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WHERE IS ANYBODY? by Simon R Green is Out Today in the UK and North America!

Posted on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

WHERE IS ANYBODY?, the fifth novel in Simon R. Green‘s acclaimed Gideon Sable urban fantasy series is out today in the UK and North America! Published by Severn House, here’s the synopsis…

Legendary master thief and conman Gideon Sable must pull off an impossible heist to save his partner’s life in this fast-paced supernatural thriller from New York Times bestselling British fantasy author Simon R. Green

Gideon Sable specializes in stealing the kind of things that can’t usually be stolen. But these days the legendary master thief is officially retired from the caper game. Now, instead of pulling off elaborate heists with his crew of supernatural specialists, he runs a magical shop in the heart of London with his partner Annie Anybody. Still, he can’t resist occasionally going out in the night to steal things when Annie’s not looking. For old times’ sake – and for the joy of the con.

But after one of his late-night illicit jaunts, Gideon returns to the shop to find that while he’s been stealing, someone else has been hard at work… stealing from him. I have taken Annie Anybody, reads the note on the countertop. If you ever want to see her again, you must find and steal Time’s Arrow. You have forty-eight hours.

Stealing the legendary Arrow isn’t a challenge; it’s certain death. But Gideon will stop at nothing to save Annie from their unknown enemy – with or without the help of his talented, terrifying former crew…

All of Green’s Gideon Sable novels (to date) are published in both the UK and North America by Severn House:

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

‘This novel by the author of the terrific Ishmael Jones series is a treat for anyone who relishes the blending of alternate-world fantasy, urban fantasy, and the caper novel. Exciting, witty, and stuffed full of fun.’ — Booklist on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘[Green] gives an urban fantasy twist to Oceans 11.’ — Publisher’s Weekly on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘This book is pure fun.’ — Grimdark Magazine on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘It’s a wonderfully imagined setting, which will be no surprise for those familiar with Green’s oeuvre. The Sable novels make perfect fare for fans of urban fantasy, thrillers, or caper novels (or, especially, blends of all three).’ — Booklist on A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE

‘I had a cracking good time with Gideon Sable and his more-misfit-than-usual crew as they took on Las Vegas. Calling this book a fantastic, slightly supernatural version of Ocean’s Eleven – complete with ALL the wisecracks – would be more accurate, and more fun, than anyone might have expected.’ — Reading Reality on A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE

‘[F]eatures a crew of criminals with hearts of gold and one of the snarkiest antiheroes to ever front an urban fantasy series, turning the murder and mayhem up to 11 while telling a story where disaster is always just on the other side of the door.’ — Library Journal on WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG

‘A blast for urban-fantasy readers looking for a broken fourth wall riddled with dry-witted commentary, evil getting its just deserts, and the good walking away to fight the good fight.’ — Library Journal on NOT OF THIS WORLD

‘His characters are full-bodied, and their alternate-world Britain setting is gripping… The story here (and in the previous three series installments) is so strong that it should satisfy even the most demanding of caper-novel devotees. Keep ’em coming!’ — Booklist on NOT OF THIS WORLD

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

SIX LIVES by Lavie Tidhar is Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Monday, August 5th, 2024

In three weeks, readers will be able to get their hands on Lavie Tidhar‘s latest thriller/mystery, SIX LIVES! Due to be published by Apollo/Head of Zeus on August 29th, here’s the synopsis…

SIX LIVES
Six lives, connected through blood and history, each rooted in the dirt of their inheritance, look to the future, and what it might hold.

THE GUANO MERCHANT
In 1855, Edward Feebes travels to the guano islands of South America to investigate an irregularity in the accounts of the House of Feebes & Co.

MOMENTO MORI
In 1912, post-mortem photographer and reluctant blackmailer Annie Connolly plots her escape from Ireland to America on board the Titanic.

THE COUNTRY HOUSE MURDER
In 1933, idealistic Edgar Waverley faces a choice of the heart when he becomes embroiled in a country house murder.

