THE RELIC GUILD omnibus now available!


An eBook omnibus edition of Edward Cox‘s Relic Guild trilogy has been released by Gollancz! Here’s the synopsis…

Magic caused the war. Magic is forbidden. Magic will save us.

It was said the Labyrinth had once been the great meeting place, a sprawling city at the heart of an endless maze where a million humans hosted the Houses of the Aelfir. The Aelfir who had brought trade and riches, and a future full of promise. But when the Thaumaturgists, overlords of human and Aelfir alike, went to war, everything was ruined and the Labyrinth became an abandoned forbidden zone, where humans were trapped behind boundary walls 100 feet high.

Now the Aelfir are a distant memory and the Thaumaturgists have faded into myth. Young Clara struggles to survive in a dangerous and dysfunctional city, where eyes are keen, nights are long, and the use of magic is punishable by death. She hides in the shadows, fearful that someone will discover she is touched by magic. She knows her days are numbered. But when a strange man named Fabian Moor returns to the Labyrinth, Clara learns that magic serves a higher purpose and that some myths are much more deadly in the flesh.

The only people Clara can trust are the Relic Guild, a secret band of magickers sworn to protect the Labyrinth. But the Relic Guild are now too few. To truly defeat their old nemesis Moor, mightier help will be required. To save the Labyrinth — and the lives of one million humans — Clara and the Relic Guild must find a way to contact the worlds beyond their walls.

The trilogy includes the novels: THE RELIC GUILD, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS and THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME.

Here are just some of the reviews the series has received…

‘Ed Cox has created a lush, detailed world while also hinting at a larger backstory that will be revealed in volumes to come’SFX

‘An exiting blend of steampunk, fantasy, horror and pulp adventure… an intriguing, original and enjoying book’ — Starburst

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun’ — Joanne M Harris, author of Gospel of Loki

Gemmell Award Long-List Voting Closes Tomorrow


Voting on the Gemmell Award long-lists ends tomorrow! As we reported when they were first announced, a number of Zeno clients are nominated. Specifically…

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Aliette de Bodard‘s THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS

A superb murder mystery, on an epic scale, set against the fall out — literally — of a war in heaven

Paris in the aftermath of the Great Magicians War. Its streets are lined with haunted ruins, Notre-Dame is a burnt-out shell, and the Seine runs black, thick with ashes and rubble. Yet life continues among the wreckage. The citizens retain their irrepressible appetite for novelty and distraction, and The Great Houses still vie for dominion over France’s once grand capital.

House Silverspires, previously the leader of those power games, now lies in disarray. Its magic is ailing; its founder, Morningstar, has been missing for decades; and now something from the shadows stalks its people inside their very own walls.

Within the House, three very different people must come together: a naive but powerful Fallen, an alchemist with a self-destructive addiction, and a resentful young man wielding spells from the Far East. They may be Silverspires’ salvation; or the architects of its last, irreversible fall…

The first novel in the Dominion of the Fallen series, THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS is published by Gollancz in the UK and Roc Books in the US.

BrettPV-DC4-SkullThroneUKPBPeter V. Brett‘s THE SKULL THRONE

Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, the Skull Throne of Krasia is a seat of honour and powerful magic that keeps the demon corelings at bay.

From atop it, Ahmann Jardir was meant to conquer the known world, forging a unified army to end the demon war once and for all.

Arlen Bales, the Painted Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel to the death. Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast Jardir and himself from a precipice, opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart.

Renna Bales may know the fate of Arlen and Jadir, but she, too, has disappeared. Now Jardir’s sons clash to claim the throne, and risk a civil war among their people. Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn struggle to unite the duchies of Angiers and Miln against the Krasians.

Caught in the crossfire, the rich and unprotected duchy of Lakton sits ripe for conquest. All the while, the corelings have grown stronger — and without Arlen and Jardir, none may be able to stop them.

The fourth novel in the internationally best-selling Demon Cycle series, THE SKULL THRONE is published in the UK by Voyager.

CoxE-R2-CathedralOfKnownThingsUKPBEdward Cox‘s THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS

In the end, all things are known. Return to the world of THE RELIC GUILD with this remarkable fantasy novel

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

The second novel in the Relic Guild series, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS is published by Gollancz.

Sanderson-M5-ShadowOfSelfUKBrandon Sanderson‘s SHADOWS OF SELF

Return to Mistborn, and join the a hunt for a mysterious assassin.

The criminal elite of Elendel were invited to an auction — which became a massacre, when an unknown assailant slaughtered everyone in attendance.

