Next Thursday, July 8th, J. T. Greathouse will be taking part in an event with Brian Staveley. Hosted by the Broken Binding, it’s a free event — however, you should reserve your spot ASAP, here.
J. T. Greathouse’s debut novel, THE HAND OF THE SUN KING is due to be published by Gollancz in the UK, on August 5th, 2021. The first book in the Pact and Pattern series, here’s the synopsis…
My name is Wen Alder. My name is Foolish Cur.
All my life, I have been torn between two legacies: that of my father, whose roots trace back to the right hand of the Emperor. That of my mother’s family, who reject the oppressive Empire and embrace the resistance.
I can choose between them – between protecting my family, or protecting my people – or I can search out a better path… a magical path, filled with secrets, unbound by empire or resistance, which could shake my world to its very foundation.
But my search for freedom will entangle me in a war between the gods themselves…
Here are just a few reviews the novel has received so far…
‘THE HAND OF THE SUN KING fundamentally explores the right to make our own choices in life, to make sacrifices to serve the greater good and to use power to uplift the oppressed. Greathouse delivers a debut full of complexities, passion and grace, and I’m already longing for more.’ — Fantasy Hive
‘Sublime prose and pin-sharp characterisation combined to produce a captivating epic of conflicted loyalties and dangerous ambition’ — Anthony Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
‘Hands down the best debut of the year. Scratch that; this is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read’ — Novel Notions
‘A great coming of age story about a foolish boy who seeks to unravel the secrets of magic and maybe do something good in the process. I absolutely loved it’ — Nick Martell
‘An excellent mix of classic and modern fantasy with a grimdark undertone of despair.’ — Grimdark Magazine
Zeno represents J. T. Greathouse in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.
In case you missed it, Aliette de Bodard took part in this year’s TorCon 2021! Specifically, the author contributed to the ‘Conjuring the Diaspora: Myths, Legends, and Classics Reimagined’ panel (which you can watch above), and also a ‘Cooking the Books’ segment (below).
Aliette’s latest book is FIREHEART TIGER, an acclaimed fantasy novella published by Tor.com. 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?
Here are just a handful of the reviews FIREHEART TIGER has received so far…
‘[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
‘FIREHEART TIGER… is a delicate novella with threads of imperial politics, magical beings, queer romance and the psychology of trauma. It’s a bit of a miracle to feel as if you’ve read a six-book fantasy series in so few pages. This book is elegant and hypnotic as the flame of a candle, and I’ll be thinking for some time about the shadows it throws into relief.’ — New York Times Book Review
‘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)
‘De Bodard…, as she so often does, packs the world-building and emotional punch of an epic into a shockingly slim novella. This touching romance with the delicate negotiations of a small country’s survival against an imperial adversary would be a lovely place to start with de Bodard’s work, and fans will find more of what they’ve come to love about her stories.’ — Booklist
To celebrate the release of THE BEST OF WORLD SF, a superb collection of science fiction stories from around the world, edited by Lavie Tidhar, Head of Zeus CEO and publisher Nicolas Cheetham hosted Tidhar, and anthology contributors Lauren Beukes, Francesco Verso, Taiyo Fujii and R.S.A. Garcia for a discussion about the book and the international science fiction scene.
The anthology is out now in the UK and North America, published by Head of Zeus’s Aries imprint. Here’s the full synopsis…
Twenty-six new short stories representing the state of the art in international science fiction.
The future is coming. It knows no bounds, and neither should science fiction.
They say the more things change the more they stay the same. But over the last hundred years, science fiction has changed. Vibrant new generations of writers have sprung up across the globe, proving the old adage false. From Ghana to India, from Mexico to France, from Singapore to Cuba, they draw on their unique backgrounds and culture, changing the face of the genre one story at a time.
Prepare yourself for a journey through the wildest reaches of the imagination, to visions of Earth as it might be and the far corners of the universe. Along the way, you will meet robots and monsters, adventurers and time travellers, rogues and royalty.
In The Best of World SF, award-winning author Lavie Tidhar acts as guide and companion to a world of stories, from never-before-seen originals to award winners, from twenty-three countries and seven languages. Because the future is coming and it belongs to us all.
