Category: Cover Reveal

Italian Edition of Lavie Tidhar’s THE ESCAPEMENT Out Next Week!

Posted on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

Next week, Zona 42 are due to release the Italian edition of Lavie Tidhar‘s stand-alone novel, THE ESCAPEMENT! Published as LA SCAPPATOIA, here’s the synopsis…

Lo Straniero cavalca lungo i sentieri selvaggi della Scappatoia. È un uomo solitario, in missione per salvare suo figlio in questo strano mondo alieno invaso da un’umanità che, tra avidità e speranza, cerca nuove opportunità oltre la frontiera. Ma nella Scappatoia è facile perdersi, i suoi spazi sono mutevoli, e imprevedibile è il paesaggio che lo Straniero si trova ad attraversare. A incrociare il suo cammino ci saranno tagliagole senza scrupoli e improbabili eroi, giganti di pietra e pagliacci oppressi, e la minaccia delle spettacolari tempeste di simboli scatenate dalla guerra infinita degli esseri formidabili che governano questa realtà. La Scappatoia è popolata da misteri profondi e bizzarri, ma lo Straniero ha una missione ed è inarrestabile. Con il tempo che sta per scadere, dovrà penetrare nel cuore segreto di un mondo inimmaginabile per raggiungere la sua meta, in attesa oltre le Montagne dell’Oscurità. Tra echi western e suggestioni weird, Lavie Tidhar accompagna il lettore in un tour de force immaginifico attraverso un mondo che è insieme rifugio, minaccia e, forse, l’unica speranza di salvare una vita in pericolo.

The North American/UK edition is published by Tachyon Publications. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

In this dazzling new novel evoking Westerns, surrealism, epic fantasy, mythology, and circus extravaganzas, World Fantasy Award winner Lavie Tidhar (Central Station) has created an incomparable dreamscape of dark comedy, heartbreak, hope, and adventure. Chronicling a lone man’s quest in parallel worlds, The Escapement offers the archetypal darkness of Stephen King’s The Gunslinger within the dark whimsy of a child’s imagination.

Into the Escapement rides the Stranger, a lone gunman on a quest to rescue his son in a strange parallel reality. But it is easy to lose one’s way on an endlessly shifting, unpredictable landscape. Especially in a place full of dangerous mirror-images of a child’s beloved things: lawless heroes, giants made of stone, downtrodden clowns, spectacular symbol storms, and an endless war between gods and shadowy beings.

As the Stranger has learned, the Escapement is a dreamscape of deep mysteries, unlikely allies, and unwinnable battles. Yet the flower the he seeks still lies beyond the Mountains of Darkness. Time is running out as the Stranger journeys deeper into the secret heart of an unimaginable world.

In his most compelling work to date, Lavie Tidhar has delivered a multicolored tapestry of dazzling imagery. The Escapement is an epic, wildly original chronicle of the extraordinary lengths to which one will go for love.

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

‘A delightfully cacophonous novel, teeming with character… Tidhar’s latest offering transports readers to a liminal otherworld of spaghetti Western pastiche… The author draws from an eclectic mix of sources to create a dazzling story that is more than the sum of its parts, and much of the fun of reading it comes from recognizing its homages.’ — Kirkus

‘[F]uriously inventive and wildly eclectic… Among the most visual and even cinematic of Tidhar’s novels… it’s also, in the end, a surprisingly touching reminder of how such quests can begin in heartache.’ — Locus (Gary K. Wolfe)

‘Dazzling… Those who enter THE ESCAPEMENT should strap themselves in for horrors and wonders galore. Filled with contorted fairy tales, myths, and familiar stories, Lavie Tidhar’s latest novel is both a fantastical diversion and a moving articulation of deep parental love.’ — Foreword

‘To say THE ESCAPEMENT is unique sells it way short. It’s part weird western and part quest; half dream and half epic adventure tale set in a memorable Daliesque landscape. Tidhar lets his imagination run wild in this vivid book, all told in spare, beautiful prose. Also, there are clowns. Lots of clowns.’ — Richard Kadrey, bestselling author of the Sandman Slim series

