Out Now: New Russian LORD OF LIGHT and CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS Omnibus


Roger Zelazny‘s classic novels LORD OF LIGHT and CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS are now available in Russia, collected in a new omnibus edition! Published by Fanzon/Эксмо, as КНЯЗЬ СВЕТА and ПОРОЖДЕНИЯ СВЕТА И ТЬМЬI, here’s the synopsis…

Роджер Желязны в своем мастерском повествовании вдыхает новую жизнь в мифологию Индии и Египта, оживляя своим воображением древних богов и демонов.

Два знаменитых романа Роджера Желязны. Шедевры «новой волны» научной фантастики, полные поэзии и глубокого уважения к мифологии.

«Князь света»

Возможно, это случилось после гибели Земли. На далекой планете-колонии у власти оказалась группа людей, которые, используя достижения науки, достигли бессмертия и стали править своим миром под личинами богов индуистского пантеона. И лишь один человек осмеливается противостоять им – тот, кто когда-то был Князем Света.

«Порождения Света и Тьмы»

Далекое будущее или далекое прошлое. Боги Древнего Египта правят освоенным человечеством космосом. Анубис, Повелитель Мертвых, и Осирис из Дома Жизни забывают свою извечную вражду, когда появляется угроза не только мирам, но и их собственному существованию.

LORD OF LIGHT, first published in 1967, is available in the UK, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series. It won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1968, and was also nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Imagine a distant world where gods walk as men, but wield vast and hidden powers. Here they have made the stage on which they build a subtle pattern of alliance, love, and deadly enmity. Are they truly immortal? Who are these gods who rule the destiny of a teeming world?

Their names include Brahma, Kali, Krishna and also he who was called Buddha, the Lord of Light, but who now prefers to be known simply as Sam. The gradual unfolding of the story – how the colonization of another planet became a re-enactment of Eastern mythology – is one of the great imaginative feats of modern science fiction.

The highly-acclaimed CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS was originally published in 1969. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

In the House of the Dead he has been given a name. That name is Wakim, but Wakim knows that this name is not his true name not the name that he carried with him in life. Wakim has been commanded by his master Anubus to find and destroy The Prince Who Was A Thousand. Wakim leaves the House of the Dead intent on carrying out his mission to destroy The Prince Who Was A Thousand, but he has a second, personal mission…to find his true name. And if he does Wakim cannot even imagine how that will change everything…

Coming Soon: NOISE FLOOR by Andrew Cartmel


On March 19th, the Vinyl Detective returns! NOISE FLOOR by Andrew Cartmel is the seventh novel in the acclaimed mystery series. Published by Titan Books in the UK and North America, here’s the synopsis…

The Vinyl Detective enters the fraught and frenzied realm of electronic dance music.

Lambert Ramkin aka Imperium Dart, techno trickster and ambient music wizard of the 1990s, has gone walkabout, disappearing from his palatial home in Kent. This isn’t the first time he’s pulled a vanishing act, but he’s never been gone so long before and his wife — wives, actually; it’s complicated — are worried and hire the Vinyl Detective to find the old rascal.

But does Lambert, a man known for his love of outlandish and elaborate pranks, really want to be found? And are the increasingly strange scenarios that the Vinyl Detective and his friends keep finding themselves in due to his trickery or something far more sinister?

Titan Books has published all of the Vinyl Detective novels to date, in the UK and North America.

Here are just a few of the many great reviews the series has received so far…

‘This charming mystery feels as companionable as a leisurely afternoon trawling the vintage shops with a good friend.’ — Kirkus on WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX

‘… fast-paced, lighthearted adventure… marvelously inventive and endlessly fascinating…’ — Publishers Weekly on WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX

‘Author Cartmel has combined the tropes of the several genres into a surprising, refreshing story centered around old-fashioned records… the story delivers multiple chuckles per chapter… Based on this volume, the series will be a hit.’ — New York Journal of Books on WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX

‘Polished, fast-paced and a ton of fun, this is a fantastic read that is easy to get lost in… more polished… keeps the story rolling forward at an incredible speed – and also makes it very hard to put down… Cartmel has created an intoxicating mix of adventure, humour and mystery to lose yourself in… a truly engaging and enjoyable read. THE RUN-OUT GROOVE surpasses even the opening novel in the series for polish and fun.’ — The Crime Review

‘Part of the fun of the series is the obsessiveness of record collectors, the contradictions between the mundane places in which they hunt their treasures — charity shops, church bazaars — and the sophisticated sound systems they have set up to play what they find… the Vinyl Detective is proving to be a very amenable companion to have on a treasure hunt. This is one vinyl nerd you won’t mind spending time with.’ — Kirkus on THE RUN-OUT GROOVE

‘… entertaining second record-spinning mystery… Cartmel treats music and records seriously, plays his strange characters for laughs, and provides a bit of danger and some unexpected twists in this affectionate nod to the vagaries of rock stardom.’ — Publishers Weekly on THE RUN-OUT GROOVE

‘Cartmel at his best… an exciting and atmospheric mystery and a good addition to the Vinyl Detective’s casebook.’ — Blue Book Balloon on VICTORY DISC

‘… an assured, highly readable and fun story that builds on Cartmel’s well-realised characters… I hope this series will run and run.’ — Blue Book Ballon on LOW ACTION

‘This book was such a blast! It was a great addition to this hilarious series and I’m so impressed at how entertaining these books are.’ — Divine World of Books on VICTORY DISC

DEATH IN FINE CONDITION, the first novel in Andrew’s other crime/mystery series, the Paperback Sleuth, is also published by Titan Books (out now). The second book — ASHRAM ASSASSIN — is due out later this year.

