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!

Myke Cole’s SIEGE LINE out now in the UK!


The wait is finally over! Myke Cole‘s SIEGE LINE, the final book in the critically-acclaimed Reawakening (aka Operator) trilogy, is out now in the UK! Published by Headline, here’s the synopsis…

The Gemini Cell has taken everything from former Navy SEAL James Schweitzer: his family, his career, his life. Schweitzer knows the only way he can stop running, the only way to keep his son safe, is to destroy the Cell once and for all.

But out of control and fighting a secret war against the government it once served, the Cell will not be destroyed easily. Its Director has been sent to the far reaches of the subarctic to search for a secret that could allow the Cell to seize control of the country.

Schweitzer must move fast and join with the elite warriors of both America and Canada in a bid to get there first…

Headline has also published the first two novels in the Reawakening series — GEMINI CELL and JAVELIN RAIN. They have also published Cole’s first critically-acclaimed trilogy, Shadow Ops, which is set chronologically after the Reawakening novels: CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER and BREACH ZONE.

Here is some of the aforementioned critical acclaim the Reawakening series has received…

‘[SIEGE LINE is] a book you can pick up easily, even if you’re new to the world, but you’re going to want to go back and read the rest anyway. They’re that good: sharp, fast-paced military fantasy, as only Myke Cole could have written them.’ — B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

SIEGE LINE is military fantasy with heart and soul. Definitely one of the books to read this year. Or any year!’ — Fantasy Hotlist

‘Cole has matured as a novelist throughout the Shadow-Ops and Gemini Cell trilogies. SIEGE LINE is beautifully written with near perfect pacing. It is action packed with nail-biting fight sequences, close escapes, and terrible losses. The cast of characters is exceptionally well drawn.’ — Qwillery

If you can say one thing about Myke Cole, it is that he can tell one helluva story, balancing character, plot, thoughtfulness, and emotion remarkably well… Whether we see more of this world or any other Cole chooses to share with readers, I will be at the front of the line ready to read his tale(s). Highly Recommended.’ — SFF World on SIEGE LINE

‘The finale of a trilogy, SIEGE LINE has all the qualities which make Cole’s works so much fun. It’s a fast-paced, hard hitting thriller, with some interesting supernatural elements… This blend of military urban fantasy makes up a very tasty brew indeed.’ — Sci-Fi & Fantasy Reviews

‘Myke Cole continues to explore the double-edged nature of magic… easily the darkest novel in the series so far. However, it’s also one of Myke Cole’s best novels so far… captivating… great, vital speculative fiction.’ Tor.com on JAVELIN RAIN

‘The action is pretty much non-stop from the first page to the last… His unique blend of might and magic is unlike anything else currently being written. I’m eager to see what else he has in store for us.’ SF Crowsnest on JAVELIN RAIN

‘With GEMINI CELL, Cole has nailed the characters better than ever before, weaving together a heartbreaking story of a Navy SEAL and his wife as they’re separated by death… an excellent story that looks deep into something the military community faces each day: the prospect of losing a loved one to combat operations far from home, and coping with that loss in the days, weeks and months after the fact… a unique story from the experiences of the War on Terror… GEMINI CELL, like its siblings, demonstrates the complexity of the world in which Cole can tell numerous stories, each unique, thought-provoking and entertaining all at once.’ io9.com

‘With each book, Myke Cole levels up, and GEMINI CELL is no exception. This is Cole’s best work to date—a blending of magic, action, and romance that fans of Cole and first-timers alike will love… Fans of Cole know he can plot a fast-moving, page-turning story that you’ll read late into the night. Cole has a knack for writing action sequences that are crisp, clear, and exciting. Even more important, those sequences have consequences, and they change the characters involved… Whether this is your fourth Myke Cole book or your first, go pick up GEMINI CELL right away. It’s the best yet, but like the rest of Cole’s books, it makes me eager for the next one.’ Fantasy Faction

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

Myke Cole’s SIEGE LINE coming soon in the UK!