Now Wax and Wayne, both able to use magic, both lawmen from the rough and ungoverned frontier territories, are on the case. All the clues suggest the killer is a rogue kandra — a secretive, almost mythical, figure who acts from the shadows – called Bleeder… and that the governor is her next target. Bleeder, and the conspiracy behind the killings, has to be stopped… before the city is plunged into chaos.

The fifth Mistborn novel, SHADOWS OF SELF is published in the UK by Gollancz.

MGear-2Ian Tregillis‘s THE MECHANICAL

My name is Jax.

That is the name granted to me by my human masters.

I am a slave.

But I shall be free.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, the new novel from Ian Tregillis confirms his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

The second and third novels in the series, THE RISING and THE LIBERATION (December 2016) are also published in the UK by Orbit Books.

The first novel in the Alchemy Wars series, THE MECHANICAL is published in the UK by Orbit.

Voting on the short-list will take place between July 8th-August 19th. The award will be presented on September 24th, at Fantasycon in Scarborough.

Zeno represents Peter V. Brett and Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York; and Ian Tregillis in the UK and translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Many Zeno Clients on the Gemmell Legend Award Long-List!


Five Zeno clients have made the Gemmell Legend Award long-list! We’d like you to join us in congratulating Edward Cox, Aliette de Bodard, Peter V. Brett, Brandon Sanderson and Ian Tregillis!

Voting on the long-list is open until June 24th; voting on the short-list will take place between July 8th-August 19th. The award will be presented on September 24th, at Fantasycon in Scarborough.

Here are some details on the nominated novels…

CoxE-R2-CathedralOfKnownThingsUKPB-BlogEdward Cox‘s second Relic Guild novel, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, published in the UK by Gollancz

In the end, all things are known. Return to the world of THE RELIC GUILD with this remarkable fantasy novel

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

Ed’s debut, THE RELIC GUILD and the third novel in the series, THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME (August 2016) are also published by Gollancz.

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Aliette de Bodard‘s THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS, published in the UK by Gollancz and in the US by Roc Books

A superb murder mystery, on an epic scale, set against the fall out — literally — of a war in heaven

Paris in the aftermath of the Great Magicians War. Its streets are lined with haunted ruins, Notre-Dame is a burnt-out shell, and the Seine runs black, thick with ashes and rubble. Yet life continues among the wreckage. The citizens retain their irrepressible appetite for novelty and distraction, and The Great Houses still vie for dominion over France’s once grand capital.

House Silverspires, previously the leader of those power games, now lies in disarray. Its magic is ailing; its founder, Morningstar, has been missing for decades; and now something from the shadows stalks its people inside their very own walls.

Within the House, three very different people must come together: a naive but powerful Fallen, an alchemist with a self-destructive addiction, and a resentful young man wielding spells from the Far East. They may be Silverspires’ salvation; or the architects of its last, irreversible fall…

The next novel in this series, THE HOUSE OF BINDING THORNS, is forthcoming.

BrettPB-DC4-SkullThroneUKPB-BlogPeter V. Brett‘s fourth Demon Cycle novel, THE SKULL THRONE, published in the UK by Voyager

Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, the Skull Throne of Krasia is a seat of honour and powerful magic that keeps the demon corelings at bay.

From atop it, Ahmann Jardir was meant to conquer the known world, forging a unified army to end the demon war once and for all.

Arlen Bales, the Painted Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel to the death. Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast Jardir and himself from a precipice, opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart.

Renna Bales may know the fate of Arlen and Jadir, but she, too, has disappeared. Now Jardir’s sons clash to claim the throne, and risk a civil war among their people. Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn struggle to unite the duchies of Angiers and Miln against the Krasians.

Caught in the crossfire, the rich and unprotected duchy of Lakton sits ripe for conquest. All the while, the corelings have grown stronger — and without Arlen and Jardir, none may be able to stop them.

The first three novels in the Demon Cycle series are also published in the UK by Voyager: THE PAINTED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR and THE DAYLIGHT WAR.

Sanderson-M5-ShadowOfSelfUK-BlogBrandon Sanderson‘s fifth Mistborn novel, SHADOWS OF SELF, published in the UK by Gollancz

Return to Mistborn, and join the a hunt for a mysterious assassin.

The criminal elite of Elendel were invited to an auction — which became a massacre, when an unknown assailant slaughtered everyone in attendance.

Now Wax and Wayne, both able to use magic, both lawmen from the rough and ungoverned frontier territories, are on the case. All the clues suggest the killer is a rogue kandra — a secretive, almost mythical, figure who acts from the shadows – called Bleeder… and that the governor is her next target. Bleeder, and the conspiracy behind the killings, has to be stopped… before the city is plunged into chaos.