Finnish Edition of Travis Baldree’s LEGENDS & LATTES on the way!


A new, Finnish edition of Travis Baldree‘s acclaimed, best-selling LEGENDS & LATTES is on the way! It is due to be published on April 3rd by Otava, as LEGENDOJA JA LATTEJA, and was translated by Jade Haapasalo. Here’s the synopsis…

Lämminhenkinen fantasia-bestseller on kuin halaus kansien välissä.

Barbaarielämän uuvuttama Viv päättää muuttaa elämänsä kertaheitolla. Legenda mystisestä taikaesineestä saa hänet tavoittelemaan liki mahdotonta haavetta: hän aikoo perustaa vilkkaaseen Thuneen kaupungin ensimmäisen kahvilan.

Uusi alku on kuitenkin huteralla pohjalla. Entisen elämän ryökäleet ja Thunen alamaailman hiipparit laittavat kapuloita rattaisiin — eikä kukaan tunnu edes tietävän, mitä kahvi on! Viv tarvitseekin uusia kumppaneita ja rautaisen luottamuksen suunnitelmansa onnistumiseen.

Muinainen magia, kuohkeat leivonnaiset ja kuumat kupposet — siinäkö on avain ystävyyteen tai kenties johonkin sitäkin syvempään?

LEGENDOJA JA LATTEJA will be published in audiobook the following week (April 9th), as well — via Karisto — and narrated by Kati Tammensola.

The novel is published by Tor Books in the UK and North America, as well as a considerable, growing number of translated editions around the world. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

High fantasy, low stakes – with a double-shot of coffee.

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv ever could have imagined…

In addition to landing on many Best Of lists, the novel received a great number of excellent reviews. Here are just a few of them…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’ — Seanan McGuireNew York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

‘The most fun I’ve ever had in a coffee shop.’ — Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London

‘A gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop… This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’ — Buzzfeed

‘With its mysterious encounters, summer flings and a growing number of skeletons, Baldree’s fantastical novel is the perfect winter indulgence.’ — HuffPost Books (“Best Books We Read in 2023)

‘An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld… LEGENDS & LATTES is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.’ — Booklist, starred review

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’ — Fantasy Faction

‘If you like fantasy but you’re tired of reading about wars and general intensity, this is the book for you… Cozy fantasy at its best.’ — Literary Hub

Travis’s second novel, BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, is also out now — it is a prequel to LEGENDS & LATTES. It is also published by Tor Books in the UK and North America.

Jonathan Carroll’s LAND OF LAUGHS Available in China!


We’re very happy to share the news, in case you missed it, that Jonathan Carroll‘s THE LAND OF LAUGHS is available in a new Chinese edition! Published by 漫遊者文化 事業股份有限公司, as 歡笑國度, it was translated by 章晉唯. Here’s the synopsis…

湯瑪士是一個平凡的英文老師,長期活在電影巨星父親的陰影下。某天湯瑪士決定休個長假寫書,寫自己最愛的童書作家馬修・法蘭斯的傳記。那是他自小以來心靈的寄託與歸宿。但法蘭斯行蹤隱密,關於他的生平大家知之甚少,而作家過世多年以來,想為之立傳的人,都被他女兒安娜轟出門外。但湯瑪士不死心,和同樣喜歡法蘭斯的新女友千里迢迢前往密蘇里州的鄉下小鎮,那裡正是作家的故鄉。

然而,當他們風塵僕僕抵達,卻發現一切都和想像的不一樣……

鎮民熱烈歡迎,安娜居然也親切接待,甚至對湯瑪士寫傳記一事興致勃勃,帶他到處走訪父親生前最愛的地點。不過,兩人在鎮上住下後,逐漸發現這裡有些不對勁……墓園裡的名字都是法蘭斯筆下人物,養的狗都是他喜歡的牛頭㹴,這個小鎮彷彿是作家的靈感來源。當安娜終於答應授權湯瑪士寫傳記後,鎮上卻接二連三發生怪事,他開始在鎮民臉上看見小說角色的面孔,有天還聽見了狗在說話……

在這個每個人都友善又快樂的神祕小鎮裡,鎮民到底在隱瞞些什麼?事實的真相令人毛骨悚然……

First published in 1980, THE LAND OF LAUGHS won the Prix Tour-Apollo Award in 1989. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Have you ever loved a magical book above all others? Have you ever wished the magic were real? Welcome to The Land of Laughs. A novel about how terrifying that would be.

Schoolteacher Thomas Abbey, unsure son of a film star, doesn’t know who he is or what he wants — in life, in love, or in his relationship with the strange and intense Saxony Gardner. What he knows is that in his whole life nothing has touched him so deeply as the novels of Marshall France, a reclusive author of fabulous children’s tales who died at forty-four.