‘Comic, tragic, and utterly magnificent — a masterpiece of fantasy. Lavie Tidhar has crafted a wonderfully strange and surreal world in THE ESCAPEMENT, setting a liminal stage for both a gripping adventure and a poignant meditation on grief. I can’t wait to read it again.’ — Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of The Orange Tree

‘Can we just all admit now that Lavie Tidhar’s a genius? He’s written another brilliant book-a beautiful fever dream that somehow manages to be laugh-out-loud funny, psychedelically weird, and deeply moving.’ — Daryl Gregory

‘With THE ESCAPEMENT, Lavie Tidhar fearlessly crests the wave of the New New Weird with a wild, decadent hybrid of The Dark Tower and Carnivale. A vivid beach read, if the beach was made of greasepaint and gunpowder.’ — Catherynne M. Valente

Italian Edition of LEGENDS & LATTES Out Tomorrow!

Posted on Monday, September 25th, 2023

Travis Baldree‘s widely acclaimed, best-selling debut, LEGENDS & LATTES continues its conquest of the world tomorrow, when the Italian edition is due to hit shelves! To be published by Mondadori, here’s the synopsis…

Viv è un’Orchessa e fa quello che fanno le orchesse: per tutto il giorno spacca crani, sparge sangue, semina morte e distruzione. Giunta a una certa età, però, si è stufata della routine della guerriera e così – complici una leggenda dimenticata, un manufatto magico e un’irragionevole dose di belle speranze –, quando si ritrova per le strade di Thune, decide di aprire lì un caffè. Il primo caffè della città, per essere precisi. Ma il suo sogno di un nuovo inizio e di giornate passate a servire bevande aromatiche anziché a roteare lame deve attendere. Già: da un lato ci sono vecchi nemici che non hanno alcuna intenzione di abbandonare la lotta; dall’altro gli abitanti di Thune, che non hanno mai assaggiato un latte macchiato e quindi non sanno di averne bisogno.

Viv vuole a tutti i costi appendere la spada al chiodo, ma non può farcela da sola. Per fortuna incontrerà un gruppo di amici con i quali costruire una nuova famiglia e una nuova vita. Perché il bello dei viaggi su sentieri sconosciuti sono i compagni di strada che incontri lungo il cammino. Che ad attirarli siano antichi incantesimi, pasticcini fragranti o tazze fumanti, possono comunque diventare alleati, famiglia, o qualcosa che Viv non avrebbe mai nemmeno sognato.

Il volume include anche il racconto “Pagine da riempire” e un’intervista con l’autore.

LEGENDS & LATTES is out now in the UK and North America, published by Tor Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

The North American edition includes a new short story, “Pages to Fill”, which is also included in the Italian edition.

The next novel in the series, which is actually a prequel, is BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST — due out in November, also published by Tor Books in the UK and North America.

Here are just a few examples of the great reviews LEGENDS & LATTES has received…

‘This is a story about following your dreams, even when they take you away from who you thought you had to be. It’s sweet, beautiful and, most of all, kind. I hugely recommend this book.’ — Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart A Doorway

‘The most fun I’ve ever had in a coffee shop.’ — Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London

‘A gentle little cozy set against an epic fantasy backdrop… This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘This slice-of-life cozy fantasy novel has everything you’ve been searching for.’ — Buzzfeed

‘An orc retires from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. This setup combined with the positive messages of defying societal stereotypes, letting go of violence to build peace, and trusting in your friends feels like a premise from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld… LEGENDS & LATTES is a novel, and shop, that will delight anyone who enjoys coffee-shop alternate universes, slow-burn romances, and the vindication of friendship.’ — Booklist, starred review

‘A stunningly-well done story at every level’ — Fantasy Faction

‘If you like fantasy but you’re tired of reading about wars and general intensity, this is the book for you… Cozy fantasy at its best.’ — Literary Hub

