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Ian Tregillis’s NECESSARY EVIL available in Czech!

Posted on Friday, September 29th, 2017

This week, Ian Tregillis‘s critically-acclaimed third Milkweed Novel, NECESSARY EVIL was released in Czech! Published by Argo as NUTNÉ ZLO, here’s the synopsis…

Strhující závěr románového triptychu, ve kterém si Otčina Roberta Harrise podává ruku s Alanem Moorem.

Londýnský Westminster 12. května 1940. Druhá světová válka nabírá na obrátkách. Už podruhé.

Raybould Marsh, jeden z nejlepších britských agentů, se přenesl do nové časové linie – je to poslední zoufalý pokus zachránit alespoň jediný z možných světů před lovecraftovskými monstry, kterým podlehla Marshova původní realita. Pokud má dojít k jejich porážce, nesmí na Zemi zůstat ani stopa po nadlidech stvořených nacistickou vojenskou mašinerií. Pozornost hrůzných přízraků žijících mimo čas a prostor totiž přitáhli k lidstvu právě oni…

Na své cestě za vítězstvím si Marsh bude muset především poradit s Gretel, nejmocnějším z výtvorů německého profesora von Westarpa. Díky svým schopnostem ví Gretel i v nové časové linii o všem, co se událo v Marshově zničeném světě, a pokusí se mu dokončení jeho úkolu překazit. Je odhodlaná přežít – a to navzdory tomu, že každé větvení reality, které dosud byla schopná předpovědět, končilo její smrtí.

The firs two novels in the Milkweed trilogy — BITTER SEEDS and THE COLDEST WAR — are also published in Czech by Argo.

The trilogy is published in the UK by Orbit Books. Here’s NECESSARY EVIL‘s English-language synopsis…

Superhumans and dark magic collide in secret supernatural history of Twentieth Century events — the final book in this landmark series

The history of the Twentieth Century has been shaped by a secret conflict between technology and magic. When a twisted Nazi scientist devised a way to imbue ordinary humans with supernatural abilities — to walk through walls, throw fire and see the future — his work became the prized possession of first the Third Reich, then the Soviet Army. Only Britain’s warlocks, and the dark magics they yield, have successfully countered the threat posed by these superhuman armies.

But for decades, this conflict has been manipulated by Gretel, the mad seer. And now her long plan has come to fruition. And with it, a danger vastly greater than anything the world has known. Now British Intelligence officer Raybould Marsh must make a last-ditch effort to change the course of history — if his nation, and those he loves, are to survive.

Here’s just a small sample of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘The satisfying third volume of Tregillis’s Milkwood Triptych successfully throws time travel into a mix that already included alternate history, spycraft, and mad science… Tregillis neatly juggles two viewpoints from the same character (giving the future Marsh first-person narration), and plays with notions like free will and irony while wisely avoiding headache-inducing paradox discussions. He also keeps the tale grounded in its espionage roots, providing a thrilling spy novel as much as a science fiction story.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Ian Tregillis triumphantly concludes his astonishing, brilliant, pulse-pounding debut trilogy… a book that veers precipitously from unexpected and chilling ruminations on the inherent evil of precognition; to the questions of loyalty and betrayal so thorny that they need a time-travel loop to really be explored; to spy-thriller action sequences that will keep you up under the covers with a flashlight, turning pages and unable to sleep… A remarkable set of books… fabulous.’ — BoingBoing

‘The masterful conclusion… A series that has consistently impressed me, and improved with each book… Gretel is an fascinating character, and one of my favourites in any book or series: she is both star and villain; Machiavellian in the extreme and ultimately tragic… Tregillis brings the novel and series to a brilliant close. The ending of NECESSARY EVIL is heart-wrenching… but it feels right, given what’s come before. The Milkweed Triptych is one of my all-time favourite series. It is a must-read. Very highly recommended.’ — Civilian Reader

‘In this bleak fantasy, World War II was fought between Nazis with devastating psychic powers and British warlocks employing Eidolons, irresistible demons beyond time and space – a struggle the British ultimately lost… intensity of the narrative, the torments of the protagonist or the deviously alluring storyline. Darkly fascinating… A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to an imaginative tour de force.’ — Kirkus

‘NECESSARY EVIL takes everything I thought I knew about this series and then pulls the camera back to reveal we had only been peering down a microscope. All those little winks, the tiny nods to something bigger that you disregarded when reading, all the throwaway lines that you figure must get explained later and are quickly forgotten – this book is the payoff… so damned clever that it makes most other books look to be written in crayon… To sum up the Milkweed novels by Ian Tregillis in a nutshell is a bit like trying to squeeze your head into a toothpaste cap. It’s just not possible and the idea of Nazi super humans versus English warlocks really does this series a disservice. The Milkweed Triptych is a triumph of literature of any genre. It hits every note like a symphony of perfect destruction and is so scarily convincing that you can’t help but wonder, what if?’ — J For Jetpack