Now Thomas and Saxony have come to France’s hometown, the dreamy Midwestern town of Galen, Missouri, to write France’s biography. Warned in advance that France’s family may oppose them, they’re surprised to find France’s daughter warmly welcoming instead. But slowly they begin to see that something fantastic and horrible is happening. The magic of Marshall France has extended far beyond the printed page… leaving them with a terrifying task to undertake.

Carroll’s latest novel is the highly-acclaimed MR. BREAKFAST — out now, published by Melville House.

Coming Soon: PARIS, BLOCK BY BLOCK by Cierra Block


On May 30th, Welbeck Publishing is due to publish the latest art book by Cierra Block, PARIS, BLOCK BY BLOCK! Written and illustrated by Block, here’s the synopsis…

Paris is seen the world over as one of the most beautiful, romantic and iconic cities you can visit, and it has more places to eat and things to see than you could manage in a lifetime. Paris, Block by Block is the essential guide to the unmissable places to go, covering everything from restaurants to boutiques, galleries to parks, all illustrated with 50 of Cierra Block’s distinctive maps. Each map starts with an idea – it might be, Where’s the best croissant in Paris? What is the place everyone should visit in the Latin Quarter? Or, where can you lose hours people-watching? From there, Cierra has curated a list of the best places from Montmartre to The Marais, Champs Élysées to St-Germain, and has painted a charming accompanying map. Patisserie to fashion, the most impressive views to Seine-side activities, there really is something for everyone.

The follow-up to 2022’s London Block by Block and 2023’s New York Block by Block, this book will be an inspiration for all, whether it’s your first visit to the city, a seasoned traveller or an all-your-life local. That’s the wonderful thing about Paris – there’s always more to explore!

As mentioned in the synopsis, above, Cierra Block has also created two other books: LONDON BLOCK BY BLOCK and NEW YORK BLOCK BY BLOCK — they are both out now, also published by Welbeck Publishing!

DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON: WER GLAUBT SCHON AN DRACHEN? is Out in Three Weeks!


The German edition of the eleventh Rivers of London comic, HERE BE DRAGONS, is out in three weeks! Written by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, and James Swallow, it is due to be published as WER GLAUBT SCHON AN DRACHEN? on February 20th by Panini Verlag. Series artwork is by José María Beroy.

Here’s the synopsis…

Ein Urban-Fanatasy-Kracher aus der Welt von Ben Aaronovitchs einzigartigem Peter Grant-Erzähluniversum! Es heißt, ein gefährliches Monster treibt über den Straßen von London sein Unwesen …

Ein geflügeltes Monster mit Zähnen und Klauen, und sein Name ist …

Wyvern! Der angehende Zauberer Peter Grant steigt zum Himmel empor, um in einer Reihe seltsamer UFO-Sichtungen über der Hauptstadt zu ermitteln, nachdem ein Hubschrauber der Met nachts von etwas angegriffen wurde, das sich nur als Drache beschreiben lässt! Peter und sein Mentor Thomas Nightingale, der einzige zugelassene Zauberer der Londoner Polizei, werden in die Pläne eines Trios abtrünniger Fae verwickelt und gehen Ereignissen nach, die bis weit in die Swinging Sixties und zu einem der berühmtesten Londoner Einwohner zurückreichen – eines legendären Rockstars, der einen Pakt mit der Demi-Monde einging, der nie erfüllt wurde. Um die Stadt zu retten, muss Peter die wütende Bestie jagen – aber schafft er es, die Sache zu einem friedlichen Ende zu bringen? Oder wird er gezwungen sein, den letzten Wyvern zu töten?

… Falls er das überhaupt kann.

HERE BE DRAGONS is published in the UK and North America by Titan Comics, and is out now. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

CSI meets Harry Potter in this graphic novel from Ben Aaronovitch – writer of the bestselling Rivers of London supernatural police procedural crime novel series, Andrew Cartmel author of the Vinyl Detective and New York Times best-selling author, James Swallow creator of the Marc Dane series, and writer of five best-selling Warhammer 40,000 novels. After a rash of strange UFO sightings above the capital, a Met Police helicopter night patrol is attacked by what can only be described as a dragon!

Wizard in training Peter Grant and his mentor, Thomas Nightingale, the Met’s only sanctioned wizard, takes to the skies to investigate.

As the mystery deepens, Peter and Thomas find themselves caught between two groups of hunters – one human, one fae – and he uncovers the legacy of events that extend all the way back to the late ‘60s and one of London’s most famous residents – a certain “Experienced” rock star – who made a pact with the Demimonde that was never fulfilled.

To save the skies of the city, Peter will have to face the enraged beast – but can he end things peacefully… Or will he be forced to destroy the last wyvern?

Collecting together the critically acclaimed original four-issue mini-series.

With exclusive bonus material, included a script to art comparison, covers gallery and a collection of the backup articles from the four comics.

The continuing comic-book adaptation of Ben Aaronovitch’s hugely successful and award-winning 10-book novel series first published in 2011.

An all-new original adventure starring the Peter Grant the wizard-in-training hero of the first Rivers of London Novel, ‘Rivers of London’, also known as Midnight Riot in the US.

