Brandon Sanderson Fans Hit With Hidden Costs as New Book Prices Surge in Latest Kickstarter Campaign
Before you pledge for that exclusive leatherbound edition, consumer advocates warn that shipping, taxes, and surprise add-ons could double the final price of Brandon Sanderson's upcoming secret novel release, leaving your wallet drained faster than a Mistborn's allomancy. "Readers are shelling out hundreds for what they think is a deal, then getting slammed with fees that push the total beyond retail," warns consumer watchdog Jane Hargrove. The new Kickstarter model, while popular with die-hard fans, includes tiered rewards with opaque costs and international shipping penalties that hit U.S. buyers especially hard. Hargrove's advice: scrutinize every "suggested pledge" level and compare to general release prices before clicking that confirm button, or risk paying premium for a book you could pre-order at a standard bookstore for half the price.