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JUDGE DEE Returns!

Posted on Thursday, February 11th, 2021

Judge Dee, Lavie Tidhar‘s vampire detective, returns! A new short story starring the character, JUDGE DEE AND THE THREE DEATHS OF COUNT WERDENFELS is out now! Available to read on Tor.com’s website, and also as an eBook, it’s another great detective story with a horror twist.

Judge Dee is back to solve a brand-new case involving the mysterious death of the vampire Count Werdenfels. The mystery? Who killed him. The twist? Three different people are proudly proclaiming to have committed the crime.

The first story, JUDGE DEE AND THE LIMITS OF THE LAW is also still available, on Tor.com and as an eBook.

Lavie’s latest full-length novel, the acclaimed BY FORCE ALONE is also out now, published by Head of Zeus in the UK and Tor Books in North America.

‘Profane, hilarious, brutal… kills as both sheer entertainment and canny political statement. To my fellow writers: the Arthurian Revision category is now closed. Take your ball and go home.’ — Daryl Gregory

‘BY FORCE ALONE is a highly original take on Arthurian legend featuring aliens, a radioactive no-go area, a dragon sighting and the hunt for the Grail. Lancelot’s a ninja warrior, Merlin a fey creature, and Arthur a street kid… Sometimes when a writer has the audacity to revisit stories that others would avoid for fear of over-familiarity, they can steal the power of the oldest tales.’ — SFX

‘Tidhar saturates this epic adventure with profanity, dark humor, sword-sharp twists, and unexpected moments of pathos. Readers who hold King Arthur dear to their hearts will be gratified by Tidhar’s attention to detail amidst the innovation. This dark, imaginative take on a classic is sure to impress.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘One of the most purely enjoyable novels of the year, Lavie Tidhar’s BY FORCE ALONE, which reads very much like an Arthurian fantasy by someone who’s lost patience with Arthurian fantasies. With its punk, post-Brexit sensibility, its cavalier anachronisms, and genre-hopping that takes us everywhere from kung fu movies to Beowulf to the Strugatskys’ Roadside Picnic, it might well upset Arthurian purists, but is marvelous example of the anarchic possibilities of post-postmodern fantasy.’ — Locus

‘The novel is a bloody, bravura performance, which Tidhar pulls off with graphic imagery and modern vernacular… a salutary antidote to the more romantic glossings of recent modern fantasy.’ — Guardian

New Audio Edition of THE FURTHEST STATION out tomorrow in North America!

Posted on Monday, February 8th, 2021

Ben Aaronovitch‘s first Rivers of London novella, THE FURTHEST STATION is out tomorrow in a new audio edition. Published by Tantor Media, and narrated by the ever-excellent Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, here’s the synopsis…

There have been ghosts on the London Underground, sad, harmless specters whose presence does little more than give a frisson to traveling and boost tourism. But now there’s a rash of sightings on the Metropolitan Line and these ghosts are frightening, aggressive, and seem to be looking for something.

Enter PC Peter Grant, junior member of the Metropolitan Police’s Special Assessment Unit, AKA The Folly, AKA the only police officers whose official duties include ghost hunting. Together with Jaget Kumar, his counterpart at the British Transport Police, he must brave the terrifying crush of London’s rush hour to find the source of the ghosts.

Joined by Peter’s wannabe wizard cousin, a preschool river god, and Toby the ghost hunting dog, their investigation takes a darker tone as they realize that a real person’s life might just be on the line.

And time is running out to save them.

The Peter Grant/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 is also available in a growing number of translated editions around the world.

Here are just a few reviews that THE FURTHEST STATION has received so far…

‘Aaronvitch guarantees a thrilling read; his style and approach to world building are simply too tight and too accomplished not to. THE FURTHEST STATION is a strong example of compact and intense storytelling… We get some nice character development, especially via Peter’s cousin. She’s beginning to dabble in magic herself, which is a little like learning to juggle hand live hand grenades, and this provides a decent B-plot. THE FURTHEST STATION is short, but perfectly formed.’ — Starburst

‘An excellent entry point to the Peter Grant series for newcomers who like their urban fantasies rendered with a light touch… The story is intriguing enough to pull readers along, and Peter’s dry humor will linger in the memory.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Though it be but little, this newest adventures of PC Peter Grant (technically book 5.7 in the Peter Grant/Rivers of London series) is fiercely entertaining; the endlessly imaginative Aaronovitch is in top form. Perhaps because there is so much intrigue, ghostly action and unique characterization packed into such a comparatively small space, the deft blend of supernatural adventure and police procedural is particularly impressive here, as Grant is called upon to use all the tools at his disposal, both the magical and the mundane.’ — RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)

‘So entertaining that I’d readily recommend it to newcomers and old fans alike… perfect for someone who just wants to dip their toes into the world before deciding to take the plunge into the novels… a wonderful book.’ — Bibliosanctum

‘Thoroughly enjoyable, and thoroughly recommended.’ — SF&F Reviews

Charlaine Harris’s THE RUSSIAN CAGE out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Friday, February 5th, 2021

THE RUSSIAN CAGE, the highly anticipated third Gunnie Rose novel by Charlaine Harris, is due out in the UK in just three weeks (February 23rd)! To be published by Piatkus, here’s the synopsis…

Alternate history of the United States where magic is an acknowledged but despised power in this third instalment of the Gunnie Rose series.

Picking up right where A Longer Fall left off, this thrilling third instalment follows Lizbeth Rose as she takes on one of her most dangerous missions yet: rescuing her estranged partner, Prince Eli, from the Holy Russian Empire. Once in San Diego, Lizbeth is going to have to rely upon her sister Felicia, and her growing Grigori powers to navigate her way through this strange new world of royalty and deception in order to get Eli freed from jail where he’s being held for murder.