‘LEGENDS & LATTES isn’t just a cosy, slice-of-life fantasy, it is a hug after a long day, it’s that first bite of chocolate you’ve been desperately craving or that first sip of coffee, it’s pyjamas and blankets and everything else which brings comfort and warmth. This is a tale so simple yet so wholesome and adorable, it has made me see just how versatile the fantasy genre can be… Believe the hype… this book deserves all the praise… Baldree delivers a tale to soothe the soul, a tale which had me smiling and crying with happiness from beginning to end.’ — Fantasy Hive

Marie Brennan’s THE WAKING OF ANGANTYR Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

Fans of Marie Brennan‘s superb fantasy novels only have three weeks to wait until the author’s latest hits shelves! THE WAKING OF ANGANTYR is set in a new fantasy world, and is due to be published by Titan Books on October 10th! Here’s the synopsis…

The bondmaid Hervor is used to dead men whispering in her sleep. They’ve been doing it for as long as she can remember; it’s the living she has to watch out for. And when a new arrival at her holding triggers her into a berserker fury, she’s forced to flee the contract that enslaves her and into the arms of an uncertain future.

Unchained from the living, Hervor goes in search of a way to silence the dead, but it will take much more than grit and determination to make that happen. She’ll need the help of a ruthless Viking, an ailing jarl, a mad witch, and more — for the treachery that killed her ghosts isn’t nearly as dead as they are, and the path to peace must first traverse a river of blood.

Titan Books also publishes the author’s Memoirs of Lady Trent and Onyx Court series in the UK.

Zeno represents Marie Brennan in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the Jabberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

30th Anniversary Edition of A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER Out This Week!

Posted on Monday, September 11th, 2023

This week marks the 30th anniversary of Roger Zelazny‘s classic, beloved Halloween fantasy novel, A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER. To mark the occasion, Farrago Books are publishing a new edition in the UK — specifically, due out on September 14th. Here’s the synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’ — Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’ — George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — Science Fiction Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus Reviews

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly

Farrago also publishes a UK edition of DOORWAYS IN THE SAND.

Gary Wigglesworth’s THE BOOK LOVER’S QUIZ BOOK 2 Out Next Month!

Posted on Friday, September 8th, 2023

Gary Wigglesworth‘s THE BOOK LOVER’S QUIZ BOOK 2 is out next month! Due to be published by Robinson, on October 5th, it’s the second volume in the author’s acclaimed quiz series! Here’s the synopsis…

Put your bookworm reputation on the line and prove your literary knowledge with this collection of quizzes for book whizzes.

Book lovers can answer questions by themselves or host a quiz among friends with twenty-four quizzes to keep you guessing with a variety of question styles including:
– ‘Blankety Books’, where you must fill in the missing word in each title
– Anagrams to decipher
– ‘Two of a Kind’, where you must identify a character and author who share the same initials
– Guess the book with ‘Say What You See’ pictures and badly drawn covers
– ‘Book Bingo’

The quizzes are carefully weighted so avid bookworms will get a workout, while more casual readers can still have lots of fun having a go. All questions are designed to aid guessing, with multiple-choice answers and hints, and make the reader smile with amusing wrong answers, clever red herrings, little-known facts and footnotes.

Robinson also published the first Book Lover’s Quiz Book, which Val McDermid called ‘The perfect gift for quizzers’. Be sure to follow Gary’s Twitter account for news and updates about upcoming quizzes he’s running!

Here are just a few of the early reviews for the new quiz book…

‘A delightful book that leads to yet more delightful books – there are no wrong answers, because every time you can’t answer the question you’ll be excited that has led to a book that you need to get to know. Best read near a library’ — Robin Ince

‘For someone like me who loves books and loves quizzes, this is perfection. But I’m struggling to answer the question, “Is this a book about quizzes or a quiz about books?”‘ — Charlie Higson, writer, comedian and actor

‘An entertaining challenge for all book-lovers’ — Claire Fuller, award-winning author of Unsettled Ground

‘Delightfully twisty questions to find out whether you’re the greatest of the book nerds’ — Ben Aaronovitch