Gollancz also publishes the other five novels in the Mistborn series in the UK: THE FINAL EMPIRE, THE WELL OF ASCENSION, THE HERO OF AGES, THE ALLOY OF LAW and THE BANDS OF MOURNING.

TregillisI-AW1-TheMechanicalUK-BlogIan Tregillis‘s first Alchemy Wars novel, THE MECHANICAL, published in the UK by Orbit Books

My name is Jax.

That is the name granted to me by my human masters.

I am a slave.

But I shall be free.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, the new novel from Ian Tregillis confirms his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

The second and third novels in the series, THE RISING and THE LIBERATION (December 2016) are also published in the UK by Orbit Books.

Zeno represents Peter V. Brett and Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York; and Ian Tregillis in the UK and translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Edward Cox’s THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS Out Now!


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THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS by Edward Cox is out today in paperback! The second novel in Ed’s Relic Guild series, it is published by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

The first novel in the series, THE RELIC GUILD, is also published by Gollancz. THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME is due to be published in August, also by Gollancz. The series has been receiving some great reviews. Here’s just a handful…

‘Tightly woven together… incorporat[es] touches of fantasy, horror and the weird but eschewing many of the regular tropes of the genre: it is quite an achievement to create something so different and so fresh… Every page bursts with magic — in the action, the characters and the plot, and of course the relics and artefacts that are often central to the story… Aside from much high-speed action, many of the book’s bravura passages are descriptive, bringing to life the many weird and wonderful worlds with fervid and sensual writing… an impressive sequel, building on its predecessor in its sheer inventiveness, scope and story development. It is hard to call anything ‘unique’, but perhaps this is as close as fantasy gets. — British Fantasy Society on THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS

‘A blend of horror, fantasy and civilised steampunk adventure. It’s also quite a bit more cinematic than the first book… The Guild is part typical fantasy adventuring party and partially a superhero team, and this time round we get to learn more about what makes them tick. Not only do we discover more about the heroes, but the scenery-chewing bad guys also get to have their own backstory as well. Add on top the gentle bringing together of existing storylines and some rather entertaining self-discoveries by the main characters, and what we have here is an excellent middle book… leaves us wanting more…’ — Starburst on THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS

‘Very enjoyable epic fantasy in a noir-ish dystopian setting, emcompassing two time lines and dashes of vampirism and zombies — all neatly balanced despite it being a debut, with likeable characters and a fresh setting…’ — Tom Lloyd (author of Twilight Reign series) on THE RELIC GUILD

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris on THE RELIC GUILD

THE RELIC GUILD is a formidable debut from an author with huge potential, and I will be one of the first clamouring for a copy of the sequel.’ — Fantasy Faction

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Cover & Details: THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME by Edward Cox


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Late last week, Gollancz unveiled the cover for Edward Cox‘s third novel, THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME. The final volume in the Relic Guild fantasy trilogy, here’s the synopsis…

The Relic Guild face the culmination of two wars…

Labrys Town, home to a million humans cut off from the rest of the universe, has been invaded. Those who protected it have been deposed.

The Relic Guild are scattered across the worlds of the Aelfir. Many of them are dead or dying. The Genii control everything. The war is almost over.

Clara, a young woman barely able to control her werewolf side, has seen her friends and mentors killed in front of her. She is the last hope for Labrys Town.

But someone else is watching…

The dramatic conclusion to the award-nominated fantasy trilogy which began with THE RELIC GUILD.

THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME is due to be published by Gollancz on August 18th, 2016. The first two volumes in the series, THE RELIC GUILD and THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, are also published by Gollancz.

Here’s just a small selection of the reviews the series has received…

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ Joanne Harris on THE RELIC GUILD

THE RELIC GUILD is a formidable debut from an author with huge potential, and I will be one of the first clamouring for a copy of the sequel.’ Fantasy Faction

‘A blend of horror, fantasy and civilised steampunk adventure… quite a bit more cinematic than the first book… Cox has taken the time to explore both the world and his characters with this sequel. The Guild is part typical fantasy adventuring party and partially a superhero team, and this time round we get to learn more about what makes them tick… an excellent middle book… leaves us wanting more…’ Starburst on THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS

Every page bursts with magic… an impressive sequel, building on its predecessor in its sheer inventiveness, scope and story development.British Fantasy Society on THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS

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Edward Cox Event at Blackwell’s Next Week


CoxEd-HeadShot2015Next Tuesday (January 19th), Edward Cox will be taking part in a Q&A event at Blackwell’s in Holborn, London, at 6:30. The event will also include fellow fantasy authors Den Patrick and Jen Williams.

