News - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Roger Zelazny’s ISLE OF THE DEAD Available in Estonia!

Posted on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

We’re happy to report that there’s a new, Estonian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ISLE OF THE DEAD! Published by Kirjastus Fantaasia, as SURNUTE SAAR, it was translated by Iris-Barbara Jeletski. Here’s the synopsis…

Ulmekirjanduse uue laine harjal kirjandusse tulnud Roger Zelazny (1937–1995) «Surnute saar» (Isle of the Dead; 1969) on üks ta esimestest romaanidest, milles on selgelt näha noore vihase mehe loomingu ehedamaid tahke, teos on pärit perioodist, kui Zelazny võitis ühe ulmeauhinna teise järel (16 auhinda, nende seas 6 Hugot ja 3 Nebulat) ning kirjutas oma parimad romaanid nagu «Valguse isand» ja «Amberi üheksa printsi».

Mütoloogiast ja religiooniajaloost ainet ammutav teos käsitleb jumalikkuse ja surematuse teemat. Zelazny küsib, et kui peaaegu surematuks ja kõikvõimsaks saada, milleks siis ikka veel elada? Kas selleks, et oma annet heategudeks kasutada? Oma jumalike võimetega tõesti pärisjumalaks hakata? Kirjanik mõtiskleb jumalaks väljavalituks osutumise üle.

Teos pälvis Ameerika Ulmekirjanike Assotsiatsiooni Nebula preemia nominatsiooni ning võitis 1972. aastal prantsuse ulme aastaauhinna Prix Apollo parima tõlkeromaani kategoorias. Raamatu pealkiri ja kaanekujundus tõukuvad šveitsi-saksa kunstniku Arnold Böcklini (1827–1901) kuulsast maalisarjast «Surnute saar» (Die Toteninsel).

The cover art by Liis Roden.

The multi-award nominated novel was first published in 1969, it’s the first novel featuring Francis Sandow. A new audiobook edition is due to be published in May, by Tantor Media. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Human Francis Sandow is amused when the alien Pei’ans mistake him for Shimbo of Darktree, God of Thunder, but the Shimbo’s enemy, Belion—a true supreme being—arrives for a showdown.

Ian McDonald’s BOY, WITH ACCIDENTAL DINOSAUR Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026

BOY, WITH ACCIDENTAL DINOSAUR — the latest, highly-anticipated new novella by Ian McDonald — is out today! Published by TorDotCom, it’s the “story of an orphan in a fractured Southwest who just wants to ride a dinosaur under the lights”; think “How to Train Your Dragon meets Mad Max”.

Here’s the synopsis…

Come one, come all to the dinosaur rodeo!

Tif Tamim wants nothing more than to be a dinosaur buckaroo. An orphan in search of a place to rest his head and a job to weigh down his pockets, Tif has bounced from circus to circus, yearning for a chance to ride a prehistoric beauty under the sparkling lights of a big-top.

To become a buckaroo, Tif needs to learn the tools of the trade, yet few dino maestros want to take a scrawny nobody from nowhere under their wing. But when Tif frees a dino from an abusive owner and braves the roving gangs of the formerly-American west to bring the dino to safety, he catches someone’s eye. And boy, how those eyes dazzle Tif from the back of a bucking carnotaur.

The novella has already received a few great early reviews…

‘Combining the futuristic wastelands and clan wars of Mad Max with a gate to John Scalzi’s Kaiju Preservation Society, this story of found family, big dreams, and the inevitable heartbreak of responsibility will appeal to readers of coming-of-age novels with a twist and anyone who knows they couldn’t resist loving a wild creature even as they try to return it to where it belongs.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘Bejeweled, dinosaur-riding buckaroos are the stars of the show in this equal-parts rollicking and poignant sci-fi novella…. Dinosaur lovers and sci-fi fans are sure to fall for this inventive coming-of-age story.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Brandon Sanderson’s ISLES OF THE EMBERDARK is out Tomorrow in the UK!

Posted on Monday, February 2nd, 2026

The UK edition of ISLES OF THE EMBERDARK is out tomorrow! The latest novel in Brandon Sanderson‘s Secret Projects series, it’s published by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson comes a legendary standalone novel that navigates the seas and the stars of a far-future Cosmere. Illustrated by Esther Hi’ilani Candari.