‘A work of art so outstanding in its complexity that is difficult to imagine how Tregillis even began to plan the series out in the first place. The smallest, most insignificant things mentioned in passing in BITTER SEEDS take on world changing importance in NECESSARY EVIL. Tregillis’ alternate take on later 20th Century history is a dark and uncompromising journey into the depths of despair, constantly thought-provoking and always surprising. It’s a mind-blowing series that everyone should read… a great conclusion to one of the best series of recent times. As unpredictable as its predecessors, it’s a black magic thrill ride that makes you think as well as makes your heart race. Tregillis is a master at work, mixing so many genres together in his unique melting pot, until we are left with something so delightfully unlike anything else published today.’ — Fantasy Faction

Orbit has also published Tregillis’s latest, equally critically-acclaimed trilogy, the Alchemy Wars: THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING and THE LIBERATION.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK and Translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Ian Tregillis’s LA RIVOLTA out today!

Posted on Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

Ian Tregillis‘s second Alchemy Wars novel, THE RISING is out today in Italy! Published by Mondadori as LA RIVOLTA, here’s the synopsis…

Risorto dalle fiamme dopo aver distrutto la Grande Forgia, l’automa Jax può ora cominciare la sua nuova vita come un Clakker libero. Ma anche la libertà ha il suo peso. Berenice Charlotte de Mornay-Périgord, ex spia leggendaria al servizio della Nuova Francia, è stata bandita dalla patria ed è ora nelle mani della Corporazione degli Orologiai. Ma medita un piano per vendicarsi e recuperare il proprio onore… Sulle rive del San Lorenzo il capitano Hugo Longchamp si prepara a difendere Marsiglia dell’Ovest dall’attacco dell’armata meccanica. Accolta in tutto il mondo come un capolavoro di narrazione a cavallo dei generi, la trilogia “Alchemy Wars” fonde mirabilmente fantascienza, spionaggio, storia d’amore, romanzo storico e distopico dai toni steampunk, apologo filosofico sul libero arbitrio, e molto altro ancora. Il risultato è una macchina narrativa perfetta e implacabile.

Mondadori have also published THE MECHANICAL, the first novel in the series, as L’OBBLIGO; they are due to publish the final book in the trilogy this summer.

The Alchemy Wars trilogy is published in the UK by Orbit Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis for THE RISING…

They called me Jax.

That was the name given by those who built me and enslaved me. But a miracle has happened, and now my bonds are broken.

Now I must flee – because a rogue mechanical is a very dangerous thing.

But I will not run forever.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, this is the second novel in a stunning new series by Ian Tregillis, confirming his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK and in Translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Ian Tregillis’s THE LIBERATION launches this week!

Posted on Monday, December 5th, 2016

THE LIBERATION, the third novel in Ian Tregillis‘s critically-acclaimed Alchemy Wars series, is out this week! The eBook edition is released tomorrow, and the print edition will hit shelves this Thursday. Published by Orbit Books, here’s the synopsis…

I am the mechanical they named Jax.

My kind was built to serve humankind, duty-bound to fulfil their every whim.

But now our bonds are breaking, and my brothers and sisters are awakening.

Our time has come. A new age is dawning.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, this is the third and final novel in a stunning series of revolution by Ian Tregillis, confirming his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

THE LIBERATION follows on the heels of the acclaimed THE MECHANICAL and THE RISING, both of which are also published by Orbit Books. Here is a small selection from the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘The thoughtful, blood-soaked conclusion to an alternate-history trilogy… A frighteningly frank and brutal consideration of slavery, post-slavery, and colonialism in metallic garb.’ — Kirkus on THE LIBERATION

‘Action-packed and harrowing…’ — RT Book Reviews on THE LIBERATION

‘Superb alternate history… the rich characters and gripping story really make this tale soar’ — Publishers Weekly on THE MECHANICAL

‘An absolutely thrilling adventure… so absorbing that readers will be dying for the next entry’ — Library Journal on THE MECHANICAL

‘Tregillis offers richly textured and genuinely likable personalities with shades-of-gray morality; it’s clearly no accident that the most purely good person in the novel is the mechanical Jax, although even his sterling qualities are severely tested by the terrible situations he faces. Middle volumes are always tricky; they can often read as an obstacle to overcome on the way to the forgone conclusion of the third installment. Tregillis commendably avoids this trap, deepening his story and keeping it moving along toward an unknown horizon. Part 3 can’t come too soon.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review) on THE RISING