THE RUSSIAN CAGE continues to ramp up the momentum with more of everything Harris’ readers adore her for with romance, intrigue, and a deep dive into the mysterious Holy Russian Empire.

The first two novels in the series — AN EASY DEATH and A LONGER FALL — are also published in the UK by Piatkus.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘An entertaining addition to a consistently fun series.’ — Kirkus on THE RUSSIAN CAGE

‘Rarely a dull moment. Fans of Harris’s daring heroine will be pleased to accompany her on her latest adventure.’ — Publishers Weekly on THE RUSSIAN CAGE

‘In this fast-paced thriller fueled by magic and gunslinging, no one can be trusted. Harris’s vividly detailed story will leave readers enthralled with the fascinating setting and a heroine who’s sure to be a new fan favorite.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on AN EASY DEATH

‘Harris…populates her gritty, immersive new world with genuinely interesting characters, and chilling moments of horror — of both the human and supernatural kind—punctuate this relentlessly paced road trip. A refreshing and cinematic, weird Western starring a sharp-as-nails, can-do heroine. Harris’ many fans will surely follow Gunnie Rose anywhere.’ — Kirkus on AN EASY DEATH

‘It’s a thrill ride through a world transformed by magic and altered politics, with an excellent kick-ass guide in Gunnie Rose, making this a strong start to a new series.’ — Locus on AN EASY DEATH

‘AN EASY DEATH offers up a world worth exploring and a character you’ll want to explore it with.’ — B&N’s Sci Fi and Fantasy Blog on AN EASY DEATH

‘[A] shoot’em-up, rollicking ride.’ — Kirkus on A LONGER FALL

‘Everything a reader wants or can expect is here. Mystery, magic, romance, adventure, action, and best of all, a fascinatingly imagined alternate America peopled with intriguing characters.’ — Writing Pages on A LONGER FALL

‘Harris’ imagination is on high alert as she takes chances with A LONGER FALL and her characters.’ — Sun Sentinel on A LONGER FALL

‘Left me wanting more’ — Locus on A LONGER FALL

Piatkus also publishes all of Charlaine’s acclaimed Aurora Teagarden series in the UK.

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

Next Week: TEA & MURDER by Aliette de Bodard!

Posted on Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Aliette de Bodard has a new audiobook out next week! TEA AND MURDER is a collection featuring two of the author’s acclaimed Xuya novellas: THE CITADEL OF WEEPING PEARLS and THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE! Published by Blackstone/Skyboat Media, here’s the synopsis…

Two novellas set in Aliette de Bodard’s award-winning, critically acclaimed Xuya universe, a timeline where Asia became dominant and where the space age has Confucian galactic empires of Vietnamese and Chinese inspiration.

THE CITADEL OF WEEPING PEARLS

The Citadel of Weeping Pearls was a great wonder; a perfect meld between cutting-edge technology and esoteric sciences — its inhabitants capable of teleporting themselves anywhere, its weapons small and undetectable and deadly. Thirty years ago, threatened by an invading fleet from the Dai Viet Empire, the Citadel disappeared and was never seen again. But now the empire itself is under siege, on the verge of a war against an enemy that turns their own mindships against them; and the Empress, who once gave the order to raze the Citadel, is in desperate need of its weapons.

Meanwhile, on a small isolated space station, an engineer obsessed with the past works on a machine that will send her 30 years back, to the height of the Citadel’s power. But the Citadel’s disappearance still extends chains of grief and regret all the way into the fraught atmosphere of the Imperial Court; and this casual summoning of the past might have world-shattering consequences.

THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE

Welcome to the Scattered Pearls Belt, a collection of ring habitats and orbitals ruled by exiled human scholars and powerful families, and held together by living mindships who carry people and freight between the stars. In this fluid society, human and mindship avatars mingle in corridors and in function rooms, and physical and virtual realities overlap, the appearance of environments easily modified and adapted to interlocutors or current mood.

A transport ship discharged from military service after a traumatic injury, The Shadow’s Child now ekes out a precarious living as a brewer of mind-altering drugs for the comfort of space-travellers. Meanwhile, abrasive and eccentric scholar Long Chau wants to find a corpse for a scientific study. When Long Chau walks into her office, The Shadow’s Child expects an unpleasant but easy assignment. When the corpse turns out to have been murdered, Long Chau feels compelled to investigate, dragging The Shadow’s Child with her.

As they dig deep into the victim’s past, The Shadow’s Child realises that the investigation points to Long Chau’s own murky past — and, ultimately, to the dark and unbearable void that lies between the stars.

Aliette’s Xuya fiction is published in print and eBook by Subterranean Press in North America, and JABberwocky in the UK…

Here are just a few of the great reviews the two novellas have received so far…

‘De Bodard revisits her far-future Xuya universe setting with this gripping novella about damaged characters driven to search for the truth… De Bodard constructs a convincingly gritty setting and a pair of unique characters with provocative histories and compelling motivations. The story works as well as both science fiction and murder mystery, exploring a future where pride, guilt, and mercy are not solely the province of humans.’ — Publishers Weekly on THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE

‘As a classical blend of far-future SF and traditional murder mystery, THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE should satisfy readers unfamiliar with the Xuya universe, but at the same time it’s an intriguing introduction to that universe, much of which seems to lie just outside the borders of this entertaining tale.’ — Locus (Gary K. Wolfe)

‘This slim volume packs a visceral punch. Absorbing prose pulls readers into the dark, frigid space between stars, where ships can fail, physically and emotionally, as easily as people… this novella offers sf fans an imaginative read.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review) on THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE

A science-fictional ode to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, where the Holmes figure is a sharp and biting disgraced aristocratic scholar with a solid core of empathy, and the Watson-figure is a mindship with post-traumatic stress disorder from her war experiences… This is a measured, almost stately story, right up until a conclusion that explodes in fast-paced tension. It preserves the empathy and the intensity of the original Sherlockian stories, while being told in de Bodard’s sharp prose and modern style. The worldbuilding… sparkles. The characters have presence: they’re individual and compelling. And it ends it a way that recalls the original Holmes and Watson, while being perfectly appropriate to itself.’ — Tor.com on THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE

‘De Bodard’s world building glitters, and her characters are deeply compelling… It becomes clear early on that THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE is strongly influenced by, if not directly based upon, the Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson stories of Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s measured, almost stately, up until the conclusion, where the tension explodes into high gear. It preserves the empathy and the intensity of the original Sherlockian stories, while being told in de Bodard’s cut-glass prose and inimitable modern style. This is a really satisfying story, deeply invested in choosing to do the right thing – and in the importance of kindness. I strongly recommend it.’ — Locus (Liz Bourke)

‘[A] window onto a beautifully developed world that widens the meaning of space opera, one that centers on Chinese and Vietnamese cultures and customs instead of Western military conventions, and is all the more welcome for it.’ — New York Times on THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE

‘… a beautifully written, bittersweet mystery in a wonderfully imaginative space setting. Readers who are patient and attentive will be amply rewarded by reading this novella.’ — Fantasy Literature on THE CITADEL OF WEEPING PEARLS

ICYMI: Anne Griffin’s WHEN ALL IS SAID Out in Ukraine!

Posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021

Anne Griffin‘s critically-acclaimed, best-selling debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID, is available in Ukraine! Published by Vivat as Коли все сказано, here’s the synopsis…

Мене звати Моріс Ганніґан. Мені 84 роки. Я прожив довге життя. Чимало трапилося хорошого, поганого й такого, що я хотів би стерти з пам’яті. Цю ніч я проведу в барі готелю «Рейнсфорд Хауз». Випиваючи за тих, кого любив та ненавидів. За свого брата, заради якого ладен був на все; за дивакувату

своякиню; за доньку та сина, якого не бачив роками; за покійну, та все ще кохану дружину, якій я обіцяв «довго та щасливо». П’ять чарок, щоб розповісти про своє життя. Одна ніч для сповіді. Для згадки про них – п’ятьох найважливіших людей мого життя. Лише їм відомо, ким я був насправді…

The novel is published in the UK and Ireland by Sceptre, in North America by St. Martin’s Press/Picador, and is also available widely in translation (see the covers below). Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories – of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice – the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

North American Paperback Edition of FALSE VALUE Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

FALSE VALUE, Ben Aaronovitch‘s eighth Peter Grant/Rivers of London novel is out today in paperback in the North America! Published by DAW Books, here’s the synopsis…

Peter Grant is facing fatherhood, and an uncertain future, with equal amounts of panic and enthusiasm. Rather than sit around, he takes a job with émigré Silicon Valley tech genius Terrence Skinner’s brand new London start up — the Serious Cybernetics Company.

Drawn into the orbit of Old Street’s famous ‘silicon roundabout’, Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle. But magic is not finished with Mama Grant’s favourite son.

Because Terrence Skinner has a secret hidden in the bowels of the SCC. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it technological — and just as dangerous.

DAW Books has published the Rivers of London/Peter Grant series from book four (BROKEN HOMES). The previous novels are published in North America by Del Rey. The novels in the series are published in North America by Subterranean Press. FALSE VALUE is published in the UK by Gollancz, who also publish the rest of Ben’s novels and novellas in the series. The series has also been published widely in translation (check out Ben’s Client page for more details).

Here are just a few reviews FALSE VALUE has received so far…

‘Aaronovitch showcases a superlative blend of whimsy and grit in the eighth Rivers of London urban fantasy… The suspenseful mystery at the novel’s core is laced with humor and charm. Jim Butcher meets Douglas Adams in this winning series installment.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘… sees Peter taking on new responsibilities both at work and at home and there’s a definite shift in tone towards the stranger side of magic and the broader implications of what a resurgence of strangeness means to the world at large. Aaronovitch is clearly having a blast building on the world he’s already created… The main character is a delight as always… The tone is light, witty, and action packed as always. Cinematic where has to be and detective chic in other places. And, as always, the description of London is so solid and real that you can practically feel the familiar layer of grime the city has… As always, Ben Aaronovitch takes the reader on an unforgettable ride into the fantastic.’ — Starburst (9/10)

‘… my favorite current series… delightful, compulsive and fresh — with a love of multicultural London evident on every page, wonderfully diverse characters, magic, mystery, and mayhem. Once you start, you will literally not be able to put them down.’ — Lavie Tidhar in Washington Post

‘Wonderfully blending technology and magic… Aaronovitch creates a fantastic blend of real-world London, harbouring a secret magical underground, delicately interwoven with an alternative history that touches on the origins of computer programming and the work of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage… a solid crime/detective novel that provides fans of the series with another entertaining adventure for Peter Grant complete with dark humour and explosive action.’ — SciFi Now

‘Written with Ben Aaronovitch’s trademark humor and intelligence, FALSE VALUE looks into the places where technology and magic meet… Given Mr. Aaronovitch’s unflinching commitment to showing off the realistic diversity of modern metropolitan society, this razor sharp commentary will come as no surprise to loyal readers, who will also be pleased at the ongoing developments in Peter’s personal life as he and his goddess girlfriend prepare for parenthood… I envy anyone who hasn’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing these magical police procedurals: you’re in for such a treat, with every book to date being smart, hilarious and wildly entertaining.’ — Criminal Element

New Limited Edition BITTER SEEDS on the way!