Cox’s Relic Guild series is published in the UK by Gollancz: THE RELIC GUILD, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS and the forthcoming THE WATCHER OF DEAD TIME. Here’s the synopsis for THE RELIC GUILD, in case you haven’t had the chance to check it out, yet…

In the sealed Labyrinth, a young woman must find a way to control her magic and escape her prison in this remarkable debut fantasy.

Magic caused the war. Magic is forbidden. Magic will save us.

It was said the Labyrinth had once been the great meeting place, a sprawling city at the heart of an endless maze where a million humans hosted the Houses of the Aelfir. The Aelfir who had brought trade and riches, and a future full of promise. But when the Thaumaturgists, overlords of human and Aelfir alike, went to war, everything was ruined and the Labyrinth became an abandoned forbidden zone, where humans were trapped behind boundary walls 100 feet high.

Now the Aelfir are a distant memory and the Thaumaturgists have faded into myth. Young Clara struggles to survive in a dangerous and dysfunctional city, where eyes are keen, nights are long, and the use of magic is punishable by death. She hides in the shadows, fearful that someone will discover she is touched by magic. She knows her days are numbered. But when a strange man named Fabian Moor returns to the Labyrinth, Clara learns that magic serves a higher purpose and that some myths are much more deadly in the flesh.

The only people Clara can trust are the Relic Guild, a secret band of magickers sworn to protect the Labyrinth. But the Relic Guild are now too few. To truly defeat their old nemesis Moor, mightier help will be required. To save the Labyrinth – and the lives of one million humans – Clara and the Relic Guild must find a way to contact the worlds beyond their walls.

The series has received some great reviews, so far…

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris on THE RELIC GUILD

‘An exciting blend of steampunk, fantasy, horror, and pulp adventure… incredibly detailed, but it never threatens to take over the narrative… Cox avoids the fantasy cliché of characters being little more than their occupations or particular field of expertise, and the format of past and present allows the reader to see how much some of them have changed and developed, and why… THE RELIC GUILD is an intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres that initially feels like it shouldn’t work, but is ultimately greater than the sum of its parts.’ — Starburst

‘Tightly woven together and all storylines move forward with clarity and purpose: no character is a spare part; no passages tread water. The book accelerates to its conclusion with juicy revelations but a shock held back for the final pages… everything a reader would want to compel them onto the final book of the trilogy… touches of fantasy, horror and the weird but eschewing many of the regular tropes of the genre: it is quite an achievement to create something so different and so fresh… Every page bursts with magic… fervid and sensual writing… an impressive sequel, building on its predecessor in its sheer inventiveness, scope and story development. It is hard to call anything ‘unique’, but perhaps this is as close as fantasy gets. — British Fantasy Society on THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS

THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS is… both more of the same whilst being filled with fresh ideas at the same time… a blend of horror, fantasy and civilised steampunk adventure. It’s also quite a bit more cinematic than the first book… Cox has taken the time to explore both the world and his characters with this sequel. The Guild is part typical fantasy adventuring party and partially a superhero team, and this time round we get to learn more about what makes them tick. Not only do we discover more about the heroes, but the scenery-chewing bad guys also get to have their own backstory as well. Add on top the gentle bringing together of existing storylines and some rather entertaining self-discoveries by the main characters, and what we have here is an excellent middle book… leaves us wanting more…’ — Starburst

CoxE-RelicGuildSeriesUK-Blog

Out Thursday: THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS by Edward Cox


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Edward Cox‘s THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, the anticipated sequel to THE RELIC GUILD, is out in the UK this Thursday (October 15th)! Published by Gollancz, here’s the synopsis…

In the end, all things are known. Return to the world of THE RELIC GUILD with this remarkable fantasy novel

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

THE RELIC GUILD enjoyed a great critical response when it was published last year. Here are just a few of the reviews…

‘An intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres that initially feels like it shouldn’t work, but is ultimately greater than the sum of its parts.’ — Starburst

‘Part science fantasy, part steampunk thriller, part horror novel… THE RELIC GUILD reads in places like a vividly-described high fantasy merged with Victorian penny dreadful ‘appening… colourful characters… Cox has written a mighty fine first novel… I was hooked and enjoyed the world that Cox has created and the characters that inhabit it, and look forward to stepping into “the darkness that leads somewhere else” and see what happens on the other side in book two.’ — Interzone