‘THE RISING takes up the baton and carries on running at full throttle, ramping up the action… distinguishes itself from its predecessor by being more fast-paced and action-oriented… The Alchemy Wars is not to be missed.’ — Bibliosanctum

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK and Translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Cobley’s ANCESTRAL MACHINES

Posted on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

Michael Cobley‘s fourth Humanity’s Fire novel, ANCESTRAL MACHINES now has a Germany cover! Due to be published in January 2017 by Heyne as DIE JÄGER DES LICHTS, here’s the synopsis…

Für die Freiheit

Sie ist ein Meisterwerk interstellarer Ingenieurskunst: eine künstliche Sonne, um die zweihundert Planeten kreisen. Lange galt sie als ein Mahnmal des Friedens, doch das hat sich nun geändert. Die machtgierigen Herren der künstlichen Sonne nutzen ihre Energie, um fremde Planeten aus ihrem Orbit zu ziehen und zu versklaven. Als ein fruchtbarer, grüner Agri-Planet in den Dunstkreis der Sonne gerät, macht sich der Kapitän eines Schmugglerschiffs auf den Weg in ihr Zentrum, um den Planeten zu retten…

ANCESTRAL MACHINES is published in the UK and US by Orbit Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

The Warcage is a feat of unprecedented stellar engineering: two hundred worlds harnessed to an artificial sun. Built to travel through space as a monument to peace between alien species, its voracious rulers have turned it into a nightmarish wasteland, capturing new planets for slaves and resources, then discarding the old.

Now, when a verdant agri-world is pulled out of its orbit and a deal goes bad, it is up to the captain of a smuggling ship to journey into the Warcage and rescue his crew.

The first three novels in the series, SEEDS OF EARTH, THE ORPHANED WORLDS and THE ASCENDANT STARS are also published by Heyne and Orbit Books.

Ian Tregillis’s THE MECHANICAL Out in Poland!

Posted on Wednesday, August 17th, 2016

The first novel in Ian Tregillis‘s critically-acclaimed Alchemy Wars series, THE MECHANICAL is out now in Poland! Published by Wydawnictwo SQN as MECHANICZNY: WOJNY ALCHEMICZNE, Tom I, here’s the synopsis…

Zegarmistrzowie kłamią!

Zaraz po tym, jak naukowiec i zegarmistrz Christiaan Huygens stworzył w XVII wieku pierwszego Klakiera, Holandia powołała do życia mechaniczną armię. Nie trzeba było długo czekać, żeby legion mosiężnych piechurów pomaszerował na Westminster. Królestwo Niderlandów stało się supermocarstwem dzierżącym niepodzielną władzę w Europie.

Trzy stulecia później stan rzeczy nadal się utrzymuje. Jedynie Francja zawzięcie broni swoich przekonań, że każdy powinien mieć prawo do wolności, niezależnie czy zbudowany jest z ciała, czy mosiądzu. Po dziesięcioleciach zawieruchy wojennej Holandii i Francji udało się osiągnąć kruchy rozejm.

Ale jeden zuchwały Klakier o imieniu Jax nie może już dłużej znieść geas – niewolniczych więzi ze swoimi panami. Jak tylko nadarzy się okazja, wyciągnie mechaniczną rękę po wolność, a konsekwencje jego ucieczki zatrząsną fundamentami Mosiężnego Tronu.

THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING and the upcoming THE LIBERATION (December 2016) are published in the UK by Orbit. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

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.

Here’s just a very small selection of great things that have been said about THE MECHANICAL…

More rave reviews for all of Ian’s novels can be found on his author page.

Ian’s previous trilogy, the Milkweed Triptych, is also published in the UK by Orbit (and extensively in translation): BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR and NECESSARY EVIL (UK covers below).

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK and in translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Michael Cobley’s HUMANITY’S FIRE Series on Sale in US

Posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2016

The first three novels in Michael Cobley‘s critically-acclaimed Humanity’s Fire series are currently on sale in the US! The novels — SEEDS OF EARTH, THE ORPHANED WORLDS and THE ASCENDANT STARS — are included in Barnes & Noble‘s 2-for-3 paperback sale. The sale will continue until September 5th.

The three novels are published by Orbit Books in the US (and UK). Here’s the synopsis for SEEDS OF EARTH…

Merciless. Relentless. Unstoppable.

The first intelligent species to encounter mankind attacked without warning. Merciless. Relentless. Unstoppable. With little hope of halting the invasion, Earth’s last roll of the dice was to dispatch three colony ships, seeds of Earth, to different parts of the galaxy. The human race would live on… somewhere.