Posted on Monday, January 25th, 2021

You may have seen the news via Twitter already, but there’s a new, limited edition of Ian Tregillis‘s superb debut novel, BITTER SEEDS on the way! Due to be published by Midworld Press, you can see the stunning cover above.

BITTER SEEDS is the first novel in the highly-acclaimed Milkweed Triptych, which also includes THE COLDEST WAR and NECESSARY EVIL. The trilogy is published in the UK by Orbit Books, in North America by Tor Books, and in a number of translated editions.

Here’s the synopsis for BITTER SEEDS…

The year is 1939. Raybould Marsh and other members of British Intelligence have gathered to watch a damaged reel of film in a darkened room. It appears to show German troops walking through walls, bursting into flames and hurling tanks into the air from afar.

If the British are to believe their eyes, a twisted Nazi scientist has been endowing German troops with unnatural, unstoppable powers. And Raybould will be forced to resort to dark methods to hold the impending invasion at bay.

But dealing with the occult exacts a price. And that price must be paid in blood.

Milkweed Triptych (North American Covers)

Here are just a few of the many great reviews BITTER SEEDS has received since it was first published…

‘Debut novelist Tregillis breathes new life into alternate military history with this fun take on WWII… exciting and intense, and the clash of magic and (mad) science meshes perfectly with the tumultuous setting.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Tregillis… has created a unique, unsettling, and deeply atmospheric setting; populated it with a diversity of grimly fascinating characters; and turned up the heat with the sort of plot that requires those characters to keep shovelling frantically if they are ever to stay in advance of the needs of the firebox… These are the book’s strengths – its atmosphere, its setting, the vividly imagined consequences of immoral and desperate actions… All in all, this is an excellent first book, and I am eagerly awaiting number two.’ — Tor.Com (Elizabeth Bear)

‘Invoking black magic in an alternate history sounds silly, but Tregillis makes the psychic and physical costs to the combatants so painfully high that the supernatural elements become terrifying indeed. This novel is too bleak to be fun, but true horror was never supposed to be humorous.’ — Cleveland Plain Dealer

‘[O]ne of the best novels I’ve read this year. It’s original, inspired and engrossing from the first page until the last… brilliantly written, and filled with so many great passages – from brisk and realistic dialogue to lush, gothic description. The story kept me guessing until the end, and drops plenty of hints for things to come in the future… a superb novel, and a wonderful start to this series… I loved everything about BITTER SEEDS, and I definitely consider it among my best reads this year.’ — Civilian Reader

‘BITTER SEEDS is a book of questions and is far deeper than you might expect… Aside from the depth of characters and meanings, this book is filled with the kinds of exciting, intelligent and intense scenes that you’ll find in only the best page turners… another huge point regarding BITTER SEEDS and that is that it is just written so damned beautifully. The prose really is some of the most accessible yet academic that I have read in a while. Tregillis writes with authority while displaying a firm understanding of the subtler things that make us human… Whether you are looking for a cool alternate history that questions the core of humanity or just a damned brilliant story with twisted powers and great action, you should check this out and be wowed. It’s one hell of a ride.’ — Fantasy Faction

Ian’s second (and equally acclaimed) trilogy, the Alchemy Wars is also out now, published by Orbit Books in both the UK and North America (it is also available in a growing number of translated editions).

New UK Paperback Edition of Lavie Tidhar’s BY FORCE ALONE out in March!

Posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2021

On March 4th, Head of Zeus are due to publish a new UK paperback edition of Lavie Tidhar‘s critically-acclaimed BY FORCE ALONE — a gritty, superb retelling of the King Arthur myth. Here’s the synopsis…

There is a legend…

Britannia, AD 535

The Romans have gone. While their libraries smoulder, roads decay and cities crumble, men with swords pick over civilisation’s carcass, slaughtering and being slaughtered in turn.

This is the story of just such a man. Like the others, he had a sword. He slew until slain. Unlike the others, we remember him. We remember King Arthur.

This is the story of a land neither green nor pleasant. An eldritch isle of deep forest and dark fell haunted by swaithes, boggarts and tod-lowries, Robin-Goodfellows and Jenny Greenteeths, and predators of rarer appetite yet.

This is the story of a legend forged from a pack of self-serving, turd-gilding, weasel-worded lies told to justify foul deeds and ill-gotten gains.

This is the story – viscerally entertaining, ominously subversive and poetically profane – of a Dark Age myth that shaped a nation.

The novel is published in North America by Tor Books (hardcover edition out now, paperback due in May — cover below).

Here are just a few of the (many) great reviews the novel has received so far…

‘Uther is a chancer and a shagger… [Arthur] is ruthless in pursuit of power… His Lancelot… is a ninja warrior, his Guinevere a killer — the writer is clearly having fun… Tidhar never lands direct political punches… but the very tone and shape of the book are a reminder that we need to treat national myths with caution… this is a novel that demands your attention and proves that sometimes when a writer has the audacity to revisit stories that others would avoid for fear of over-familiarity, they can steal the power of the oldest tales.’ — SFX (4.5*/5)

‘Tidhar’s previous work is filled to the brim with new and interesting takes on history and myth, and the results are always mesmerising. And of course, he’s taken something that’s been done way too many times and found a way to make it look new and interesting while still keeping its classic appeal… some truly staggering writing… if you’re looking for a new take on King Arthur and chums, then check this out.’ — Starburst

