Year of the Black Rainbow [2026 Edition]

Rare Bird is proud to announce a multi-book publishing partnership with Claudio Sanchez (Coheed and Cambria) and Evil Ink (Sanchez’s production house), marking a new era of collaboration that will expand and reintroduce key works from The Amory Wars universe to readers worldwide. The partnership launches with redesigned and expanded special editions of the long out of print Year of the Black Rainbow (Book One of The Amory Wars)—now available for early access preorder—followed by a unique continuation between Claudio Sanchez and Kevin J. Anderson (Dune, Star Wars, X-Files, Clockwork Angels with Neal Peart) with Book Two of The Amory Wars, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, expected to release in Fall 2026.

With the new editions of Year of the Black Rainbow, Rare Bird x Evil Ink bring the origin point of The Amory Wars saga back into print with new artwork, new formats, and a collector-focused presentation—all ahead of additional titles to be announced as part of the expanding Rare Bird x Evil Ink publishing slate.

While new cover art will be revealed closer to launch, fans and readers can now secure limited-format editions available exclusively through Rare Bird.

AVAILABLE NOW FOR EARLY ACCESS PREORDER

#1 New Trade Paperback Edition

A newly typeset, definitive vintage-style paperback edition with new artwork, prepared for its return to wide release, with final artwork to be unveiled at a later date.

#2 Trade Hardcover Edition

A new trade hardcover presentation featuring:

—New artwork created specifically for this reissue

—Final artwork to be unveiled at a later date

—Not available in stores

—Exclusive early access preorder opportunity for The Second Stage Turbine Blade

A collector’s keepsake for readers and longtime Amory Wars fans.

#3 Vinyl Audiobook Edition Narrated by Claudio Sanchez

A Rare Bird signature format featuring:

—2xLP abridged vinyl pressing narrated by Claudio Sanchez

—New exclusive sound design

—High-fidelity audio production

—Includes digital audiobook download

—Limited first-run pressing

—Final artwork to be unveiled at a later date

—Exclusive early access preorder opportunity for The Second Stage Turbine Blade

A unique addition to the mythos behind the music.

#4 Signed Limited Edition Hardcover + Vinyl Audiobook Bundle

The ultimate collector’s bundle, featuring:

—Signed limited edition hardcover

—2xLP vinyl audiobook narrated by Claudio Sanchez

—Final artwork to be unveiled at a later date

—Not available in stores

—Exclusive early access preorder opportunity for The Second Stage Turbine Blade

The most limited and collectible version of the reissue.

ABOUT THE VARIANT EDITIONS

The early-access variants feature new cover artwork that will be revealed closer to publication. Limited editions will not be reproduced after the initial preorder period, making it a rare addition for dedicated fans and collectors.

PREORDER ACCESS

Early preorders are available directly through Rare Bird ahead of retail listing and distribution through Simon & Schuster. Quantities of signed and bundled editions are extremely limited, and limited edition variants are exclusively available through Rare Bird.

ANTICIPATED RELEASE DATE

May 16, 2026

ABOUT THE RARE BIRD x EVIL INK PARTNERSHIP

This new multi-book collaboration brings together Rare Bird’s specialty in elevated, design-driven publishing with Evil Ink’s innovative storytelling across music, comics, and speculative fiction. The partnership reintroduces cornerstone works from The Amory Wars while developing new titles that expand the universe for longtime fans and new readers alike. Additional titles in the collaboration will be announced in the coming months.

* Release and ship dates are subject to change without notice