The points of issue
Bantam trade hardcover, published July 2012. First printing states First Edition on the copyright page with a complete number line ending in 1. Odd Thomas novel number five. First-printing jackets appear both with and without a round silver sticker promoting the augmented reality cover; the sticker is not an issue point.
Is this the true first?
The Bantam US trade hardcover is the true first. The Charnel House signed limited edition followed in fall 2012.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
A book club edition was released simultaneously and shares the trade ISBN, so check the book itself: the club edition lacks the copyright-page number line and carries no printed price on the jacket, and bears a book club identification number.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Odd Apocalypse a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Bantam trade hardcover, published July 2012. First printing states First Edition on the copyright page with a complete number line ending in 1. Odd Thomas novel number five. First-printing jackets appear both with and without a round silver sticker promoting the augmented reality cover; the sticker is not an issue point.
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 Bantam US trade hardcover is the true first. The Charnel House signed limited edition followed in fall 2012.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
A book club edition was released simultaneously and shares the trade ISBN, so check the book itself: the club edition lacks the copyright-page number line and carries no printed price on the jacket, and bears a book club identification number.
I have a first edition of Odd Apocalypse — 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.