News - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Out Now: FROST ON GLASS by Ian R. MacLeod

Posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015

This past weekend, PS Publishing released Ian R. MacLeod‘s new anthology FROST ON GLASS. Here’s the synopsis…

In the title novella of this collection, a famous, creatively-blocked novelist faces exile or execution unless he can write a new story, and the theme of writing threads through the pages of this dazzling new collection.

The book contains eleven stories that explore strange pasts and new futures, plus non-fiction pieces drawn from the writer’s life, substantial commentaries on the origins and development of each of the stories, and a major new essay on how ideas are developed.

Both a magnificent gathering of fiction and a penetrating examination of the craft of writing, FROST OF GLASS memorably showcases and analyses the storytelling genius of Ian R MacLeod.

The cover for the anthology is of course above. Below, we have a photo from the book’s launch — Ian MacLeod reading from the anthology, with fellow Zeno client Ian McDonald listening intently…

Ian R. MacLeod is the award-winning author of a number of novels and short stories, including THE LIGHT AGES, THE SONG OF TIME, SNODGRASS and more. A number of Ian’s novels were recently released as eBooks by Open Road Media.

Here’s the full artwork for the FROST ON GLASS hardcover (click to embiggen)…

‘Sir Capwell’ Escorts Richard III to His Final Resting Place…

Posted on Monday, April 6th, 2015

Dr. Tobias Capwell, a client of the Zeno Agency, is Curator of Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection in London. As not only one of the world’s leading experts in his field, but also a skilled practitioner and key figure in the modern competitive jousting community, he regular appears on television and radio, and has written numerous books and articles.

Recently, however, he was involved in something rather unusual, even for him: he was one of just two horsemen in full armour escorting the remains of King Richard III on his final journey to Leicester Cathedral. The story was covered around the world, including this story in the L.A. Times.

Of the involvement in this historic event, he says: ‘I write and talk about the Middle Ages all the time, but I’ve never felt like a part of that history before. It was extraordinary to experience the medieval period crashing into the modern world like that. Magical.’

Toby was born in California and found his calling when, as a young boy, he visited the collection of medieval arms and armour at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. He now lives near London with his family.

2015 is a very special year for Toby. Not only is it the 600th anniversary of King Henry V’s victory at the Battle of Agincourt (25 October 1415), but he has recently written an appendix on armour for Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ new book Agincourt: My Family, the Battle and the Fight for France. This summer, Toby will be publishing his major study ARMOUR OF THE ENGLISH KNIGHT 1400-1450. Fifteen years in the making, this lavishly illustrated book will be the first of a series of three volumes telling the story of armour in England from the Hundred Years War to the advent of the Tudor dynasty.

Next Week’s RIVERS OF LONDON Cityread Events

Posted on Friday, April 3rd, 2015

The RIVERS OF LONDON Cityread London festivities continue, after a very strong and successful first week. Ben Aaronovitch has attended a number of venues for talks and readings, all of which have been very popular and great times have been had by all.

One event last week of particular note was a reading at London’s Mail Rail. At this event, Doc Brown read KING OF RATS, a brand new short story Ben wrote for the occasion. Below you’ll find a video clip of the event…

This is not Doc Brown’s first brush with the RIVERS OF LONDON world. He works with Ben’s nephew Mikis Michaelides, who produced this music video for RIVERS OF LONDON…

Here are Ben’s events for this second week of Cityread London (be sure to check your library’s websites for more/full details)…

April 7th
- 7-8:30pm – Sutton Library – Meet & Greet, Talk and Signing
April 8th
- 2-3:30pm – Kingston-upon-Thames, Surbiton Library
- 6:30 – Lambeth, Brixton Library
April 9th
- 7:00-8:30pm – Wandsworth, Balham Library Hall – Request attendees book in advance, due to limited space (free admission)
April 10th
- 6:30pm – Waltham Forest, Walthamstow Library – Refreshments, puppet show, talk and Q&A session
April 11th
- 2:30-4:00pm – Richmond, Twickenham Library
- 7:00pm – Merton, Wimbledon Library

You can find more details of Ben’s schedule on his website.