THE SPY
In 1964, hapless KGB agent Vasily Sokolov makes his career conjuring valuable information from worthless detritus.

ZABBALEEN
In 1987, actor Mariam Khouri looks back at Black Dirt, the movie that lifted her from the streets of Cairo.

NEW YORK
In 2012, Isabelle Feebes attempts to break with her poisonous heritage once and for al. Can she forge a new life for herself in the New World? Can you ever truly escape your past?

Apollo/Head of Zeus also publishes the author’s MAROR and ADAMA novels, both out now in paperback; as well as the BEST OF WORLD SF anthology series, edited by Lavie.

THE TWIRLY WIGGLY DANCE by Farrah Riaz is Out Now!

Posted on Thursday, August 1st, 2024

THE TWIRLY WIGGLY DANCE by Farrah Riaz is out now! Published by OUP, here’s the synopsis…

A story about dancing to your own beat!

Little Intisar has a BIG job at her Auntie Mahira’s wedding: she’s going to dance in the group performance! But as Intisar struggles with getting the routine right, her family of movers and groovers come to the rescue to show her being herself is far more fun than being perfect.

The book, aimed at readers aged 3-5, is beautifully illustrated by Navya Raju. It will be available in print and as an eBook.

The book received quite a few great pre-publication reviews, and will only rack more. Here are just a few of the early responses…

‘Really fun and I loved the message of mistakes not being necessarily bad and embracing all our differences.’ — Alex Falase-Koya, author of Marv

‘Heartwarming, joyful and bursting with colour… makes you want to get up and dance!’ — Amy Sparkes, author of Ellie’s Magic Wellies and My Tree

‘A joyful story’ — Victoria Lee, Jericho Writers

‘Farrah Riaz has written an inspiring story about courage, determination, and celebrating our differences, that is sure to have you wanting to get up and try out your own special dance moves… Find out about the different types of ceremonies, the vibrant outfits, the use of henna, the wonderful decorations, and so much more in this heartwarming and insightful children’s picture book, beautifully illustrated by Navya Raju.’ — Paul Deslandes, children’s author

‘THE TWIRLY WIGGLY DANCE is a joyous, heart-felt celebration of just how brightly we can shine when we are brave enough to dance to our own beat. With beautiful lively illustrations by Navya Raju, this debut picture book from Farrah Riaz will inspire children to step into the spotlight and let their own unique talents sparkle!’ — Kate Thompson, Children’s Author

‘A wonderful story about learning to dance like no one is watching. You won’t be able to resist cheering on Intisar when the big day arrives!’ – Sam Clarke, author of Pink Trucks

‘Wiggle away those worries with this glorious, feelgood story tackling anxiety. Reassuringly relatable text, a vibrant South Asian wedding setting and a ‘be true to yourself’ message, make this an irresistible addition to any child’s bookshelf.’ — Mariesa Dulak, author of There’s a Tiger on the Train

‘This is a gorgeous book, beautifully written and illustrated. Intisar is such a fun, relatable character and a lovely reminder to be yourself and enjoy life!’ — Sital Gorasia Chapman, author of The Bedtime Boat

‘THE TWIRLY WIGGLY DANCE is a joyous celebration of families, traditions and being true to yourself! With loveable characters and vibrant illustrations, it reminds us all to find our own grooves and not to worry about being perfect. Gorgeous!’ — Robert Tregoning, author of The Dress in the Window

‘Farrah Riaz’s warm, child-centred debut picture book is a gentle story about nerves and anxiety with an uplifting conclusion about embracing imperfection and celebrating individuality. It’s a strong message, set against the gorgeous backdrop of a Muslim multicultural wedding, with beautiful and frequently funny illustrations from Navya Raju. I adored it.’ — Stephanie King, Megaphone

Andrew Cartmel’s ASHRAM ASSASSIN Audiobook Edition Out Tomorrow!