For those who prefer to read in chronological order, or would just like to know how the Rivers of London novels, novellas, and comics fit together, check out the graphic below…

ICYMI: Alice Bell’s DISPLEASURE ISLAND Announced!


We’re very happy to share with you today that Alice Bell‘s next novel, DISPLEASURE ISLAND, has been officially unveiled by its UK publisher, Corvus Books! Check out the cover reveal, above. Due to be published in the UK on May 2nd, here’s the synopsis…

‘There are apparently a lot of ghosts on Spike Island,’ said Basher. ‘So perhaps one more can’t hurt.’
Claire sighed and looked at Sophie. She was standing in the sunlight beaming through the windows, so she was washed out and almost see-through – but still very clearly sticking her tongue out at Claire. ‘Oh,’ said Claire, ‘I think you’d be surprised.’

Professional medium turned detective Claire, her best friend Sophie (a 17-year-old ghost) and their pals are enjoying a much-needed cheap holiday in an unfinished hotel on Spike Island off the West Coast of Ireland. Claire is flattered to be asked by the local ghost of a pirate captain to investigate the theft of treasure from the shipwreck that stranded him there several hundred years ago.

But just when she thinks she is closing in on the culprit, a murder takes place, and Claire and her friends quickly become the chief suspects. Can they recover the treasure, solve the murder and clear their names before all is lost?

DISPLEASURE ISLAND is also due to be published in North America, by Vintage, on September 3rd. We’ll share the cover as soon as we have it.

If you haven’t yet read Alice’s debut, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS — which introduces Claire and Sophie — then it is available now in paperback, published by Corvus Books (UK) and Vintage (North America).

Here are just a few of the great reviews GRAVE EXPECTATIONS has received so far…

‘Read this fabulous book — you will not regret it!’ — Ben Aaronovitch

‘Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core’ — Janice Hallett

‘A delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts – imagine a really cockeyed game of Cluedo heavily seasoned with whimsy … it’s a lot of fun’ — Stuart MacBride

‘Knives Out vibes with added ghosts. Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable.’ — Catherine Ryan Howard

‘A great read, with great characters, lots of humour, some misty-eyed moments and lots of swearing. Utterly delightful – like the BBC show Ghosts mixed with Cluedo’ — Simon Toyne

‘This book positively lit up my weekends with its cosy, affectionate, funny, awkward brand of ghostly crime-solving. Perfect for fans of BBC’s Ghosts, Alice Bell has a keen eye for characterisation and the ridiculous, creating a story that will both send chills down your spine and wrap you up in a hug.’ — Ally Wilkes

‘Witty, addictive, and breathes some much needed (undead) life into the cosy crime murder mystery genre’ — Adam Simcox

‘Bell shines in her sharp, funny debut, a supernatural whodunit centered on medium-for-hire Claire Hendricks… The adroit plotting, which cannily plays with mystery tropes, is amply leavened with humor.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘As murder mysteries go, this one is certainly unique… A fun and surprising character-driven whodunnit.’ — Heat (UK)

‘Alice Bell weaves a fun, gripping murder mystery with a supernatural spin.’ — Woman’s Own (UK)

‘[T]he lightly acerbic style is a delight and the interaction between inept-but-dogged millennial Claire and eternal teenager Sophie – whose death remains a mystery – offers plenty of spooky fun. More, please.’ — Guardian

New Lavie Tidhar Collection, FOUR NOVELLAS Out in Two Weeks!


In two weeks (February 6th), JABberwocky are due to publish FOUR NOVELLAS — a new collection of Lavie Tidhar‘s shorter works! These four varied novellas are a great introduction to Tidhar’s work. Here’s the collection’s synopsis…

A nun enters a poker tournament as she wrestles with her faith in God; a boy travels across a mysterious, cloud-covered planet in search of a mythical space port; in Nazi-occupied London a screenwriter searches for an old flame with deadly consequences; three wise men from the East travel to Judea to give a newborn baby an unexpected power.

Collected for the first time in one volume, this omnibus edition from World Fantasy Award winner Lavie Tidhar gathers four mind-bending novellas:

THE BIG BLIND

CLOUD PERMUTATIONS

THE VANISHING KIND

JESUS AND THE EIGHTFOLD PATH

Here are just a few of the reviews the novellas have received…

‘Tidhar has long taken a kind of perverse glee in his own unpredictability, sometimes blurring the line between pointed literary allusiveness and simple attention deficit…. So while the question of what Tidhar might come up with next is a perfectly reasonable one, I have to admit that the last thing I’d have expected is a sweet-natured tale that, with almost no changes, would work just fine as a 1950s Audrey Hepburn comedy about a young poker-playing Irish nun trying to save her convent from foreclosure… touching… the story unfolds like a Hollywood playbook… a feel-good ending.’ — Locus (Gary K. Wolfe) on THE BIG BLIND

‘A really enjoyable book, different from anything I’d read by Tidhar before (but then, I think that every time I open one of his books). Recommended.’ — Blue Book Balloon on THE BIG BLIND