‘A high concept fantasy packed with ideas, weird and wonderful characters and a mix of styles, at times evoking noir, urban fantasy, flavours of steampunk (in the depiction of anachronistic technology) and grotesque body-horror David Cronenberg would be proud of. Thought you knew where modern fantasy was at? THE RELIC GUILD will challenge your assumptions.’ — British Fantasy Society

‘If you like your fantasy gothic (though not overly grimdark) in atmosphere, populated by interesting and varied characters, and a fast-but-not-rushed pace, then THE RELIC GUILD is for you. I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait for the second in the series, and to see how the characters, world and story develop. Highly recommended.’ — Civilian Reader

‘Engrossing… a lot to like—especially the setting… what little we see of it and its surroundings is striking, and the way in which the world works its way into the magic system whilst the magic system works its way into the world imbues both elements with a certain significance… a number of other highlights, as it happens—not least the concept of the Resident and the Orwellian workings of the Nightshade—whilst what little action there is is smartly handled… Cox’s prose is never less than pleasant… the beginning of his debut is borderline brilliant… A solid start…’ — Tor.com

Next Week: Edward Cox Signing at Forbidden Planet


CoxE-R2-CathedralOfKnownThings-BlogOn Thursday, October 8th, Forbidden Planet in London will host Edward Cox for a signing. This is your chance to get your hands on THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, his second novel, before its official release on October 15th. Published by Gollancz, it is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed THE RELIC GUILD. Here’s the synopsis…

In the end, all things are known. Return to the world of THE RELIC GUILD with this remarkable fantasy novel

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

If you’d like to try out the world, Cox has written two, free short stories available in audio: HEMLOCK and CHAMPION OF DEAD TIME.

Here’s some of the aforementioned critical acclaim for THE RELIC GUILD

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris

‘An exciting blend of steampunk, fantasy, horror, and pulp adventure… THE RELIC GUILD is an intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres that initially feels like it shouldn’t work, but is ultimately greater than the sum of its parts.’ — Starburst

THE RELIC GUILD was a fast and pleasurable read… a magical creation and a true feat of imagination which I’m looking forward to exploring more… A promising debut…’ — Upcoming4Me

‘Part science fantasy, part steampunk thriller, part horror novel… THE RELIC GUILD reads in places like a vividly-described high fantasy merged with Victorian penny dreadful ‘appening… a mighty fine first novel…’ — Interzone

Free Audiobook: CHAMPION OF DEAD TIME by Edward Cox


In advance of the release of THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, the highly-anticipated sequel to THE RELIC GUILD, Edward Cox has released a free audio-short story via Audible: CHAMPION OF DEAD TIME. Here’s the (very short) synopsis…

In the heart of the Retrospective, a demon is awakened from never-ending war with a terrible new purpose…

CoxE-R2-CathedralOfKnownThings-BlogThe story is a stand-alone prologue to THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, which is due to be published by Gollancz in the UK, on October 15th, 2015. Here’s the synopsis for the novel…

In the end, all things are known. Return to the world of THE RELIC GUILD with this remarkable fantasy novel

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

Cox also wrote another short story, HEMLOCK, which was released as a free audiobook to coincide with the release of THE RELIC GUILD. The two short stories and both novels are narrated by Imogen Church.

Praise for THE RELIC GUILD

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris

‘An intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres…’ — Starburst

‘A formidable debut from an author with huge potential, and I will be one of the first clamouring for a copy of the sequel.’ — Fantasy Faction

all kinds of magic: alchemy, illusion, lycanthropy, necromancy, sorcery and thaumaturgy; this book has magic in its DNA… full of flavour… a high concept fantasy packed with ideas, weird and wonderful characters and a mix of styles, at times evoking noir, urban fantasy, flavours of steampunk… Thought you knew where modern fantasy was at? THE RELIC GUILD will challenge your assumptions.’ — British Fantasy Society

Zeno Clients’ Nine Worlds 2015 Schedule


NineWorlds-LogoThis week, Nine Worlds holds its second convention in London, from August 7th-9th. The convention features a veritable smorgasbord of events, screenings, panels, etc., and we wanted to share the schedule for our authors.

