Myke Cole’s LEGION VS PHALANX is out tomorrow in Paperback!


The paperback edition of Myke Cole‘s LEGION VS PHALANX is out tomorrow! The acclaimed history of infantry warfare is published by Osprey Publishing in the UK and North America. Here’s the synopsis…

From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle.

Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx – Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC) – he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.

LEGION VS PHALANX has been met with wide acclaim, from historians, academics and general readers alike. Here’s just a small selection of the great reviews…

‘Cole’s writing has the ability to engage readers on a multitude of topics… [His] dramatic writing style had the ability to draw the reader in and want to continue reading… Cole’s blunt manner on academic debate was very refreshing and welcoming… a strength of clarity… the Battle at Magnesia had the action of a major Hollywood movie, second only to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator… engaging. Bold and refreshing… Cole’s book will resonate with strategic and tactical gaming theorist and any reader who has a curiosity of ancient military historical topics… an engrossing book to read and will engage with readers who are new to Hellenistic and Roman unit combat tactics.’Small Wars Journal

‘Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read… Cole does more than just scratch the surface of the strategy of ancient warfare and the tactics of the time, getting stuck in at the boots-on-the-ground level (or should I say sandals?) and giving an account not just on the nature of war, but that of the warrior… Even those with only a passing intrigue will find this easily accessible as it is immediately arresting… if you want to experience the blood-pounding action of the battlefield then no one is more qualified than someone with the blood of the battlefield running through their veins. You’d struggle to find a better man to stand beside in a shield wall than Myke Cole.’Fantasy Hive

‘Coles’s book is the most accessible introduction to ancient warfare that I’ve read… Those needing an easy “in” for ancient history would be advised to get LEGION VERSUS PHALANX.’ Adventures In Historyland

‘A simply fascinating and informative read that is exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented, LEGION VERSUS PHALANX: THE EPIC STRUGGLE FOR INFANTRY SUPREMACY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD is an extraordinary, unique, and seminal study.’ — Midwest Book Review

‘On the face of it, this could be a turgidly dry chin-stroking look into ancient warfare tactics but, thanks to the brio of author Myke Cole, it’s anything but.’ — The Armourer

‘… this book will appeal to C.’s target audience of war gamers, reenactors, fantasy fans and anyone who would be turned on by the film 300 or even by ancient history, given the exposure.’ Classics For All

Myke is also the author of the acclaimed Shadow Ops and Reawakening trilogies, both published in the UK by Headline.

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

Myke Cole’s SACRED THRONE trilogy audiobooks available soon in UK!


In case you’d missed them, we wanted to draw your attention to Myke Cole‘s acclaimed Sacred Throne trilogy, which will be available in the UK as audiobooks! Published by W.F. Howes under their Clipper Audiobooks imprint, all of the book will be available soon: THE ARMORED SAINT, THE QUEEN OF CROWS, and THE KILLING LIGHT.

Here’s the synopsis for the first book…

A story of religious tyrants, arcane war-machines, and underground resistance that will enthral epic fantasy readers of all ages.

In a world where any act of magic could open a portal to hell, the Order insures that no wizard will live to summon devils, and will kill as many innocent people as they must to prevent that greater horror. After witnessing a horrendous slaughter, the village girl Heloise opposes the Order, and risks bringing their wrath down on herself, her family, and her village.

The Sacred Throne trilogy is available in print, published by Tor.com in North America and in the UK. Here’s just a selection of great reviews the first novella has received so far (they have all been showered in praise)…

‘Cole weaves a fantasy world that feels comfortably familiar, then goes to places you’d never expect. You won’t stop turning pages until the stunning finish.’Peter V. Brett

‘Cole has created a dark medieval world that by the end only has a small sliver of light in it. The spunky Heloise fights for her family and friends and makes it easy to cheer her on through her adventures. A must-read for fans of Erika Johansen’s Queen of the Tearling series.’Booklist (Starred Review)

‘At first, the reader might think they have a good handle on both Heloise’s character and the dark but well-depicted world here, one that’s harshly circumscribed in the name of protecting people against a world-ending evil. But by the end of the Sacred Throne’s first installment, Cole has not only shown that Heloise and her world have unexplored depths, he’s been unsparing in depicting them and just how rapidly and painfully they can both change. The story steadily ratchets up the tension, and it seems clear where the conflict is, until the amazing ending shows that Heloise has a nearly impossible task in front of her… even before the events of this story take their toll.’RT Book Reviews

‘A very fast moving tale, full of energy, excitement, and… character depth.’Grimdark Magazine

‘[A] most satisfying fantasy, with terrific action sequences, particularly once Heloise dons the armor and takes her place as protector. She’s a fascinating character in a fascinating fantasy world, and I’m glad to have met her.’B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

THE ARMORED SAINT feels like the beginning of something special. With its grim, violence-filled world, visceral action, and magic that comes at a deadly cost, THE ARMORED SAINT has everything it needs to appeal to readers who enjoy Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy or Kameron Hurley’s epic fantasies. It also has the emotional nuance and range that will help it appeal to readers who are looking for something more along the lines of Miserere by Teresa Frohock or a Kate Elliott novel. It makes a lot of early promises, but despite feeling a little short, it delivers satisfying answers, and even more compelling questions for future volumes to answer.’Tor.com

Myke’s most recent book is LEGION VS. PHALANX, his first history book, which is published by Osprey Publishing. (Paperback edition out next week.)