All his life, Sixth of the Dusk has been a traditional trapper of Aviar — the supernatural birds his people bond with — on the deadly island of Patji. Then one fateful night he propels his people into a race to modernize before they can be conquered by the Ones Above, invaders from the stars who want to exploit the Aviar.

But it’s a race they’re losing, and Dusk fears his people will lose themselves in the effort. When a chance comes to sail into the expanse of the emberdark beyond a mystical portal, Dusk sets off to find his people’s salvation with only a canoe, his birds, and all the grit and canniness of a Patji trapper.

Elsewhere in the emberdark is a young dragon chained in human form: Starling of the starship Dynamic. She and her ragtag crew of exiles are deep in debt and on the brink of losing their freedom. So when she finds an ancient map to a hidden portal between the emberdark and the physical realm, she seizes the chance at a lucrative discovery.

These unlikely allies might just be the solution to each other’s crises. In their search for independence, Dusk and Starling face perilous bargains, poisonous politics, and the destructive echo of a dead god.

In this beautiful new tale, Sanderson expands his thrilling novella “Sixth of the Dusk” into a mythic novel of legends, lore, and warring galactic superpowers.

In other Sanderson news, you may have seen that two of his other series — Mistborn and Stormlight Archive — have been optioned by Apple TV! Both of these series, plus other novels by Sanderson, are also published in the UK by Gollancz.

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

Coming Soon: CRADLE OF FEAR by Jasmine Wigham!

Posted on Friday, January 30th, 2026

This May, Podium Entertainment are due to publish CRADLE OF FEAR, the second novel in Jasmine Wigham’s Cradle of Secrets series! Here’s the synopsis…

A group of monster hunters are entangled in the rising political tensions of the supernatural world in the second book of this thrilling paranormal adventure.

Haunted by the events of the summer, Jeremiah Dalton struggles to adjust to human life in Boston, where he finds his family much changed. Estranged from his sister and jumping at every shadow, Jem almost wishes he could return to the dangerous supernatural world he left behind. He’s about to discover he ought to be more careful what he wishes for…

The residents of Grimwood aren’t faring any better. The eccentric group is splitting at the seams because of secrets revealed when they fought off the warlock Eliphas—and narrowly escaped with their lives. If Alistair, Rashid, Lissa, and Odessa have any hope of defeating their greatest enemy, they must find a way to come together and fight as the found family they once were. But they’re plagued by deteriorating leadership in the magical world of Cradle, open rebellion amongst the werewolves in the highlands, and meddlesome demons with ulterior motives. This will be no easy feat.

A perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and paranormal mystery, Cradle of Fear is the gripping continuation of a series perfect for fans of Bridgerton and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

CRADLE OF FEAR will be available in print, eBook, and audiobook simultaneously — the latter read by Tim Campbell and Savy Des-Etages.

The first book in the series, CRADLE OF SECRETS is out now, published by Podium Entertainment in print, eBook, and audio (read by Tim Campbell).

‘High action and intricate plot twists are woven through the magical tapestry that Wigham conjures here, but the real sorcery comes from how she brings the characters and their relationships to vivid life. A spellbinding start to a promising new horror/fantasy series.’ — Kirkus Reviews on CRADLE OF SECRETS

Yah Yah Scholfield’s ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS Out Now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, January 29th, 2026

ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS, the Southern Gothic debut novel by Yah Yah Scholfield, is out today in the UK! Published by Solstice Books, here’s the synopsis…

Lone Women meets Sorrowland in this sinister and surreal Southern Gothic debut about a woman who escapes her family home to the uncanny woods of northern Georgia and must now contend with haints, ghosts and a literal beast in the woods.

When Judith Rice ran away from the house she grew up in, she thought she severed her abusive mother’s hold on her. Seventeen years later, she’s made a home for herself in a cottage secluded deep in the forests of northern Georgia. Jude believes she’s settled into a quiet life.

But when an enigmatic woman shows up on her doorstep, Jude’s tentative peace is threatened by the stranger’s presence. The woman is beautiful but unsettling, captivating but uncanny. Caught between her desire for this woman and the violence that seems to simmer just beneath her skin, Jude’s past and present clash as the woman stirs up memories that force her to reckon with the violence of her escape years ago.