‘Lavie Tidhar is one of the most interesting new writers to enter the genre in some time, and his chapbook novella JESUS & THE EIGHTFOLD PATH is another major work by him, although even harder to pin down by genre than is his usual work. A vivid and gonzo reimagining of the life of Jesus, it’s less sacrilegious and more respectful than you would think a story whose working title was “Kung Fu Jesus” would be… Much of the gonzo humor, and much of the entertainment value, is carried by the Three Wise Men, here reimagined as former kings, wizards, and minor gods impressed into service by a superior supernatural force, and called Sandy, Monkey, and Pigsy; they get many of the best lines. There’s also a supporting role for the slippery Jewish historian, Josephus Flavius. Perhaps what this reminds me the most of is the movie Big Trouble in Little China, if the filmmakers had decided to tackle the Gospels as well as Chinese mythology. Although some of the more pious may be offended, most readers will probably find this hugely entertaining.’ — Gardner Dozios (LOCUS) on JESUS & THE EIGHTFOLD PATH

‘[B]egan life as an irreverent brain-nugget: the story of kung-fu Jesus. The final result is less cheeky than you might imagine, fusing classical Chinese novel Journey to the West with the life of Christ as recounted in the New Testament… a characteristic example of Tidhar’s writing and storytelling; it repurposes the mythic with a deft touch that retains some degree of familiarity yet introduces enough difference to produce a stark sense of contrast. It also has his characteristic lightness of tone juxtaposed with gravitas and respect for his subject matter. It’s rarely wildly funny but produces plenty of wry smiles. Readers who enjoy laughter lines will find this book does actually crease them up.’ — Nostalgia for Infinity on JESUS & THE EIGHTFOLD PATH

‘As well as being a fun book – and it is a playful read – it does contain a true sense of spirituality.’ — Geek Syndicate on JESUS & THE EIGHTFOLD PATH

Lavie’s latest full-length novel is ADAMA — out now, published by Head of Zeus/Bloomsbury.

Roger Zelazny’s ISLE OF THE DEAD Now Available in Ukraine!


A new Ukrainian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ISLE OF THE DEAD is now available! Published by Bohdan (Богдан) as Острів мертвих, it was translated by Denys Dömin (Денис Дьомін). The cover is by Oleg Kinal (Олег Кіналь). Here’s the synopsis…

Всесвіт тридцять другого століття великий, густонаселений і складний. Людині, що народилася понад тисячу років тому, адаптуватися в ньому важко, але можливо. Це довів Френсіс Сендоу, єдиним серед землян опанувавши високооплачуваний рідкісний фах однієї древньої раси. Але мало кому вдається стати казково багатим й успішним, не наживши небезпечних ворогів. Отримавши дивні, бентежні звістки з минулого (ба навіть із того світу), Сендоу покидає зону комфорту й мусить з’ясовувати, хто проти нього замислив лихе. Доводиться, як і колись, порадитися з мудрим наставником, зустрітися з давніми друзями й недругами, пригадати старе кохання (ще й не одне) і розв’язати моральні дилеми. А зрештою опинитися на зловісному Острові мертвих, де має відбутися чи не ритуальний двобій з могутнім несподіваним суперником. Помста і смерть, дружба й любов, технології і чудеса — це історія богорівного чоловіка, що таки залишився людиною.

First published in 1969, here’s the English-language synopsis for the Nebula Award-nominated book…

Centuries in the future, Francis Sandow is the only man alive who was born as long ago as the 20th century. His body is kept young and in perfect health by advanced scientific methods; he has amassed such a fortune that he can own entire planets; and he has become a god. No, not a god of Earth, but one of the panetheon of the alien Pei’ans: he is Shimbo of Darktree, Shrugger of Thunders. Yet he doesn’t believe that his personality has merged with the ancient consciousness of Shimbo, that he really can call down the skies upon his enemies. The time comes, however, when Francis Sandow must use these powers against the most dangerous antagonist in the universe: another Pei’an god — Shimbo’s own enemy, Belion. And Belion has no doubt whatever of his own powers…

MISTBORN: WAX & WAYNE Boxset Out Now in the UK!


Today, Gollancz publishes a second Mistborn boxset! The MISTBORN: WAX & WAYNE boxset collects Brandon Sanderson‘s last four novels in that series: THE ALLOY OF LAW, SHADOWS OF SELF, THE BANDS OF MOURNING, and THE LOST METAL.

A four book boxed set of the novels making up the second era of the Mistborn series, from fantasy superstar Brandon Sanderson.

Jump into the adventures of frontier lawman Waxillium Ladrian and Wayne, his investigative partner, as they uncover a plot that threatens the world like nothing else has since the Dark Lord himself ruled over Scadrial.

From beginning to end, this fantasy series brims with magic and is quintessential reading for anyone looking to experience the imagination of a master of the genre.

Contains:
THE ALLOY OF LAW
SHADOWS OF SELF
THE BANDS OF MOURNING
THE LOST METAL

Fancy a bit more information? Here’s the full synopsis for THE ALLOY OF LAW

Scadrial is on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds. But the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy still have a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice. Like Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn, who can both Push on metals and become lighter or heavier at will.

After twenty years in the Roughs, family tragedy forces Wax to return to the metropolis of Elendel. He must put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs…

The first three novels in the series — THE FINAL EMPIRE, THE WELL OF ASCENSION, and THE HERO OF AGES — are also available in the UK individually and included in THE MISTBORN TRILOGY boxset, also published by Gollancz.

