So today, as I post this, my book is now published! I’ll spare you the long saga–and it is quite long–of how this book came to be, how I wrote it, and all the hills and valleys between then and now. It’s a good story, actually, but not for today.
Today, I’m just going to tell you that writing this has been one of my great joys over the last two decades. I hope it can bring others joy, or provoke thought, or fascinate, or challenge, or intrigue. Maybe even all of those, if it were possible.
The gorgeous artwork on the cover was done by Jeremy Adams
This map, which gives the perfect sense of this world, was done by Rhys Davies.
Here are some bits and pieces from reviews on goodreads. Obviously, being the author and hoping you will read the book, I have chosen a few of my favorites. But feel free to go look for yourself and see if this is a book you too might love. And, for the record, these quotes are from Advanced Review Copy readers either via goodreads forums, booksirens, or instagram. Much as I’m thankful for any supportive reviews of loved ones, none of these quotes below are from people who know me at all in real life and most are from people who don’t know me by even the slightest of internet acquaintance : ) I just put the reader initials here, but if you want to read the full reviews here is the link: BY BLOOD BY SALT REVIEWS
“This book just grabs you and pulls you into the world. Deserts, cultures, tongues, tribes, gods, jinn, and a political upheaval, waiting for the final match to strike.”
-J
“There are books that have incredible world-building, tough as nails frenemies, and a message of survival at any cost. Alliances that shift like the sand, words which can only be believed if they are bound with oaths of blood or salt, and to be silver-tongued is as important as any archery skills. The kind of book that resonates with the reader long after the last page has been turned.
This is that book.”
M.L.
“From the beginning, I felt I was in every scene. Every character felt real and complete.”
-M
“I devoured this book in 24 hours. It grabbed my attention with the cover and the title and the summary and I just felt the pull, the need to read it.
…All in all, this story is one I will be thinking about until the next installment is out. I am invested.”
-I
“By salt, I almost wish I didn’t read the book already so I could finish this series once it would be fully published, because that’s definitely what this deserves. I devoured this book in a week even though I had a very busy week.
Please go buy and read this book, I want to talk about it with others!”
-J. S.
“I’m baffled to see that this book is not published by the big 5.
This is easily one of the best fantasy books I’ve read in the last 8 9 months. Up there with some big hitters.”
-H
“By Blood, By Salt is SO well written. J.L. Odom has created an immersive, fantasy novel full of adventure, intrigue, and politics. The setting feels so real – the descriptions are so visceral. I loved the unpredictability; the propulsiveness of the book itself. I will recommend it to everyone.”
-D
I hope you enjoy this book, the first in the Land of Exile trilogy. Book 2 is already written and in revisions, in case you’re wondering : )
Add it on Goodreads
Order on Amazon
Order from Barnes and Noble
Order from Bookshop or your local bookstore
Order through Kobo
Order through Google Play
Order through Apple
AND if you care about binding and color quality, you definitely want to go with a paperback from Barnes and Noble or any local bookshop versus Amazon.
J. L. Odom 