‘Lavie Tidhar has built a career out of not playing it safe. Over the last decade he has written bold, provocative novels… with a flair for metafiction and inspired by the pulps (both hard-boiled and genre)… given the political nature of his work, it’s not entirely surprising that he would shift his focus to the question of nationalism and Brexit… with his latest novel, BY FORCE ALONE, Tidhar takes a mythology the English hold dear, the legend of King Arthur, and goes to town with it… For all its foul language and radical deconstruction, of which I’ve provided only a taste (you should see what Tidhar does with the Holy Grail), BY FORCE ALONE isn’t a desecration of the Arthurian romances. Instead, he pays homage to the writers and poets – Robert Wace, Chretien de Troyes, Wolfram von Eschenbach, and Thomas Mallory (just to name a few) – who took their turn in adapting and refining Monmouth’s text… BY FORCE ALONE is a jolt of pure entertainment, a brilliant, revisionist blend of magic, crime syndicates and Kung-fu knights.’ — Locus (Ian Mond)

‘Sometimes while reading a Lavie Tidhar novel, there comes a point when you feel like he’s grabbed the wheel, grinning as he drives you aggressively into oncoming traffic and somehow pulls off moves that by all rights ought to be fatal… BY FORCE ALONE – a phrase that recurs like a mantra throughout the narrative, reminding us that power is never really a matter of heritage or destiny – serves as a reminder that Arthur is a moveable feast, infinitely adaptable even to the era of Brexit and Trump. If Tidhar’s version seems pretty bleak, even as its endless inventiveness makes it undeniably exhilarating, that may simply be a reflection of where we all find ourselves these days.’ — Locus (Gary K. Wolfe)

‘Lavie Tidhar’s BY FORCE ALONE gives us an Arthur for the Brexit era: A tyrant in lieu of a king, brute violence in lieu of gallant feats, undisguised venality in lieu of chivalric ideals. This is the Matter of Britain become the Matter with Britain… For all the bleakness and cynicism of his story, Tidhar’s profligate invention makes BY FORCE ALONE a joy… Lavie Tidhar’s joke on the Matter of Britain is a great one. And if the laughter catches in your throat, that just means you’ve been paying attention to the book, and to the world.’ — Tor.com

‘BY FORCE ALONE is a joyous rush of a novel, sweeping up everything from grimdark to gangster films to kung fu to Russian science fiction in its wake, and somehow pulling them together into a coherent whole that critiques Britain’s toxic self-image and the lineage of the Fantasy genre itself… the book’s serious intent does not make BY FORCE ALONE a difficult read. It is a book that is both funny and fun. Tidhar has a wonderful time stretching the stories into unfamiliar genres and shapes, whilst maintaining the core of the tale which has seen its appeal last for so long… BY FORCE ALONE shows the power and playfulness of Tidhar’s imagination, as he uses pop culture to make us confront grim political reality, all whilst having a whale of a time. It is this that makes him one of today’s most essential and unpredictable writers.’ — Fantasy Hive

‘[An] extraordinary and vivid retelling of our national myth. Gritty revisionism is supercharged by the supernatural… rich and breakneck narrative… As eclectic as the Sword In The Stone and as ruthless as A Game Of Thrones, this retelling of the whole Arthurian Legend stands alongside the very best.’ — Daily Mail

‘Tidhar’s latest fantasy is a ferocious and often very funny reinvention of the King Arthur myth, taking in references from Tolkien to Brexit.’ — I News

‘BY FORCE ALONE does … bold things with genre, rewriting the King Arthur legend through a mash up of horror, fantasy, history and black comedy. The narrative voice is deadly serious but there’s a strong undercurrent of gleefulness to the profanity, violence and otherworldly magic that makes BY FORCE ALONE a whole lot of fun to dive into.’ — Spectator (Five Unmissable Summer Reads)

‘Drawing on everything from wushu movies to The Wire by way of Tarkovsky and Tarantino, BY FORCE ALONE is wild, surprising and entertaining, and a hugely immersive read.’ — M.R. Carey

‘A twisted Arthur retelling mixing the historical and the magical with a very modern eye. Brutal and vicious, funny, Peaky Blinders of the Round Table.’ — Adrian Tchaikovsky

‘Tidhar turns King Arthur’s court into a gangster’s paradise, full of wheelings and dealings, and true grit. If the tale didn’t go down like this, it should have.’ — Silvia Moreno-Garcia

THE WAY OF KINGS Returns Tomorrow in UK Hardcover!

Posted on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

Tomorrow, the first novel in Brandon Sanderson‘s best-selling, acclaimed Stormlight Archive series will be re-issued by Gollancz in hardcover in the uk! THE WAY OF KINGS, first published in 20, is the start of an epic fantasy story (projected to be ten volumes). This is a great opportunity for fans of the series to complete their (hardcover) collection and for newcomers to discover this awesome novel and series. Here’s the synopsis…

Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.

It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.

One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.

Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.

Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan’s motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.

The result of over ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making.

Speak again the ancient oaths:

Life before death.
Strength before weakness.
Journey before Destination.

… and return to men the Shards they once bore.

The Knights Radiant must stand again.

Gollancz has published the first four novels in the series — the others are: WORDS OF RADIANCE, OATHBRINGER, and RHYTHM OF WAR.

Here are just a few of the great reviews THE WAY OF KINGS has received…

‘Sanderson is a master […] Fans and lovers of epic fantasy will find the ending satisfying, yet will eagerly await the next volume.’ — Library Journal

‘Sanderson is […] absolutely amazing at worldbuilding. The level of detail is just astonishing […] Kaladin and Shallan’s stories are compelling and readable.’ — RT Book Reviews

‘A classic story of intrigue, magic and war, with a large cast of characters and multiple settings lovingly detailed in a way only possible in volumes of this size […] There’s wit, magic and erudition […] Readers will plunge into it.’ — Booklist

‘Brandon Sanderson is modern epic fantasy’s Grand Master, comparable only to Tolkien in scope and richness of story, and I for one hope has a long, long career.’ — Grasping for the Wind

‘Epic in every sense. Sanderson has built a world that leaps to life, a cast of varied characters, and a vast history […] while Sanderson cuts from the familiar cloth of fantasy, his narrative impetus and meticulous world-building bode well for future volumes.’ — The Guardian

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

Next Month: FIREHEART TIGER by Aliette de Bodard!