Above you can see the eye-catching UK cover for Myke Cole‘s latest novel, SIEGE LINE. The third novel in the author’s Reawakening trilogy, it’s due to be published in the UK by Headline. Here’s the synopsis…

The Gemini Cell has taken everything from former Navy SEAL James Schweitzer: his family, his career, his life. Schweitzer knows the only way he can stop running, the only way to keep his son safe, is to destroy the Cell once and for all.

But out of control and fighting a secret war against the government it once served, the Cell will not be destroyed easily. Its Director has been sent to the far reaches of the subarctic to search for a secret that could allow the Cell to seize control of the country.

Schweitzer must move fast and join with the elite warriors of both America and Canada in a bid to get there first…

The Reawakening trilogy is a prequel trilogy to Cole’s debut Shadow Ops trilogy. All of his novels (thus far) have been published in the UK by Headline.

CONTROL POINT is Black Hawk Down meets the X-Men. Fast-paced and thrilling from start to fin­ish, CONTROL POINT is mil­i­tary fan­tasy like you’ve never seen it before. Cole’s wartime expe­ri­ence really shows in the gritty real­ity of army life, and in the explo­ration of patri­o­tism as the pro­tag­o­nist wrestles with the line between the law and what he sees as right.’ Peter V. Brett (Bestselling author of THE WARDED MAN) on CONTROL POINT

‘A solid improvement from CONTROL POINT, with a fantastic set of new characters… [FORTRESS FRONTIER is] a superb sequel.’ SF Signal

‘Cole wraps up the Shadow Ops trilogy with a magical battle royale… This action-filled, adrenalin-powered adventure, which enthusiastically embraces the tropes of tales about meta-powered minorities and the distrusting majorities who oppress them, provides a fitting end for the trilogy.’ Publishers Weekly on BREACH ZONE

‘With GEMINI CELL, Cole has nailed the characters better than ever before, weaving together a heartbreaking story of a Navy SEAL and his wife as they’re separated by death… an excellent story… Cole seems to delight in busting genre conventions… GEMINI CELL, like its siblings, demonstrates the complexity of the world in which Cole can tell numerous stories, each unique, thought-provoking and entertaining all at once.’ io9.com

‘Myke Cole continues to explore the double-edged nature of magic… easily the darkest novel in the series so far. However, it’s also one of Myke Cole’s best novels so far… captivating… great, vital speculative fiction.’ Tor.com on JAVELIN RAIN

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

Myke Cole’s JAVELIN RAIN Out Now in the UK!


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The wait is over! Myke Cole‘s latest novel in his Shadow Ops series is out now in the UK! JAVELIN RAIN is published by Headline. Here’s the synopsis…

Javelin: the loss of a national security asset with strategic impact

Rain: a crisis of existential proportions

Javelin Rain incidents must be resolved immediately, by any means necessary, no matter the cost…

Being a US Navy SEAL was Jim Schweitzer’s life until the day he was killed.

Now, his escape from the government that brought him back from the dead has been coded ‘Javelin Rain’. Schweitzer and his family are on the run from his unit and, while he may be immortal, his wife and son are not.

It’s up to Jim to keep his family safe and free from the clutches of his former masters, whose plans could spell disaster not only for him, but for the entire nation…

JAVELIN RAIN is the follow-up to GEMINI CELL. Both of these novels are set before the original Shadow Ops series, which was made up of CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER and BREACH ZONE.

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Myke’s series has received some great, glowing reviews since they first hit shelves. Here’s just a selection…

‘Myke Cole continues to explore the double-edged nature of magic… easily the darkest novel in the series so far. However, it’s also one of Myke Cole’s best novels so far… captivating… great, vital speculative fiction.’ — Tor.com

‘As always Cole’s writing is taut and the pacing intense. This is Cole’s most deeply emotional work. Having a window seat on Schweitzer’s emotions and thoughts is devastating. Cole has deepened the history of the Gemini Cell program and there is still more to be revealed and more uncovered.’ — Qwillery

