FAQ: The Scattered Bond by E.D.E. Bell
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

Is the book written?

Yes, the book is written and in its final stages of editing. We have a lot of bills and these pre-orders will be a huge help. Thank you!

Last updated: February 19, 2017 09:00

Some of the reviewers think the series is slow.

And other people say they can’t put it down. Also, it’s not The Hunger Games, and everyone wants to be Simon Cowell. This last volume is the fastest-paced yet! That said, I am writing thought-provoking, non-young-adult fantasy in a Twitter world. I get that. If you get that too, I hope you’ll join me and I hope you’ll enjoy.

Last updated: February 19, 2017 09:00

Does E.D.E. Bell’s writing have an agenda?

No. Not like that, anyway. I want to address this, because I write for everyone. Everyone is welcome here! I do want my writing to provoke thought (people say it does) and also be enjoyable. I personally read books written from a diverse set of perspectives, and I think that’s great. I do feel passionate about some ideas like human equality and animal compassion and I like to explore those in my writing. But the books are meant to be enjoyed whatever the reader’s views. I invite you to give it a try.

Last updated: January 30, 2017 15:32

Why specifically LGBT / LGBTQ? Is this gay fiction?

It’s not specific to the queer fiction genre. It’s just inclusive fantasy with diverse characters. I also have themes involving Aces, ableism, cultural prejudice, and cis-sexism - lots of things. It’s pretty layered. But unfortunately, we still live in a world where integrating diverse characters can ruffle feathers. Even on this project, I’ve had people tell me they are uncomfortable even letting people know about the project because it looks like I’m supporting LGBTQ+ lifestyles. Yes. I am supporting them. So I make a specific point of mentioning this for two reasons: 1) To reinforce that this is a everybody-friendly zone. 2) To warn off people who are still anti-LGBTQ in 2017 or at least can’t be open minded about it. They wouldn’t enjoy it, I guess.

Last updated: February 19, 2017 09:00

Is this really the last book?

It is the last book in the trilogy. Bell has plans for a very different and hopefully exciting next big project, but it will not be in the world or storyline of Shkode.

Last updated: January 30, 2017 15:34

Why is the international shipping so high?

Good question! We wish they were lower as well. We will ship the books using the United States Postal Service lowest rate: International First Class (for single books) or International Priority Mail (for multiple books due to the weight limits). The postage rate to most countries outside of Canada for a 2lb (~1kg) package is $23.18 USD, and doesn’t include packaging costs.

Last updated: January 30, 2017 15:34

How do you handle international customs declarations?

We understand that Kickstarter is not a store – you are supporting a creative project and independent writing with your generous pledges to make this project a reality. The rewards you receive are a thank-you for that support. However, the IRS and US Customs offices don’t allow for rewards to be considered “gifts” for customs declarations. We are required to declare the books as merchandise with a fair market value of $25 USD per book ($30 for Spireseeker). If your pledge is higher than $25 per book (e.g. limited edition), we will still only declare the $25 value. You will be responsible for any VAT or import duty charged by your local customs office. We understand that supporting a Kickstarter from another country come with these extra expenses and challenges and we are extremely grateful to have backers from all over the world! (With your support, maybe the author can sign books in all these wonderful places someday.)

Last updated: January 30, 2017 15:34

For what age range is the series? It is Young Adult?

The Shkode trilogy is intended for adults, but appropriate for mature young adults. The series contains violence and mild sexual content that we’d consider in the PG to barely even PG-13 range. The main reason we market it toward adults (and don’t call it YA) is the content is a little heavier in character and theme development, designed for the minds of adults, rather than action-focused. As for kids, that needs to be a parental/guardian decision, but we’d let our kids read it. We know that the illustrated covers lead some to believe the books are YA, but the intent was to have classic fantasy covers, celebrating comic-style and fantasy illustration. Because fantasy makes us all a little more youthful, doesn’t it?

Last updated: January 30, 2017 15:34

Is the book written?

Yes, the book is written and in its final stages of editing. We have a lot of bills and these pre-orders will be a huge help. Thank you! Last updated: Sun, Feb 19 2017 12:00 pm EST

Is this really the last book in the series?

It is the last book in the trilogy. Bell has plans for a very different and hopefully exciting next big project, but it will not be in the world or storyline of Shkode. Last updated: Mon, Jan 30 2017 6:34 pm EST

Why is international shipping so high?

Good question! We wish they were lower as well. We will ship the books using the United States Postal Service lowest rate: International First Class (for single books) or International Priority Mail (for multiple books due to the weight limits). The postage rate to most countries outside of Canada for a 2lb (~1kg) package is $23.18 USD, and doesn’t include packaging costs. Last updated: Mon, Jan 30 2017 6:34 pm EST

How do you handle international customs declarations?

We understand that Kickstarter is not a store – you are supporting a creative project and independent writing with your generous pledges to make this project a reality. The rewards you receive are a thank-you for that support. However, the IRS and US Customs offices don’t allow for rewards to be considered “gifts” for customs declarations. We are required to declare the books as merchandise with a fair market value of $25 USD per book ($30 for Spireseeker). If your pledge is higher than $25 per book (e.g. limited edition), we will still only declare the $25 value. You will be responsible for any VAT or import duty charged by your local customs office. We understand that supporting a Kickstarter from another country come with these extra expenses and challenges and we are extremely grateful to have backers from all over the world! (With your support, maybe the author can sign books in all these wonderful places someday.) Last updated: Mon, Jan 30 2017 6:34 pm EST

For what age range is the series? Is it Young Adult?

The Shkode trilogy is intended for adults, but appropriate for mature young adults. The series contains violence and mild sexual content that we’d consider in the PG to barely even PG-13 range. The main reason we market it toward adults (and don’t call it YA) is the content is a little heavier in character and theme development, designed for the minds of adults, rather than action-focused. As for kids, that needs to be a parental/guardian decision, but we’d let our kids read it. We know that the illustrated covers lead some to believe the books are YA, but the intent was to have classic fantasy covers, celebrating comic-style and fantasy illustration. Because fantasy makes us all a little more youthful, doesn’t it? Last updated: Mon, Jan 30 2017 6:34 pm EST

Shipping Updates
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

Current Estimated Shipping Date: September 2017

Last Updated At: 03/19/17
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