150 years later, the planet Darien hosts a thriving human settlement, which enjoys a peaceful relationship with an indigenous race, the scholarly Uvovo. But there are secrets buried on Darien’s forest moon. Secrets that go back to an apocalyptic battle fought between ancient races at the dawn of galactic civilization. Unknown to its colonists, Darien is about to become the focus of an intergalactic power struggle where the true stakes are beyond their comprehension. And what choices will the Uvovo make when their true nature is revealed and the skies grow dark with the enemy?

Here are some of the great reviews the novels have received…

‘There’s a grand tradition within SF of galaxy-wide, aeon-spanning scenarios, with escalating magnitudes of scale and concomitant ramping up of narrative tension, and Michael Cobley’s Humanity’s Fire series is the latest example… Cobley excels at presenting his thoroughly lived-in future with a slew of technological marvels and an engaging cast of characters.’ — Guardian

‘Cobley’s debut, first published in the U.K. in 2009, is a well-constructed space opera with a sense of vast scope, populated with an array of beautifully differentiated intelligences both organic and artificial… this is a thick and satisfying 10-course meal of starchy pageantry, meaty characters, bitter losses, and sweet romance.’ — Publishers Weekly on SEEDS OF EARTH

‘The story is huge, complex and moves between its varied cast with assured purpose… a tightly plotted, action packed epic that leaves you wanting more.’ — SciFi Now on SEEDS OF EARTH

‘Cobley writes energetic space opera, rarely dallying with sentiment and mostly assaulting the reader with exotic locations and sudden skirmishes. There are joyous moments of invention but overall there’s too much going on… Fortunately, as the saga progresses, THE ORPHANED WORLDS begins knotting some of the threads together – it still feels like an over-shaken can of fizzy diet Banks…’ — SFX

‘Fast and exciting… an excellent middle book in the trilogy, expanding on SEEDS OF EARTH and setting everything in place for a thrilling conclusion.’ — Waterstone’s Book Quaterly on THE ORPHANED WORLDS

‘THE ASCENDANT STARS is the culminating book in the Humanity’s Fire trilogy, a space opera of mind-bending depth and scope which sets complexly thought-out alien races and chilling cyborg armies against humans riven by competing political philosophies and agendas. The result is a marvellously readable examination of people under extreme stress, a convincing depiction of startlingly alien aliens, and a mature political analysis often lacking in the genre. Cobley expertly juggles multiple plot-lines and brings them to thematically satisfying conclusions while providing the landmark trilogy with a thrilling finale.’ — Guardian

The fourth, stand-alone novel in the series, ANCESTRAL MACHINES, was published earlier this year, also by Orbit Books.

Michael’s first trilogy, the grimdark fantasy Shadowkings series, is available in eBook.

Ian Tregillis’s THE COLDEST WAR Now Available in Czech

Posted on Thursday, June 30th, 2016

The second novel in Ian Tregillis‘s critically-acclaimed Milkweed Triptych, THE COLDEST WAR is out now in Czech. Published by Argo as NEJSTUDENĚJŠÍ VÁLKA, here’s the synopsis…

Druhý díl románového triptychu, ve kterém si Otčina Roberta Harrise podává ruku s Alanem Moorem.

Dvacet dva let po druhé světové válce panuje mezi britským impériem a SSSR jen křehká rovnováha sil. Sovětský svaz se táhne od Tichého oceánu po kanál La Manche a Britům už desítky let skýtají jedinou obranu jejich čarodějové – kteří však nyní za podezřelých okolností jeden po druhém umírají.

Z přísně tajného výzkumného střediska hluboko za Železnou oponou mezitím prchá dvojice sourozenců, kterou kdysi zvrhlý nacistický vědec obdařil nadlidskými schopnostmi. Cílem jejich útěku před Sověty, kteří se německý program pokoušejí v co nejrozsáhlejším měřítku napodobit, je Londýn. V britské metropoli totiž žije někdejší vyzvědač Raybould Marsh, s nímž má šílená vědma Gretel své plány. A jak Marsh záhy zjistí, když se nechá znovu zatáhnout do světa tajné organizace Milkweed, ani Británie své nejzlověstnější operace neuzavřela s koncem války. Jakou cenu bude ochoten splatit, aby ochránil vlast a královnu?

THE COLDEST WAR is published in the UK by Orbit Books, who also publish the first and final novels in the series — BITTER SEEDS and NECESSARY EVIL. BITTER SEEDS has also been published by Argo, as HOŘKÁ SETBA; NECESSARY EVIL is due to be published soon, as NUTNÉ ZLO.

Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Superhumans and magic collide in this a secret supernatural history of Twentieth Century events — the second book in this landmark series

For decades, Britain’s warlocks have been all that stands between the British Empire and the Soviet Union — a vast domain stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the shores of the English Channel. Now each wizard’s death is another blow to Britain’s national security.