‘Cole keeps the pace nice and crisp, and GEMINI CELL is a another page-turner… With GEMINI CELL, Myke Cole proves that the Shadow Ops trilogy was no fluke. It’s everything the first series was and then some! … military fantasy at its best!’ — Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist

GEMINI CELL, like its siblings, demonstrates the complexity of the world in which Cole can tell numerous stories, each unique, thought-provoking and entertaining all at once.’ — io9.com

CONTROL POINT is Black Hawk Down meets the X-Men. Fast-paced and thrilling from start to fin­ish, CONTROL POINT is mil­i­tary fan­tasy like you’ve never seen it before. Cole’s wartime expe­ri­ence really shows in the gritty real­ity of army life, and in the explo­ration of patri­o­tism as the pro­tag­o­nist wrestles with the line between the law and what he sees as right.’ — Peter V. Brett

FORTRESS FRONTIER is even better than CONTROL POINT… If you like superheroes, ancient mythology, military fantasy, comics, epic fantasy, TV shows like Stargate, Heroes, and The 4400, or really if you are geeky in any possible way at all, I cannot recommend Cole’s Shadow Ops series to you highly enough. If you haven’t picked it up yet, go get a copy of CONTROL POINT right now. You’ll love it—I daresay that’s a promise.’ — Ranting Dragon

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

Cover & Details: JAVELIN RAIN by Myke Cole


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Myke Cole‘s fifth novel, JAVELIN RAIN, is due out in April 2016. Above you can see the stunning Sullivan cover for the novel. To be published by Headline in the UK, it is the fifth novel set in his Shadow Ops world, and the second in the Operator series. Here’s the synopsis…

Javelin: A code denoting the loss of a national secu­rity asset with strategic impact.

Rain: A code indi­cating a crisis of exis­ten­tial proportions.

Javelin Rain inci­dents must be resolved imme­di­ately, by any and all means nec­es­sary, no matter what the cost…

Being a US Navy SEAL was Jim Schweitzer’s life right up until the day he was killed. Now, his escape from the gov­ern­ment who raised him from the dead has been coded “Javelin Rain.” Schweitzer and his family are on the run from his former unit, the Gemini Cell, and while he may be immortal, his wife and son are not.

Jim must use all of his strength to keep his family safe, while con­vincing his wife he’s still the same man she once loved. Only what his former allies have planned to bring him down could mean dis­aster not only for Jim and his family, but for the entire nation…

Headline also publish Cole’s other novels in the UK: CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER, BREACH ZONE and GEMINI CELL (the first novel in the Operator prequel series). Here are just a few of the great reviews Myke’s novels have received…

‘A debut by a former military officer that will attract readers who like their urban fantasies with more of a military edge.’ — Library Journal on CONTROL POINT

‘Cole’s definitely got a hit on his hands.  He’s found that perfect recipe, incorporating magic, military, and mayhem without sacrificing either realism or the sense of wonder.  I can’t wait to see what comes next.’ — Tor.com on CONTROL POINT

‘A solid improvement from CONTROL POINT, with a fantastic set of new characters… [FORTRESS FRONTIER is] a superb sequel.’ — SF Signal

‘Cole wraps up the Shadow Ops trilogy with a magical battle royale… This action-filled, adrenalin-powered adventure, which enthusiastically embraces the tropes of tales about meta-powered minorities and the distrusting majorities who oppress them, provides a fitting end for the trilogy.’ — Publishers Weekly on BREACH ZONE

‘Cole has nailed the characters better than ever before, weaving together a heartbreaking story of a Navy SEAL and his wife as they’re separated by death… Cole seems to delight in busting genre conventions… As the latest book in what’s sure to be a longer-running series, Cole has resisted the temptation to spin out sequel after sequel featuring the same characters fighting many of the same battles. GEMINI CELL, like its siblings, demonstrates the complexity of the world in which Cole can tell numerous stories, each unique, thought-provoking and entertaining all at once.’  —  io9.com

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

Myke Cole’s GEMINI CELL is Published in the UK Tomorrow


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Tomorrow, Headline will publish Myke Cole‘s fourth novel, GEMINI CELL. A stand-alone novel set in the world of his critically-acclaimed Shadow Ops novels, it takes the story back to the beginning, when magic was just returning to the world and introduces readers to a new hero.

