Category: Cover Reveal

Next Month: THE BEST OF WORLD SF, Volume 2!

Posted on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022

On October 13th, Head of Zeus are due to publish the second volume in the acclaimed, Lavie Tidhar-edited THE BEST OF WORLD SF series! Here’s the synopsis…

Twenty-nine new short stories representing the state of the art in international science fiction.

The second annual instalment to the ‘rare and wonderful’ (The Times) The Best of World SF Volume 1, this collection of twenty-nine stories, including eight original and exclusive additions, represents the state of the art in international science fiction.

Navigating around the globe, The Best of World SF Volume 2 features writers from Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Grenada, India, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, The Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Each story has been selected by World SF expert and award-winning author Lavie Tidhar. Taking us into space – Mars at first, then the stars – and then back to a strange, transformed Earth via AI, gods, aliens and the undead, the collection traces the ever-changing meaning of the genre from some of the most exciting voices writing today.

This is not a retrospective of what science fiction around the world used to look like. This is a snapshot of what some of it looks like now. And it’s never been more exciting.

The first volume in the series is out now in paperback, also published by Head of Zeus.

‘Just the start of a whole new game for speculative fiction authors around the world’ — LA Review of Books

‘An excellent, lovingly curated collection’ — Financial Times

‘This wonderful anthology should be a hit with any sci-fi fan’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Tidhar gives a cheerful, fannish introduction to the stories, drawn from 26 countries on five continents, and encompassing a dizzying range of tones and approaches’ — The Times

‘An outstanding assortment of international sci-fi shorts… A bold and powerful argument for non-Anglophone SF’s potential to push the genre’s boundaries’ — Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Rivers of London: DEADLY EVER AFTER #4 Out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Monday, September 5th, 2022

The fourth and final issue of DEADLY EVER AFTER, the latest Rivers of London comic story-arc, is out in two weeks! Written by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, and Celeste Bronfman, the issue is published by Titan Comics, and will arrive in stores (and in digital format) on September 21st. Here’s the synopsis…

When Chelsea and Olympia accidentally break an enchantment in the woods, deadly fairy tales from a mysterious old book begin coming to life. To set things right, Chelsea and Olympia must unravel a mystery dating back to the 1800s before they become victims of a lethal sorcery.

Interior artwork is by José María Beroy, and the issue is available with three covers — by David M Buisan (above), Abigail Harding (below, left), and Vv Glass (below, right).

Titan Comics has published all of the previous Rivers of London comic series to date. The first nine are now available in collected trade paperback and digital editions: BODY WORK, NIGHT WITCH, BLACK MOULD, DETECTIVE STORIES, CRY FOX, WATER WEED, ACTION AT A DISTANCE, THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS, and MONDAY, MONDAY.

Coming Soon: Aliette de Bodard’s THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE!

Posted on Friday, September 2nd, 2022

Two days ago, Gollancz unveiled Alyssa Winans‘s stunning cover for Aliette de Bodard‘s highly-anticipated new novel, THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE!

The latest Xuya masterpiece from the author of THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE and SEVEN OF INFINITIES (to name but two), it is due to be published on November 24th, in the UK and Commonwealth. Here’s the synopsis:

Xích Si: bot maker, data analyst, mother, scavenger. But those days are over now-her ship has just been captured by the Red Banner pirate fleet, famous for their double-dealing and cruelty. Xích Si expects to be tortured to death-only for the pirates’ enigmatic leader, Rice Fish, to arrive with a different and shocking proposition: an arranged marriage between Xích Si and herself.

Rice Fish: sentient ship, leader of the infamous Red Banner pirate fleet, wife of the Red Scholar. Or at least, she was the latter before her wife died under suspicious circumstances. Now isolated and alone, Rice Fish wants Xích Si’s help to find out who struck against them and why. Marrying Xích Si means Rice Fish can offer Xích Si protection, in exchange for Xích Si’s technical fluency: a business arrangement with nothing more to it.