Posted on Monday, January 18th, 2021

Today, we just wanted to remind everyone that Aliette de Bodard‘s new novella, FIREHEART TIGER is out next month! Due to be published by Tor.com on February 9th, here’s the synopsis…

Fire burns bright and has a long memory….

Quiet, thoughtful princess Thanh was sent away as a hostage to the powerful faraway country of Ephteria as a child. Now she’s returned to her mother’s imperial court, haunted not only by memories of her first romance, but by worrying magical echoes of a fire that devastated Ephteria’s royal palace.

Thanh’s new role as a diplomat places her once again in the path of her first love, the powerful and magnetic Eldris of Ephteria, who knows exactly what she wants: romance from Thanh and much more from Thanh’s home. Eldris won’t take no for an answer, on either front. But the fire that burned down one palace is tempting Thanh with the possibility of making her own dangerous decisions.

Can Thanh find the freedom to shape her country’s fate — and her own?

The novella has already racked up a few great advanced reviews…

‘[A] high-stakes lesbian love triangle in this tightly plotted fantasy novella… convincingly combines sex, politics, and betrayal. This is an ideal pick for fantasy fans longing for non-European settings.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘A fascinating story filled with strong female characters and lush prose, the relationships woven around Thanh evolve into themes of reclaiming the self and recognizing that love can hide the truth about people… a story of love, power, and what burns within. Highly recommended.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘A beautifully written and deeply imagined story about reclaiming yourself. Highly recommended.’ — Kate Elliott, New York Times bestselling author

‘This latest novella by Aliette de Bodard is a moving, engaging tale of politics, love, divided loyalties, and betrayal. It has many of the hallmarks of a great de Bodard story… If you are new to the author’s work, then this novella could serve as a very good introduction… Recommended.’ — Civilian Reader

‘FIREHEART TIGER manages to be about colonialism, about independence, about love and relationships, about parents… Highly recommend this one.’ — D Franklin

‘Sapphic yearning collides with political machinations, ancient and fiery magic, and a transparently colonial threat. The vivid world building in FIREHEART TIGER perfectly frames a brightly burning core of desire & the desperate struggle towards self-awareness, making this perfect read for anyone looking for a short and satisfying dose of Sapphic romance, intense character growth, and immersive imagery.’ — Second Star to the Right Books

Aliette is also the author of the Dominion of the Fallen series, published by Gollancz (UK) and Roc Books and JABberwocky (North America).

Aliette is also the author of the acclaimed Xuya series of science fiction stories and novellas, published by Subterranean Press in North America and JABberwocky in the UK.

Coming Soon: DEFYING THE DRAGON by Stephen Vines

Posted on Friday, January 15th, 2021

Stephen Vines has a new book out this year: DEFYING THE DRAGON, which examines the origins and legacy of the popular protest movement in Hong Kong, is due to be published by Hurst Publishers in the UK (March) and Oxford University Press in North America (May). Here’s the synopsis…

Defying the Dragon tells a remarkable story of audacity: of how the people of Hong Kong challenged the PRC’s authority, just as its president reached the height of his powers. Is Xi’s China as unshakeable as it seems? What are its real interests in Hong Kong? Why are Beijing’s time-honoured means of control no longer working there? And where does this leave Hongkongers themselves?

Stephen Vines has lived in Hong Kong for over three decades. His book shrewdly unpacks the Hong Kong-China relationship and its wider significance — right up to the astonishing convergence of political turmoil and international crisis with Covid-19 and the 2020 crackdown.

Vividly describing the uprising from street level, Vines explains how and why it unfolded, and its global repercussions. Now, the international community is reassessing relations with Beijing, just as Hong Kong’s rebellion and China’s handling of the pandemic have exposed the regime’s weakness. In a crisis that has become existential all round, what lies ahead for Hong Kong, China and the world?

An expert in East Asian affairs and politics, Stephen Vines has been covering Hong Kong as a journalist for decades.

‘A detailed chronicle of Hong Kong’s fight in the face of repression. Anyone who cares about Hong Kong and China will definitely want to read this book.’ — Joshua Wong, Hong Kong’s most famous democracy advocate

Ben Aaronovitch’s EL ÁRBOL DEL AHORCADO out now in Spain!

Posted on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

Today, the Spanish edition of Ben Aaronovitch‘s THE HANGING TREE is out! The sixth novel in the author’s best-selling, acclaimed Peter Grant/Rivers of London series, is published in Spain by Oz Editorial as EL ÁRBOL DEL AHORCADO. Here’s the synopsis…

La muerte también acecha a la jet set londinense… El agente de policía y aprendiz de mago Peter Grant está más que acostumbrado a lidiar con muertes sospechosas, pero, cuando un misterioso asesinato lo lleva a investigar una fiesta en el exclusivo barrio de Londres, descubrirá que las enormes mansiones de los superricos y famosos esconden un pasado sangriento: miles de personas murieron ahorcadas en el árbol de Tyburn. La magia ha vuelto a la ciudad y es hora de que Peter y su mentor, el inspector Nightingale, patrullen en busca de los seres sobrenaturales que están derramando sangre por las calles más selectas de la capital inglesa.

Oz Editorial has also published the first five novels in the series.