Here is the synopsis…

US Navy SEAL Jim Schweitzer is a fierce warrior and consummate professional. When he sees something he shouldn’t on a covert mission gone wrong, he finds himself – and his family – in the crosshairs.

The enemy bring the battle straight to Jim’s front door, taking him down together with his wife and son. It should be the end for Jim, but his story is just beginning…

Raised from the dead and left to wrestle with new powers he doesn’t understand, Jim is called to duty as the ultimate warrior for top-secret unit known as the Gemini Cell. But he will soon realise his new superiors are determined to keep him in the dark on everything – including about the true fate of his wife and son…

The novel is published in the US by Ace Books. Headline also published the first three novels in the Shadow Ops series: CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER and BREACH ZONE.

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

Cover Reveal: Myke Cole’s GEMINI CELL


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GEMINI CELL is the latest novel by critically-acclaimed military fantasy author Myke Cole. Set before the events of his first trilogy, Shadow Ops, it promises to offer readers a look at when magic first returned to the world. GEMINI CELL is due to be published in the UK by Headline, on February 12th, 2015.

Here is the synopsis…

US Navy SEAL Jim Schweitzer is a fierce warrior and consummate professional. When he sees something he shouldn’t on a covert mission gone wrong, he finds himself – and his family – in the crosshairs.

The enemy bring the battle straight to Jim’s front door, taking him down together with his wife and son. It should be the end for Jim, but his story is just beginning…

Raised from the dead and left to wrestle with new powers he doesn’t understand, Jim is called to duty as the ultimate warrior for top-secret unit known as the Gemini Cell. But he will soon realise his new superiors are determined to keep him in the dark on everything – including about the true fate of his wife and son…

Headline also published Myke’s first three novels in the UK – CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER and BREACH ZONE. Here’s a small selection of praise Myke’s novels have received…

‘Character-rich and action driven — a molotov cocktail of human weaknesses and superhuman abilities.’Robin Hobb

‘Black Hawk Down meets the X-Men… Military fantasy like you’ve never seen it before.’Peter V. Brett

‘I suspect this is the best ride that military fantasy has to offer — you definitely want to get on board.’Mark Lawrence

‘It’s not just military… It’s just a great book.’Patrick Rothfuss on CONTROL POINT

‘Cole’s definitely got a hit on his hands.  He’s found that perfect recipe, incorporating magic, military, and mayhem without sacrificing either realism or the sense of wonder.  I can’t wait to see what comes next.’ — Tor.com on CONTROL POINT

FORTRESS FRONTIER ends on a high, but also on a drawn breath. For while the plot for this book is quite resolved, there are several loose ends that tease an explosive final in the last book in this trilogy. Cole’s respect for the military and the values it upholds bleed through, without glorifying war or violence. With his second book Cole has proven once again that he can combine amazing action scenes with great characterisation and genuine emotion. FORTRESS FRONTIER is stronger than its predecessor and raises expectations for the next book, BREACH ZONE. The Shadow Ops series is proving to be one of my favourite series at the moment and one I highly recommend.’ — Fantastical Librarian

BREACH ZONE is the work of an author confidently knocking it out of the park, juggling the fate of the world with real characters with personal agendas that you actually care about. This isn’t just some superhero slugfest with all-American heroes trading blows with evil forces – at its heart it’s a love story of two people pulled apart by forces beyond their control, both trying to do the right thing no matter what the personal cost to themselves in the most horrible of circumstances. And again it’s a testament to Cole’s ability that the intimate moments are just as compelling as the man against monster encounters, if not more so… Exciting and emotional, a page-turner in every sense of the world.’ — Fantasy Faction

Here are the covers for the Shadow Ops series…

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

Tomorrow: Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole Take Part in Fantasy Faction’s Grim Gathering


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As part of the ongoing SFF festivities in London this week, Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole will be taking part in Fantasy Faction’s Grim Gathering! The event, which will be held at Waterstone’s Kensington, begins at 6:30pm, and also features Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence.