But as the investigation goes on, Rice Fish and Xích Si find themselves falling for each other. As the interstellar war against piracy intensifies and the five fleets start fighting each other, they will have to make a stand-and to decide what kind of future they have together…

The novel has already racked up a number of great advanced reviews. Here are just a few of them…

‘A fizzingly inventive space opera, quite unlike anything I’ve encountered before, and told with style, grace, and a big dose of heart. SF is lucky to have Aliette de Bodard’ — Alastair Reynolds

‘A “read-in-one-sitting” novel with a beautifully-realized setting amid a complex examination of power and consequences, all intertwined with an intense and gripping romance’ — Kate Elliott

‘An epic tale of piracy and romance in the void of space. A new book from Aliette de Bodard is always a treasure’ — Gareth L. Powell

‘Thrillingly exciting and achingly romantic, THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE is rich with political intrigue and piratical adventure. It took my breath away!’ — Stephanie Burgis

‘Confident, sexy, and touching — THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “star-crossed lovers”!’ — Max Gladstone

‘A gripping science fiction adventure, full of cool science-fictional ideas, plot twists, and high stakes… Most importantly, this story has heart, with characters you really care about’ — Laura J. Mixon

‘THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE takes you on an exhilarating dive into space piracy with passion, politics, dazzling settings, and-even better-a profound core of love transcending hopelessness that rings throughout the story’ — Everina Maxwell

Book reviewers interested in reading the book can request it on NetGalley, or from the publisher directly.

A number of Aliette’s other Xuya books have been published by Subterranean Press in North America, and by JABberwocky in eBook and elsewhere.

New RIVERS OF LONDON Graphic Novel Boxset in Three Weeks!

Posted on Friday, August 26th, 2022

The third Rivers of London graphic novel boxset is due out in three weeks! Collecting the acclaimed seventh, eighth, and ninth collections — ACTION AT A DISTANCE, THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS, and MONDAY, MONDAY — it is due out on October 12th, published by Titan Comics. Written by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel, and with artwork from an all-star team, here’s the synopsis…

A stunning box set edition of the bestselling graphic novels in the Rivers of London series, starring Ben Aaronovitch’s laconic trainee wizard and budding detective, Peter Grant.

Vol 7: Action at a Distance

Thomas Nightingale is a man of immense power, one of the most highly revered magicians in Europe, but with a guarded past. Hidden within the archives of London Metropolitan Police’s Special Assessment Unit, Detective Constable Peter Grant is about to uncover a brief glimpse into his mentor’s history.

Vol 8: The Fey and the Furious

When a Mitsubishi Eclipse washes up on the shores of the Netherlands, officers are surprised to find some unusual cargo in its boot. Fortunately, unusual cargo just so happens to be wizarding-cop Peter Grant’s speciality. Infiltrating illegal street races, Peter hopes to find the supplier, but instead quickly finds himself speeding into a whole new world of trouble, where old enemies await.

Vol 9: Monday, Monday

What starts as a routine undercover operation to break up an organised teenage pickpocket gang turns into something far more dangerous when the Metropolitan police are confronted by a Swedish werewolf who’ll stop at nothing to avoid capture. Now it’s up to full-time cop and part-time wizard Peter Grant and his cohort of chums to hunt the deadly lycanthrope and bring him to heel!

The first two boxsets are available now, published by Titan Comics. The latest story-arc in the Rivers of London series — DEADLY EVER AFTER, co-authored also by Celeste Bronfman — is available now in single issues (collected edition out soon).

Coming Soon: WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG by Simon R. Green

Posted on Wednesday, August 24th, 2022

In just a couple of months, Severn House is due to publish the third novel starring master conman Gideon Sable novel! Written by Simon R. Green, WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG is due to be published on October 4th in the UK and North America.

The tables are turned on legendary master thief Gideon Sable when a priceless magical artifact is stolen from him, in this fast-paced supernatural heist thriller.

You can find everything you’ve ever dreamed of in the strange, old magical shop known as Old Harry’s Place. The problem is, not all dreams are kind.

Gideon Sable – legendary master thief, conman and well-dressed rogue – and his partner in crime Annie Anybody don’t want to be shopkeepers, but when the enigmatic Harry decides to retire, he blackmails the pair into taking the store on.

Before the grand reopening can happen, however, a menacing stranger arrives – with a rare and deadly item for them to appraise. A small piece of rock, with an unnerving aura, which ‘Smith’ claims contains the last echoes of the legendary sirens’ song. Before they can find out more, however, Smith vanishes… leaving only the stone.

Some valuables are more trouble than they’re worth. But before Gideon and Annie can work out if they’ve been set up, the stone is stolen from its impregnable hiding place. How? And why? Gideon only knows one thing for certain: no one steals from him and gets away with it…

The first two novels in the series are also published by Severn House (UK and North America): THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL and A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE.

For those looking for even more great supernatural mystery from Green, you should check out his Ishmael Jones mystery series, also published by Severn House.