Zeno represents Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Coming Soon: THE DOORS OF MIDNIGHT by R.R. Virdi (UK Edition)!


Gollancz recently unveiled the details for the UK edition of THE DOORS OF MIDNIGHT, the second novel in R.R. Virdi‘s acclaimed Tales of Tremaine epic fantasy series! Due to be published on August 15th, here’s the synopsis…

Some stories are hidden for a reason. All tales have a price. And every debt must be paid.

I killed three men as a child and earned myself the name Bloodletter. Then I set fire to the fabled Ashram. I’ve been a bird and robbed a merchant king of a ransom of gold. And I have crossed desert sands and cutthroat alleys to repay my debt.

I’ve stood before the eyes of god, faced his judgement, and cast aside the thousand arrows that came with it. And I have passed through the Doors of Midnight and lived to tell the tale.

I have traded one hundred and one stories with a creature as old as time, and survived with only my cleverness, a candle, and a broken promise.

And most recently of all, I have killed a prince, though the stories say I have killed more than one.

My name is Ari. These are my legends.

And these are my lies.

The first book in the series, THE FIRST BINDING, is out now in paperback — also published by Gollancz.

Here are just a few of the many great reviews THE FIRST BINDING has received…

‘An ode to storytelling, complete with a rich mythology, turbulent adventures, and a flawed hero you’ll root for… Approached with patience, this epic fantasy will satisfy any fan of the genre.’ — Kirkus

THE FIRST BINDING is the first volume in a new magnificent and ambitious high fantasy series to obsess over.’ — Novel Notions

‘R.R. Virdi’s THE FIRST BINDING is engrossing and beautiful, joyous and painful—always entertaining, sometimes profound. This book makes me remember why I love epic fantasy.’ — Kevin J. AndersonNew York Times bestselling coauthor of Dune: House Atreides

‘Crafted with patience, passion, and most importantly, tremendous love. Read R.R. Virdi!’ — Jim Butcher, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files

‘Virdi has created a rich world where he lays out his magic system thoroughly and requires his characters to work within it. This isn’t the magic of a chosen one, plucked out of obscurity and given a great power. No, this magic is work and was learned through sacrifice and necessity.’ — Booklist

‘[T]he pattern woven by the recurring elements is beguiling. You’ll want to sit down with this Storyteller again.’ — SFX Magazine

Zeno represents R.R. Virdi in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

A FIRE BORN OF EXILE Audiobook Out Tomorrow in North America!


Tomorrow, Podium are due to publish the North American audiobook edition of Aliette de Bodard‘s latest acclaimed Xuya novel, A FIRE BORN OF EXILE! Narrated by Tuyen Do, here’s the synopsis…

The Scattered Pearls Belt is a string of habitats on the edge of a huge galactic empire—a glittering, decadent society rife with corruption.

Now, one of its victims—Quỳnh, a scholar betrayed and left for dead—has come back for her revenge under the guise of the glamorous and enigmatic Alchemist of Streams and Hills.

Quỳnh’s path intersects that of Minh—the daughter of one of her oldest enemies, who chafes at her own lack of freedom—and of Hoà, a near-destitute engineer who poses a threat to all Quỳnh’s careful plans. Quỳnh finds herself inexorably attracted to Hoà, even as her plans upend the fragile political equilibrium of the Belt.

Falling in love wasn’t part of Quỳnh’s plans. Will she be able to grasp this second chance at happiness, or will she cling to a revenge that may well consume her whole?

A poignant, heartwarming, romantic space opera about love, revenge, and the weight of the past.

Podium also publishes the audiobook of Aliette’s highly-acclaimed THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE, also set in the Xuya universe (narrated by Aoife Hinds).

A FIRE BORN OF EXILE is published in print and eBook by Gollancz (UK) and JABberwocky (North America). The UK audiobook editions are also published by Gollancz (same narrators).

A FIRE BORN OF EXILE was selected as a Tor.com Reviewers’ Choice: Best of 2023. Here are just a few of the reviews the novel has received so far…

‘… intricate and emotional standalone space opera…  de Bodard’s worldbuilding dazzles… a touching sci-fi romance that will delight fans and new readers alike.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘Incredible… This is a world of dizzying tech, gorgeous illusions and twisty political thrills — catnip for readers who enjoyed Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch trilogy or Jacqueline Koyanagi’s “Ascension.”’ — New York Times

[A]n elaborate tale of revenge, courtly machinations, filial relationships, and a romance… As usual in the Xuya stories, de Bodard weaves a solid adventure; this stands alone and so might be a perfect introduction to the series.’ — Booklist

‘A tense, accomplished space opera, told with de Bodard’s usual vividness and verve.’ — Locus

‘As always, Aliette’s prose is impactful, and the relationships and emotional arcs of the characters are doubly so.’ — Lynne M. Thomas, co-editor of Uncanny Magazine

ICYMI: Turkish Edition of Roger Zelazny’s ROADMARKS is Out Now!


