We’re delighted to report that Anne Lyle is taking part in Angry Robot Books and Titan Books’ Summer Invasion event! Anne will be signing copies of her books, along with fellow Angry Robot authors (and Titan authors) at Forbidden Planet in London, on Wednesday 13th August, between 6-7pm.
Anne is the author of the critically-acclaimed Night’s Masque historical fantasy trilogy, published by Angry Robot Books – THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS, THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS, and THE PRINCE OF LIES. In case you haven’t enjoyed the novels, yet, here’s the synopsis for the first book…
When Tudor explorers returned from the New World, they brought back a name out of half-forgotten Viking legend: skraylings. Red-sailed ships followed in the explorers’ wake, bringing Native American goods – and a skrayling ambassador – to London. But what do these seemingly magical beings really want in Elizabeth I’s capital?
Mal Catlyn, a down-at-heel swordsman, is seconded to the ambassador’s bodyguard, but assassination attempts are the least of his problems. What he learns about the skraylings and their unholy powers could cost England her new ally – and Mal Catlyn his soul.
Here’s some of the praise the trilogy has received…
‘An outstanding debut and Lyle is certainly a name to watch for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ — British Fantasy Society
‘A lively cast of actors and their down-at-the-heel associates contrasts neatly with mysterious powers and goals of the inhuman skraylings as a theatrical competition in the ambassador’s honor offers opportunities for both actors and assassins. With an effective mix of espionage, backstage drama, and mystery, Lyle provides compelling drama in an intriguing setting.’ — Publishers Weekly
‘This may be one of the best historical fiction/fantasy novels of 2012. Venice, Pirates, Skraylings, politics and some epic action scenes in sixteenth century Europe make sure that THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS is a worthy successor to THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS.’ — The Founding Fields
‘… as exciting and action-packed as the previous two volumes, and it picks up all the loose threads that were left hanging at the end of THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS… I highly recommend this book, but don’t start here. Start with THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS and read them in order or you’ll be floundering. For those that have followed the series so far, this is a tight conclusion…’ — Fantasy Faction on THE PRINCE OF LIES
‘A good ending to what will hopefully be the first of many trilogies from the author… The action sequences, though, are the best thing in the series, and PRINCE OF LIES continues that tradition… the explosive denouement of the novel is a skilled set piece of character beats, well described action, and exciting confrontations in an excellent location for action shenanigans. Its quite probably the best sequence in the entire trilogy.’ — SF Signal
Anne’s event marks the start of an event-heavy week for Zeno clients. Be sure to check back on other days for more updates and news.