Posted on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

The (slightly delayed) audiobook edition of Andrew Cartmel‘s ASHRAM ASSASSIN, the second Paperback Sleuth novel, is out tomorrow! The ‘sublimely pitched’ (Kirkus) novel is published by W. F. Howes; the audiobook is read by Olivia Dowd. Here’s the synopsis…

Humorous cozy-crime caper in which a feisty, amoral book dealer uses her unique skills to catch a murderer, desperate to hide the secrets kept by the yoga-obsessed staff and students of a West London ashram.

When a set of rare, impossible-to-find yoga books are stolen from a West London ashram, its leaders turn to Cordelia, the paperback sleuth, to recover them — a set-up that’s a little awkward as they’ve previously barred her from yoga classes for selling marijuana to their students. But what begins as a hunt for missing paperbacks soon becomes a murder investigation as those involved with the ashram can’t seem to stop dropping down dead — murdered with a whisky bottle to the head or a poisoned curry. Can Cordelia work out who the killer is and bring them to justice before they bring an end to her sleuthing for good.

DEATH IN FINE CONDITION (book 1 in the series) and ASHRAM ASSASSIN are also published by Titan Books in print and eBook.

Publishers Weekly had the following to say about DEATH IN FINE CONDITION, in their starred review…

‘Cartmel (the Vinyl Detective mysteries) has never been better than in this darkly funny series kickoff centered on London bookseller Cordelia Stanmer, a former addict who has fallen in love with vintage paperbacks and has no scruples about how she’ll feed her growing collection… Cordelia is a memorable, devilish antihero, and Cartmel’s delightfully dexterous plotting bodes well for a sequel. Fans of Lynne Truss’s Constable Twitten novels will find much to love.’

Titan also publishes Andrew’s widely-acclaimed Vinyl Detective novels — the first seven of which are out now: WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX, THE RUN-OUT GROOVE, VICTORY DISC, FLIP BACK, LOW ACTION, ATTACK AND DECAY, and NOISE FLOOR.

NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS by Aliette de Bodard Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

Today’s the day: NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS, the superb, highly-anticipated (and already widely-acclaimed) new novella by Aliette de Bodard, is out now! Published by TorDotCom on July 30th, here’s the synopsis…

Award-winning author of The Red Scholar’s Wake Aliette de Bodard comes for your heart with a compelling tale of love, duty, and found-family in an exciting new space opera that brings xianxia-style martial arts to the stars.

Jockeying navigator clans guide spaceships through the Hollows: an area of space populated by the mysterious but deadly creatures known as Tanglers. When a Tangler escapes the Hollows for the first time in living memory, each clan must send a representative to help capture it — but the mission may be doomed and the hearts of two clan juniors may be in danger too.

Việt Nhi is not good with people. Or politics. Which is a problem when the Rooster clan sends her on the mission against her will, forcing her to work with an ill-matched group of squabbling teammates from rival clans, including one who she can’t avoid, and maybe doesn’t want to.

Hạc Cúc of the Snake clan has always been better at poisoning and stabbing than at making friends, but she’s drawn to Nhi’s perceptiveness and obliviousness to social conventions — including the ones that really should make Nhi think twice about spending time with her.

But when their imperial envoy and nominal leader is poisoned, this crew of expendable apprentices will have to learn to work together — fast — before the invisible Tangler can wreak havoc on a civilian city and destroy the fragile reputation of the clans. Along the way, Nhi and Hạc Cúc will have to learn the hardest lesson of all: to see past their own misconceptions and learn to trust their growing feelings for each other.

NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS created quite a buzz, pre-publication — for example, it was selected as one of New Scientist’s best new SF books of July 2024; one of Screen Rant’s 10 most-anticipated SF books of July; and also one of LitHub’s best SFF books of July. It has also received a ton of great revivews. Here are just a few of them…

‘This magnificent space opera from Nebula Award winner de Bodard is simultaneously electric and heartwarming… De Bodard loads the narrative with unexpected twists and intricate interpersonal relationships. Fans and new readers alike will devour this.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘[A] fast, tense story that drives atmospherically forward towards its confrontations and revelations… solidly compelling… NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENT undergirds itself with a powerful sense of justice, as well as compassion… I loved it. Give me more, please.’ — Locus