Friday, August 7th

  • 11:30am-12:30pm — Panel: “Monsterclass – Mechanics of Publishing” — John Wordsworth  —  What does it take to get your book published and how does the publishing world work? Find out from some of London’s publishing experts.
  • 1:30-2:45pm — Panel: “Evidence Handling – Primary source work for historians and writers” — Kari SperringWhat is a primary source, and how do historians use them? Three professional historians lead a workshop on how to work with various kinds of evidence, both written and physical. Examples of sources will be provided for participants to explore and analyse.
  • 3:15-4:30pm — Panel: “The Companions – They save the universe a lot” — Kari SperringOur intrepid panellists discuss the companions of Doctor Who. Which ones worked best, and which ones fell by the wayside? Who’s under-rated and who deserved a run of seven years? What companion storylines have been the most compelling? And going into the future: what do we want to see on-screen, what can we realistically get, and what new archetypes and new ideas would we like to see played out?
  • 5:00-6:15pm — Panel: “Childhood Influences – I want to be a Wild Thing when I grow up” — Edward CoxFrom the fantasy worlds of Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree to whizz-poppers and marvellous medicines of Roald Dahl, how important are childrens stories on us as adults and do they shape what authors write when they grow up?
  • 6:45-8:00pm — Panel: “Historical Heroines – The women from history that we admire” — Kari SperringHistory is often seen as being about Great Men, but there were plenty of Great Women, from Katherine the Great to Florence Nightingale. This panel celebrates the women who have, against the odds, made their mark on history: a group of historians and writers will pick their favourites.
  • 8:00-10:00pm — Event: “Jo Fletcher Books – Summer Party & Book Launch” — Naomi Foyle and Ian McDonald in attendance

Saturday, August 8th

  • 9:00-9:45am — Panel: “What makes Fantasy fantastic?” — Anne LyleWhy is it that even people who don’t claim to like genre still love fantasy? They can’t get on board with magicians and dragons but they love LOTR, Harry Potter and Twilight. So what is it that makes fantasy so fantastic?
  • 10:00-11:15am — Panel: “The End of Author Mystique” — Edward CoxDo authors need to be on social media to sell books and does an ability to tweet improve your chances of getting published? Are authors losing the mystery they once maintained from behind their keyboards and with blog posts and sneak peaks, have our expectations as readers changed?
  • 11:45am-1:00pm — Panel: “Collaborative Writing – How to write with others (and stay friends)” — Naomi FoyleOur panel discusses the trials and pitfalls of collaborative writing, examining why people write together, and the best techniques and technologies to use.
  • 3:15-4:30pm — Panel: “Favourite Historical Movies – What we like and why” — Kari SperringHistorians are often thought of as people who sit and watch historical movies, looking for the errors. But there are some movies set in the past that we like. Here, a group of historians will talk about their favourites, and why they are particularly loved.
  • 5:00-6:15pm — Panel: “The dead will rise again – Resurgence of Gothic Literature” — Lavie TidharSome of the greatest monsters just can’t stay dead. Here, we explore the pull of Gothic literature.

Sunday, August 9th

  • 10:00-11:15am — Panel: “They used what? – Historical research for fanfiction” — Kari SperringWriting fanfiction set in a historical period can involve a great deal of research. (Possibly more than has been done by canon creators, in some cases!) And writing historical AUs can be a great way of unpacking the unspoken prejudices of a modern-day canon. Research can be immensely diverting, it can spark a renewed interest in history, and it can affect the course and content of your story. This panel will discuss how historical AUs open up some canons, and share some of the more interesting facets of their own research into various historical periods.
  • 1:30-2:45pm — Panel: “The Stars My Destination – Exploring the Future of SF” — Naomi FoyleWe’re living in a science fiction world where technology and global warming are changing things faster than sci-fi writers can type — so where does the future of sci-fi sit?
  • 3:15-4:30pm — Panel: “Writing the Other” — Naomi Foyle

The Nine Worlds 2015 convention takes place at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Heathrow, 140 Bath Rd, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5AW. (Google Maps)

Five British Fantasy Society Award Nominations for Zeno Clients!


This week, the British Fantasy Society announced the nominees for their 2015 Awards, and Zeno’s clients were rather well-represented.

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First up, Lavie Tidhar received two nominations:

  • Best Collection – BLACK GODS KISS (PS Publishing)
  • Best Fantasy Novel – A MAN LIES DREAMING (Hodder)

Lavie’s nomination also led the headline in the Guardian‘s coverage of the Awards’ announcement. As we reported last month, A MAN LIES DREAMING also won the prestigious Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize. Hodder also published Lavie’s previous novel, THE VIOLENT CENTURY — it is also available in the US, via Thomas Dunne Books.

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Edward Cox also received two nominations for THE RELIC GUILD (Gollancz), in the Best Fantasy Novel and the Best Newcomer categories. Edward’s second novel, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, is due to be publishing by Gollancz in the UK on October 15th, 2015.