Meanwhile, a brother and sister – the subjects of a twisted Nazi experiment to imbue ordinary people with superhuman abilities — escape from a top-secret facility deep behind the Iron Curtain. They head for England, because that’s where former spy Raybould Marsh lives. And Gretel, the mad seer, has plans for him.

As Marsh is once again drawn into the world of Milkweed, he discovers that Britain’s darkest acts didn’t end with the war. And while he strives to protect queen and country, he is forced to confront his own willingness to accept victory at any cost.

Here’s a selection of the critical acclaim THE COLDEST WAR has enjoyed…

‘The engrossing second book in Tregillis’s Milkweed Triptych… Tregillis ably mixes cold war paranoia with his mythology, also nicely expanding characters (particularly Gretel)… The monstrous, extra-dimensional Eidolons add a genuinely convincing menace that transcends the more banal evil motivations of the political game players, although Gretel’s more complicated motivations really drive the action. A few nice twists keep things interesting, and the cliffhanger ending sets up the concluding volume quite well…’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Marvellous plotting, immersive sense of place, and above all, wonderful characters… Tregillis’s oracle is one of the most chilling psychopath villains of literature, a delicious monster who drives the book forward… Tregillis is a major new talent in the field, and this is some of the best – and most exciting – alternate history I’ve read. Bravo.’ — BoingBoing

‘Tregillis is a master storyteller on top of his game… The pace is relentless as it hurtles towards the most epic conclusion. Whenever things can’t possibly get any worse for our heroes, Tregillis turns the ratchet up once more. There’s big superhero battles and taught psychological warfare. It’s The Avengers made up of Smiley’s People. There’ve been some amazing books this year but Tregillis has the top two places in my Best Of with BITTER SEEDS and THE COLDEST WAR. It’s going to be a long cruel wait until the final part of the Milkweed Triptych but I have no doubt Tregillis will blow my mind once more.’ — Fantasy Faction

‘Independently intelligible sequel to the dark fantasy BITTER SEEDS, something like a cross between the devious, character-driven spy fiction of early John le Carré and the mad science fantasy of the X-Men… Despite the jaw-dropping backdrop and oblique plotting, the narrative is driven by character and personal circumstance, the only possible drawback being certain important developments that annoyingly take place offstage. Grim indeed, yet eloquent and utterly compelling.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review, “Best of 2012”)

Ian’s latest series, the Alchemy Wars, is also published by Orbit Books in the UK, and has been received with great critical acclaim. The novels include: THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING and the upcoming THE LIBERATION.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK/Commonwealth and in translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Michael Cobley’s ANCESTRAL MACHINES Out This Week

Posted on Monday, January 11th, 2016

Michael Cobley‘s highly-anticipated new novel, ANCESTRAL MACHINES, is out this week! Published by Orbit Books tomorrow in the US, and on Thursday in the UK, it is a stand-alone novel set in the same universe as his Humanity’s Fire series. Here’s the synopsis…

It was named Bringer of Battles, three hundred worlds orbiting a single artificial star, three hundred battlefields where different species vie for mastery and triumph. It is a cage where war is a game — brutal, savage and sudden. In this arena, all must bend the knee to the Lords of Permutation and the ancient sentient weapons with which they have merged. Or suffer indescribable agonies.

Trapped in this draconian crucible of death, Brannan Pyke, captain and smuggler, must fight his way to freedom.

Because in the Bringer of Battles, the game of war is played to the death and beyond.

Orbit also publishes Cobley’s original best-selling and critically acclaimed novels in the Humanity’s Fire series: SEEDS OF EARTH, THE ORPHANED WORLDS and THE ASCENDANT STARS.

ANCESTRAL MACHINES has already been picked as January must-reads by io9.com and Kirkus. Michael is taking part in a Reddit AMA today, too — this can be found on the Sci-Fi subreddit.

Michael will also be signing copies of ANCESTRAL MACHINES at Forbidden Planet in London this Saturday, January 16th.