RIVERS OF LONDON and the other Peter Grant novels are published in the UK by Gollancz. They have been published widely in translation, also.

Peter V. Brett Events in the UK

Posted on Thursday, April 2nd, 2015

With the release of Peter V. Brett‘s fourth novel, THE SKULL THRONE fast approaching, we wanted to let you know about some UK events in which he’ll be taking part.

THE SKULL THRONE signing at Forbidden Planet, London

When: Thursday, 9th April, 2015 — 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Forbidden Planet Megastore, Shaftesbury Avenue, London
What: Get the new novel signed!
Additional Info: If past experience is anything to go by, this is going to be a very popular event, so make sure you arrive early to beat the lines.

Fantasy Faction‘s Grim Gathering 2015

When: Friday, 10th April, 2015 — 7pm
Where: Waterstone’s The Galleries, Bristol
What: ‘Your favourite modern fantasy authors Joe Abercrombie, Peter V. Brett, Mark Lawrence and an exciting débutée in Peter Newman will all be in attendance for a Panel, a Q&A, a Signing and an after party.’
Additional Info: FF’s Grim Gatherings are great, informal fora for hearing from great authors and learn about their books and thoughts on their writing and genre.

Guardian Masterclass — ‘Writing and publishing fantasy and dystopian fiction’

When: Tuesday, 14th April, 2015 — 6.30pm-8.30pm
Where: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
What: ‘Learn how to take your writing to new frontiers at this evening seminar on fantasy and dystopian fiction. The evening begins with talks from three top authors on the journey from idea to finished book.’ Event featuring authors Peter V. Brett, Joe Abercrombie and Francesca Haig, and editor/publisher Jane Johnson.
Additional Info: Tickets cost £49, and are limited to 100.

THE SKULL THRONE is the fourth novel in Peter Brett’s Demon Cycle epic fantasy series. The other novels in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling series are THE PAINTED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR and THE DAYLIGHT WAR. The series also includes the novellas THE GREAT BAZAAR & BRAYAN’S GOLD and MESSENGER’S LEGACY. All are published in the UK by Voyager Books.

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

Cover: THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS by Edward Cox

Posted on Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

Above is the stunning cover for Edward Cox‘s second novel, THE CATHEDRAL OF KNOWN THINGS. The sequel to THE RELIC GUILD, the novel is due to be published by Gollancz in October 2015 (late September in eBook). Here’s the synopsis…

Divided, hunted and short on resources, the surviving members of the Relic Guild are in real trouble. Their old enemy, the Genii, and their resurrected master have infiltrated Labrys Town and taken over the police force.

So the Relic Guild must flee their home, and set off on a dangerous journey across the worlds of the Aelfir. One that will lead them to a weapon which might destroy the Genii. Or the whole universe…

And forty years before all this, the war which led to the fall of the Genii continues. And what happens to the Relic Guild during that conflict will change the course of their desperate flight.

And, in case the stunning cover and synopsis didn’t convince you, here is just a handful of the great reviews THE RELIC GUILD has received…

‘A terrific debut novel, with plenty of scope for expansion and some really good world-building. Most importantly, lots of fun. Looking forward to the next one.’ — Joanne Harris

‘Part science fantasy, part steampunk thriller, part horror novel… THE RELIC GUILD reads in places like a vividly-described high fantasy merged with Victorian penny dreadful ‘appening… colourful characters… Cox has written a mighty fine first novel… I was hooked…’ — Interzone

‘An exciting blend of steampunk, fantasy, horror, and pulp adventure… THE RELIC GUILD is an intriguing, original and enjoyable book, a daring mix of genres…’ — Starburst

‘THE RELIC GUILD is a formidable debut from an author with huge potential, and I will be one of the first clamouring for a copy of the sequel.’ — Fantasy Faction

‘THE RELIC GUILD, the debut novel from Edward Cox, is all kinds of magic… Stylistically it is a rich brew… always full of flavour… a high concept fantasy packed with ideas, weird and wonderful characters and a mix of styles, at times evoking noir, urban fantasy, flavours of steampunk (in the depiction of anachronistic technology) and grotesque body-horror David Cronenberg would be proud of. Thought you knew where modern fantasy was at? THE RELIC GUILD will challenge your assumptions.’ — British Fantasy Society

WARLOCK HOLMES sells to Titan Books

Posted on Monday, March 30th, 2015

UK & Commonwealth rights to WARLOCK HOLMES, the debut novel by American author Gabriel Denning, have sold to Titan Books, along with two further books in the same series.

