Category: News

The latest updates from Zeno HQ.

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.

Rivers of London: HERE BE DRAGONS #2 Out Now!

Posted on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

The second issue in the latest Rivers of London comic series, HERE BE DRAGONS is out today! Written by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel and James Swallow, it’s published by Titan Comics. 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 attacked by an unidentified aerial phenomena, the Met’s only sanctioned wizard, Peter Grant, and his mentor, Thomas Nightingale, are called in to investigate.

Series artwork is by José María Beroy; covers by Veronica Fish (above) and Patricio Clarey (below).

HERE BE DRAGONS is the eleventh Rivers of London comic series — all ten previous series are available now in collected editions (print and digital), published by Titan Comics.

Travis Baldree at DragonCon!

Posted on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023

We’re very happy to share the news that Travis Baldree, author of the best-selling, acclaimed LEGENDS & LATTES will be attending DragonCon. Over the course of the convention, Travis will be taking part in a few events! Check out the details, below.

Friday, August 31st

  • “All in the Game” — 4:00-5:00pm (Embassy EF Hyatt)
    The market for new and exciting games of all sorts is burgeoning across every genre. If you want to be a part of this tidal wave of sales, these panelists will provide their expertise to help you make that happen.
    Panelists: Bill Bridges, Irene Zielinski, Mike Capps, Bendy Mitchell, Dan Jolley, Travis Baldree
  • “But You’re Fine With Potatoes? Historical Accuracy in High Fantasy” — 7:00-8:00pm (L401-L403 Marriott)
    When your world building is limited only by your imagination, why do so many writers default to historical stereotypes?
    Panelists: Milton J. Davis, Travis Baldree, Katie Cross, Tao Wong, Andrea Stewart

Saturday, September 1st

  • Author Signing — 1:00-2:00pm — Overlook Westin
  • “Level Up: Exploring the LitRPG World — Insights from Authors and Narrators” — 2:30-3:30pm — Embassy CD Hyatt
    Join LitRPG Legends as they share personal insights, experiences, and inspirations that have shaped their work within the emerging LitRPG genre. Presented by Podium, moderated by Victoria Gerken.
    Panelists: Bryce O’Connor, Luke Chmilenko, Shami A Stovall, Jez Cajiao, Shirtaloon, Travis Baldree
  • Reading Session — 1:00-2:00pm — Learning Center Hyatt

Sunday, September 2nd

  • “Where do we go from here? The Future of Fantasy Literature” — 8:30-9:30pm — Embassy CD Hyatt
    Fantasy is expanding it can seem like the world of Fantasy Lit is expanding at an exponential rate, but is it? Here we will discuss current and new trends in Literature. Can they accurately predict what will become the next big Lit thing? Only time will tell.
    Panelists: Trisha J. Wooldridge, Milton J. Davis, K.D. Edwards, Travis Baldree, Ryan DeBruyn, K.T. Hanna

Travis is the author of the best-selling LEGENDS & LATTES — out now, published by Tor Books in North America and in the UK, as well as in a growing number of translated editions (see his author page for more details). His next novel is BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, due to be published in November 2023, by Tor Books in North America and in the UK.

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.

Lavie Tidhar’s CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD Book Tour!

Posted on Thursday, August 17th, 2023

To celebrate the upcoming release of THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD, Lavie Tidhar is going on a UK book tour! Before we get to the dates, though, here’s the synopsis for the novel:

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?

And here are the tour dates (some event links aren’t yet available)…

THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD is due to be published by Tachyon Publications, on September 5th.

Aliette de Bodard’s THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE Out Now in Paperback!

