‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre,’ is how George R.R. Martin described Roger Zelazny‘s A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER. Today, Farrago/Prelude Books reissues the novel as an eBook in the UK — the first time it’s been available for some time. Here’s the synopsis…
All is not what it seems…
In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.
Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut.
And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.
A print edition of the novel is due to be published next year, also by Prelude Books. Here are a few of the reviews the novel has enjoyed…
‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — Science Fiction Chronicle
‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus Reviews
‘Zelazny’s a charmer… a born storyteller… Gahan Wilson’s illustrations strike just the right tone of amusing ghastliness.’ — Minneapolis Star-Tribune
‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly
‘Jack the Ripper meets Dracula, Dr. Frankenstein, Sherlock Holmes, and a few other choice individuals in this romp through the annals of literary horror and mystery… Zelazny’s quirky humor and Wilson’s appropriately creepy drawings compliment each other in grand style.’ — Library Journal
Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in the UK and Translation, on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.