Haunting and thought-provoking, On Sundays She Picked Flowers is a propulsive debut exploring retribution, family trauma and the power of building oneself back up after breaking down.

ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS has already received some great early reviews…

‘[S]lickly stylish and graphically cannibalistic… Scholfield’s prose is impressive… Caitlin Starling fans will enjoy this gory mix of toxic sapphic romance and body horror.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS is a luminous, weighty Southern Gothic imbued with suffering, rage, secrets, and isolation… an arresting, astounding exploration of inherited trauma, retribution, and the fortitude necessary to continue on.’ — Her Infinite Archive

‘Yah Yah Scholfield has written one of the most visceral, intense, brutal, and yet honest, works of horror I have read in a long time. ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS is about the trauma of family, relationships, and the monsters we let in when we fail to confront what wounds us. You will devour this book—unless it devours you first.’ — P. Djèlí Clark, award-winning author of Ring Shout

‘ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS marks the debut of a ferociously talented writer. Yah Yah Scholfield writes with insight, beauty and the wildness of real art. This is a love story, a healing story, a tale of hard-won survival. Real, in the way all good fairy tales are.’ — Victor LaValle, bestselling author of Lone Women

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

ICYMI: Tor Books to Publish Travis Baldree’s TALES FROM THE TERRITORY!

Posted on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

Just a very quick post, in case you missed the news: Tor Books are due to publish TALES FROM THE TERRITORY by Travis Baldree in the UK! The news was reported in both The Bookseller and BookBrunch.

A collection of short fiction set in the Legends & Lattes world, it’s due to arrive on shelves on October 1st. Here’s the synopsis…

A beautiful collection of cosy fantasy tales, set in the much-loved world of Legends & Lattes.

There are many tales yet untold…

‘GOBLINS & GREATCOATS’: Chaos goblin Zyll is involved in a case of mistaken identity, where she solves a murder at an inn whilst simultaneously stealing all the cutlery.

‘JUST A THIMBLEFUL’: The sweet rattkin baker Thimble finds a new home for his soon-to-be famous cinnamon rolls.

‘PAGES TO FILL’: An act of mercy leads to a life-changing discovery for warrior orc Viv.

In ‘MIROGRAPH’, young succubus Tandri assists a university professor on a mysterious project where art and science collide.

In ‘CAVALIERS & COFFEES’, Viv, now the owner of Legends & Lattes coffee shop, discovers that imitation is not the highest form of flattery.

Featuring bespoke, full-page colour illustrations and endpapers, this is a deluxe collection of cosy short stories.

The excellent illustrations within the book are by Carson Lowmiller, the artist behind the superb original LEGENDS & LATTES cover and other North American covers.

French rights to the collection have also been acquired by Ynnis Éditions, who have published the French editions of LEGENDS & LATTES, BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, and will soon publish BRIGANDS & BREADKNIVES.

Roger Zelazny’s THE DREAM MASTER Out Now in Ukraine!

Posted on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026

THE DREAM MASTER, one of Roger Zelazny‘s many classic novels, is available now in Ukraine! Published by Богдан, as Снотворець, it was translated by Denis Dyomin (Денис Дьомін). Here’s the synopsis…

Америка, недалеке майбутнє (а з нашого погляду — альтернативне минуле). Глобальні проблеми розв’язано, але людина — це досі людина, хоч і підкорює космос. Чарльз Рендер, елітний психотерапевт, допомагає клієнтам позбутися психологічних розладів, формуючи їхні сни й беручи в них активну участь. Попри майже божественну роль на сеансах, йому теж не чуже ніщо людське: він піддається спокусі застосувати методику по-новому. Ця спроба має ввійти в історію і обезсмертити Рендерове ім’я. Але є й професійні ризики: запорука повернення до реальності — власна залізна воля вершителя снів. Якщо ж він недооцінить силу психіки пацієнта, можливі небажані наслідки… Цей твір — філософський нуар від великого майстра фантастики: холодний і сніжний, як скандинавські міфи, романтичний, як Артуріана, фатально-стоїчний, як грецькі трагедії. Тут немає ні чарів, ні паралельних світів, ні прибульців. Зате нас чекає подорож у сюрреалістичне підсвідоме, звідки дуже важливо повернутися вчасно.