The deal was negotiated by John Wordsworth at the Zeno Agency, on behalf of Sam Morgan at the JABberwocky Literary Agency. Titan has also acquired US rights to all three titles.

Titan are planning on publishing WARLOCK HOLMES in May 2016. Here’s the pitch:

Sherlock Holmes is an unparalleled genius who uses the gift of deduction and reason to solve the most vexing of crimes.

Warlock Holmes, however, is an idiot. A good man, perhaps; a font of arcane power, certainly. But he’s brilliantly dim. Frankly, he couldn’t deduce his way out of a paper bag.

The only things he really has going for him are the might of a thousand demons and his stalwart flatmate. Thankfully, Dr. Watson is always there to aid him through the treacherous shoals of Victorian propriety … and save him from a gruesome death every now and again.

Gabriel Denning was born and raised in Seattle. He has published articles for the popular games company Wizards of the Coast, worked as a editor, written a video-game script for Nintendo, and scripted and performed shows at the Epcot Center, Walt Disney World. He now lives in Las Vegas with his family. To connect with the author, be sure to follow him on Twitter.

Cityreads London Starts Next Week!

Posted on Friday, March 27th, 2015

This year, Ben Aaronovitch‘s RIVERS OF LONDON is the Cityreads London title! Throughout April 2015, Ben will be taking part in events, and libraries across the city will be holding readings and festivities of their own. You can find all the information about Ben’s and other events taking place around London on the Cityreads website, but to make things a bit easier for you, we’re going to post a list of events each Friday for the following week.

RIVERS OF LONDON is the first novel in the bestselling Peter Grant urban fantasy series, which is published in the UK by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (and as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit – we do paperwork so real coppers don’t have to – and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May. Then one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, I tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly voluable, and that brought me to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England.

Now I’m a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years, and my world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, and digging up graves in Covent Garden . . . and there’s something festering at the heart of the city I love, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair.

The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city, and it’s falling to me to bring order out of chaos – or die trying.

The series also includes MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND, BROKEN HOMES and FOXGLOVE SUMMER. More books are planned for the series. (As ever, watch this space for more news!) The series has been published widely in translation.

The event officially kicks off in Covent Garden (see below), but there have already been a couple of events, and Ben’s Library Tour begins on Wednesday 1st.

Starting on Friday 3rd, the Westminster Reference Library begins holding a special “training” session for those who think they have what it takes to join Peter Grant in the Met’s top secret secret paranormal unit! This is a ticketed event, taking place every weekend, the price of which includes a special edition of the novel.

Below you can see Ben’s full Library Tour schedule for April…

UPDATE: If you can’t make any of the events in London, but still want to take part in the discussion, be sure to join the Goodreads Group dedicated to the RIVERS OF LONDON Cityread.

Marie Brennan’s VOYAGE OF THE BASILISK Published Tomorrow in the UK

Posted on Thursday, March 26th, 2015

Tomorrow, Titan Books publish Marie Brennan‘s VOYAGE OF THE BASILISK. It is the third novel in the author’s Memoirs of Lady Trent series. Here’s the synopsis…

Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed—until now.

Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal.

Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons.

The Memoirs of Lady Trent include A NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS and THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS, both published in the UK by Titan Books.

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

Jack Campbell’s DREADNAUGHT is Tomorrow’s UK Kindle Deal

Posted on Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

Tomorrow, the first book in Jack Campbell‘s Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier series, DREADNAUGHT, will be the UK Kindle Daily Deal. A great jumping on point for the series, it is published in the UK by Titan Books. Here’s the synopsis…

Captain John “Black Jack” Geary woke from a century of survival hibernation to take command of the Alliance fleet in the final throes of its long and bitter conflict against the Syndicate Worlds. Now Fleet Admiral Geary’s victory has earned him the adoration of the people and enmity of politicians convinced that a living hero can be a very dangerous thing.