‘This tight book, best enjoyed in a single day, is only a bite-sized story within an imagined universe that could easily exist beyond the central mystery… A quirky Sapphic space opera…’ — Kirkus

‘Fans of de Bodard’s Hugo Award-winning “Xuya Universe” series will find similarities in this standalone novel, and for those curious about Xuya and looking for a way in, this book includes many of the elements that make that series so compelling, but in a shorter, self-contained work. Readers of SF mysteries inflected with sapphic romance and political or corporate shenanigans … will become entangled in the latest from de Bodard.’ — Library Journal

‘Aliette de Bodard’s latest packs action, political intrigue, and strong character work into a vibrant and enthralling space opera that you can devour in a day. I found the two main characters incredibly endearing and especially appreciated the inclusion of a point-of-view character that reads as neurodivergent, the dual-POV narrative providing a potent representation of how different minds approach and process the same world, events, and interactions. I picked up this book for the promise of sapphics and space drama, and NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS delivered!’ — Oli Schmitz at Boswell Book Company

TorDotCom also publishes Aliette’s FIREHEART TIGER, a stand-alone Hugo Award-nominated fantasy novella.

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

‘[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

‘As always, de Bodard writes a steamy romance better than anyone… The action scenes are thrilling, but so is watching these characters ingeniously solve near-impossible problems. This is a wonderful novella about unlikely heroes outwitting manipulative authority figures and forming a new family.’ — Washington Post

Roger Zelazny’s DOORWAYS IN THE SAND Out Tomorrow in a New Audiobook edition!

Posted on Monday, July 29th, 2024

DOORWAYS IN THE SAND by Roger Zelazny is out tomorrow in a new audiobook edition! Published by Tantor Media, and read by Andrew J. Anderson, here’s the synopsis…

Can You Hear Me Fred?

Fred Cassidy leads an idyllic life. As long as he remains a full time college student without a degree, he is provided a very generous stipend from his uncle’s estate.

But after thirteen years of happy undergrad existence everything is about to change.

Cassidy’s home is broken into and ransacked. When he enters he is assaulted by a former professor wanting to know where the alien artifact known as the star stone is. Cassidy manages to escape, only to discover that he is also being pursued by hired criminals, Anglophile zealots, government agents, and aliens.

Cassidy has no idea where the star stone is but he realizes that unless he finds it, one of these factions will eventually catch up to him and most likely kill him.

Doorways in the Sand is fast paced, humorous, and has the most lyrical prose of any of Zelazny’s novels. It’s simply a joy to listen to, and was nominated for both a Hugo and Nebula Award for best novel.

DOORWAYS IN THE SAND is also available in print and eBook in the UK, published by Farrago.

Coming Soon: IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP by Aliette de Bodard

Posted on Thursday, July 25th, 2024

In September, readers will be able to pick up the latest Xuya masterpiece from Aliette de Bodard! IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP is due to be published on September 30th by Subterranean Press in North America (cover above), and JABberwocky in the UK (below). Here’s the synopsis…

Nightjar, sentient ship and family matriarch, looms large in Khuyên’s past. Disappearances drove teenage Khuyên from it, but death will steer her back.

Now an adult and a magistrate, Khuyên came for her maternal grandmother’s funeral but finds herself unwittingly reliving her past on the decaying Nightjar. Children are still disappearing as her childhood friends once did; and worse, her beloved Cousin Anh vanishes after pleading for her help.

Khuyên sets out to save Anh alongside Thảo, a beautiful and mysterious woman who seems to know more than she should about Khuyên and the ship. But saving Anh requires doing what Khuyên couldn’t do before: face her family, face the ship, face her own hopes and fears for the future—a future that might well include Thảo, but only if Khuyên can stop listening to the critical voice in her head.

A voice that sounds an awful lot like Nightjar’s…

The novella has already picked up a great review from Locus…

‘For all its brevity, this is a dense and emotionally complex piece, carrying grief and hope, pain and potential, in equal measure. The ashes of the past meeting the chance to build something different for the future. I always enjoy de Bodard’s work, and IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP is no exception: a sharp-edged and glittering science-fictional gem.’