The cover is by Oleg Kinal (Олега Кіналя).

THE DREAM MASTER is available in audio, published by Tantor Media and read by George Newbern. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

His name is Charles Render, and he is a psychoanalyst, and a mechanic of dreams. A Shaper. In a warm womb of metal, his patients dream their neuroses, while Render, intricately connected to their brains, dreams with them, makes delicate adjustments, and ultimately explains and heals. Her name is Eileen Shallot, a resident in psychiatry. She wants desperately to become a Shaper, though she has been blind from birth. Together, they will explore the depths of the human mind-and the terrors that lurk therein.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in translation.

New Audiobook Edition of William Gibson’s VIRTUAL LIGHT out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Monday, January 26th, 2026

In two weeks (February 12th), W. F. Howes are due to publish a new audiobook edition of VIRTUAL LIGHT, the first novel in William Gibson‘s Bridge Series! Read by Jason Keller, here’s the synopsis…

San Francisco in the nearish future.

Ex-cop Berry Rydell’s lost one job he didn’t much like and landed another he likes even less. Some sunglasses — actually high-end kit infused with super-sensitive data — were stolen from a courier, and a man named Warbaby’s been charged with retrieving them. And Warbaby needs Rydell’s help.

But, with SFPD Homicide involved, an abandoned bridge populated by freaks and misfits, and some weirdness involving the Republic of Desire and a ‘Death Star’, it’s turning out to be a very strange and dangerous scene indeed…

Can Rydell navigate this unsteady reality in time to save the city… and himself?

W. F. Howes are due to publish the rest of the series in audiobook, over the coming months — we’ll share details, etc., as we get them.

VIRTUAL LIGHT is available in print and eBook in the UK, published by Penguin.

The classic Neuromancer/Sprawl series is also available in audio, published by W. F. Howes in the UK: NEUROMANCER, COUNT ZERO, MONA LISA OVERDRIVE, and BURNING CHROME. (Print and eBook editions are published in the UK by Gollancz.)

Zeno represents William Gibson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Nell Pierce at Sterling Lord Literistic.

CACTUS HEART Audiobook Edition out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2026

In three weeks (February 10th), Podium Entertainment are due to publish the highly-anticipated audiobook edition of CACTUS HEART by Clio Evans! The first book in the author’s Whynot series, it’s performed by Alexa Borys, Jameson Adams, and Gabriel De Leon. Here’s the synopsis…

In the small West Texas town of Whynot, why not fall for your brother’s two best friends — even if it means risking a broken heart?

Two years ago, I moved back to the dusty small town I used to call home. Every day that goes by is the same until two men I have no business wanting turn my life upside down. Levi Rayburn. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the ex-hockey player, but now he’s back in Texas — hotter and more rugged than ever. Mateo Jimenez. The mustached firefighter is sexy, sweet, and has been there for me more times than I can count. The only problem? As my overprotective brother’s best friends, Levi and Mateo are completely off limits. At least, they should be…

In this MMF small-town romance, you’ll find: brother’s best friends; mustache riding; MMC with glasses; hurt/comfort; BDSM; found family.

Lavie Tidhar’s UNE ESPÈCE EN VOIE DE DISPARITION is Out Now!

Posted on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

We’re happy to report that the French edition of Lavie Tidhar‘s THE VANISHING KIND is out today! UNE ESPÈCE EN VOIE DE DISPARITION is published by Le Bélial’, it was translated by Julien Bétan, and the striking cover is by Aurélien Police. Here’s the synopsis…

Quelques années après la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Le conflit qui a embrasé le monde est désormais achevé : l’Allemagne nazie a triomphé et l’Angleterre est un protectorat du Troisième Reich. Gunther Sloam, scénariste berlinois de productions de seconde zone, débarque à Londres. Une ville brisée, malfamée, interlope et dangereuse. Mais Sloam n’en a cure, il est sur les traces d’un amour passé dont il garde un souvenir brûlant, celui d’Ulla Blau, une starlette d’avant-guerre oubliée manifestement en danger, à en croire la missive qu’elle lui a fait parvenir. Or, la capitale anglaise est bien pire que ce à quoi il s’attendait, et la Gestapo locale n’a rien à envier à celle de Berlin. D’autant que, très vite, un premier cadavre est retrouvé — le début d’une longue série. Et qu’aux yeux de l’inspecteur Everly, Gunther Sloam a tout du suspect idéal…