Geary is charged with command of the newly christened First Fleet. Its first mission: to probe deep into the territory of the mysterious alien race. Geary knows that members of the military high command and the government fear his staging a coup, so he can’t help but wonder if the fleet is being deliberately sent to the far side of space on a suicide mission.

The Beyond the Frontier series also includes INVINCIBLE, GUARDIAN, STEADFAST and LEVIATHAN – all published in the UK by Titan and available now. Campbell is also the author of the Lost Fleet series (currently six books), the Lost Fleet: Lost Stars series (currently three novels), the JAG in Space series (four novels) and Stark’s War series (three novels). All of Jack’s novels are published in the UK by Titan Books.

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

Cover: THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler (UK)

Posted on Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

We announced back in February that John Wordsworth had negotiated the sale of UK rights for Erika Swyler‘s novel THE BOOK OF SPECULATION to Corvus Books. Today, we are able to share with you the UK cover (above). The novel is due to be published in the UK in February 2016.

Here’s the synopsis…

Simon Watson lives alone on the Long Island Sound in his family home, a house perched on the edge of a cliff that is slowly crumbling into the sea. His parents are long dead, his mother having drowned in the water his house overlooks. His younger sister, Enola, works for a travelling carnival and seldom calls.

On a day in late June, Simon receives a mysterious book from an antiquarian bookseller; it has been sent to him because it is inscribed with the name Verona Bonn, Simon’s grandmother. The book tells the story of two doomed lovers who were part of a travelling circus more than two hundred years ago. The paper crackles with age as Simon turns the yellowed pages filled with notes and sketches. He is fascinated, yet as he reads Simon becomes increasingly unnerved. Why do so many women in his family drown on 24th July? And could Enola, who has suddenly turned up at home for the first time in years, risk the same terrible fate?

As 24th July draws ever closer, Simon must unlock the mysteries of the book, and decode his family history, before it is too late.

Zeno represents Erika Swyler in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Michelle Brower and Melissa Sarver White at Folio Literary Management.

Free on iTunes: A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE by Freda Warrington

Posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2015

The first book in Freda Warrington‘s critically-acclaimed Blood Wine series is currently free on iTunes in the UK! Published by Titan Books in the UK (and US), A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE is a classic of the modern vampire genre. Here’s the synopsis…

1918. A First World War battlefield becomes the cosmic battleground for two vampires, as Karl von Wultendorf struggles to free himself from his domineering maker, Kristian.

1923. Charlotte Neville watches as her father, a Cambridge professor, fills Parkland Hall with guests for her sister Madeleine’s 18th birthday party. Among them is his handsome new research assistant Karl – the man Madeleine has instantly decided will be her husband. Charlotte, shy and retiring, is happy to devote her life to her father and her dull fiance Henry – until she sees Karl …

For Charlotte, it is the beginning of a deadly obsession that sunders her from her sisters, her father and even her dearest friend. As their feverish passion grows, Karl faces the dilemma he fears the most. Only by deserting Charlotte can his passion for her blood be conquered. Only by betraying her can he protect her from the terrifying attentions of Kristian – for Kristian has decided to teach Karl a lesson in power, by devouring Charlotte.

The promotion will last until April 1st, 2015. Here’s just a sample of the great reviews A TASTE OF BLOOD WINE has received…

‘A really, really splendid read… not to be missed.’ — Starburst

‘Not merely one of the finest fantasy novels of recent years, but one of the finest ever. Should not be missed.’ — Interzone

‘… this delicious tale of love, lust and a passionate affair that stretches beyond the grave, is truly delightful… There’s so much here to love… the writing is gorgeous, by turns haunting, lucid, and all-round beautiful… This first instalment is eminently readable, absorbing, and all-round brilliant, a lovely piece of work, and definitely a must-have whether or not you’re a fan of vampires. It’s a book for fiction-lovers and anyone that claims to appreciate the written word, I think. And I for one am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.’ — British Fantasy Society

‘A tale which throbs with lush romanticism.’ — The Times

The fourth novel in the series, THE DARK ARTS OF BLOOD, is due to be published by Titan Books on May 29th, 2015 in the UK and US.