Out Now: RIVERS OF LONDON: STRAY CAT BLUES #3

Posted on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

The third issue in Andrew Cartmel and Ben Aaronovitch‘s Rivers of London comic series, STRAY CAT BLUES, is out now! Available in print and digital editions, it’s published by Titan Comics. Here’s the synopsis…

Old frenemies become allies in the latest Rivers of London saga, when a mysterious cat-woman comes to Abigail looking for help to free her sisters from a notorious chimera brother run by London gangster Monty and his sinister magically endowed mother, Mrs.Napier.

Series artwork is by the ever-excellent José María Beroy, and the cover is by Veronica Fish.

The comic series is set in the same world as Ben Aaronovitch’s internationally-best selling and acclaimed Rivers of London/Peter Grant series of novels and novellas. If you’d like to know how the various series and books fit together, check out the info-graphic below…

New Turkish Edition of Roger Zelazny’s BLOOD OF AMBER Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

İthaki Yayınları continues its publishing plan for Roger Zelazny, with a new edition of the seventh novel in the acclaimed, beloved Chronicles of Amber series: BLOOD OF AMBER! Translated by Niran Elçi, AMBER KANI is out now. Here’s the synopsis…

Amber Lordu Merlin’in kristal mağarada geçirdiği tutsaklık hayatı sonunda bitmiştir. Ama özgürlüğünü kazanmak onun için yeterli değildir. Kafasında pek çok soru fakat çok az cevap vardır: Kristal mağarayı oluşturan mavi taşların nasıl bir gücü bulunmaktadır, bu gücü kim elinde tutmaktadır? Başından aşağı çiçekler yağdıran kimdir, amacı nedir? Onu korumak için beden değiştirerek takip eden varlık kim tarafından gönderilmiştir?

Cevabını aradığı sorular gibi, peşine düşen acımasız düşmandan da kurtuluşu yoktur. Halası Fiona’ya sığınan Merle, San Francisco bölgesinden daha fazlasını tehdit eden girift bir intikam ve ölüm ağında mücadele vermek zorundadır. Zira kraliyet ailesini yok etmeye çalışan güçler, hiç beklenmedik yerlerde, özellikle de Amber’in kalbinde saldırıya geçecek büyüleri serbest bırakmıştır.

Amber Yıllıkları’nın yedinci kitabı Amber Kanı’nda Merlin geçmiş sırların ağına giderek daha fazla dolanıyor.

The first six novels in the Chronicles of Amber series are also published in Turkey by İthaki Yayınları, and out now.

First published in 1986, BLOOD OF AMBER is available in the UK as part of THE SECOND CHRONICLES OF AMBER omnibus, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series. Here’s the synopsis…

Merlin is a Prince of Chaos and Amber, Corwin’s son and heir. He has grown up knowing that his legacy is to one day follow in his father’s footsteps, live up to his father’s legend.

When Corwin goes missing, that day comes far sooner than he could ever have expected. Merlin must find his own identity as the ruler of the worlds, and discover what kind of King he wants to be. Will he be a warrior like his father, or embrace his own path as a hacker-magician?

A generation after Corwin’s rise to the throne, Merlin is aided by powers beyond anything Corwin could have imagined. The epic magic from The Chronicles of Amber is wielded alongside sentient computers, a vorpal sword, and the ghosts of those who came before.

Featuring the Locus award-winning Trumps of Doom, the Locus nominated Blood of Amber and Sign of Chaos, and the final two novels Knight of Shadows and Prince of Chaos, the Second Chronicles of Amber continues the epic story of Amber and the Shadow worlds.

Two Weeks: WHERE IS ANYBODY? by Simon R. Green

Posted on Monday, July 22nd, 2024

WHERE IS ANYBODY?, Simon R. Green‘s fifth Gideon Sable novel, is out in two weeks! Due to be published by Severn House in the UK and North America, on August 6th, here’s the synopsis…