THE VANISHING KIND is published in the UK and North America by JABberwocky; it is also available in an omnibus, FOUR NOVELLAS, also published by JABberwocky. Here’s the synopsis…

Gunther Sloam comes to Nazi-occupied London in search of an old flame. But when she turns up dead, Gunther is accused of the crime… Moving through the dark streets of London, pursued by the enigmatic Everly of the British Gestapo, Gunther is in way over his head. London after the Nazi occupation is a place haunted by shadows, and everyone he meets is lying to him. As Gunther gets drawn into a deadly web of conspiracy, illicit drug dealing, prostitution and blackmail, the only question is: can he stay alive long enough to find answers?

Lavie’s latest novel is the highly-acclaimed GOLGOTHA, which is out now — published by Apollo/Head of Zeus.

NEVERTHORN UK Paperback Edition Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

On February 2nd, Penguin are due to publish the UK paperback edition of NEVERTHORN, the acclaimed first novel in Shannon Mayer‘s Of Quirks and Curses series!

Harlow is a 29-year-old wizarding school dropout who is blackmailed into returning to Neverthorn Academy to help defend against the dark wizard Nocta.

So now she’s stuck retaking all the classes she didn’t pass the first time and being mentored by the annoyingly sexy Professor Typhon.

But Typhon and the other professors are hiding a secret and Harlow needs to figure out what it is and fast.

Because Nocta is coming for Neverthorn and Harlow might be the only one who can stop him.

Otherwise the world as she knows it will be destroyed forever.

The second novel in the series, HEATHERMOOR, is due to be published in the UK by Michael Joseph, on July 23rd. (Cover and details to come!)

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

‘Full of secrets, second chances and slow-burn romance, Mayer’s dark academia romantasy sets the scene for what promises to be a spellbinding fantasy trilogy.’ — Culturefly

‘If you like your heroes messy, your professors brooding, and your fantasies dark, Neverthorn is for you. Prepare to fall. Hard. Like, it’s gonna hurt.’ — Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling author

‘This is a super fun, action-packed magical Academy adventure— perfect for readers of books like Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, but who want a main character who is a little bit older, seasoned, and absolutely hilarious!’ — C. N. Crawford, author of The Hallowed Games duology

‘Neverthorn is for the women who’ve lived, bled, and clawed their way to survive. Dark academia gets a savage, spellbinding twist—and Harlow Daygon is the chaotic queen we didn’t know we needed.’ — K. F. Breene, USA Today bestselling author of the Shadowspell Academy series

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

New LORD OF LIGHT Edition Available in Ukraine!

Posted on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

A new edition of Roger Zelazny‘s classic LORD OF LIGHT is available in Ukraine! Published by Богдан, as Володар Світла, it was translated by Denis Demin, and the cover is by Oleg Kinal. Here’s the synopsis…

У чарівному барвистому світі панує кастовий устрій на релігійній основі. Свавільні й могутні безсмертні небожителі, що нагадують супергероїв із коміксів, безтурботно раюють, тоді як людство застрягло десь на середньовічному рівні, у шорах невігластва й забобонів. Щойно наука підійме голову, паростки технологій безжально викорінюють, бо знання — запорука влади, а владою Небеса ділитися не бажають. Але зухвалий раджа Сіддгартха ще пам’ятає: колись давно, на втраченій далекій батьківщині, було й по-іншому. Він кидає виклик «богам» і розпочинає рух опору, а Небеса проголошують цього «месію» поза законом і намагаються вполювати… У своєму славетному творі Роджер Желязни майстерно обігрує всякі мотиви: божественності й безсмертя, грані між технікою і чарами, розбещення владою, космічної колонізації і навіть транссексуальності, вплітаючи в пишний орнамент ниточки індуїзму й буддизму, іронію і тонкі алюзії. «Володар Світла» — найкращий роман 1968 року за версією премії «Г’юґо». Зануртеся й ви в атмосферу східної казки й індійської філософії, що вуалює класичну фантастику.