Zeno represents Simon R. Green in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Coming Soon: Jonathan Carroll’s MR. BREAKFAST!

Posted on Monday, August 22nd, 2022

Early next year, Melville House is due to publish the new novel from Jonathan Carroll: MR. BREAKFAST! Due to arrive on shelves on January 17th, 2023, we can’t think of many better ways to start the year! Check out the synopsis…

Graham Patterson’s life has hit a dead end. His career as a comedian is failing. The love of his life recently broke up with him and he literally has no idea what to do next. With nothing to lose, he buys a new car and hits the road, planning to drive across country and hopefully figure out his next moves before reaching California.

But along the way Patterson does something his old self would never have even considered: he gets tattooed by a brilliant tattoo artist in North Carolina. The decision sets off a series of extraordinary events that changes his life forever in ways he never could have imagined. Among other things, Patterson is gifted with the ability to see in real time three different lives that are available to him. The choice is his: The life he is leading right now, or two very different ones. In all of them there is love or fame and of course danger because once he has chosen, there is no telling what will happen next.

Mr. Breakfast is a dazzling, absorbing and deeply moving novel about the choices that we have to confront and face, confirming Jonathan Carroll’s status as one of our greatest and most imaginative storytellers.

Jonathan Carroll is the critically-acclaimed, multi-award winning author of sixteen novels (this makes it seventeen), multiple short stories and collections. His work has won a Pushcart Prize, World Fantasy award, British Fantasy award, two French Fantasy awards, and the Bram Stoker Award.

New Audiobook Edition of A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER Out Next Week!

Posted on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022

A new audiobook edition of Roger Zelzany‘s A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER is due to be published next week! Published by Recorded Books, the beloved novel is narrated by Matt Godfrey. Here’s the synopsis…

Loyally accompanying a mysterious knife-wielding gentleman named Jack on his midnight rounds through the murky streets of London, good dog Snuff is busy helping his master collect the grisly ingredients needed for an unearthly rite that will take place not long after the death of the moon. But Snuff and his master are not alone. All manner of participants, both human and not, are gathering with their ancient tools and their animal familiars in preparation for the dread night. It is brave, devoted Snuff who must calculate the patterns of the Game and keep track of the Players — the witch, the mad monk, the vengeful vicar, the Count who sleeps by day, the Good Doctor and the hulking Experiment Man he fashioned from human body parts, and a wild-card American named Larry Talbot — all the while keeping Things at bay and staying a leap ahead of the Great Detective, who knows quite a bit more than he lets on.

Boldly original and wildly entertaining, A Night in the Lonesome October is a darkly sparkling gem, an amalgam of horror, humor, mystery, and fantasy. First published in 1993, it was Zelazny’s last book prior to his untimely death. Many consider it the best of the fantasy master’s novels. It has inspired many fans to read it every year in October, a chapter a day, and served as inspiration for Neil Gaiman’s brilliant story “Only the End of the World Again.”

Godfrey has also narrated the new audiobook editions of Zelazny’s ROADMARKS, CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS, and LORD AND LIGHT (all published by Recorded Books).

The print and eBook editions of the novel are published in the UK by Farrago Books.

Announcing LONDON BLOCK BY BLOCK!

Posted on Monday, August 8th, 2022

We’re very happy to report that Stevie Finegan has sold World Rights to Cierra Block‘s LONDON BLOCK BY BLOCK to OH! Editions, in a two-book deal. The deal was announced by The Bookseller and BookBrunch late last week. The book — which will be out in September — is based on Block’s popular Instagram account, which she launched in 2018, and features highly-detailed illustrations of some of the best and most interesting spots in London. Here’s the book’s synopsis…

For anyone who loves London – whether you’re visiting for the weekend or are a die-hard local – this is the book for you.

Artist Cierra Block loves to create maps, and this compilation will have you uncovering the best things London has on offer. Featuring the most notable places to eat, what to see, where to walk and what to do, this is a guide like no other.

Vibrantly illustrated, Cierra lists all the top addresses and areas to explore. Find out where to indulge in the best afternoon tea and festive mince pies; jump on a bike and take a spin around Shoreditch or Hampstead like a local; or follow in the footsteps of the Suffragettes.

From haunted spots for true-crime lovers, to the best bookshops, romantic strolls and coffee pit-stops, London, Block by Block will make your next visit to London the most memorable one yet.