‘There aren’t many sequels that outdo the original — The Godfather II. Home Alone 2. Aliens. To that limited list we need to add THE BOOK LOVER’S QUIZ BOOK 2. Bookworms rejoice! It’s even wittier, wiser and more challenging than the excellent original’ — Peter Hanington, author of the William Carver novels

‘The questions are brilliantly funny, wide-ranging and surprising’ — Bethan Roberts, author of My Policeman

‘Perfect for the home, the pub or waiting in a queue, THE BOOK LOVER’S QUIZ BOOK 2 will remind you of your favourite books and give you a list of new ones to search out. The questions range from “I know that!” to ones that will make your brain attempt a desperate bid for freedom. In other words, an absolute delight of a book’ — Johnny Mains, award-winning editor and creator of Dead Funny: Horror Stories By Comedians

Coming Soon: MY BROTHER’S KEEPER by Tim Powers!

Posted on Wednesday, August 30th, 2023

We’re very happy to announce that there’s a new novel on the way from Tim Powers! MY BROTHER’S KEEPER is due to be published by Head of Zeus, on October 12th. Here’s the synopsis for the highly-anticipated novel…

Howarth, 1846. The edge of the Yorkshire moors.

Here, in solitude, live a widowed parish priest and his family: three daughters and their single brother.

Though the future will celebrate the three daughters, right now they are unknown, their genius concealed. In just a few short years, they will all be dead.

And it will be middle daughter Emily’s chance encounter with a grievously wounded man on the moor that sets them on the path to their doom.

My Brother’s Keeper introduces an ancient secret haunting the moors, a dark inheritance in the family bloodline and something terrible buried under an ogham-inscribed slab in the church.

An atmospheric, claustrophobic gothic novel from a revered fantasy author… featuring… have you not guessed yet?

This highly-anticipated new novel from one of the masters of Science Fiction and Fantasy has already been generating a lot of interest an praise from those who have received early review copies.

Tim Powers is the author of a great many acclaimed science fiction and fantasy novels. The author’s Fault Lines trilogy is published by Gollancz, as part of their Fantasy Masterworks series; other novels of his have been published in the UK by Corvus.

NEW YORK BLOCK BY BLOCK out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023

NEW YORK BLOCK BY BLOCK, the latest gorgeous art book by Cierra Block, is out in two weeks! Due to be published by OH Editions, a division of Welbeck Publishing. Here’s the synopsis…

Whether you’re a fast-talking, swift-walking local or a tourist visiting the Big Apple for the first time, this book is for you.

Arguably the most iconic city in the world, New York has more places to eat and things to see than you could manage in a lifetime. In New York Block by Block, artist Cierra Block reveals the best of the city, covering everything from secret leafy streets to inspiring bookstores, world-class museums to the best pizza, all accompanied by 40 vibrant maps. Featuring the most notable places to eat, what to see, where to walk and what to do, this is a guide like no other. Wander around Brooklyn like a local, grab the best bagels in town or see priceless masterpieces; the possibilities are endless. That’s the wonderful thing about New York – there’s always more to explore!

OH Editions also publishes Block’s first book, LONDON BLOCK BY BLOCK — which is also available in Spain, published by Lunwerg Editores as LONDRES SIN SECRETOS.

Lavie Tidhar’s ADAMA Out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Monday, August 28th, 2023

Lavie Tidhar‘s latest masterpiece, ADAMA, is out in two weeks! Due to be published by Head of Zeus, on September 14th, it’s the second novel in the author’s ambitious, asynchronous trilogy about Israel. Here’s the synopsis…

THERE IS NO LAND WITHOUT BLOOD, AND I WATER THIS LAND WITH THE BLOOD OF MY MEN.

Ruth’s family were in Budapest when the Nazis came.

Now Ruth is in Palestine, amid the bare hills inland from Haifa, breaking the rocky soil of an unyielding land before it breaks her.

With her comrades, her fellow kibbutzniks, she will build a better world. There will be green grass, orange trees and pomegranates, a land that is their own and no one else’s.