Posted on Thursday, August 17th, 2023

The paperback edition of Aliette de Bodard‘s critically-acclaimed, Clark Award-shortlisted THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE is out now in the UK! Published by Gollancz in the UK, here’s the synopsis…

Xích Si: bot maker, data analyst, mother, scavenger. But those days are over now-her ship has just been captured by the Red Banner pirate fleet, famous for their double-dealing and cruelty. Xích Si expects to be tortured to death-only for the pirates’ enigmatic leader, Rice Fish, to arrive with a different and shocking proposition: an arranged marriage between Xích Si and herself.
Rice Fish: sentient ship, leader of the infamous Red Banner pirate fleet, wife of the Red Scholar. Or at least, she was the latter before her wife died under suspicious circumstances. Now isolated and alone, Rice Fish wants Xích Si’s help to find out who struck against them and why. Marrying Xích Si means Rice Fish can offer Xích Si protection, in exchange for Xích Si’s technical fluency: a business arrangement with nothing more to it.

But as the investigation goes on, Rice Fish and Xích Si find themselves falling for each other. As the interstellar war against piracy intensifies and the five fleets start fighting each other, they will have to make a stand-and to decide what kind of future they have together…

An exciting space opera and a beautiful romance, from an exceptional SF author.

The North American edition of the novel is published by JABberwocky.

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

‘A read-in-one-sitting novel with a beautifully-realized setting amid a complex examination of power and consequences, all intertwined with an intense and gripping romance.’ — Kate Elliott, author of Unconquerable Sun

‘THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE is a fizzingly inventive space opera, quite unlike anything I’ve encountered before, and told with style, grace, and a big dose of heart. SF is lucky to have Aliette de Bodard.’ — Alastair Reynolds

‘Pirates, politics, sentient ships and unlikely romance all collide in Aliette de Bodard’s sapphic space opera THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE… With more tense political and social manoeuvring than rip-roaring action, events progress at a pace that maintains momentum while allowing plenty of time to revel in the texture and wonder of this rich, fascinating setting… With a unique world, a thought-provoking plot and a fragile, achingly believable relationship forming against the odds in the midst of rampant inequality and ever-present danger, this is a perfect novel for readers wanting emotional complexity, warmth and heartache in their space opera.’ — BSFA

‘A top-notch science fiction romance… THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE spins a thrilling yarn about pirate rivalries and epic battles, while proving a more-than-worthy addition to the canon of post-human space opera. And the romance is really, really hot. You’ll want to read this one twice: First to hold your breath as these two wives discover each other. And second to soak up all the clever ideas and lovely moment that feel totally human, even in this star-spanning context.’ — Washington Post

‘[W]hen she subtitles THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE “a Xuya Universe Romance” we can reasonably expect some of the high passions, miscommunications, betrayals, heartbreaks, sex, and reconciliations that seem to be checkboxes of that genre, and de Bodard delivers on all of them… de Board places the melodrama against the backdrop of flat-out space opera, which she excels at… The last third of the novel, with its space battles, navigational trickery, ship-boardings, sabotage, and desperate last-minute negotiations, is as colorful and satisfying as anything from the classic examples of the form.’ — Locus

‘Aliette de Bodard summons the spirit of HG Wells… in some far-flung future galaxy, love blossoms between two lesbian space pirates, one human, the other a sentient ship… Soon the pair are navigating the tricky waters of mutual attraction and virtual sex but must also deal with shifting allegiances among the pirate clans and rescue Xich Si’s daughter Khanh from slavery.’ — Financial Times (Best New Science Fiction Novels, January 2023)

‘What made this truly stand out to me was Aliette’s writing. As mentioned above, Aliette’s prose is outstanding. It is descriptive and evocative without being overwrought, it is witty and full of emotion. Every character, every scene comes to life immediately and plastically, drawing the reader into this world of space pirates, family biological and found and relationships of all sorts. It is at times delicate, and at other times matter of fact and then again it will make you laugh out loud with dry wit. The characters’ maturity makes them stand out in a market saturated with coming-of-age stories across young adult and adult publishing, and it is a true breath of fresh air to read about protagonists coming into their story after a life well-lived, with attachments and history, knowing who they are and what they want. I could not recommend THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE more.’ — Grimdark Magazine

Aliette’s next novel is A FIRE BORN IN EXILE, due to be published by Gollancz (UK) and JABberwocky (North America), on October 12th.

Zeno Titles on the Dragon Award Ballots!