The book is due to be published in the UK on September 15th, and in North America on September 20th. Spanish rights have also sold to Editorial Planeta SA.

Associate publisher of OH! Editions Kate Pollard had this to say of the books…

‘Cierra’s maps are not just beautiful to look at, they contain addresses of hidden gems that even London locals might not know about. I’m thrilled to have worked with Cierra on this project, and I must confess that I myself have discovered some new haunts and rediscovered some areas of London I’d forgotten about during lockdown. I’m very much looking forward to working with her on her next instalment.’

New Ukrainian Edition of Roger Zelazny’s THIS IMMORTAL Out Now!

Posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2022

A new Ukrainian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s classic THIS IMMORTAL is out now! Published by Богдан as Цей безсмертний, and translated by Denys Dömin (Денис Дьомін), here’s the synopsis…

Уявіть-но малолюдну, богами забуту «планету розваг», куди прилітають гульнути й оглянути старожитності зарозумілі космічні чужинці. Таке-от майбутнє Землі після Триденного інциденту. Що не загидила радіація, пішло під курорти, де тубільці — прислуга. Більшість не проти, але дехто затявся: Земля — для людей. Це історія вічного (гадаєте, перебільшення?) революціонера, який відмовився був од тероризму, аж тут минуле знов ожило. Він мусить рушати в мандрівку, ще й по-жуль-вернівському екзотичну, на догоду одному прибульцеві — а той, виявляється, має таємне завдання. На користь воно Землі чи на шкоду? Питання життя або смерті… Захопливі пригоди, дотепна іронія, дещиця політичного детективу, епічна героїка в дусі грецьких легенд і теологічні загадки — ось яку мішанку містить ця книжка (перший роман видатного фантаста), заслужено поділивши премію «Г’юґо» не з чимось, а з «Дюною».

First published in 1966, THIS IMMORTAL won Hugo Award for Best Novel (1966), Geffen Award for Best Translated Science Fiction Book (2009), Seiun Award 星雲賞 for Best Foreign Novel of the Year (1976). Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Conrad Nomikos has a long, rich personal history that he’d rather not talk about. And, as arts commissioner, he’s been given a job he’d rather not do. Escorting an alien grandee on a guided tour of the shattered remains of Earth is not something he relishes — especially since it is apparent that this places him at the center of high-level intrigue that has some bearing on the future of Earth itself. But Conrad is a very special guy…

THIS IMMORTAL is also available in France (Helios), Russia (Эксмо), and Turkey (İthaki Yayınları).

Peter V. Brett’s THE DESERT PRINCE Out Next Week in UK Paperback

Posted on Wednesday, July 27th, 2022

The UK paperback edition of Peter V. Brett‘s latest novel, THE DESERT PRINCE is out next week! The first novel in the Nightfall Saga, set in the same world as the author’s internationally-bestselling and acclaimed Demon Cycle series, it is published by Harper Voyager. Here’s the synopsis…

Fifteen years have passed since the demons were destroyed. Heroes have become legend, and those that remain live in their shadows.

Olive, Princess of Hollow, has her entire life planned out — a steady march toward succession. But the more her mother writes the script, the more Olive rails against playing the parts she is assigned.

Darin is the son of the man people say saved the world. Everyone expects greatness from Darin, but the only thing he’s ever been great at is hiding.

But now it’s time to fight the darkness.

When Olive and Darin step across the wards one night, they learn that the demons are not all gone, and those that remain hunger for revenge.

Are Darin and Olive ready to be heroes?

Here are some of the great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘Epic in scale and emotionally intimate, it delivers immaculate world-building, complex politics … and propulsive, edge-of-the-seat plotting. Settle down for a feast of turns, twists, magic and an astonishing, non-gratuitous bit of brain-eating.’ — Daily Mail

‘THE DESERT PRINCE is a statement by its author that his first series’ popularity was no fluke, and cements him as a top notch author…This new book is pure joy for fans of The Demon Cycle, but also offers such a solid story and thrilling entertainment on it’s own that even new readers will have no problem in finding themselves enthralled by this world… [A] masterpiece.’ — The Book Pyramid

‘Focusing on Jardir and Arlen’s children, Brett launches a new saga that allows readers relatively easy entrance into the series.’ — SFF World

‘An intricately crafted tale of intrigue and courage where one’s station and lineage determines everything, good and bad. An exciting read. Peter Brett has outdone himself with this first book in a new series.’ — Terry Brooks, NYT Bestselling author of the Shannara books