So they till their fields, dig their wells, build their homes and forge a new way of living, fiercely proud of their shared pursuit of a dream.

But as one generation begets another, the dream unravels, twisted into a dark tapestry of secrets and lies; sacrificed for revenge, forbidden love and murder.

A sweeping historical epic following four generations of a single family as they struggle to hold on to their land and each other.

The audiobook edition of the novel will also be published on September 14th, by W. F. Howes, narrated by Levi Goldmeier.

‘ADAMA is an unstoppable masterpiece… Tidhar is a magician, a time-traveler, a historian, a comedian, a raconteur, a subversive, a truth teller and also one of the finest writers around. If history is a nightmare we’re all trying to wake up from, then ADAMA is a trumpet blast that rings out the past and into the future.’ — Junot Diaz

‘A propulsive, decades-spanning noir saga. I couldn’t put it down.’ — Silvia Moreno-Garcia

‘Lavie Tidhar’s prose is beautiful, his characters lacerating and heartbreaking… I loved it.’ — Catriona Ward

The first novel in this trilogy is MAROR, which is out now and also published by Head of Zeus.

North American Edition of WINTER’S GIFTS Available for Pre-Order!

Posted on Thursday, August 24th, 2023

The North American edition of Ben Aaronovitch‘s best-selling and acclaimed latest Rivers of London novella, WINTER’S GIFTS is now available for pre-order! Due to be published in December by Subterranean Press, in two limited editions, illustrated editions, here’s the synopsis…

With this long new novella, bestselling author Ben Aaronovitch has crafted yet another wickedly funny and surprisingly affecting chapter in his beloved Rivers of London series. 

WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY OVER HERE

When retired FBI Agent Patrick Henderson calls in an ‘X-Ray Sierra India’ incident, the operator doesn’t understand. He tells them to pass it up the chain till someone does.

That person is FBI Special Agent Kimberley Reynolds. Leaving Quantico for snowbound Northern Wisconsin, she finds that a tornado has flattened half the town—and there’s no sign of Henderson.

Things soon go from weird to worse, as neighbors report unsettling sightings, key evidence goes missing, and the snow keeps rising — cutting off the town, with no way in or out…

Something terrible is awakening. As the clues lead to the coldest of cold cases — a cursed expedition into the frozen wilderness — Reynolds follows a trail from the start of the American nightmare, to the horror that still lives on today…

WINTER’S GIFTS and the other Rivers of London novels and novellas are published in the UK by Gollancz/Orion. Subterranean Press has published special editions of all of Ben’s novellas in the series. The novels are published in North America by JABberwocky (1-3) and DAW Books.

Lavie Tidhar’s THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD is out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Monday, August 21st, 2023

Lavie Tidhar‘s next ‘speculative masterpiece’, THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD is due out in two weeks! To be published by Tachyon Publications, on September 5th, here’s the synopsis…

Caught between realities, a mathematician, a book dealer, and a mobster desperately seek a notorious book that disappears upon being read. Only the author, a rakish sci-fi writer, knows whether his popular novel is truthful or a hoax. In a story that is cosmic, inventive, and sly, multi-award-winning author Lavie Tidhar (Central Station) travels from the emergence of life to the very ends of the universe.

Delia Welegtabit discovered two things during her childhood on a South Pacific island: her love for mathematics and a novel that isn’t supposed to exist. But the elusive book proves unexpectedly dangerous. Oskar Lens, a science fiction-obsessed mobster in the midst of an existential crisis, will stop at nothing to find the novel. After Delia’s husband Levi goes missing, she seeks help from Daniel Chase, a young, face-blind book dealer.

The infamous novel Lode Stars was written by the infamous Eugene Charles Hartley: legendary pulp science-fiction writer and founder of the Church of the All-Seeing Eyes. In Hartley’s novel, a doppelganger of Delia searches for her missing father in a strange star system. But is any of Lode Stars real? Was Hartley a cynical conman on a quest for wealth and immortality, creating a religion he did not believe in? Or was he a visionary who truly discovered the secrets of the universe?

Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received already…

‘Tidhar wins it all with this magnificently original mind-bender of a novel about a missing husband and a mysterious book that disappears as soon as you read it. THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD is two parts Philip K. Dick, two parts Brothers Strugatsky, and six parts blow your f**king mind.’ — Junot Diaz

‘World Fantasy Award winner Tidhar (Neom) wows with a mind-bending existential adventure that seeks to answer the age-old question of why humanity exists… Toggling between perspectives and the ethereal text of Lode Stars, Tidhar’s slippery metafictional tale lyrically entangles scientific fact, mysticism, and mental illness. This is a knockout.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘Brilliant and bizarre, Lavie Tidhar’s THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD is many things–but fundamentally it is a love letter to the Golden Age of science fiction, whether or not it deserves it (it does), as well as a love letter to its writers, whether or not they deserve it (they don’t. Well, mostly.).’ — Molly Tanzer, author of Vermilion and Creatures of Will and Temper

‘Maybe the universe’s energy really does get recycled, because this eclectic speculative novel manages to be simultaneously contemporary, nostalgic, and retro in a way that wouldn’t be unfamiliar to the SF icons to which it pays tribute…. Tidhar’s rich portrayal of the pulpy golden age of science fiction, distinctive characters, and nimble turns of phrase make for a cool confection.’ — Kirkus

‘This novel is one wild ride … a compelling story of obsession and greed that will make readers think about the nature of reality… Readers who fell hard into the metafiction of The Night Ocean by Paul La Farge or the you-are-there gossip of Astounding by Alec Nevala-Lee will likely be as obsessed with this book as the characters are with Lode Stars.’ — Library Journal

‘Black holes, new religions, and powerful stories ensnare orbiting beings with their intrigue and potentiality in Lavie Tidhar’s science fiction marvel… Inquisitive, daring, and rich with possibilities, THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD is a speculative masterpiece.’ — Foreword (Starred Review)

‘Reading a new Lavie Tidhar novel is always a treat. You can count on engaging prose paired with an inventive story and THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD certainly fits that bill.’ — The Speculative Shelf

‘Tidhar’s CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD (2023) is a genre-splitting poetic expression that pays homage to classic science fiction with call-outs and appearances by Campbell, Heinlein, and others.’ — Those Crazy Books

Tachyon Publications have published a number of Lavie’s acclaimed, award-winning and -nominated authors, including: CENTRAL STATION, NEOM, UNHOLY LAND, THE VIOLENT CENTURY, and THE ESTRANGEMENT.

Coming Soon: YUMI AND THE NIGHTMARE PAINTER by Brandon Sanderson

Posted on Friday, August 18th, 2023

In case you missed it, Gollancz recently unveiled the cover for Brandon Sanderson‘s third Secret Projects novel, YUMI AND THE NIGHTMARE PAINTER! Due to be published in the UK on October 3rd, here’s the synopsis…

From Number 1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson – creator of The Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn Saga, and countless bestselling works of science fiction and fantasy – comes this gripping story set in the Cosmere universe told by Hoid, where two people from incredibly different cultures must work together to save their worlds from certain disaster.

Yumi has spent her entire life in strict obedience, granting her the power to summon the spirits that bestow vital aid upon her society – but she longs for even a single day as a normal person. Painter patrols the dark streets dreaming of being a hero – a goal that has led to nothing but heartache and isolation, leaving him always on the outside looking in. In their own ways, both of them face the world alone.

Suddenly flung together, Yumi and Painter must strive to right the wrongs in both their lives, reconciling their past and present while maintaining the precarious balance of each of their worlds. If they cannot unravel the mystery of what brought them together before it’s too late, they risk forever losing not only the bond growing between them, but the very worlds they’ve always struggled to protect.

‘This was utterly brilliant and satisfying. YUMI AND THE NIGHTMARE PAINTER will be the best of the secret project novels, and it is easily one of Sanderson’s finest books in his career’ — Novel Notions

The first two novels in the Secret Projects series are out now, also published by Gollancz in the UK: TRESS OF THE EMERALD SEA and THE FRUGAL WIZARD’S HANDBOOK FOR SURVIVING MEDIEVAL ENGLAND.