This event is sure to be very popular, so be arrive early. Fantasy Faction held a similar event (minus Mark Lawrence) in 2012, and it was a huge success. All four authors will be signing copies of their books, afterwards.

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Peter V. Brett is the bestselling author of the Demon Cycle novels – THE PAINTED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR, THE DAYLIGHT WAR, the novellas THE GREAT BAZAAR and BRAYAN’S GOLD, and the upcoming (highly-anticipated) THE SKULL THRONE. Peter is published in the UK by Voyager.

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Myke Cole is the author of the Shadow Ops trilogy – CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER and BREACH ZONE, and the upcoming GEMINI CELL. Myke is published in the UK by Headline.

Zeno represents Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Zeno Agency Hires Former Headline Editor


John WordsworthIn an exciting move, former commissioning editor John Wordsworth is to join Zeno Agency Ltd as a literary agent. John previously headed up Headline’s SF,  Fantasy and Horror list. Zeno specialises in genre fiction, representing major brand names such as Sunday Times bestseller Ben Aaronovitch, plus numerous award winners and literary estates. Sub-agented clients include international bestsellers Brandon Sanderson, Charlaine Harris, Peter V. Brett and William Gibson, among others.

John Berlyne, Director of the Zeno Agency, said: ‘Zeno is going through a vital period of growth. John Wordsworth is the perfect choice to further our ambitions to develop the careers of our fantastic authors, and to continue to discover wonderful new talent. I’ve been extremely impressed with John’s list-building at Headline, and am really looking forward to adding his particular flair for genre fiction to Zeno.’

John Wordsworth said: ‘Working with authors and discovering new talent has always been a passion of mine. Joining Zeno is fantastic opportunity to do this at a grassroots level. It’s exhilarating to be making the move from commissioning editor to agent. Zeno has an amazing client list and I can’t wait to start adding to it.’

Wordsworth’s arrival will double Zeno’s agenting resources, as director John Berlyne has been managing the prestigious list as a sole practitioner. Zeno sees bright times ahead, as this development opens up opportunities for further expansion.

Myke Cole’s CONTROL POINT is a February 2014 Kindle Deal!


Cole-SO1-ControlPointUK-BlogThere’s no better time to check out Myke Cole‘s Shadow Ops – his critically-acclaimed, fan-favourite guns-n-sorcery series! Not only was the final volume in the trilogy, BREACH ZONE, published in January, but Amazon UK have included the first novel, CONTROL POINT, in their February Kindle Deals!

Here is the synopsis…

All over the world people are ‘coming up latent’ – developing new and terrifying abilities. Untrained and panicked, they are summoning storms, raising the dead, and setting every?thing they touch ablaze.

US Army Lieutenant Oscar Britton has always done his duty, even when it means working alongside the feared Supernatural Operations Corps, hunting down and taking out those with newfound magical talents. But when he manifests a rare, startling power of his own and finds himself a marked man, all bets are off.

On the run from his former colleagues, Britton is driven into an underground shadow world, where he is about to learn that magic has changed all the rules he’s ever known… and that his life isn’t the only thing he’s fighting for.

Cole’s Shadow OpsCONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER, and BREACH ZONE – are published in the UK by Headline. Here’s just a sample of the praise that has been heaped onto the series…

‘Cole’s definitely got a hit on his hands. He’s found that perfect recipe, incorporating magic, military, and mayhem without sacrificing either realism or the sense of wonder. I can’t wait to see what comes next.’ — Tor.com on CONTROL POINT

‘A furious ride on the front line … a non-stop thrill ride that’s almost impossible to put down … one of 2012’s most exciting debuts.’ — Fantasy Faction on CONTROL POINT

‘A compelling story connected to well-conceived world building … an absolute blast to read … I predict Myke Cole’s debut is going to be a monster success.’ — Staffer’s Book Review on CONTROL POINT