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CEMETERY GIRL: THE PRETENDERS (Jo Fletcher Books) by Charlaine Harris and Christopher Golden is nominated in the Best Comic/Graphic Novel category. The second instalment in this series, INHERITANCE, is due to be published by Jo Fletcher Books in mid-October 2015. Charlaine’s latest novel, DAY SHIFT, was published in the UK by Gollancz in May 2015.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday, 25 October 2015, at FantasyCon 2015 in Nottingham.

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

Short Fiction Watch: Edward Cox and Freda Warrington among LEGENDS…


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Zeno clients Freda Warrington and Edward Cox have stories included in the upcoming LEGENDS II anthology, honouring the legacy of David Gemmell. Published by Newcon Press on August 3rd, 2015, and edited by Ian Whates, it is a collection of stories featuring Determined warriors, hideous creatures, wicked sorceries, tricksy villains and cunning lovers… as fantasy’s finest imaginations do their best and their worst…

Edward Cox’s story is THE LOWEST PLACE, and Freda Warrington has contributed AN OWL IN MOONLIGHT.

Edward Cox is the author of THE RELIC GUILD and upcoming sequel THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS. Both are published by Gollancz in the UK.

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Freda Warrington is the author of, most recently, the Blood Wine series, published in the UK and US by Titan Books: A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE, A DANCE IN BLOOD VELVET, THE DARK BLOOD OF POPPIES, THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD.

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THE RELIC GUILD out tomorrow in paperback


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Edward Cox‘s critically-acclaimed debut, THE RELIC GUILD, is out tomorrow in paperback. Published by Gollancz in the UK, it is the first in an epic fantasy series. Here’s the synopsis…

In the sealed Labyrinth, a young woman must find a way to control her magic and escape her prison in this remarkable debut fantasy.

Magic caused the war. Magic is forbidden. Magic will save us.

It was said the Labyrinth had once been the great meeting place, a sprawling city at the heart of an endless maze where a million humans hosted the Houses of the Aelfir. The Aelfir who had brought trade and riches, and a future full of promise. But when the Thaumaturgists, overlords of human and Aelfir alike, went to war, everything was ruined and the Labyrinth became an abandoned forbidden zone, where humans were trapped behind boundary walls 100 feet high.

Now the Aelfir are a distant memory and the Thaumaturgists have faded into myth. Young Clara struggles to survive in a dangerous and dysfunctional city, where eyes are keen, nights are long, and the use of magic is punishable by death. She hides in the shadows, fearful that someone will discover she is touched by magic. She knows her days are numbered. But when a strange man named Fabian Moor returns to the Labyrinth, Clara learns that magic serves a higher purpose and that some myths are much more deadly in the flesh.

The only people Clara can trust are the Relic Guild, a secret band of magickers sworn to protect the Labyrinth. But the Relic Guild are now too few. To truly defeat their old nemesis Moor, mightier help will be required. To save the Labyrinth — and the lives of one million humans — Clara and the Relic Guild must find a way to contact the worlds beyond their walls.

And here is just a sample of the great reviews the novel has already received…

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris

THE RELIC GUILD is an intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres…’ — Starburst

‘Part science fantasy, part steampunk thriller, part horror novel… THE RELIC GUILD reads in places like a vividly-described high fantasy merged with Victorian penny dreadful… Cox has written a mighty fine first novel… I was hooked and enjoyed the world that Cox has created and the characters that inhabit it, and look forward to stepping into “the darkness that leads somewhere else” and see what happens on the other side in book two.’ — Interzone

The sequel, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, is due to be published by Gollancz on October 15th, 2015. Recently, Ed was interviewed for the Gazette

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This Friday: Edward Cox is BFS Guest Author


On Friday June 5th, Edward Cox is the British Fantasy Society’s guest author for their BFS Open Night. The event takes place at The Blacksmith & The Toffeemaker in London, from 7-11pm. Details for the night, and the address of the venue can be found here.

CoxE-R1-RelicGuildUKPB-BlogEdward is the author of the critically-acclaimed THE RELIC GUILD, which is published in the UK by Gollancz (paperback due out July 9th). Here’s the synopsis…

In the sealed Labyrinth, a young woman must find a way to control her magic and escape her prison in this remarkable debut fantasy.

Magic caused the war. Magic is forbidden. Magic will save us.

It was said the Labyrinth had once been the great meeting place, a sprawling city at the heart of an endless maze where a million humans hosted the Houses of the Aelfir. The Aelfir who had brought trade and riches, and a future full of promise. But when the Thaumaturgists, overlords of human and Aelfir alike, went to war, everything was ruined and the Labyrinth became an abandoned forbidden zone, where humans were trapped behind boundary walls 100 feet high.