‘THE DESERT PRINCE is a deeply intimate, yet epic adventure. Heart-wrenching, smart, and modern, this book kept me wide-eyed and wide awake for many-a-nights as I struggled step-for-step alongside Olive and Darin from the green lands to the desert pits to the darkest recesses of the demon minds. THE DESERT PRINCE has set a new standard for fantasy.’ — Wesley Chu, #1 NYT Bestselling author of the War Arts Saga

‘Peter Brett takes the reader with him and his characters on an electric and unrelenting charge through the demon-haunted depths of the Warded universe, full of love and death.’ — Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of Uprooted

‘THE DESERT PRINCE is an enjoyable fantasy, with an interesting setting and conflict, some deep characterization, several moving moments, and good fight scenes.’ — Fantasy Literature

‘If you love the epic fantasy genre, this will make you feel right at home […] Peter V. Brett slips right back into the rhythm of things without compromising the characteristic elements of the original series while putting a new generation in the spotlight and allowing them a chance to endear themselves into the hearts of readers new and old.’ — BiblioSanctum

‘THE DESERT PRINCE is a book that demands you turn the page, a book that that you think about when you cant be with it, a book that is relentless in its need to be read. Brett is a master storyteller.’ — FanFiAddict (9.5/10)

Voyager also publishes Brett’s Demon Cycle novels and novellas in the UK.

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

New Die Flüsse von London Double-Audiobook Available Now!

Posted on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

GoyaLiT, an imprint of Jumbo Verlag, has released a fourth audiobook omnibus in Ben Aaronovitch‘s Die Flüsse von London series! IHR AUFRITT, PETER GRANT collects the seventh and eighth novels in the series: DIE GLOCKE VON WHITECHAPEL (LIES SLEEPING) and EIN WEISSER SCHWAN IN TABERNACLE STREET (FALSE VALUE). Narrated once again by the excellent Dietmar Wunder, here’s the synopsis…

DIE GLOCKE VON WHITECHAPEL

Constable und Zauberlehrling Peter Grant steht vor seiner größten Herausforderung: Das Schicksal Londons steht auf dem Spiel. Der gesichtslose Magier, verantwortlich für grauenvolle übernatürliche Verbrechen, ist zwar endlich demaskiert und auf der Flucht. Doch er verfolgt einen perfiden Plan, der ganz London in den Abgrund stürzen könnte. Um den Gesichtslosen zu stoppen, muss Peter all seine magischen Kräfte aufbieten und einen bösen alten Bekannten kontaktieren: Mr Punch, den mörderischen Geist des Aufruhrs und der Rebellion.

EIN WEISSER SCHWAN IN TABERNACLE STREET

Peter Grant, unser Lieblings-Bobby und Zauberlehrling, ist suspendiert und zumindest für eine Weile kein Bobby mehr. Dafür wird er in Zukunft im Privatleben umso mehr gefordert sein, was ihn zu gleichen Teilen mit Panik und Begeisterung erfüllt. Um nicht untätig herumzusitzen und Nägel zu kauen, heuert er bei der Serious Cybernetics Company an, dem neuesten Projekt des Internet-Genies Terrence Skinner. Und prompt holt die Magie ihn wieder ein. Denn in den Tiefen der SCC ist ein Geheimnis verborgen, eine geheime magische Technologie, die zurückreicht bis weit ins 19. Jahrhundert, das Zeitalter von Ada Lovelace und Charles Babbage. Und die brandgefährlich ist für die Welt.

The other three double-audiobooks are: GESTATTEN: PETER GRANT, IHR EINSATZ, PETER GRANT, and PETER GRANT ERMITTELT.

The best-selling print and eBook editions of the series are published in Germany by DTV.

The Rivers of London series is published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas); the series has also been published widely around the world. The latest novel is the #1-bestselling AMONGST OUR WEAPONS.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for LIES SLEEPING…

Martin Chorley, aka the Faceless Man, wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud and crimes against humanity, has been unmasked and is on the run.

Peter Grant, Detective Constable and apprentice wizard, now plays a key role in an unprecedented joint operation to bring Chorley to justice.

But even as the unwieldy might of the Metropolitan Police bears down on its foe, Peter uncovers clues that Chorley, far from being finished, is executing the final stages of a long term plan.

A plan that has its roots in London’s two thousand bloody years of history, and could literally bring the city to its knees.

