The points of issue
Unusually for Hobb, the US Harper Voyager hardcover, published February 2012, precedes the UK Voyager hardcover of March 2012. First printings carry a complete number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
The US Harper Voyager hardcover (February 2012) is the first English-language edition, preceding the UK Voyager hardcover (March 2012). A Dutch translation appeared in 2011, before any English edition.
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 City of Dragons (Rain Wild Chronicles 3) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Unusually for Hobb, the US Harper Voyager hardcover, published February 2012, precedes the UK Voyager hardcover of March 2012. First printings carry a complete 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 US Harper Voyager hardcover (February 2012) is the first English-language edition, preceding the UK Voyager hardcover (March 2012). A Dutch translation appeared in 2011, before any English edition.
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 City of Dragons (Rain Wild Chronicles 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.