Random Stuff - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Short Fiction Watch: Aliette de Bodard & Ian McDonald

Posted on Thursday, May 29th, 2014

This week, Solaris Books publish their latest science fiction anthology, REACH FOR INFINITY, and we’re very happy to report that two of our clients’ work is featured therein!

Here’s the publisher synopsis…

What happens when humanity reaches out into the vastness of space?

The brightest names in SF contribute original new fiction to this amazing anthology from master editor Jonathan Strahan. Including new work by Alastair Reynolds, Greg Egan, Ian McDonald, Ken Macleod, Pat Cadigan, Karl Schroeder, Hannu Rajaniemi, Karen Lord, Adam Roberts, Kathleen Ann Goonan, Aliette de Bodard, Peter Watts, and others!

The two new pieces from Zeno clients are:

Ian McDonald‘s THE FIFTH DRAGON
Aliette de Bodard‘s THE DUST QUEEN

Watch this space for more details about our clients’ short fiction, over the next few weeks (there’s a lot on the way!).

Cover Reveal: Elizabeth Moon’s SPEED OF DARK (New UK Edition)

Posted on Monday, May 26th, 2014

Orbit Books unveiled today a new UK cover for Elizabeth Moon‘s Nebula Award-winning SPEED OF DARK! Here is the synopsis…

Lou is different to ‘normal’ people. He interacts with the world in a way they do not understand. He might not see the things they see, however, but he also sees many things they do not. Lou is autistic.

One of his skills is an ability to find patterns in data: extraordinary, complex, beautiful patterns that not even the most powerful computers can comprehend. The company he works for has made considerable sums of money from Lou’s work. But now they want Lou to change – to become ‘normal’ like themselves. And he must face the greatest challenge of his life. To understand the speed of dark.

SPEED OF DARK was a recent selection for the Hodderscape Review Project, too. Those reviews haven’t been posted, yet, but here is a selection of what others have said…

‘a touching account of an autistic man who struggles to cure his condition without changing his self… Well-written, intelligent, quite moving. Moon places the reader inside the world of an autistic and unflinchingly conveys the authenticity of his situation.’ — Kirkus

‘A warm, engaging, human and humane book: what I like best about it is the glimpse into the life of a character so not like most of us… and yet very like us after all.’ — Robin McKinley

‘A surprisingly powerful novel… Lou is a fascinating character, unique, complex and very endearing…’ — Speculative Book Review

‘SPEED OF DARK is one of those exceptionally rare novels that has the power to alter one’s entire worldview, and reading it is a profoundly rewarding and enriching experience. It is impossible to avoid superlatives when speaking of it, even though one’s all too aware that one may be perceived as perpetrating hyperbole. Well … tough. I cannot remember when last I enjoyed a novel this much…’ — Infinity Plus

‘A book that makes you think. Lou is a wonderful, sympathetic, beautiful protagonist. This isn’t a plot-oriented, action-packed book, but it’s one I definitely recommend reading.’ — Jim C. Hines

And, finally, Elizabeth was recently interviewed by fellow Orbit author Rachel Bach, in which she talks about writing both science fiction and fantasy, and her experiences over the years.

Elizabeth is also the author of REMNANT POPULATION; the epic fantasy series Paksenarrion and Paladin’s Legacy; and the science fiction series Vatta’s War and Serrano.

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

Short Fiction Watch: Kari Sperring

Posted on Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

In our continuing series of posts highlighting our clients’ shorter fiction, today we can share with you the information about Kari Sperring‘s latest piece: HOUSE OF FIFTEEN WINDOWS, which will be included in the STARS OF DARKOVER anthology, the fourteenth in the Darkover anthology series.

The book is a collection as a tribute to the work of Marion Zimmer Bradley, and is due to be published by MZB Literary Works Trust, on June 3rd 2014 – this would have been Bradley’s 84th birthday.

Sperring is the author of the two fantasy novels, LIVING WITH GHOSTS and THE GRASS KING’S CONCUBINE – both published by DAW Books. Here’s some praise for her novels…

‘… worth picking up. The characterization in particular is well above what I normally expect from SF&F. The magic is interesting too: very subtly done… overall it is a very impressive debut. Here’s hoping there are more books to come.’ — Cheryl Morgan on LIVING WITH GHOSTS

‘Readers who are looking for a beautiful and original work of fantasy should pick up THE GRASS KING’S CONCUBINE. Sperring has said on her blog that she has plans for a sequel. I’m glad to hear it, and I will be interested to see what she does with the plots that are left hanging at the end of the first book. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read, and I think that fans of thoughtful fantasy should give THE GRASS KING’S CONCUBINE a try.’ — Strange Horizons

Kari is currently at work on her new novel, alongside other projects.

Aliette de Bodard Wins a Nebula Award!

