The points of issue
UK HarperVoyager hardcover published 4 May 2017; the US Del Rey hardcover followed on 9 May 2017. First printings of both carry a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
The UK HarperVoyager hardcover (4 May 2017) preceded the US Del Rey hardcover (9 May 2017) by five days, giving the UK edition technical precedence; both are collected as firsts.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings drop the 1 from the number line; check the full number line rather than the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Assassin's Fate (Fitz and the Fool 3) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK HarperVoyager hardcover published 4 May 2017; the US Del Rey hardcover followed on 9 May 2017. First printings of both carry a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
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. The UK HarperVoyager hardcover (4 May 2017) preceded the US Del Rey hardcover (9 May 2017) by five days, giving the UK edition technical precedence; both are collected as firsts.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings drop the 1 from the number line; check the full number line rather than the jacket.
I have a first edition of Assassin's Fate (Fitz and the Fool 3) — 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.