Myke is also the author of the Shadow Ops and Reawakening trilogies, published in the UK by Headline in print, and W.F. Howes in audio.

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

Paperback Edition of Myke Cole’s LEGION VS PHALANX out Next Month!


Above you can see the striking cover for the paperback edition of Myke Cole‘s acclaimed history LEGION VS PHALANX. Due to be published by Osprey Publishing on January 21st, 2020, here’s the synopsis…

From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle.

Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx – Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC) – he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.

Here is just a small selection taken from the aforementioned critical acclaim for LEGION VS PHALANX

‘Cole’s writing has the ability to engage readers on a multitude of topics… [His] dramatic writing style had the ability to draw the reader in and want to continue reading… Cole’s blunt manner on academic debate was very refreshing and welcoming… a strength of clarity… the Battle at Magnesia had the action of a major Hollywood movie, second only to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator… engaging. Bold and refreshing… Cole’s book will resonate with strategic and tactical gaming theorist and any reader who has a curiosity of ancient military historical topics… an engrossing book to read and will engage with readers who are new to Hellenistic and Roman unit combat tactics.’Small Wars Journal

‘Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read… Cole does more than just scratch the surface of the strategy of ancient warfare and the tactics of the time, getting stuck in at the boots-on-the-ground level (or should I say sandals?) and giving an account not just on the nature of war, but that of the warrior… Even those with only a passing intrigue will find this easily accessible as it is immediately arresting… if you want to experience the blood-pounding action of the battlefield then no one is more qualified than someone with the blood of the battlefield running through their veins. You’d struggle to find a better man to stand beside in a shield wall than Myke Cole.’Fantasy Hive

‘Coles’s book is the most accessible introduction to ancient warfare that I’ve read… Those needing an easy “in” for ancient history would be advised to get LEGION VERSUS PHALANX.’ Adventures In Historyland

‘A simply fascinating and informative read that is exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented, LEGION VERSUS PHALANX: THE EPIC STRUGGLE FOR INFANTRY SUPREMACY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD is an extraordinary, unique, and seminal study.’ — Midwest Book Review

‘On the face of it, this could be a turgidly dry chin-stroking look into ancient warfare tactics but, thanks to the brio of author Myke Cole, it’s anything but.’ — The Armourer

‘… this book will appeal to C.’s target audience of war gamers, reenactors, fantasy fans and anyone who would be turned on by the film 300 or even by ancient history, given the exposure.’ Classics For All

Myke is also the author of the acclaimed Shadow Ops and Reawakening trilogies, both published in the UK by Headline.

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

LEGION VS PHALANX out now in the US!


Released last week in the UK, we’re happy to report that Myke Cole‘s first history book, LEGION VS PHALANX is out now in North America! Published by Osprey Publishing, here’s the synopsis…

From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle.

Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx — Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC) — he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.

You can read an excerpt from the book over on Tor.com.

Cole is also the novel of the critically-acclaimed Shadow Ops and Operator trilogies, published in the UK by Headline.

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

This week: form up in the UK with LEGION VS PHALANX!


Myke Cole‘s first history book, LEGION VS PHALANX is out this week in the UK! Due to be published by Osprey Publishing on Thursday, here’s the synopsis…

From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle.

Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx — Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC) — he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.

LEGION VS PHALANX is due to be published in the US on October 23rd, also by Osprey.

Cole is also the novel of the Shadow Ops and Operator trilogies, published in the UK by Headline.

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

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


ColeM-5-JavelinRainUK-Blog

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.

Zeno Clients at Loncon 3…


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The SFF extravaganza that is Loncon 3 will be rolling into town this weekend. Certain events have already kicked off, of course – some of which we’ve mentioned here before. From Thursday 14th to Monday 18th, a great number of Zeno clients will be participating in the festivities, events and signings.

So, below are all of the Zeno-related events, organised by day and time. If you’d rather search by author, however, here’s an alphabetical list of our clients attending, complete with links to their Loncon 3 schedule pages: Peter V. Brett, Jack Campbell, Michael CobleyMyke Cole, Edward Cox, Aliette de Bodard, Simon R. GreenDaryl Gregory, Matthew HughesTanya Huff, Anne Lyle, Ian R. MacLeod, Ian McDonald, Justina Robson, Melinda Snodgrass, Kari Sperring, E.J. Swift, Lavie Tidhar, Freda Warrington. Continue reading “Zeno Clients at Loncon 3…”

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.

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.