To save his beloved city Peter’s going to need help from his former best friend and colleague – Lesley May – who brutally betrayed him and everything he thought she believed in. And, far worse, he might even have to come to terms with the malevolent supernatural killer and agent of chaos known as Mr Punch…

Ian McDonald and Roger Zelazny Get New Italian Editions

Posted on Friday, July 15th, 2022

Italian publisher Urania is celebrating their 70th anniversary publishing great science fiction. To celebrate, the publisher has paired up with Corriere della Sera and La Gazzetta dello Sport to release a selection of 25 notable titles. We’re very happy to report that included in this selection are Ian McDonald‘s THE BROKEN LAND and Roger Zelazny‘s TO DIE IN ITALBAR!

Both books have new covers by Franco Brambilla. Read on for some more details about each book.

Ian McDonald‘s THE BROKEN LAND is published in Italy as LA TERRA INFRANTA. Here’s the synopsis…

Siamo in un futuro lontano, sulla Terra. Il villaggio di Chepsenyt è un’enclave pacifica e autosufficiente i cui residenti vivono in armonia con la natura attraverso le loro conoscenze di ingegneria genetica. Ma quando le truppe dell’Impero scoprono che tra la popolazione si celano dei ribelli, il villaggio viene dato alle fiamme e gli abitanti si disperdono. Da qui parte il doloroso viaggio della giovane Mathembe Fileli verso l’età adulta, per sopravvivere e ritrovare la propria famiglia.

The novel is published in English by JABberwocky. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Grandfather was a tree, Father grew trux, in fifteen colours. Mother could sing the double-helix song, sing it right into the hearts of living things and change them…

The Land is a living, breathing, sentient world, where careful skills and talent can manipulate its very substance into a myriad different shapes and forms.

This is the world in which Mathembe Fileli grows up, until the conflicts tearing her country apart shatter her village, her home and her family and scatter them to the four winds. Can Mathembe reunite her family in a world full of angels, talking trees, squalor and glory?

Urania have published a number of Ian’s other books in Italy: the Luna series, the India 2047 series, and the Everness trilogy. You can find out more about them here.

*

Roger Zelazny‘s TO DIE IN ITALBAR is the second novel in the author’s Francis Sandow duology — the first is ISLE OF THE DEAD (1969). TO DIE IN ITALBAR is published in Italy as MORIRE A ITALBAR. Here’s the synopsis…

«Il sentiero era la sua vita. Le tombe, il simbolo delle centinaia, no, forse migliaia, di morti che si era lasciati indietro. Al suo tocco gli uomini morivano. Il suo alito appassiva intere città. Dove arrivava la sua ombra, talvolta non rimaneva nulla. Pure, era suo potere vincere le malattie. E proprio adesso arrancava faticosamente con questa intenzione. Era conosciuto per questo, anche se solo con il nome H.»

Questo romanzo è stato definito un’avventura assurda: personaggi vividi, un ritmo veloce ed emozioni forti sono scaturiti dalla fertile immaginazione di Roger Zelazny.

TO DIE IN ITALBAR was first published in 1971. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

The Walker in the Valley of the Shadow

H was the name he was known by. H was unique in the galaxy, for he had the healing touch. Where there was plague, sickness, pain, H was the universal cure.

But H also had the slaying touch. Where he went death and disaster often followed. Where there had been health there would be left desolation and desert.

The talent alternated. It reversed itself — and H always warned people of this. To live in Italbar or TO DIE IN ITALBAR, that was always the question.

Three other novels by Zelazny are published by Urania: THE DREAM MASTER, EYE OF CAT, DAMNATION ALLEY; and the publisher has also released DOPPIA DIMENSIONE, which is an anthology including HOME IS THE HANGMAN and HE WHO SHAPES.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s THE DAUGHER OF DOCTOR MOREAU Out Next Week!

Posted on Monday, July 11th, 2022

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU, the latest masterpiece by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, is out next week in the UK! Due to be published by Jo Fletcher Books, here’s the synopsis…

Carlota Moreau: A young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula, the only daughter of a genius – or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: A melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol, an outcast who assists Dr Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas with plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: The fruits of the Doctor’s labour, destined to blindly obey their creator while they remain in the shadows, are a motley group of part-human, part-animal monstrosities.

All of them are living in a perfectly balanced and static world which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron – who will, unwittingly, begin a dangerous chain-reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and in the sweltering heat of the jungle passions may ignite.

The book will also be available in two special, sprayed-edge signed hardcover editions from Waterstones, which is available to pre-order now.