Finally, here are just a few of the great reviews the collection has received…
‘Rare and wonderful’ — The Times
‘This excellent anthology proves editor Tidhar’s assertion that science fiction should no longer be thought of as “white, male, and American” with 26 exemplary stories from 21 countries… Worthwhile both as a survey of international sci-fi and on a story-by-story level, this wonderful anthology should be a hit with any sci-fi fan.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
‘Vital and exciting, THE BEST OF WORLD SF blows the blast panels off the dusty, well-worn tropes of popular science fiction and lets in a dazzling burst of lunar light.’ — Foreword Review
‘There is not a poor story here… nice balance between light and harder stories… IMMERSION by Aliette de Bodard reads like hard Sci Fi but digs a little deeper… As a group, the stories on offer within THE BEST OF WORLD SF Volume 1 are so strong… This is a great introduction to what the rest of the world has to offer.’ — SF Book Reviews
‘Stories like these are the ones you sometimes want to foist upon readers who claim not to like SF, and The Best of World SF: Volume 1 reminds us that such stories can come from anywhere these days, if only we get to see them. I look forward to future volumes.’ — Locus (Gary K. Wolfe)
‘In addition to being an award-winning sci-fi writer, Israeli-born UK-based Lavie Tidhar is also a tireless champion of international sci-fi… an excellent, lovingly curated collection that is also uniformly well translated.’ — Financial Times
‘Now this book exists, it feels absurd it didn’t exist sooner… hefty, beautifully presented collection… an excellent samples and delight in itself… fizzes with great ideas and wonderful writing.’ — SFX (5*)
‘[Tidhar] is really a pioneer… He was looking at writers from Malaysia, from Africa, from China, from Japan when no one was really doing that. You might get some stories here and there from other parts of the world. But the way that he constructed this global structure of science fiction and looked at science fiction not as a monoculture but as a vibrant sphere for people to speak from all over the world, and the promotion he gave that over the long term and pushing it on and on in an independent space, is exciting to see and inspiring.’ — Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Late in May, Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel were interviewed for Forbidden Planet TV, to talk about the upcoming Deluxe Writers’ Edition of their first Rivers of London comic story: BODY WORK. You can now watch that above! The digital edition of the book is out tomorrow, with the print edition following on July 6th.
The Rivers of London comic series has continued to grow in popularity ever since the first story arc was released. The series now stands at eight completed stories, All of them are published by Titan Comics in English.
The ninth story — MONDAY, MONDAY — is due to start on July 7th!
Today, we wanted to share with you Jack Campell‘s discussion about his upcoming novel, BOUNDLESS. The first in his latest series set in the Lost Fleet universe, the interview was conducted for Forbidden Planet.
BOUNDLESS is due to be published by Titan Books in the UK, on June 23rd. Here’s the synopsis…
The master of military science fiction returns.
Admiral John ‘Black Jack’ Geary carries evidence of crimes which could destroy the Alliance he has fought so hard to save. Now his battle-weary fleet returns to Unity, the seat of the Alliance government.
But instead of a hero’s welcome, he faces assassination attempts and political threats. His arrival ignites a furious Senate trial, and Geary must use all his guile to ensure the guilty are brought to justice, without himself becoming judge and jury. All the while forces lurk in the shadows, poised to strike at any moment.
Unsure of who he can trust, Geary is sent on a dangerous mission to lead his fleet through the shattered Syndicate Worlds, and beyond to alien-controlled space. As the Alliance faces the failures of its past, Black Jack must confront its legacy – distrust and rebellion.
Zeno represents Jack Campbell in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.
Back in March, Enfield Libraries hosted Ben Aaronovitch for a conversation about his books and writing in general. The video for the event has now been posted on YouTube.
Ben is the author of the internationally-bestselling and acclaimed Peter Grant/Rivers of London series, which to date includes eight novels, three novellas, a short story collection, and eight comic story arcs!
At the end of February, Andrew Cartmel was interviewed for Kingston Libraries. In case you missed the event, the video has now been made available online. You can watch it below.
Andrew is the author of the Vinyl Detective mystery series (Titan Books), co-author of the Rivers of London comic series (Titan Comics), and more!
Last week, Craig Laurance Gidney took part in an online conversation with P. Djèlí Clark, on ‘Writing Between Genres’. In case you missed it, the Sturgis Library — who hosted the event — has now made the video available online. We’ve embedded it above. Enjoy!
In addition to his published work, and publishing in the time of COVID, Jonathan Carroll discusses his latest novel: MR. BREAKFAST, which has already been published in Italy and Poland…
It’s a kind of a combination of Borges’s ‘Garden of Forking Paths’ and that film Sliding Doors. In so many cases, so many people’s lives would have been profoundly different if they’d taken a little step to the left or to the right. We don’t think about that, because we’re so fixed on right now and this moment…
Aliette de Bodard discusses her published work — which includes, most recently, FIREHEART TIGER (Tor.com) — and also the importance of parent-child relationships in fiction, and the desire to break the moulds of certain story tropes and frameworks.
Now I think, ‘You know what? Where is it written that a story has to work that way?’ I read a book that suggested putting ‘Where is it written?’ in front of everything you think is a given. If you can pull it off, you can do anything.
The March 2021 issue of Locus Magazine is out now.
On March 16th, Ben Aaronovitch is due to take part in an online Watersones event about Fantasy Worlds. Joining Namina Forna and Patrice Lawrence, the three authors will discuss their new books and…
They’ll discuss world-building in fantasy, and what they absorb from existing stories and culture to create their universes, and you’ll even get the chance to put your own questions to these three astounding writers at this special event.
The event will be held over Zoom, and is ticketed; so you should sign up for it ASAP. One option includes a discount and a signed edition of WHAT ABIGAIL DID THAT SUMMER.
WHAT ABIGAIL DID THAT SUMMER, a novella set in his best-selling, critically-acclaimed, and fan-favourite Rivers of London universe. It is due to be published in the UK by Gollancz and in North America by Subterranean Press. Here’s the book’s synopsis…
Ghost hunter, fox whisperer, troublemaker.