‘A solid improvement from CONTROL POINT, with a fantastic set of new characters… [FORTRESS FRONTIER is] a superb sequel.’ — SF Signal

‘Cole wraps up the Shadow Ops trilogy with a magical battle royale… This action-filled, adrenalin-powered adventure, which enthusiastically embraces the tropes of tales about meta-powered minorities and the distrusting majorities who oppress them, provides a fitting end for the trilogy.’ — Publishers Weekly on BREACH ZONE

‘The author has really pulled out all the stops for this one, and written a really fantastic novel… BREACH ZONE is like a perfect blend of Marvel’s Avengers and the [Lord of the Rings’] Battle for Helms Deep. Only, better… Myke Cole is a fantastic new talent, and if each of his novels improves on the last, it won’t be long before we see him climbing ever-higher on the bestseller list. Highly recommended.’ — Civilian Reader

Zeno represents Myke Cole in the UK and Commonwealth on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

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UK Publication Day – Myke Cole’s BREACH ZONE


Cole-SO3-BreachZoneUK-BlogWe’re excited to announce that the third novel in Myke Cole‘s critically-acclaimed Shadow Ops series, BREACH ZONE, is now out in the UK! Published by Headline, it follows CONTROL POINT and FORTRESS FRONTIER. To the right you can see the frankly stunning cover by Larry Rostant.

Here’s the synopsis…

The Great Reawakening did not come quietly. Across the country and in every nation, people began “coming up Latent,” developing terrifying powers—summoning storms, raising the dead, and setting everything they touch ablaze. Those who Manifest must choose: become a sheepdog who protects the flock or a wolf who devours it…

In the wake of a bloody battle at Forward Operating Base Frontier and a scandalous presidential impeachment, Lieutenant Colonel Jan Thorsson, call sign “Harlequin,” becomes a national hero and a pariah to the military that is the only family he’s ever known.

In the fight for Latent equality, Oscar Britton is positioned to lead a rebellion in exile, but a powerful rival beats him to the punch: Scylla, a walking weapon who will stop at nothing to end the human-sanctioned apartheid against her kind.

When Scylla’s inhuman forces invade New York City, the Supernatural Operations Corps are the only soldiers equipped to prevent a massacre. In order to redeem himself with the military, Harlequin will be forced to face off with this havoc-wreaking woman from his past, warped by her power into something evil…

Myke’s Shadow Ops series has been widely praised by his peers and critics. Here’s just a taste of what’s been said about his novels…

BREACH ZONE is the work of an author confidently knocking it out of the park, juggling the fate of the world with real characters with personal agendas that you actually care about. This isn’t just some superhero slugfest with all-American heroes trading blows with evil forces – at its heart it’s a love story of two people pulled apart by forces beyond their control, both trying to do the right thing no matter what the personal cost to themselves in the most horrible of circumstances. And again it’s a testament to Cole’s ability that the intimate moments are just as compelling as the man against monster encounters, if not more so… Exciting and emotional, a page-turner in every sense of the world.’  —  Fantasy Faction

‘While I was expecting improvement over his last effort, Cole delivers a novel so much better than his last that there is no doubt that he’s earned his place as one of the most watched authors in the genre. With pulse hammering action around every corner this novel could have become just a sequence of strung together set pieces with magic and missiles flying, but Cole layers the narrative with hard truths about duty and service, community and redemption. BREACH ZONE has a giant heart inside its bruised and battered chest and that’s the real key to its success.’  —  52 Book Reviews

‘Cole wraps up the Shadow Ops trilogy with a magical battle royale… This action-filled, adrenalin-powered adventure, which enthusiastically embraces the tropes of tales about meta-powered minorities and the distrusting majorities who oppress them, provides a fitting end for the trilogy.’  —  Publishers Weekly