Charlie Human’s APOCALYPSE NOW NOW Arrives Tomorrow in Japan

Posted on Friday, March 20th, 2015

Tomorrow, Charlie Human‘s mind-bending, gonzo debut urban fantasy novel, APOCALYPSE NOW NOW, is released in Japan. Published by Tokyo Sogensha as 鋼鉄の黙示録, here’s the Japanese synopsis, followed by the English-language synopsis…

ケープタウンに住む高校生のバクスターは失踪した恋人を探すうちに、超常現象専門の賞金稼ぎローニンと出会う。どうやら恋人は、この街に実在する異形の怪物たちにさらわれたらしい。しかも事件にはバクスターの血筋に連なる異能者や、政府の秘密諜報機関までもが関わっているという。調査を進めるバクスターたちの行く先々で、銃弾と呪術が乱れ飛び、ゾンビやロボットが大暴れ……　イギリスＳＦ界を騒然とさせたデビュー作！

I love the smell of parallel dimensions in the morning…

Baxter Zevcenko’s life is pretty sweet. As the 16-year-old kingpin of the Spider, his smut-peddling schoolyard syndicate, he’s making a name for himself as an up-and-coming entrepreneur. Profits are on the rise, the other gangs are staying out of his business, and he’s going out with Esme, the girl of his dreams.

But when Esme gets kidnapped, and all the clues point towards strange forces at work, things start to get seriously weird. The only man drunk enough to help is a bearded, booze-soaked, supernatural bounty hunter that goes by the name of Jackson ‘Jackie’ Ronin.

Plunged into the increasingly bizarre landscape of Cape Town’s supernatural underworld, Baxter and Ronin team up to save Esme. On a journey that takes them through the realms of impossibility, they must face every conceivable nightmare to get her back, including the odd brush with the Apocalypse.

APOCALYPSE NOW NOW is published in the UK by Century Books; South Africa by Umuzi/Random Struik; and is due to be published in the US by Titan Books soon (cover reveal next week). The sequel, KILL BAXTER, is also published or due to be published by the same publishers.

Here’s just a small selection of the incredible reviews APOCALYPSE NOW NOW has received…

‘It’s mad, dark, irreverent and wonderfully twisted in all the right ways.’ — Lauren Beukes, author of The Shining Girls

‘Brilliantly entertaining.’ — British Fantasy Society

‘… a riot – a firebomb of a novel, exploding with sick humour, violence and depravity… it’s never less than very funny, and the ongoing question of Baxter’s sanity adds a degree of mystery. There’s warmth here, too – you’ll likely feel sympathy for Bax by the end.’ — SFX Magazine

‘Think Lauren Beukes meets Neil Gaiman, with bounty hunters.’ — Wired (UK)

Justina Robson’s GLORIOUS ANGELS Out Today in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2015

Justina Robson‘s highly-anticipated new science fiction novel, GLORIOUS ANGELS, is out today in the UK! Published by Gollancz, here’s the synopsis…

The groundbreaking new novel from one of the genre’s most respected authors: a thrilling mix of science, magic and sexual politics.

On a world where science and magic are hard to tell apart, a stranger arrives in a remote town with news of political turmoil to come. And a young woman learns that she must free herself from the role she has accepted.

Always vivid, always full of stunning ideas and imagery, Justina Robson is the ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD shortlisted author of some of our most exciting, yet philosophical SF. A new novel from her is a major event in the SF calendar.

Justina Robson is the critically-acclaimed, award-winning author of multiple science fiction novels, including SILVER SCREEN, MAPPA MUNDI, LIVING NEXT DOOR TO THE GOD OF LOVE, NATURAL HISTORY and the Quantum Gravity series.