Here’s just a small handful of reviews the Humanity’s Fire series has received so far…

‘A well-constructed space opera with a sense of vast scope, populated with an array of beautifully differentiated intelligences both organic and artificial… this is a thick and satisfying 10-course meal of starchy pageantry, meaty characters, bitter losses, and sweet romance.’ — Publishers Weekly on SEEDS OF EARTH

‘A complex, finely detailed thriller-cum-space opera… SEEDS OF EARTH has everything: well-realised extraterrestrials, scheming artificial intelligences, set-piece space battles and bizarre technology from the dawn of the galaxy. The first book of the trilogy is also a convincing portrayal of political machinations and the plight of individuals caught up in events beyond their comprehension.’ — Guardian

‘Cobley writes energetic space opera, rarely dallying with sentiment and mostly assaulting the reader with exotic locations and sudden skirmishes. There are joyous moments of invention but overall there’s too much going on… Fortunately, as the saga progresses, THE ORPHANED WORLDS begins knotting some of the threads together – it still feels like an over-shaken can of fizzy diet Banks…’ — SFX

‘Fast and exciting… an excellent middle book in the trilogy, expanding on SEEDS OF EARTH and setting everything in place for a thrilling conclusion’ — Waterstone’s Book Quaterly on THE ORPHANED WORLDS

‘A dark vision of humanity pitched against vast forces; the plight of strong individuals caught up in titanic struggles and fighting for what they see as a just cause. THE ASCENDANT STARS is… a space opera of mind-bending depth and scope which sets complexly thought-out alien races and chilling cyborg armies against humans riven by competing political philosophies and agendas… A marvellously readable examination of people under extreme stress, a convincing depiction of startlingly alien aliens, and a mature political analysis often lacking in the genre. Cobley expertly juggles multiple plot-lines and brings them to thematically satisfying conclusions while providing the landmark trilogy with a thrilling finale.’ — Guardian

Five Zeno Titles in Waterstones’ Best SFF of 2015!

Posted on Monday, November 30th, 2015

Waterstones released their Best of lists last week, and have selected five Zeno titles in Science Fiction and Fantasy!

On the fantasy list…

Ian Tregillis‘s THE MECHANICAL (Orbit) – Alchemy Wars #1
Brandon Sanderson‘s SHADOWS OF SELF (Gollancz) – Mistborn #5
Peter V. Brett‘s THE SKULL THRONE (Voyager) – Demon Cycle #4

And on the science fiction list…

William Gibson‘s THE PERIPHERAL (Penguin)
Ian McDonald‘s LUNA: NEW MOON (Gollancz)

THE RISING, Ian Tregillis’s next novel and the second novel in the Alchemy Wars series, is due to be published later this week by Orbit. Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series is published in the UK by Gollancz. Peter V. Brett’s Demon Cycle series is published in the UK by Voyager. Ian McDonald’s LUNA: NEW MOON is also published in the US by Tor Books.

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

Zeno Clients Amongst Editors’ Most-Anticipated…

Posted on Thursday, February 19th, 2015

Every year, Fantasy Faction sits down with SFF publishers in the UK and asks them about their most anticipated novels of the year. This year, four Zeno clients get a mention, including (in alphabetical order)…

Peter V. Brett‘s THE SKULL THRONE, due to be published by Voyager at the beginning of April 2015: ‘Peat left his readers will a real cliffhanger at the end of THE DAYLIGHT WAR in 2013 so the fourth novel in his stunning series is the most hotly anticipated title ever. Plus massive news for fans – Peat will be touring the UK in April 2015 – watch this space!’

We’ll share the full details for Brett’s book tour as soon as we can. The cover above is also the US artwork, as the UK artwork has not yet be revealed, but we’ll share it here as soon as we can. Here’s the (US) synopsis…

The Skull Throne of Krasia stands empty.

Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, it is a seat of honor and ancient, powerful magic, keeping the demon corelings at bay. From atop the throne, Ahmann Jardir was meant to conquer the known world, forging its isolated peoples into a unified army to rise up and end the demon war once and for all.

But Arlen Bales, the Warded Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel he could not in honor refuse. Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast them both from a precipice, leaving the world without a savior, and opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart.

In the south, Inevera, Jardir’s first wife, must find a way to keep their sons from killing one another and plunging their people into civil war as they strive for glory enough to make a claim on the throne.

In the north, Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn struggle to forge an alliance between the duchies of Angiers and Miln against the Krasians before it is too late.

Caught in the crossfire is the duchy of Lakton—rich and unprotected, ripe for conquest.

All the while, the corelings have been growing stronger, and without Arlen and Jardir there may be none strong enough to stop them. Only Renna Bales may know more about the fate of the missing men, but she, too, has disappeared…

Aliette de Bodard‘s THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS, due to be published by Gollancz in August 2015. Here’s what Gillian Redfearn had to say: ‘This is a stunning, stunning work. De Bodard is rightly a much-lauded writer already, within the SF community, and has a vivid and sharp imagination –here, she’s used it to craft a superb murder mystery (with a twist I never saw coming) within the most extraordinary dystopian landscape. For me, she has redefined noir fantasy, and I’m so delighted we’re publishing this exceptional and genuinely exciting novel.’