Unsurprisingly, THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU has already been wracking up plenty of glowing reviews…

‘ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2022’ – She Reads

‘The imagination of Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a thing of wonder, restless and romantic, fearless in the face of genre, embracing the polarities of storytelling’ – New York Times

‘[T]his wholly new novel paints a vivid picture that is as alluring as it is unsettling, filled with action, romance, and monsters. However, it is Moreno-Garcia’s ability to mesh the unease of the scientifically created beasts with the real-life terrors of a life on the margins and the horror of colonialism that elevates this story. Readers will fall into this tale immediately, enchanted.’ — Booklist (Starred Review)

‘With its evocative prose, post-colonial historical setting that drives the plot, and the introduction of vibrant, fascinating characters, both familiar and new, THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU very much stands on its own.’ — Locus

‘[T]he setup is crucial to the book’s action-packed second half, and the payoff is worth it. Moreno-Garcia’s previous work has spanned genres — horror in Mexican Gothic (2020), noir in Velvet Was the Night (2021) — and in this volume, she deftly combines fantasy, adventure, and even romance; the result is hard to classify but definitely a lot of fun. This isn’t the first book to riff on H.G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), but it’s definitely one of the better ones. A fun literary remix.’ — Kirkus

‘This imaginative retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau takes place in 19th-century Mexico, revolving around the sole daughter of a reclusive researcher (who may or may not be a madman) and the unexpected guest whose curiosity compels Carlota to question things herself. It’s got action, romance, and even monsters — what more could ya want??’ — Cosmopolitan

‘Silvia Moreno-Garcia stuns us once again with her atmospheric world-building and beautiful prose in this historical reimagining of H. G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau. Fans of Gods of Jade and Shadow and Mexican Gothic will rejoice to have another fantastic read to add to their collection.’ — Barnes & Noble

‘If there are two things I love in this world, it’s contemporary reimaginings of Victorian era horror and sci-fi, and joyful genre mashups in literature. Thank the Lord, then, for Silvia Moreno-Garcia… A thrilling fable of imperialism and exploitation… This sublime hybrid of historical, speculative, and gothic fiction might be Moreno-Garcia’s best yet.’ — LitHub

‘I can’t get enough of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s playful takes on classic genres… steeped in sultry atmospherics…’ — CrimeReads

Zeno represents Silvia Moreno-Garcia in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

THE BEST OF WORLD SF, Vol.2 Announced!

Posted on Friday, July 8th, 2022

We’re very happy to report that the full details of THE BEST OF WORLD SF, Volume 2 have now been unveiled! Following on from the success of the first volume in the series, this one is also edited by Lavie Tidhar, and is due to be published by Head of Zeus/AdAstra in the UK (October 13th) and North America (November 1st). Here’s the synopsis…

Twenty-nine new short stories representing the state of the art in international science fiction.

The second annual instalment to the ‘rare and wonderful’ (The Times) The Best of World SF Volume 1, this collection features twenty-nine stories, including eight written exclusively for this collection. This is not a retrospective of what science fiction around the world used to look like. This is a snapshot of what some of it looks like now. And it’s never been more exciting.

Navigating around the globe, The Best of World SF Volume 2 features writers from: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Bolivia, China, Czech Republic, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Each story has been selected by World SF expert and award-winning author Lavie Tidhar in a collection which traces the ever-changing meaning of the genre from some the most exciting voices writing today.