THE HANGING TREE and Ben’s other Rivers of London books are published in the UK by Gollancz; in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas). The series has been published widely in translation.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for THE HANGING TREE…

Suspicious deaths are not usually the concern of PC Peter Grant or the Folly, even when they happen at an exclusive party in one of the most expensive apartment blocks in London. But Lady Ty’s daughter was there, and Peter owes Lady Ty a favour.

Plunged into the alien world of the super-rich, where the basements are bigger than the house and dangerous, arcane items are bought and sold on the open market, a sensible young copper would keep his head down and his nose clean. But this is Peter Grant we’re talking about.

He’s been given an unparalleled opportunity to alienate old friends and create new enemies at the point where the world of magic and that of privilege intersect. Assuming he survives the week…

And here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received since it was published…

‘Fans of Ben Aaronovitch’s Peter Grant series will be delighted to discover that this latest instalment is just as good a the previous five. Those new to the books (and who for some reason decide to jump in at this point) will also be pleased to learn that this clean and well thought out novel doesn’t require prior knowledge to be fun… The pace is constant, strong and relentless throughout. Ben Aaronovitch is a master of metropolitan magical mayhem and the action is delightful. This is a tight thriller which is compelling and buckets of fun. If you already know the series, it’s high time you got re-acquainted.’ — Starburst

‘THE HANGING TREE is definitely one of the best in the Grant/Aaronovitch pantheon. There again, so have most of the previous books in the series and the odds are the next one probably will be too.’ — The Bookbag

‘Aaronovitch deftly balances urban fantasy with the police procedural. As for Grant, he’s a wonderful blend of laconic copper and, methodically researching how magic works, full-on nerd.’ — Crime Scene

‘… get the audiobooks. For me, for always, Peter Grant will sound exactly like Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and this series demonstrates what happens when the match between book and reader is perfect.’ — Locus (on series in general)

‘The opening mystery, however, is a new one and twists in interesting ways. Aaronovitch makes channeling Grant look easy – and the result never feels overwrought even when it gets serious.’ — Locus

‘[H]ijinks, explosions, property destruction on the million-pound scale, a rival tradition of British wizardry (or rather witchery) that isn’t too happy with Nightingale’s old boys’ club tradition, and interfering American military contractors. And yes, the Faceless Man. Narrated with Aaronovitch’s trademark blend of wit, sarcasm, and police acronyms, THE HANGING TREE is a breeze of a supernatural detective thriller.’ — Tor.com

‘Ben’s expertise in character development ensures we don’t get bored. The characters aren’t just multi-faceted, they all feel authentically linked to our world and experience despite the urban fantasy scenarios… wonderful Harrods fight scene… THE HANGING TREE is definitely one of the best in the Grant/Aaronovitch pantheon. There again, so have most of the previous books in the series and the odds are the next one probably will be too.’ — The Book Bag

‘Very much worth the wait… If you’ve been following along all this time, then this book is definitely not to be missed, especially in light of the significant revelations dropped on us in the latter half of the story… a real game-changer. While it did end rather abruptly, it’s clear that Peter and the gang will have to tread even more carefully going forward, and the next book should be very interesting indeed. Now if I can only survive the wait…’ — Bibliosanctum

‘The best thing about this series is Ben Aaronovitch’s ability to keep the tension bubbling throughout. You know you’re going to be on tenterhooks by the time you reach the final showdown, as the rest of the book isn’t without incident. Let’s just say, you wouldn’t want to find yourself anywhere underground with a supernatural being… someone’s definitely going to get hurt… This is a series that really needs to be read in sequence, if you want to do it justice, but be warned, it’s habit forming. Once you’ve read one book you’ll definitely be clamouring for the next. If you’re already a Rivers addict, then you certainly won’t be disappointed by Ben Aaronovitch’s latest offering.’ — Crime Fiction Lover

Naomi Foyle’s GAIA CHRONICLES to be Published This Year in North America!

Posted on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

This year, Quercus is due to publish North American editions of Naomi Foyle‘s acclaimed Gaia Chronicles series. Starting ASTRA on January 19th, ROOK SONG will follow in April, and BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE and STAINED LIGHT will follow later in the year (dates to be confirmed).

The series is already available in the UK, published by Jo Fletcher Books. Here’s the synopsis for the first book in the series…

Is-land is a Gaian paradise in the middle of a blasted world — but its success comes at a dark price.

Like every child in Is-Land, all Astra Ordott has ever wanted is to get her Security Shot, do her National Service and defend her Gaian homeland from Non-Lander ‘infiltrators’. But when one of her Shelter mothers, the formidable Dr Hokma Blesser, tells her the shot will limit her chances of becoming a scientist and offers her an alternative, Astra agrees to her plan.

Then the orphaned Lil arrives to share Astra’s home and Astra is torn between jealousy and fascination. Lil’s father taught her some alarming ideas about Is-Land and the world, but when she pushes Astra too far, the heartache that results goes far beyond the loss of a friend.

If she is to survive, Astra must learn to deal with devastating truths about Is-Land, Non-Land and the secret web of adult relationships that surrounds her… or her actions could bring the whole community toppling down.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘A complex and daring literary story’ — Upcoming4.me

‘A friend recommended ASTRA as an invigorating sort of escapism. She was right. My first experience of SF enchanted and stimulated me’ — Dervla Murphy, author of Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle

‘Foyle has built a fascinating portrait, often reminiscent of Ursula K. Le Guin in its layered complexity, and threaded into a fascinating coming of age story. Gripping’ — Love Reading

‘I enjoyed ASTRA immensely. The novel’s plot is fascinating… all of it set down in Foyle’s smooth and flowing writing style’ — A Fantastical Librarian

‘It’s hard-hitting, but it’s poignant and incredibly thought-provoking… Naomi Foyle has a mastery of plotting and a way with words that’s truly remarkable’ — Over the Effing Rainbow

‘This ambitious, thought-provoking take on a dystopian future paints a depressingly credible picture of environmental collapse… as events go hurtling towards the book’s dramatic conclusion, I couldn’t put it down…’ — Brain Fluff

‘This is excellent Science Fiction and I heartily recommend it… reminiscent of Le Guin’ — Birmingham SF Group

Coming Soon: TALES FROM THE FOLLY in Germany!