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

North American edition of Alice Bell’s GRAVE EXPECTATIONS Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Monday, August 14th, 2023

The North American edition of Alice Bell‘s critically-acclaimed debut mystery, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS is due out in three weeks! To be published by Vintage on September 5th, here’s the synopsis…

A fast-paced and hilarious debut crime novel, in which a burnt-out Millennial medium must utilize her ability to see ghosts and team-up with a band of oddball investigators to figure out which member(s) of a posh English family are guilty of murder.

Almost-authentic medium Claire and her best friend, Sophie, agree to take on a seemingly simple job at a crumbling old manor in the English countryside: performing a seance for the family matriarch’s 80th birthday. The pair have been friends since before Sophie went missing when they were seventeen. Everyone else is convinced Sophie simply ran away, but Claire knows the truth. Claire knows Sophie was murdered because Sophie has been haunting her ever since.

Despite this traumatic past, Claire and Sophie are still unprepared for what they encounter when they arrive at the manor: a ghost, tragic and unrecognizable, and clearly the spirit of someone killed in a rage at the previous year’s party. Given her obsession with crime shows—not to mention Sophie’s ability to walk through walls—Claire decides they’re the best people to solve the case. And with the help of the only obviously not-guilty members of their host family—sexy ex-policeman Sebastian and far-too-cool non-binary teen Alex—they launch an investigation into which of last year’s guests never escaped the manor’s grounds.

What follows is somewhat irregular detective work involving stealing a priest’s cassock, getting too drunk to remember to question your suspect, and of course, Chekhov’s sparkly purple dildo. As Claire desperately tries to keep a lid on the shameful secret that would definitely alienate her new friends, the gang must race against their own incompetence to find the murderer before the murderer finds them.

The UK edition of the novel is published by Corvus, and out now!

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

‘Read this fabulous book — you will not regret it!’ — Ben Aaronovitch

‘Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core’ — Janice Hallett

‘A delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts – imagine a really cockeyed game of Cluedo heavily seasoned with whimsy … it’s a lot of fun’ — Stuart MacBride

‘Knives Out vibes with added ghosts. Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable.’ — Catherine Ryan Howard

‘A great read, with great characters, lots of humour, some misty-eyed moments and lots of swearing. Utterly delightful – like the BBC show Ghosts mixed with Cluedo’ — Simon Toyne

‘This book positively lit up my weekends with its cosy, affectionate, funny, awkward brand of ghostly crime-solving. Perfect for fans of BBC’s Ghosts, Alice Bell has a keen eye for characterisation and the ridiculous, creating a story that will both send chills down your spine and wrap you up in a hug.’ — Ally Wilkes

‘Witty, addictive, and breathes some much needed (undead) life into the cosy crime murder mystery genre’ — Adam Simcox

‘Bell shines in her sharp, funny debut, a supernatural whodunit centered on medium-for-hire Claire Hendricks… The adroit plotting, which cannily plays with mystery tropes, is amply leavened with humor.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘As murder mysteries go, this one is certainly unique… A fun and surprising character-driven whodunnit.’ — Heat (UK)

‘Alice Bell weaves a fun, gripping murder mystery with a supernatural spin.’ — Woman’s Own (UK)

‘[T]he lightly acerbic style is a delight and the interaction between inept-but-dogged millennial Claire and eternal teenager Sophie – whose death remains a mystery – offers plenty of spooky fun. More, please.’ — Guardian

Coming Soon: THE BEST OF ROGER ZELAZNY SF Masterworks Edition!

Posted on Friday, August 11th, 2023

On October 26th, Gollancz are due to publish THE BEST OF ROGER ZELAZNY, a new collection of Roger Zelazny‘s short fiction, as part of their SF Masterworks series!