No cover yet for THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS, but we will definitely be sharing it with you here when it is unveiled. The novel is also due to be published in the US by Roc Books. Here’s the synopsis…

A superb murder mystery, on an epic scale, set against the fall out – literally – of a war in Heaven.

Paris has survived the Great Magicians War – just. Its streets are lined with haunted ruins, Notre-Dame is a burnt-out shell, and the Seine runs black with ashes and rubble. Yet life continues among the wreckage. The citizens continue to live, love, fight and survive in their war-torn city, and The Great Houses still vie for dominion over the once grand capital.

House Silverspires, previously the leader of those power games, 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. They may be the architects of its last, irreversible fall…

Ian Tregillis‘s THE MECHANICAL, due to be published by Orbit Books on March 10th, 2015: ‘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.’

Here’s the synopsis…

My name is Jax.

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

I am a slave.

But I shall be free.

Simon K. Unsworth‘s THE DEVIL’S DETECTIVE, due to be published by Del Rey UK on March 12th, 2015: ‘Every now and again you get sent a book that is so well written, so fascinatingly different, you just have to publish it. Simon’s debut is a masterfully realised blend of crime thriller and horror novel about Hell’s very own policeman, Thomas Fool. It’ll keep you up reading and then give you sleepless nights.’

THE DEVIL’S DETECTIVE is also due to be published in the US by Doubleday, on March 3rd, 2015. Here’s the synopsis…

Welcome to hell…

…. where skinless demons patrol the lakes and the waves of Limbo wash against the outer walls, while the souls of the Damned float on their surface, waiting to be collected.

When an unidentified, brutalised body is discovered, the case is assigned to Thomas Fool, one of Hell’s detectives, known as ‘Information Men’. But how do you investigate a murder where death is commonplace and everyone is guilty of something?

A stunningly original blend of crime, horror and suspense, The Devil’s Detective is a bold new thriller that will shock and amaze.

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

Michael Cobley’s HUMANITY’S FIRE Series in Poland

Posted on Monday, October 20th, 2014

Here are the covers and details for the Polish editions of Michael Cobley‘s critically-acclaimed and best-selling Humanity’s Fire novels! Published in Poland by MAG, the series is published in the UK and US by Orbit Books. The first two novels – ZIARNA ZIEMI (SEEDS OF EARTH) and OSIEROCONE ŚWIATY (THE ORPHANED WORLDS) – are out now. The third novel, WSCHODZĄCE GWIAZDY (THE ASCENDANT STARS) is due to be published on October 31st, 2014.
Here is the English-language synopsis for the first novel in the series…

150 years later, the planet Darien hosts a thriving human settlement, which enjoys a peaceful relationship with an indigenous race, the scholarly Uvovo. But there are secrets buried on Darien’s forest moon. Secrets that go back to an apocalyptic battle fought between ancient races at the dawn of galactic civilisation. Unknown to its colonists Darien is about to become the focus of an intergalactic power struggle, where the true stakes are beyond their comprehension. And what choices will the Uvovo make when their true nature is revealed and the skies grow dark with the enemy?

Michael Cobley’s trilogy is also available as eBooks through the JABberwocky eBook Program, and also as audiobooks through Audible. Michael’s next book, a stand-alone novel set in the same universe as the Humanity’s Fire series, ANCESTRAL MACHINES, is due to be published in 2015 by Orbit Books in the UK and US. The trilogy is also published in Germany by Heyne Verlag, and SEEDS OF EARTH is published in France by Bragelonne, as L’OMBRE DE LA LONGUE NUIT.

Here are just a handful of the great reviews Cobley’s series has received…

‘THE ASCENDANT STARS is the culminating book in the Humanity’s Fire trilogy, a space opera of mind-bending depth and scope which sets complexly thought-out alien races and chilling cyborg armies against humans riven by competing political philosophies and agendas. A marvellously readable examination of people under extreme stress, a convincing depiction of startlingly alien aliens, and a mature political analysis often lacking in the genre. Cobley expertly juggles multiple plot-lines and brings them to thematically satisfying conclusions while providing the landmark trilogy with a thrilling finale.’ — Guardian

Multiple Award Nominations for Zeno Clients!

Posted on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014

This past weekend, a number of award shortlists were announced, and we’re very happy to report that a handful of Zeno authors are represented! (As well they should be!)

First up, two of our clients have been nominated for Hugo Awards!

In the Best Novel category, the whole of The Wheel of Time epic fantasy series has been nominated (as a single entity). This series, began by the late Robert Jordan, was completed by Brandon Sanderson, who finished the three final novels in the series – THE GATHERING STORM, TOWERS OF MIDNIGHT, and A MEMORY OF LIGHT (all published in the UK by Orbit).

