbury, ISBN 9781408857861) appeared simultaneously, each a true first of its market. The true first hardcover has a full number line ending in 1 and a priced first-state jacket. Cornerstone of the modern romantasy boom and Maas's most-collected series opener.
Is this the true first?
Both the US (Bloomsbury USA Childrens) and UK (Bloomsbury) firsts were published the same day, May 5, 2015; either is a true first for its market. Confirm the priced jacket and number line ending in 1. Signed and illustrated later editions are 'first thus.'
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club issue. The trap is the many later printings and the illustrated/special editions. Confirm the number line ends in 1 and the first-state priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Bloomsbury, published May 5, 2015. The US first (Bloomsbury USA Childrens, ISBN 9781619634442) and the UK first (Bloomsbury, ISBN 9781408857861) appeared simultaneously, each a true first of its market. The true first hardcover has a full number line ending in 1 and a priced first-state jacket. Cornerstone of the modern romantasy boom and Maas's most-collected series opener.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. Both the US (Bloomsbury USA Childrens) and UK (Bloomsbury) firsts were published the same day, May 5, 2015; either is a true first for its market. Confirm the priced jacket and number line ending in 1. Signed and illustrated later editions are 'first thus.'
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club issue. The trap is the many later printings and the illustrated/special editions. Confirm the number line ends in 1 and the first-state priced jacket.
I have a first edition of A Court of Thorns and Roses — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.