Posted on Monday, May 19th, 2014

We are delighted to share the news that Aliette de Bodard has won a Nebula Award! Announced over the weekend, THE WAITING STARS took home the prize in the Novelette category. The story first appeared in THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY, an anthology published by Candlemark & Gleam. It is also available to read for free on Aliette’s website.

The novelette has also been nominated for a both a Locus and Hugo Award.

Aliette is currently working on a new novel.

Early Praise for Samit Basu’s RESISTANCE!

Posted on Friday, May 16th, 2014

RESISTANCE, the much-anticipated sequel to Samit Basu‘s super-hero novel TURBULENCE will be published this summer. This means, of course, that we’re starting to see some great early praise for the book. Most recently, we’re very happy to see that, after he ‘begged’ a copy from Titan Books, author Nick Harkaway was particularly impressed with the novel! Here’s some of what he had to say…

‘I really enjoyed Samit Basu’s Turbulence – because it was just a terrifically enjoyable new angle on the superhero actioner. It’s centred on Asia rather than North America, and the difference permeates everything in the story and straightforwardly makes the book(s) infinitely more interesting. Basu has a great sense of pop culture cool mediated by a nicely ironic awareness of ubiquitous human frailty and our lack of self-knowledge… [RESISTANCE is] every bit as zinging… the scene is set for exactly the kind of heroics and unravellings you’d hope for. Fresh, exciting heroics with a serious spine. What’s not to like?’

TURBULENCE is out now in the UK and US. RESISTANCE is due to be published in July 2014! Here’s the synopsis…

Eleven years after the passengers of flight BA142 from London to Delhi developed extraordinary abilities corresponding to their innermost desires, the world is overrun with supers. Some use their powers for good, others for evil, and some just want to smash up iconic monuments and get on TV. But now someone is hunting down supers, killing heroes and villains both, and it’s up to the Unit to stop them…

New Deal: IMPERIALS by Melinda Snodgrass sells to Titan!

Posted on Thursday, May 15th, 2014

We are very happy to report that Miranda Jewess at Titan Books has acquired UK and Commonwealth publishing rights to a new series by Melinda Snodgrass, in a five-book deal! The series, Imperials, is a fantastic, high-energy science fiction saga, set against a vast backdrop of interstellar war and adventure that will appeal to fans of Star Wars, Star Trek, Ender’s Game, and the novels of Elizabeth Moon, Tanya Huff and Kevin J. Anderson.

Here is the series synopsis…

The Imperials series opens with THE HIGH GROUND, in which we follow the lowborn son of a tailor and the high-born daughter of the Emperor. Their destinies become
entwined when, coming of age, they reluctantly enter the elite military space academy, The High Ground, bowing to their parent’s expectations.

Thus begins a saga spanning thirty years, telling of their adventures, trials and tribulations. We will trace their lives through military service, court-martials, and civil war. The story will culminate in a confrontation with an alien species capable of eradicating all life in the galaxy.

Along the way, alliances, love affairs and bitter enmities will be forged; an ancient alien manipulation of human development will be discovered; and however high our protagonists may rise, or however low they may fall, it is the people they meet in that first year at the academy that will forever leave their mark on the lives of our heroes.

Their actions will have a profound impact on the politics of this universe, and the very survival of the human race…

Currently the five novels that make up the series have the following working titles, but these may be subject to change: THE HIGH GROUND, SNARED IN EVIL TIMES, TIME AND CHANCE, A TRIUMVIRATE OF HATE, and BREAKING THE YOKE. Titan will also published these in the US, and we expect the first of these to appear on both sides of the Atlantic sometime in 2015.

Melinda is the author of The Edge Series, which also recently sold to Titan Books and is currently scheduled for publication in 2015. She is also a co-editor for George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards, a shared-world urban fantasy series (published in the UK by Gollancz). In the past, she has also written fan-favourite TV episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Sliders, among others.

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley of Aurous, Inc.

New SOOKIE Audio Anthology Out Now!

Posted on Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

We’re delighted to report that Audible has just released an anthology of True Blood-related stories! So, while Charlaine Harris‘s series of novels may have come to a close, if you have been jonesing for some extra True Blood storytelling, then here is your new fix! DEAD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN contains fifteen new stories set in Harris’s True Blood universe, and was edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner.

Here’s the official synopsis for the anthology…

Charlaine Harris’ smash-hit Sookie Stackhouse series may have reached its conclusion, but the world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, lives on in this all-new collection of 15 stories. Written by a killer lineup of authors, including New York Times best-sellers Rachel Caine, MaryJanice Davidson, Jonathan Maberry and Seanan McGuire, and with introductions read by Charlaine herself, DEAD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN puts your favorite characters center stage.

Included in the anthology is a story by Christopher Golden, who also worked with Charlaine on her new graphic novel series, Cemetery Girl – the first volume of which, THE PRETENDERS, is out now through Jo Fletcher Books. Charlaine’s latest novel, MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD, was published last week by Gollancz.