Now the Aelfir are a distant memory and the Thaumaturgists have faded into myth. Young Clara struggles to survive in a dangerous and dysfunctional city, where eyes are keen, nights are long, and the use of magic is punishable by death. She hides in the shadows, fearful that someone will discover she is touched by magic. She knows her days are numbered. But when a strange man named Fabian Moor returns to the Labyrinth, Clara learns that magic serves a higher purpose and that some myths are much more deadly in the flesh.

The only people Clara can trust are the Relic Guild, a secret band of magickers sworn to protect the Labyrinth. But the Relic Guild are now too few. To truly defeat their old nemesis Moor, mightier help will be required. To save the Labyrinth – and the lives of one million humans – Clara and the Relic Guild must find a way to contact the worlds beyond their walls.

Gollancz are also due to publish the sequel, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, on October 15th, 2015. Here are just a handful of great reviews THE RELIC GUILD has received so far…

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris

‘Very enjoyable epic fantasy in a noir-ish dystopian setting, emcompassing two time lines and dashes of vampirism and zombies – all neatly balanced despite it being a debut, with likeable characters and a fresh setting…’ — Tom Lloyd (author of Twilight Reign series)

‘All kinds of magic: alchemy, illusion, lycanthropy, necromancy, sorcery and thaumaturgy; this book has magic in its DNA… no figure lacks colour, no scene lacks substance and no twist lacks spice — the author takes the opportunity to invest everything with something. Stylistically it is a rich brew… a high concept fantasy packed with ideas, weird and wonderful characters and a mix of styles, at times evoking noir, urban fantasy, flavours of steampunk … Thought you knew where modern fantasy was at? THE RELIC GUILD will challenge your assumptions.’  —  British Fantasy Society

THE RELIC GUILD is an intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres …’ — Starburst

THE RELIC GUILD is a formidable debut from an author with huge potential, and I will be one of the first clamouring for a copy of the sequel.’ — Fantasy Faction

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THE RELIC GUILD Long-Listed for Two Gemmell Awards


CoxE-R1-RelicGuildUKPB-BlogEdward Cox‘s debut fantasy, THE RELIC GUILD, has been nominated in two categories for this year’s Gemmell Awards! Specifically, the novel has been nominated in the Morningstar (best fantasy debut) and Legend (best fantasy novel) award categories.

The first in a planned trilogy, THE RELIC GUILD is published by Gollancz. Out now in hardcover, it is due to be published in paperback in June 2015. Here’s the synopsis…

In the sealed Labyrinth, a young woman must find a way to control her magic and escape her prison in this remarkable debut fantasy.

Magic caused the war. Magic is forbidden. Magic will save us.

It was said the Labyrinth had once been the great meeting place, a sprawling city at the heart of an endless maze where a million humans hosted the Houses of the Aelfir. The Aelfir who had brought trade and riches, and a future full of promise. But when the Thaumaturgists, overlords of human and Aelfir alike, went to war, everything was ruined and the Labyrinth became an abandoned forbidden zone, where humans were trapped behind boundary walls 100 feet high.

Now the Aelfir are a distant memory and the Thaumaturgists have faded into myth. Young Clara struggles to survive in a dangerous and dysfunctional city, where eyes are keen, nights are long, and the use of magic is punishable by death. She hides in the shadows, fearful that someone will discover she is touched by magic. She knows her days are numbered. But when a strange man named Fabian Moor returns to the Labyrinth, Clara learns that magic serves a higher purpose and that some myths are much more deadly in the flesh.

The only people Clara can trust are the Relic Guild, a secret band of magickers sworn to protect the Labyrinth. But the Relic Guild are now too few. To truly defeat their old nemesis Moor, mightier help will be required. To save the Labyrinth – and the lives of one million humans – Clara and the Relic Guild must find a way to contact the worlds beyond their walls.

Here are just a few of the great reviews THE RELIC GUILD has received…

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris

‘An exciting blend of steampunk, fantasy, horror, and pulp adventure… an intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres that initially feels like it shouldn’t work, but is ultimately greater than the sum of its parts.’ — Starburst

‘A fast and pleasurable read… He knows how to craft a tale and to write engaging characters and I’ve also loved his use of the Labyrinth as a vehicle for setting a fully immersive dystopian (with a dash of noir) atmosphere. It is a magical creation and a true feat of imagination which I’m looking forward to exploring more… A promising debut…’ — Upcoming4Me

We recently unveiled the cover for the hotly-anticipated sequel, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS, which is also due to be published by Gollancz, in September 2015. Here it is again…

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