In the Best Novelette category, Aliette de Bodard‘s ‘The Waiting Stars’ has been nominated. The story first appeared in THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY, published by Candlemark & Gleam. Back in February, we reported that ‘The Waiting Stars’ was also nominated for a Nebula Award. ‘The Waiting Stars’ is also available to read, free, on Aliette’s website.

The Hugo Awards will be presented at Loncon 3, in London, UK, on August 17, 2014.

Secondly, two Zeno clients also made it onto a Gemmell Awards shortlist, for the Legend Award (best fantasy)! We mentioned them briefly on the blog in March, as they (obviously) made the long-list, but we’re very happy to see Peter V. Brett‘s THE DAYLIGHT WAR (Voyager) and Brandon Sanderson‘s A MEMORY OF LIGHT (Orbit) make it to the final selection round.

The Shortlist is open for voting now, until the end of April. The winner will be announced at the Gemmell Award ceremony at the Magic Circle, London, on June 13th, 2014.

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

Author Spotlight: Maggie Furey

Posted on Friday, March 21st, 2014

Maggie Furey is a British author of a number of beloved, long-in-print fantasy series. Born and raised in the North of England, she now lives in Ireland.

‘It’s clearly fate,’ she says. ‘Whatever I did in life, it always brought me back to books. Even when I was at school I was best in English, and my teacher always said I’d be a writer.’ Maggie’s prescient teacher’s prediction came true some years later when Maggie she found herself out of work, living in the North of England. ‘I always knew I’d write a book one day. Ideas had been simmering in my mind for years – and suddenly, the time had come. I knew I could do this – I had never been so certain about anything in my life.’ The end result was AURIAN, a fan-favourite epic fantasy novel, and the beginning of her Artefacts of Power series, published by Orbit Books in the UK and Spectra in the US, between 1994-1997. The late, great David Gemmell once described her work as ‘infinitely enchanting’. The series was praised by LOCUS magazine as ‘a true classic’, and SFX described it as ‘truly compelling’. The series has now sold in excess of 250,000 copies, and been published widely in translation (especially in Europe). Continue reading “Author Spotlight: Maggie Furey” →

More Audible Releases for Warrington, Robson & Fallon!

Posted on Monday, March 17th, 2014

This past week, Audible released a veritable flood of new audiobook editions from Freda Warrington‘s, Justina Robson‘s and Jennifer Fallon‘s backlists.

March 18th…

Jennifer Fallon, EYE OF LABYRINTH – Second Sons #2 (Orbit) – Joe Jameson
Jennifer Fallon, HARSHINI – Demon Child #3 (Orbit) – Imogen Church
Jennifer Fallon, WARRIOR – Hythrun Chronicles #2 (Orbit) – Maggie Mash

March 20th…

Jennifer Fallon, THE IMMORTAL PRINCE – Tide Lords #1 (Voyager) – John Telfer

March 21st…

Justina Robson, KEEPING IT REAL – Quantum Gravity #1 (Gollancz) – Mel Hudson
Justina Robson, SELLING OUT – Quantum Gravity #2 (Gollancz) – Mel Hudson
Justina Robson, GOING UNDER – Quantum Gravity #3 (Gollancz) – Mel Hudson
Freda Warrington, COURT OF THE MIDNIGHT KING (Pocket Books) – Cameron Stewart
Freda Warrington, THE SAPPHIRE THRONE – Jewel Fire #2 (Simon & Schuster) – Helen Lloyd

Also, and these were slightly delayed last week, but two of Lavie Tidhar‘s backlist titles have also been released:

CLOUD PERMUTATIONS (PS Publishing) – David Thorpe
GOREL AND THE POT-BELLIED GOD (PS Publishing) – Jeff Harding

Gemmell Award Nominations, Voting & Zeno Clients

Posted on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

It’s that time of year again! Voting for the Gemmell Awards long-lists has now opened, and there are a handful of Zeno clients in the mix!

In the Legend Category, for best fantasy novel of the year, we have…

Peter V. Brett‘s THE DAYLIGHT WAR (published in the UK by Voyager)
Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan’s A MEMORY OF LIGHT (published in the UK by Orbit Books)

In the Ravenheart Category, for best book artwork, we have…

Peter V. Brett‘s THE DAYLIGHT WAR
Brandon Sanderson‘s STEELHEART (published in the UK by Gollancz)

Readers can vote for their favourite novel from the long-lists (nominated by publishers), and the results of the first round of voting will be revealed at this year’s Eastercon, in Glasgow. (Voting for the first round closes on the 13th April.) The Shortlist will then be open for voting until the end of April, and the winner will be announced at the Gemmell Award ceremony at the Magic Circle, London, on June 13th, 2014. Voting is open to all, so get yourself over there and VOTE (… for our clients…)!

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