‘It’s not just military… it’s just a great book.’  —  Patrick Rothfuss

…  the portrayal of combat in this novel (in all of Cole’s novels) remains breathtaking and horrifying in equal measure. Both previous books had action in spades and, once again, Cole doesn’t disappoint. We get combat at sea, in the air, on land, all described with just enough attention to detail that allows the pace to stay absolutely breakneck. Add to that the seamless integration of magic and, well, it’s really quite good… I can’t wait to see what Myke Cole publishes next.’  —  The Eloquent Page

‘… this is the best thing Cole has published to date… This is a novel with romance, regret, failure, and betrayal. And it’s executed brilliantly… To me, BREACH ZONE is Myke Cole’s coming out party. He’s not a one note writer with linear plots and wiz bang action sequences. He’s someone who dares to be better every time he puts pen to page and it’s showing in his work.’  —  Staffer’s Book Review

‘Cole’s definitely got a hit on his hands. He’s found that perfect recipe, incorporating magic, military, and mayhem without sacrificing either realism or the sense of wonder. I can’t wait to see what comes next.’  —  Tor.com

‘Cross The For­ever War with Witch­world, add in the real world mod­ern mil­i­tary of Black Hawk Down, and you get Control Point, the mile-a-minute story of some­one try­ing to find pur­pose in a war he never asked for.’  —  Jack Campbell (New York Times bestselling author of the Lost Fleet series)

CONTROL POINT is Black Hawk Down meets the X-Men. Fast-paced and thrilling from start to fin­ish, CONTROL POINT is mil­i­tary fan­tasy like you’ve never seen it before. Cole’s wartime expe­ri­ence really shows in the gritty real­ity of army life, and in the explo­ration of patri­o­tism as the pro­tag­o­nist wrestles with the line between the law and what he sees as right.’  —  Peter V. Brett (Bestselling author of THE WARDED MAN)

Zeno represents Myke Cole on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Zeno Clients Getting Love in Best Of & Anticipated Posts


We’re delighted to report that many Zeno clients and their novels have been popping up in Best Of and Anticipated Books lists all over the internet! Naturally, we are in total agreement with these nods. We’ll share some of them on here, when possible.

Over on the Book Plank, James P. Blaylock‘s THE AYLESFORD SKULL (Titan Books) was selected as one of the best five steampunk novels of the year. In the same year-end post, Brandon Sanderson‘s THE RITHMATIST (Orion Children’s) and Ian McDonald‘s PLANESRUNNER (Jo Fletcher Books) were selected as two of the top five YA novels of the year.

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As well as recognition in 2013 lists, upcoming Zeno titles have been flagged as highly anticipated books of 2014. For example, A Fantastical Librarian selected Myke Cole‘s BREACH ZONE (Headline) and Tanya Huff‘s THE ENCHANTMENT EMPORIUM and THE WILD WAYS (Titan Books) as among their Most Anticipated 2014 fantasy novels.

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

Cover Reveal: Myke Cole’s BREACH ZONE…


Last week, Fantasy Faction hosted an exclusive cover reveal for the third in Myke Cole‘s fan-favourite Shadow Ops series, BREACH ZONE. We think it’s pretty great, and is sure to grab people’s attention. Here it is…

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BREACH ZONE is due to be published in February 2014, by Headline in the UK. The first two books in the series, CONTROL POINT and FORTRESS FRONTIER, are out now.

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

New Deal! Myke Cole’s Operator books go to Headline…


Cole ThumbZeno is very happy to announce a new deal for Myke Cole whose Operator books have been acquired by John Wordsworth at Headline – who have, of course, already published two of Myke’s Shadow Ops books to great acclaim – with a third due out later this year. These three new  titles are set in the same reality.

The first of the new books will be GEMINI CELL, which is set be a prequel to Myke’s debut novel, CONTROL POINT

Set in the early days of the Great Reawakening, GEMINI CELL witnesses the birth of the Supernatural Operations Corps out of covert unit dabbling in the occult. Caught in the middle is James Schweitzer, a US Navy SEAL who stumbles upon the secret and pays with his life. But SEALs are a breed apart, and death is only the first step on Schweitzer’s long road to vengeance, revelation and redemption.