In case you missed it, there’s a new Turkish edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ROADMARKS, one of the author’s classic science fiction novels! Published by İthaki Yayınları, as YOL İŞARETLERİ, it was translated by Taylan Taftaf. Here’s the synopsis…

“YOL, ZAMAN BOYUNCA İLERLİYOR. GEÇMİŞ ZAMAN. GELECEK ZAMAN. GEÇMİŞTE YAŞANMIŞ OLABİLECEK ZAMAN.”

Roger Zelazny, farklı mitolojileri bilimkurgu romanlarına uyarlamasıyla pek çok yazarın yalnızca hayal edebildiği bir şeyi alışkanlık hâline getirmiş eşsiz bir yazar. Yol İşaretleri ise kısmen fantastik öğeler içeren deneysel bir bilimkurgu romanı.

Red Dorakeen, kendisinin de bir başkasının da hatırlayamayacağı kadar uzun zamandır Yol’daydı. Çok uzun zaman önce yaşlı bir adam olarak Yol’da yürümüştü. Şimdi ise çok daha gençti. Mavi renkli hurda Dodge pikabıyla antik dönem Maraton’unda istilacı Perslerle savaşan Yunanlara silah taşıyor, yolda Hitler’le ve de Sade’la tartışmalara giriyor, zamanda bir ileri bir geri durmaksızın yolculuk ediyordu.

Şimdiyse biri Red’i öldürmek için on girişimin düzenleneceğine dair Yol’u yöneten yasalara göre resmi bir beyanda bulunmuştu. Gizli düşmanı, (çok tehlikeli bir keşişten bir Tiranozor’a kadar uzanan çeşitlilikte, insan veya diğer türlerde) suikastçılar tutmak için geçmişi ve geleceği tarıyordu. Red’in peşini bırakmayacaklardı, Yol onu nereye götürürse götürsün.

Yol İşaretleri, zamanlar arası bir kendini keşif yolculuğu.

ROADMARKS is also available in the UK, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

The Road can go Anywhere.

The Road can go Anywhen.

Almost.

Red Dorakeen has been on the Road for a very long time. For all of time, in fact. It stretches infinitely into the future and past, with exits that take him wherever, or whenever, he wants to go.

But he can’t find the place he wants to be.

He’s not the only one who can travel the Road, and as people join and leave, they can alter the past, or the future, to suit their whims. Exits close off, become overgrown, and working out what to change back to return to old timelines could take, well… forever.

Fortunately, Red has all the time he could ever need.

Roadmarks is a fantastically mind-bending novel from one of SFF’s most influential authors. It weaves together linear and non-linear narratives in a compelling tale full of mystery and magic.

Coming Soon: SERVITEUR DES ENFERS by Aliette de Bodard!


This March, Mnémos is due to publish a new French edition of Aliette de Bodard‘s debut novel, SERVANT OF THE UNDERWORLD! To be published as SERVITEUR DES ENFERS, it was translated by Laurent Philibert-Caillat. Here’s the synopsis…

A Tenochtitlan, la capitale des Aztèques, les sacrifices humains sont les seules choses qui maintiennent le soleil dans le ciel et la terre fertile. Quand une prêtresse disparaît, Acatl, grand prêtre des morts, enquête. Il découvre que son ancien frère est impliqué, et, en creusant, est entraîné dans les intrigues politiques et magiques des nobles, des soldats, des prêtres et des dieux eux-mêmes.

The Obsidian & Blood trilogy is published in English by JABberwocky: SERVANT OF THE UNDERWORLD, HARBINGER OF THE STORM, and MASTER OF THE HOUSE OF DARTS. Here’s the English-language synopsis for the first book…

Year One-Knife, Tenochtitlan the capital of the Aztecs. Human sacrifice and the magic of the living blood are the only things keeping the sun in the sky and the earth fertile.

A Priestess disappears from an empty room drenched in blood. It should be a usual investigation for Acatl, High Priest of the Dead — except that his estranged brother is involved, and the the more he digs, the deeper he is drawn into the political and magical intrigues of noblemen, soldiers, and priests-and of the gods themselves…

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received…

‘A gripping mystery steeped in blood and ancient Aztec magic. I was enthralled.’ — Sean Williams

‘Part murder mystery, part well-researched historical novel and part fantasy… The fantasy element blends neatly with the other parts. 4*’ — SFX Magazine

‘An Aztec priest of the dead tries to solve a murder mystery, and finds that politics may be even more powerful than magic. A vivid portrayal of an interesting culture in a truly fresh fantasy novel.’ — Kevin J. Anderson (New York Times bestselling author)

‘Amid the mud and maize of the Mexica empire, Aliette de Bodard has composed a riveting story of murder, magic  and sibling rivalry.’ — Elizabeth Bear

‘From page one I was drawn into Acatl’s world… a remarkable historically-based fantasy, using the myths and legends of the Aztec people as a background to a twisting murder mystery.’ — Speculative Book Review

‘The world-building is exquisite and we *believe* we are transported to the 15th century Tenotichtlan and together with the superb voice they formed the main reason I enjoyed this book so much… Highly recommended… Ms. de Bodard is a writer to watch.’ — Fantasy Book Critic

SERVANT OF THE UNDERWORLD is a highly original debut novel. Thanks to a solid mystery plot and Aliette de Bodard’s extensive research into pre-Conquest Meso-America, this novel should strike a chord with more than just fantasy readers.’ — FantasyLiterature.com

‘The book starts out a slow, steady pace and builds momentum from there. It’s not some huge action scene that hooks you. It’s the atmosphere. The blood spilled to gain favor from the gods. The cultural details Bodard infuses in each moment.’ — Examiner.com

Aliette’s latest novel is the widely-acclaimed A FIRE BORN OF EXILE, which is published by Gollancz (UK) and JABberwocky (elsewhere in English).