From the far reaches of space to the hidden corners of Earth, from aliens to wizards and everything in between…

One of the most influential SFF writers of modern times, Roger Zelazny wrote across a wide range of subgenres and themes, experimenting with form and story with mastery. He won many awards throughout his lifetime, including six Hugo awards, three Nebula awards and two Locus awards. He has inspired many of today’s great SFF authors.

This new collection contains a selection of his short stories and novellas which span the depth and breadth of the human imagination.

A must read for fans of the author, but also a great introduction to the scope and breadth of his imagination.

Gollancz also publishes Zelazny’s acclaimed fantasy classic Chronicles of Amber series; and the stand-alone novels ROADMARKS and LORD OF LIGHT — all out now, published as SF Masterworks.

RIVERS OF LONDON: HERE BE DRAGONS #2 & #3 Covers!

Posted on Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

The second and third issues in the new Rivers of London comic series, HERE BE DRAGONS, are due to be published by Titan Comics on August 23rd and September 6th, respectively. We thought we’d take the opportunity to share with you the covers! Above are the two variants for issue 2, and below are the covers for issue 3.

Written by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, and James Swallow, series artwork is by José María Beroy. Here’s the synopsis…

A dangerous monster is at large above the streets of London. And its name… Wyvern!

After a Met Police helicopter on night patrol is attached by an unidentified aerial phenomena, the Met’s only sanctioned wizard, Peter Grant, and his mentor, Thomas Nightingale, are called into investigate.

Issue #2 covers are by Veronica Fish and Patricio Clarey; Issue #3 covers are by Abigail Harding and Gyula Nemeth.

Ben’s latest book is WINTER’S GIFTS, a novel set in the Rivers of London universe — published by Gollancz in the UK (out now) and Subterranean Press in North America (forthcoming). Andrew’s latest book is DEATH IN FINE CONDITION, the first novel in his new Paperback Sleuth series — out now, published by Titan Books in the UK and North America.

ALL THE DEAD SHALL WEEP… in Four Weeks!

Posted on Monday, August 7th, 2023

In four weeks, Piatkus Books are due to publish the fifth novel in Charlaine Harris‘s acclaimed Gunnie Rose series. ALL THE DEAD SHALL WEEP will be available on September 5th in the UK. Here’s the synopsis…

Charlaine Harris returns to her alternate history of the United States where magic is an acknowledged but despised power in this fifth installment of the Gunnie Rose series.

Following the murderous events of The Serpent of Heaven, Lizbeth Rose is awaiting the arrival of her sister Felicia and her husband’s younger brother Eli in Texoma. Both needed to leave the seat of the Holy Russian Empire in San Diego after Felicia’s burgeoning wizardly power in death magic became the reason for kidnapping and assassination attempts from her mother’s family of high-powered wizards in Mexico.

Yet bad news has travelled ahead of them, as Eli is called back to San Diego, taking Peter along with him, splitting them apart in more ways than one as their enemies’ plans for revenge come to fruition…

Love The Walking Dead, Westworld or True Blood? You will ADORE this gritty and wildly entertaining tale, set in a parallel reality of the United States where magic is an outlawed power.

The first four titles in the series are also available in the UK, published by Piatkus, and now in paperback: AN EASY DEATH, A LONGER FALL, THE RUSSIAN CAGE, and THE SERPENT IN HEAVEN.

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

‘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

‘Harris has a remarkable talent for world building […] In all, this looks like another winning series from a sure-bet author.’ — Booklist 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

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

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

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

‘Mixing in tidbits of real history with her own fictitious saga, the imaginative Harris creates an absorbing modern fantasy steeped in thoughtful action in THE RUSSIAN CAGE.’ — Sun Sentinel

‘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

‘The fourth ‘Gunnie Rose’ novel… moves the setting from the rural west to an urban city, but contains just as much intrigue and action as the previous books.’ — Library Journal on THE SERPENT IN HEAVEN

‘Felicia proves an equally strong and magnetic heroine who’s sure to win fans over in the end. This takes the series in an exciting new direction.’ — Publisher’s Weekly on THE SERPENT IN HEAVEN

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