Posted on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023

We’re very happy to report that a few titles by our clients are on the ballots for the 2023 Dragon Awards! The ballots were announced by Locus Magazine a few days ago.

Lavie Tidhar‘s NEOM is a finalist for Best Science Fiction novel. The second novel set in the author’s Central Station universe, it’s published by Tachyon Publishing. Here’s the synopsis…

Today, Neom is a utopian dream — a megacity of the future yet to be built in the Saudi desert. In this deeply imaginative novel from the award-winning universe of Central Station, far-future Neom is already old. Sentient machines roam the desert searching for purpose, works of art can be more deadly than weapons, and the spark of a long-overdue revolution is in the wind. Only the rekindling of an impossible love affair may slow the inevitable sands of time.

The city known as Neom is many things to many beings, human or otherwise. It is a tech wonderland for the rich and beautiful, an urban sprawl along the Red Sea, and a port of call between Earth and the stars.

In the desert, young orphan Elias has joined a caravan, hoping to earn his passage off-world. But the desert is full of mechanical artefacts, some unexplained and some unexploded. Recently, a wry, unnamed robot has unearthed one of the region’s biggest mysteries: the vestiges of a golden man.

In Neom, childhood affection is rekindling between loyal shurta-officer Nasir and hardworking flower-seller Mariam. But Nasu, a deadly terrorartist, has come to the city with missing memories and unfinished business. Just one robot can change a city’s destiny with a single rose—especially when that robot is in search of lost love.

Lavie Tidhar’s newest lushly immersive novel, Neom, which includes a guide to the Central Station universe, is at turns gritty, comedic, transportive, and fascinatingly plausible.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia‘s THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU is also a finalist for Best Science Fiction novel. Published in the UK by Jo Fletcher Books, here’s the synopsis…

A dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.

Carlota Moreau: A young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula, the only daughter of a genius – or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: A melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol, an outcast who assists Dr Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas with plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: The fruits of the Doctor’s labour, destined to blindly obey their creator while they remain in the shadows, are a motley group of part-human, part-animal monstrosities.

All of them are living in a perfectly balanced and static world which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron – who will, unwittingly, begin a dangerous chain-reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and in the sweltering heat of the jungle passions may ignite.

Brandon Sanderson‘s TRESS OF THE EMERALD SEA is a finalist for Best Fantasy novel. The first of the author’s Secret Projects books (as well as a story set in the author’s Cosmere), it’s published in the UK by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

Brandon Sanderson brings us deeper into the Cosmere Universe with a standalone adventure that will appeal to fans of The Princess Bride.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?

Zeno represents Silvia Moreno-Garcia and 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.

UK Paperback Edition of Brandon Sanderson’s DAWNSHARD Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023

The UK paperback edition of Brandon Sanderson‘s Stormlight Archive novella, DAWNSHARD is out today! Published by Titan Books, here’s the synopsis…

When a ghost ship is discovered, its crew presumed dead after trying to reach the storm-shrouded island of Akinah, Navani Kholin must send an expedition to make sure the island hasn’t fallen into enemy hands. Knights who fly too near find their magic suddenly drained, so the voyage must be by sea.

Years ago, shipowner Rysn Ftori lost the use of her legs but gained the companionship of Chiri-Chiri, a stormlight-ingesting larkin, a species once thought extinct. Now Rysn’s pet is ill, and any hope for Chiri-Chiri’s recovery can be found only at the ancestral home of the larkin: Akinah. With the help of Lopen, the formerly one-armed windrunner, Rysn must accept Navani’s quest and sail into the perilous storm from which no one has returned alive. If the crew cannot uncover the secrets of the hidden island city before the wrath of its ancient guardians falls upon them, the fate of Roshar and the entire Cosmere hangs in the balance.

The Stormlight Archive novels are published in the UK by Gollancz, and the first four are available now: THE WAY OF KINGS, WORDS OF RADIANCE, OATHBRINGER, and RHYTHM OF WAR. The novels are available in print, digital, and special edition hardcovers.

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

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.