The story, Myke says, takes place in ‘a lower magic, occult setting’, yet ‘offers the same high octane modern military fantasy that readers of the original SHADOW OPS trilogy will love.’

John Wordsworth said of the deal ‘Myke is ridiculously talented and his writing just keep getting better. I’m thrilled to be working with him on the next three books,’

UK Audio rights went to W.F. Howes in a separate deal.

Myke Cole is represented in the UK and Commonwealth by the Zeno Agency on behalf of Joshua Bilmes of the JABberwocky Agency, Inc. in New York.

Reviews Round-Up #2… Myke Cole


Continuing our series of Review Round-Ups, fan-favourite Myke Cole’s second novel, FORTRESS FRONTIER, has been receiving a huge amount of positive attention. We’re delighted to represent Myke in the UK and British Commonwealth on behalf of our collegues at the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

coleFFFORTRESS FRONTIER is out now in the UK, published by Headline, and in support of publication, Myke has been a most visible presence online – read, for example, this excellent interview on Mad Hatter’s Book Review. The word on the street is that while the first novel in this exciting action series, CONTROL POINT, was viewed as a very solid debut, FORTRESS FRONTIER further impresses in almost every way (see this review at Civilian Reader, for example), with particular attention paid to the greater world-building (see Bookworm Blues), which reviewers say promises to ‘remain fresh for a long time… and keep readers entertained for a long time to come‘ (via Fantasy Book Critic). Here are some of the other highlights.

New review site, 52 Reviews, praised Cole’s ability to avoid the ‘sophomore slump‘, and suggested that he has, instead, written a sequel that ‘not only builds on the momentum and success of its predecessor but surpasses it in almost every way.’

SF Signal, in a recent review, announced that ‘this series isn’t one to be missed.’ And referring to the recent news of a new US deal for Cole, the reviewer continued ‘With four additional books on the way, there’s quite a bit set up for future stories, both on Earth and on The Source. Personally, if they’re all going to be the quality of Fortress Frontier, I’m already impatient for the next one.

Fantasy Faction clearly hated FORTRESS FRONTIER – their reviewer only gave the book a measley ten out of ten! The reviewer said of the author, ‘While telling compelling stories, he also sets the table for bigger and better things to come. I’d be amazed to hear Hollywood hasn’t come knocking… I can’t wait to find out what happens next.’

BookThing, in another maximum score review, described the novel as ‘interesting and surprising‘, and that while CONTROL POINT was “great”, FORTRESS FRONTIERis just superb. The third book can’t come along soon enough… Highly, highly recommended.’coleCP

Bookworm Blues was impressed Cole’s prose, writing ‘One of the most impressive features of Fortress Frontier is how obviously Cole has grown as an author. This is only his second book, but already he has advanced with his writing as much as many very seasoned SF authors out there. Cole shows an incredible ability to time his plot perfectly. He reveals things slowly, and does a wonderful job at keeping readers hanging on until the very end. Furthermore, his prose are beautifully polished, and his characters have a more realistic, three dimensional feel.’

Genre community blog Ranting Dragon, which also hostied a giveaway to win a pair of the SHADOW OPS novels, said that ‘FORTRESS FRONTIER does everything right that geek culture ever did wrong.’ They sum up the novel  by saying ‘Fortress Frontier is a force of nature. It is a breath-taking rollercoaster ride. It is an artistic tour de force. Cole’s no-nonsense prose pulls you in and takes you for a ride through high-paced action and astonishing conflicts both military and political.’

Staffer’s Book Review shares the popular opinion that ‘For fans of military fiction and fantasy, the SHADOW OPS series is the best thing going. Not reading it would be a crime against good fiction.’

Myke was also hosted by A Dribble of Ink for whom he wrote a fascinating article entitled ‘The Peril of the Contemporary’, in which the he offered up his thoughts on Urban Fantasy, and what the genre is really about.

And, finally, in a Zeno Client two-for-one, both Myke Cole and Peter V. Brett were interviewed in a two part podcast on SpeculateSF. Do not miss it!