Justina, who has long been considered ‘a novelist of real vision’ (Zadie Smith), seems to be maintaining this position, if early reviews for GLORIOUS ANGELS are anything to go by…

‘A novel that demands a lot from the reader – but its rewards are immensely satisfying… a slow-burner of a novel, beautifully written, and Robson drip-feeds the world-building and the various plot-strands at a stately pace that picks up to become a taut thriller swimming in high concepts.’ — Independent

‘A showcase for the authors relentless imagination. It tap dances along the lines between genre boundaries, kicking up its heels with a giddy, ferociously smart inventiveness.’ — SFX

Cover Reveal: HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS by Aliette de Bodard (US)

Posted on Wednesday, March 18th, 2015

Above you can see the striking US cover for Aliette de Bodard‘s upcoming HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS. The first in a new, highly-anticipated duology, the novel is due to be published in the US by Roc Books on September 1st, 2015. Here’s the synopsis…

Multi-award winning author Aliette de Bodard, brings her story of the War in Heaven to Paris, igniting the City of Light in a fantasy of divine power and deep conspiracy…

In the late Twentieth Century, the streets of Paris are lined with haunted ruins. The Great Magicians’ War left a trail of devastation in its wake. The Grand Magasins have been reduced to piles of debris, Notre-Dame is a burnt-out shell, and the Seine has turned black with ashes and rubble and the remnants of the spells that tore the city apart. But those that survived still retain their irrepressible appetite for novelty and distraction, and The Great Houses still vie for dominion over France’s once grand capital.

Once the most powerful and formidable, House Silverspires now lies in disarray. Its magic is ailing; its founder, Morningstar, has been missing for decades; and now something from the shadows stalks its people inside their very own walls.

Within the House, three very different people must come together: a naive but powerful Fallen angel; an alchemist with a self-destructive addiction; and a resentful young man wielding spells of unknown origin. They may be Silverspires’ salvation—or the architects of its last, irreversible fall. And if Silverspires falls, so may the city itself.

HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS is due to be published in the UK by Gollancz on August 20th, 2015.

Aliette is also the author of the Obsidian & Blood trilogy, published by Angry Robot Books; as well as multiple award-winning and nominated short stories and novellas. She has won two Nebula Awards, a British SF Association Award, and a Locus Award.

Christopher Husberg’s DUSKFALL Sells to Titan Books in UK

Posted on Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

Miranda Jewess, editor at Titan Books, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Christopher Husberg‘s five-book Chaos Queen series.

The deal was negotiated by John Wordsworth at the Zeno Agency, on behalf of Sam Morgan at the JABberwocky Literary Agency. Titan has also acquired US rights.

The books in series are provisionally titled DUSKFALL, DARK IMMOLATION, HEART’S NIGHT, FEAR THE STARS and DAWNRISE. Titan are planning on publishing DUSKFALL in both territories in June 2016. Here’s a preliminary synopsis…

Stuck with arrows and close to death, a man is pulled from the icy waters of the Gulf of Nahl. As he is nursed back to health by a local fisherman, two things become very clear: he has no idea who he is, and he can kill a man with terrifying ease.

The fisherman is a tiellan, a race which has long been oppressed and grown wary of humans. His daughter, Winter, is a seemingly quiet young woman, but behind her placid mask she has her demons. She is addicted to frostfire – a substance that both threatens to destroy her and simultaneously gives her phenomenal power.

A young priestess, Cinzia, hears the troubling news of an uprising in her native city of Navone. Absconding from the cloistered life that she has kept for the last seven years, she knows she must make the long journey home. The flames of rebellion threatening her church and all that she believes in are bad enough, but far worse is the knowledge that the heretic who sparked the fire is her own sister.

These three characters may have set out on different paths, but fate will bring them together on one thrilling and perilous adventure.

Chris is a graduate of Brigham Young University’s Creative Writing programme. His short story collection Look Me in the Stars received an honourable mention in the 2013 Utah Original Writing Competition. DUSKFALL is his first novel. A punchy and confident epic fantasy, DUSKFALL combines the plot-weaving of Peter V. Brett‘s THE PAINTED MAN, and the energy of Robin Hobb’s Farseer novels to create a truly memorable debut novel.

For more on Chris’s novels and writing, take a look at Chris’ blog (where we found the banner, below) and follow him on Twitter.

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