It is the summer of 2013 and Abigail Kamara has been left to her own devices. This might, by those who know her, be considered a mistake. While her cousin, police constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant, is off in the sticks, chasing unicorns, Abigail is chasing her own mystery. Teenagers around Hampstead Heath have been going missing but before the police can get fully engaged, the teens return home – unharmed but vague about where they’ve been.
Aided only by her new friend Simon, her knowledge that magic is real, and a posse of talking foxes that think they’re spies, Abigail must venture into the wilds of Hampstead to discover who is luring the teenagers and more importantly – why?
We just wanted to take this opportunity to quickly draw your attention to an upcoming online event: next Wednesday (March 3rd), Nick Martell will be a guest on Brandon Sanderson‘s livestream! The event will be broadcast on Brandon’s YouTube page. Keep your eyes on Nick’s, Brandon’s, and our Twitter feeds for updates about timing, etc.
Nick’s upcoming second novel, THE TWO-FACED QUEEN is due to be published by Gollancz on March 25th (eBook) and April 8th (print). It’s the second novel in his acclaimed Legacy of the Mercenary Kings fantasy series. 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.
Brandon’s latest novel is the best-selling fourth novel in the Stormlight Archive series, RHYTHM OF WAR is also out now published, by Gollancz in the UK.
After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move.
Now, as new technological discoveries by Navani Kholin’s scholars begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength.
At the same time that Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with his changing role within the Knights Radiant, his Windrunners face their own problem: As more and more deadly enemy Fused awaken to wage war, no more honorspren are willing to bond with humans to increase the number of Radiants. Adolin and Shallan must lead the coalition’s envoy to the honorspren stronghold of Lasting Integrity and either convince the spren to join the cause against the evil god Odium, or personally face the storm of failure.
Zeno represents Nick Martell and Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.
In January, as part of LibConWest @ Home, Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel took part in an online event for the Rivers of London comic series. Also featuring artists Lee Sullivan and Paulina “Pau” Vassileva, the event was recorded and is now available to watch online!
Check out the video:
The critically-acclaimed Rivers of London comic series is published by Titan Comics.
In two weeks, on February 23rd (Tuesday), Craig Laurance Gidney will be taking part in an online event with P. Djèlí Clark: ‘Writing Between Genres’. The Zoom event will be hosted by the Sturgis Library…
We will discuss working across genres, what challenges that presents, writing and reading tips, and much much more. The authors will also read from their work. a live Q and A will follow.
If you would like to take part in the event, which will start at 6:30pm EST, email SturgisReference@comcast.net.
As part of next week’s LIBCON West @ Home, Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel are going to be taking part in an online event! ‘Peter Grant Goes Graphic: Creating the Rivers of London Comic Books’ will be hosted by Glendale Arizona Libraries, and does require registration. Here’s a quick description of the event…
Writing novels is largely a solitary enterprise, but creating a comic book can take an entire team. Author Ben Aaronovitch collaborates with a co-author, an illustrator, and a colorist to spin off his internationally bestselling “Rivers of London” urban fantasy series into a successful run of comic books, all with original storylines. How does this team of talent work together? What are the secrets to adapting the adventures of apprentice wizard/Detective Constable Peter Grant from one format to another? Does the process ever — like Peter’s own experiments — result in some explosions? Bring your questions to a fascinating and funny live Zoom panel featuring acclaimed author Ben Aaronovitch, co-author Andrew Cartmel, illustrator Lee Sullivan, and colorist Paulina “Pau” Vassileva. Moderated by Chantelle Aimée Osman.
Ben and Andrew are the co-authors of the Rivers of London comic series, which are published in English by Titan Comics. Eight story arcs have been completed so far, each now available in a collection edition: BODY WORK, NIGHT WITCH, BLACK MOULD, DETECTIVE STORIES, CRY FOX, WATER WEED, ACTION AT A DISTANCE, and THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS. The series is currently in the process of being published in German (via Panini), and the first couple have also been published in Czech (via Argo).
The comic series is based on the world and characters of Ben’s internationally bestselling and acclaimed Peter Grant/Rivers of London series of novels and novellas.
Today, we’re very happy to share with you a short video featuring Tobias Capwell. In ‘How Real is it?’, the curator of arms and armour at The Wallace Collection in London examines 11 memorable scenes featuring medieval weapons and armour, and gives his assessment of their used based on whether or not they are historically accurate.
Capwell takes a look at Sauron’s armour, flails and maces in The Lord of the Rings; he discusses the Corinthian and Greek influences behind the Mandalorians’ helmets; whether or not swords and shields are realistically used in Vikings and The Last Kingdom; whether or not it is possible to reforge a sword that is fit for purpose (as in Game of Thrones); and also various aspects of knightly combat.
Capwell has written a number of books and articles on weapons, armour throughout history, as well as books on knighthood and tournaments. In 2015 he had the honour of serving as one of the two fully-armoured knights who escorted the remains of King Richard III to their final resting place in Leicester Cathedral:
Back in June 2020, the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities hosted Toby for a lecture on ‘Armour and the Knight in Life and Afterlife’, which you can watch below…