Here’s the full Table of Contents…

  • Nadia Afifi, THE BAHRAIN UNDERGROUND BAZAAR (Bahrain)
  • Lavanya Lakshminarayan, THE TEN-PERCENT THIEF (India)
  • Frances Ogamba, AT DESK 9501 (Nigeria) *
  • Isabel Yap, MILAGROSO (The Philippines)
  • Saad Z. Hossain, BRING YOUR OWN SPOON (Bangladesh)
  • Yukimi Ogawa, BLUE GREY BLUE (Japan)
  • Xing He, YOUR MULTICOLORED LIFE (China), trans. Andy Dudak
  • Nalo Hopkinson, THE EASTHOUND (Jamaica)
  • Pan Haitian, DEAD MAN, AWAKE, SING TO THE SUN! (China), trans. Joel Martinsen *
  • Jacques Barcia, SALVAGING GODS (Brazil)
  • Edmundo Paz Soldán, THE NEXT MOVE (Bolivia), trans. Jessica Sequeira *
  • Dilman Dila, THE CLAY CHILD (Uganda) *
  • Natalia Theodoridou, TO SET AT TWILIGHT IN A LAND OF REEDS (Greece)
  • Bef, THE BEAST HAS DIED (Mexico), trans. Brian L. Price
  • Alberto Chimal, TWENTY ABOUT ROBOTS (Mexico), trans. Fionn Petch
  • Wole Talabi, THE REGRESSION TEST (Nigeria),
  • William Tham Wai Liang, KAKAK (Malaysia)
  • Usman T. Malik, BEYOND THESE STARS OTHER TRIBULATIONS OF LOVE (Pakistan)
  • Julie Novakova, A FLAW IN THE WORKS (Czech Republic), trans. by author *
  • Cassandra Khaw, WHEN WE DIE ON MARS (Malaysia)
  • Karen Lord and Tobias S. Buckell, THE MIGHTY SLINGER (Barbados/Grenada)
  • T.L. Huchu, CORIALIS (Zimbabwe)
  • Clelia Farris, THE SUBSTANCE OF IDEAS (Italy), trans. Rachel S. Cordasco
  • Agnieszka Hałas, SLEEPING BEAUTIES (Poland), trans. by author *
  • Samit Basu, WAKING NYDRA (India) *
  • Neon Yang, BETWEEN THE FIRMAMENTS (Singapore)
  • Bo-Young Kim, WHALE SNOWS DOWN (South Korea), trans. Sophie Bowman
  • Hassan Blasim, THE GARDENS OF BABYLON (Iraq), trans. Jonathan Wright
  • K.A. Teryna, THE FARCTORY (Russia), trans. Alex Shvartsman *

(Stories indicated with an * are original for this volume.)

Here are some of the reviews the first has volume received…

‘This handsome volume from Head of Zeus is a major step on a 45-year journey to bring global speculative fiction to Anglophone attention… The print edition of THE BEST OF WORLD SF: Volume 1 is truly a thing of beauty, providing gravitas and a wider audience for the authors it collects… There are many striking stories in the collection… This anthology is just the start of a whole new game for speculative fiction authors around the world’ — LA Review of Books

‘An excellent, lovingly curated collection that is also uniformly well translated’ — Financial Times

‘Tidhar gives a cheerful, fannish introduction to the stories, drawn from 26 countries on five continents, and encompassing a dizzying range of tones and approaches’ — The Times

THE BEST OF WORLD SF, Volume 1 is out now, available in paperback.

Peter Flannery’s DECIMUS FATE AND THE TALISMAN OF DREAMS Available in Poland!

Posted on Monday, July 4th, 2022

Peter A. Flannery‘s first Decimus Fate novel is available in Poland! DECIMUS FATE AND THE TALISMAN OF DREAMS is published by Fabryka Słów, as DECIMUS FATE I TALIZMAN MARZEŃ. Here’s the synopsis…

Decimus Fate — potężny mag, który wyrzekł się magii, by odpokutować dawne grzechy.

Opiekun — łowca demonów, który już na nie nie poluje.

Obaj niosą na barkach brzemię popełnionych uczynków, niewyobrażalnej straty i wzajemnej nienawiści. W każdym tli się nadal płomyk dobra i chęć zapłacenia światu za dawne uczynki.

Tajemnicza zaraza w klasztorze Tan Jit Su staje się do tego znakomitą okazją. Jednak śmiercionośna choroba, choć przerażająca, zdaje się tylko początkiem problemów, jakie spadną na obu mężczyzn w chwili ich pierwszego spotkania.

Niestety, sumienia nie da się oczyścić równie łatwo, co miecza z krwi a skrzywdzeni ludzie nie zapominają tylko dlatego, że ktoś poprosił o wybaczenie.

The novel is also available in English, published by the author. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Decimus Fate and the Tutor… A sorcerer who no longer wields magic, and a demon hunter who no longer hunts demons. Two dangerous men, each with a dark and troubled past, now forced to work together in the river city of Guile. As the story unfolds they find themselves caught in a web of danger from ruthless crime lords, vengeful assassins and evil magic-users who draw their power from the realm of demons. Will Fate and the Tutor learn to trust each other or will one sacrifice the other to save his own skin?

Fabryka Słów also publishes Flannery’s BATTLE MAGE in Poland in a split edition, MAG BITEWNY. (The novel is also available in France, Germany, and Czechia.)

Zeno represents Peter A. Flannery in Translation.