DIE CHRONIKEN VON AMBER Audiobook Out Now in Germany!


There’s a new Chronicles of Amber omnibus audiobook edition available in Germany! Published by DAV, it collects the first five novels in Roger Zelazny‘s classic, beloved fantasy series. The audiobook is narrated by Stefan Kaminski. Here’s the synopsis for DIE CHRONIKEN VON AMBER

In der Welt, die Roger Zelaznys Bestsellerreihe zugrunde liegt, herrscht Chaos. Den einzigen Fluchtpunkt der dunklen Unendlichkeit stellt Amber dar, eine mittelalterliche Stadt, die als »wirkliche Stadt« des Universums gilt. Um dieses Zentrum herum konstituieren sich Nachbildungen von Amber als Schattenwelten, die, je ferner von der wahren Stadt entfernt, frei von physikalischen Gesetzen sind. Nur der mächtigen Königsfamilie um Herrscher Oberon ist es möglich, die verschiedenen Realitäten der Schattenwelten zu manipulieren – zu denen auch die Erde gehört. »Die Chroniken von Amber« sind ein Meilenstein der Literaturgeschichte und machen Roger Zelazny zu einem der einflussreichsten Fantasy-Autoren des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts. Nach der erfolgreichen Neuauflage der Buchreihe, sind nun auch die Hörbücher zu den ersten fünf Bänden, dem »Corwin-Zyklus«, als ungekürzte Lesungen bei DAV erhältlich.

Band 1: »Die neun Prinzen«

Corwin erwacht in einer dubiosen Privatklinik und kann sich weder vergangener Ereignisse, noch seiner eigenen Identität entsinnen. Nach und nach findet er heraus: Sein Bruder Eric hat ihn in die Schattenwelt verbannt. Denn Corwin ist Teil der Königsfamilie von Amber – und damit in einen unerbittlichen Machtkampf um den Königsthron verstrickt.

Band 2: »Die Gewehre von Avalon«

Corwin bricht aus der Gefangenschaft seines Bruders aus und kehrt erneut zurück zur Erde. Dort lässt er Waffen fertigen und schart Truppen um sich, mit deren Hilfe er Eric endlich vom Thron stürzen will. Doch als er mit seiner Armee die Schattenwelten durchquert, muss er herausfinden, dass grausame Kreaturen ganz Amber zu vernichten drohen…

Band 3: »Im Zeichen des Einhorns«

Nach einem erfolgreichen Kampf ist Corwin Herrscher von Amber. Doch als sein Bruder Cain ermordet wird, weisen alle Zeichen auf Corwin als Täter – bis er kurz darauf selbst Opfer eines perfiden Anschlags wird. Wer steckt wirklich hinter den grausamen Verbrechen?

Band 4: »Die Hand Oberons«

»Das Muster« ist ein Labyrinth, das den Prinzen Ambers die Kraft verleiht, durch die Schattenwelten zu reisen. Wer es betritt, muss das Muster bis zu seinem Zentrum beschreiten – sonst droht ein grausamer Tod. Doch als die Prinzen diesmal dorthin zurückkehren, müssen sie feststellen, dass das Muster beschädigt ist. Corwins Bruder Brand steckt dahinter und will das Muster zerstören, aber das hätte fatale Folgen.

Band 5: »Die Burgen des Chaos«

Das Vernichten des Musters bedeutet das Ende von Amber – und mit ihm das Ende aller Schattenwelten, wie auch der Erde. Corwin will seinen Bruder aufhalten und eine Kopie des Labyrinths anfertigen – ein Vorhaben, das in einem finalen Kampf der beiden Brüder endet, welcher über das Schicksal Ambers entscheiden wird…

The first five novels are also available in print and digital, published by Die Hobbit Presse, an imprint of Klett-Cotta. The novels are also available in a Gold Edition collected eBook. The series was translated into Germany by Thomas Schlück.

The Chronicles of Amber series is available in the UK, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series; the ten novels are collected into two omnibus editions. Here’s the English-language synopsis for the first collection (which also includes books 1-5)…

Amber is the one real world, casting infinite reflections of itself – Shadow worlds, that can be manipulated by those of royal Amberite blood. But the royal family is torn apart by jealousies and suspicion; the disappearance of the Patriarch Oberon has intensified the internal conflict by leaving the throne apparently up for grabs.

In a hospital on the Shadow Earth, a young man is recovering from a freak car accident; amnesia has robbed him of all his memory, even the fact that he is Corwin, Crown Prince of Amber, rightful heir to the throne – and he is in deadly peril…

The five books, Nine Princes in Amber, The Guns of Avalon, Sign of the Unicorn, The Hand of Oberon and The Courts of Chaos, together make up The Chronicles of Amber, Roger Zelazny’s finest work of fantasy and an undisputed classic of the genre.