Posted on Monday, January 4th, 2021

TALES FROM THE FOLLY, Ben Aaronovitch‘s first Rivers of London short story collection was very well-received when it was published last year. Today, we have some great news for fans of the series in Germany: on March 3rd, 2021, DTV are due to publish the German edition of the book! Published as DER GEIST IN DER BRITISH LIBRARY UND ANDERE GESCHICHTEN AUS DEM FOLLY, here’s the synopsis…

Neues aus London: Ein Muss für alle Peter-Grant-Fans!

Stories aus dem ›Flüsse von London‹-Kosmos: Freuen Sie sich auf originelle, witzige, unheimliche Geschichten über Peter, Nightingale, Abigail, Agent Reynolds und Tobias Winter. Lesen Sie, wer (oder was) in einer einsamen Autobahnraststätte umgeht, wer immer noch auf den Regalen einer bekannten Londoner Buchhandlung herumspukt und was genau eigentlich mit dem Fluss Lugg passiert ist…

DTV has published all of Ben’s Rivers of London/Peter Grant books in Germany so far, many of which have been bestsellers (often debuting high in the German book charts).

TALES FROM THE FOLLY is out now in the UK and North America, published in eBook by JABberwocky. The collection is also available as an audiobook, published by Orion Audio (UK) and Tantor Media (North America). Here’s the synopsis…

Return to the world of Rivers of London in this first short story collection from bestselling author, Ben Aaronovitch. Tales from the Folly is a carefully curated collection that gathers together previously published stories and brand new tales in the same place for the first time.

Each tale features a new introduction from the author, filled with insight and anecdote offering the reader a deeper exploration into this absorbing fictional world. This is a must read for any Rivers of London fan.

Join Peter, Nightingale, Abigail, Agent Reynolds and Tobias Winter for a series of perfectly portioned tales. Discover what’s haunting a lonely motorway service station, who still wanders the shelves of a popular London bookshop, and what exactly happened to the River Lugg…

With an introduction from internationally bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, Charlaine Harris.

This collection includes:
The Home Crowd Advantage
The Domestic
The Cockpit
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Granny
King of The Rats
A Rare Book of Cunning Device
A Dedicated Follower of Fashion
Favourite Uncle
Vanessa Sommer’s Other Christmas List
Three Rivers, Two Husbands and a Baby
Moments One-Three

The collection is currently a Kindle Monthly Deal, too, in the UK (only £1.99) and India (₹149).

(A special edition will be available soon in North America, via Subterranean Press — more details to come.)

Coming Soon: THE TWO-FACED QUEEN by Nick Martell

Posted on Monday, December 28th, 2020

Next March, Gollancz are due to publish THE TWO-FACED QUEEN, the highly-anticipated sequel to Nick Martell‘s debut, THE KINGDOM OF LIARS. Picking up right where the first book left off, here’s the synopsis…

Michael Kingman thought he was going to die by the executioner’s axe, forever labelled as a traitor.

Still alive, and under the protection of the Orbis Mercenary company, Michael and his family and friends are deeply involved in the seemingly rival conspiracies that are tearing The Hollows apart.

With the death of the King, both the Corrupt Prince and his sister Serena are vying for the throne, while the Rebel Emperor is spreading lies amongst the people, and all of them want Michael dead. This is a story of betrayal, murder, and rebellion, and in this direct sequel to the debut novel The Kingdom of Liars, also some hope for justice.

For readers who love the intrigue and widening scope of epic fantasy like Sanderson’s Mistborn and Week’s The Black Prism, this is your next must-read fantasy series.

THE TWO-FACED QUEEN has already received an early (starred) review from Kirkus, which stated, ‘Simply put, this series is a masterclass in grand-scale storytelling. The future of epic fantasy is here—and this saga is it.’

The first novel in the Legacy of Mercenary Kings series was extremely well-received and widely-acclaimed. Here is just a small selection taken from the great reviews…

‘A symphony of loyalty, greed, family, and betrayal set in an innovative culture!’ – Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tempests and Slaughter

‘With a smartly plotted story, great world-building, flawed but fascinating characters and plenty of mystery, THE KINGDOM OF LIARS is a terrific debut’ – James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

‘Nick Martell’s debut THE KINGDOM OF LIARS lives up to its name, with so many truths and lies interwoven that nothing is as it seems and surprises lurk across every turn of the page. Michael’s tale is nothing, if not thrilling.’ – Ryan Van Loan, author of The Sin in the Steel

‘An impressive fantasy debut that creates a solid foundation for (hopefully) a much larger narrative to come…’ – Kirkus Reviews

‘This smart, briskly told high fantasy entertains all the way until the unexpected end’ – Publishers Weekly

‘… impressive and highly ambitious epic fantasy debut… Martell’s portrayal of his protagonist’s growth, from a cocksure chancer to a mature adult sobered by his discoveries, is just as impressive as the twisty plot.’ — Guardian

‘THE KINGDOM OF LIARS is a tale of family, loyalty and leaving a legacy that none shall forget. This is certainly a book that you won’t be able to put down, and will linger with you long after you’ve read the last page.’ — Fantasy Hive

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