LORD OF LIGHT, which won the Hugo Award in 1968, is published in the UK by Gollancz, as part of their SF Masterworks series. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Imagine a distant world where gods walk as men, but wield vast and hidden powers. Here they have made the stage on which they build a subtle pattern of alliance, love, and deadly enmity. Are they truly immortal? Who are these gods who rule the destiny of a teeming world?

Their names include Brahma, Kali, Krishna and also he who was called Buddha, the Lord of Light, but who now prefers to be known simply as Sam. The gradual unfolding of the story – how the colonization of another planet became a re-enactment of Eastern mythology – is one of the great imaginative feats of modern science fiction.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in translation.

Coming Soon: THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF FALLING WORLDS by Megan Chee!

Posted on Monday, January 19th, 2026

In case you missed the news at the end of last week, we wanted to share the news that THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF FALLING WORLDS by Megan Chee is due to be published in Spring 2027! The novel is the first in a new sci-fi/cyberpunk duology, pitched as “Cyberpunk 2077 with Studio Ghibli vibes”. The novel has been acquired by Bindery Books in North America; Daphne Press in the UK; and UK/Commonwealth audio rights went to Bolinda.

Here’s a brief, early synopsis…

Set in the city of Starga where refugees from across the universe fall mysteriously from the sky, the story follows a winged woman from the wrong side of the tracks and a clone who can’t get out of his father’s shadow as they discover a shapeshifting creature who knows the dark truth behind their world.

Congratulations, Megan! We can’t wait for people to read this series!

ICYMI: Katy Nyquist’s A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED is a Shelley Award Finalist!

Posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2026

Just a couple of months after being a finalist for the Best Book Award, we are very happy to report that A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED by Katy Nyquist is also a finalist for the Shelley Award for Paranormal Fiction! Congratulations, Katy!

Published by Podium Entertainment, it’s the first novel in the Scandals of the Gifted series. Here’s the synopsis…

A Holy Maiden should never drink, get kidnapped, nor kiss a Dark Lord, but Ysabel is breaking all the rules to escape her fate as a human sacrifice.

In a world where magical powers are commonplace, Holy Maiden Ysabel is revered as a goddess among her people. She’s the only one able to heal the sick and injured with a simple touch. But her spectacular gift comes at a steep price. For each person she saves, she loses a day of her own conscripted life. To add insult to injury, she’s supposed to maintain a pure image even though she’d rather drink and play dominatrix until her sorrows fade away. After the corrupt Head Cardinal Jiang abuses her gift, forbids her from leaving the city, and takes her brother hostage, Ysabel doesn’t dare drag anyone else into her problems—especially since it won’t change her fate. But when Dark Lord Kaine arrives at her clinic doorstep grievously wounded, she’s touched by his refusal to accept her healing lest it cost her another day of her life.

The mysterious and sexy Dark Lord awakens forbidden desires in Ysabel, and the nagging survival instinct she tried to drown with booze and drugs comes back with a vengeance. She’s less impressed, however, when he threatens to sack her city in return for his injuries. Fortunately, she can flirt her way to an alliance against the Head Cardinal instead.

Armed with only a ferociously loyal female bodyguard named Alzira, Ysabel attempts to make the most of her mere months left to live, protect the refugees around her city, prevent a war, and hide her face blindness. But before her life flickers to its sad end, she must decide: either die a proper Holy Maiden or risk it all to run off with Kaine.

The novel is out now; available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook (read by Hollie Jackson).

Podium has also published the second novel in the series, A FARM GIRL’S GUIDE TO RULING AS A BLOODTHIRSTY TYRANT, which is out now in print, eBook, and audiobook (read by Hollie Jackson).

JOINER AND RUST, New Novelette by Lavie Tidhar Out Now!

Posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Today, Reactor publishes JOINER AND RUST by Lavie Tidhar, a new novelette available on their website and also as an eBook from various retailers. With artwork by James Gilleard, it was edited by Jonathan Strahan. Here’s the (brief) synopsis…

An aging robot, on journey to visit a friend, reflects on their adventures together.

Tidhar is the author of, most recently, MAROR, ADAMA, and GOLGOTHA — all published by Apollo/Head of Zeus in English, and Suhrkamp in Germany (where the first two were selected as best-of-year).