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

Upcoming Ben Aaronovitch Event! (Bristol)

Posted on Tuesday, May 13th, 2014

This Friday, May 16th, best-selling author Ben Aaronovitch will be taking part in an event hosted by Waterstone’s Bristol.

Murder Most Magical features three of the biggest names in crime/fantasy: alongside Ben, Paul Cornell and Jasper Fforde will be in conversation courtesy of BristolCon. The event is ticketed – tickets are just £3, and are available from the shop.

Ben is, of course, the author of the Sunday Times Bestselling Peter Grant series, published in the UK by Gollancz. The series currently comprises RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND and BROKEN HOMES, with more novels planned. The series has also been published in the US (by Del Rey and DAW Books), Germany (DTV), France (J’ai Lu), and a number of other territories (more details, here). The next novel in the series, tentatively titled FOXGLOVE SUMMER, is due out later this year – watch this space for more information as-and-when we have it!

Congratulations Aliette de Bodard on Locus Award Nomination!

Posted on Monday, May 12th, 2014

Aliette de Bodard has done it again! The Zeno blog has seen a veritable flood of congratulations for Aliette over the past few years, as her short fiction racks up an impressive string of nominations.

Today, we’re delighted to share the news that her recent story THE WAITING STARS has been nominated for a 2014 Locus Award, in the Novelette category!

What makes this extra-special news, is that THE WAITING STARS has also been nominated for Hugo and Nebula awards this year.

The novelette was first featured in THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY anthology, published by Candlemark & Gleam. THE WAITING STARS is available to read for free on Aliette’s website – on screen, or to download in Mobi, ePub, or PDF. It’s a perfect opportunity to try Aliette’s work

Huge congratulations to Aliette once again! Another very-well-deserved nomination!

Cover Reveal: Brandon Sanderson’s THE RITHMATIST (UK)

Posted on Friday, May 9th, 2014

On May 22nd, Brandon Sanderson‘s YA fantasy novel THE RITHMATIST will be published in the UK by Tor UK. And it has that gorgeous new cover, above. The cover, unveiled earlier this week on Tor’s blog, was designed by the publisher’s head of design James Annal, with design agency Crush.

In case you didn’t catch our coverage when it was first released last year, here is the synopsis…

In a school for the magically gifted, your talent could cost you your life…

Young student Joel is fascinated by the magic of Rithmatics, but few have the gift and he is not one of them. Undaunted, Joel persuades Professor Fitch to teach him about this geometric magic. For although Joel can’t infuse his protective lines and circles with power, or bring his chalk-drawn creatures to life, he can really understand how it works. However, a daunting test lies ahead, when someone starts kidnapping top Rithmatic students at his school, Armedius Academy.

Since he’s not a magic user, Joel appears to be safe and he’s desperate to investigate and prove himself. Then people start dying – but can Joel really stop a killer alone? He’ll need the help of Rithmatist apprentice Melody, as even more students disappear. Together, they must race to find clues before the killer notices them – and takes them out too.

The book features illustrations by Ben McSweeney, which depict the magical elements of the novel with great elegance and insight.

Tor UK are also due to publish the as-yet-untitled future sequel in the series.

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

Now in eBook: Michael Cobley’s SHADOWKINGS Grimdark Fantasy Series

Posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2014

Michael Cobley‘s early-grimdark fantasy series, Shadowkings, has recently been released as part of the JABberwocky eBook Program! Out-of-print for some time, the series – SHADOWKINGS, SHADOWGOD and SHADOWMASQUE – was well-received upon initial publication. With the continuing rise in popularity for fantasy, it’s a great time to see these books made available once again. Here are the freshly-commissioned covers, by Dirk Berger:

We will have some more news about the Shadowkings series in a few days. Watch this space!

Naomi Foyle Part of Women in Sci-Fi Event!

Posted on Friday, May 2nd, 2014

We are very happy to report that Zeno client Naomi Foyle is taking part in a great event in London next week: Women in SF, which takes place on May 8th, from 6:30-7:3opm at Blackwell’s Charing Cross Road branch.

The event has been organised by Jo Fletcher Books and Blackwell’s Charing Cross Road. Six authors will come together to discuss the debate surrounding the representation of female authors in genre fiction, why there is a lack of it, and the solutions that could be implemented to ensure equality in the future. Alongside Naomi, Karen Lord, Stephanie Saulter, Jaine Fenn and Janet Edwards will be in attendance, and the panel will be moderated by Edward James. The event also coincides with the launch of a Blackwell’s Women in SF display, to promote novels written in the genre by female authors.

Attendance at the event is free, and you can book tickets here – be sure to book them soon, though, as they are expected to run out quickly.

Naomi’s latest novel, ASTRA, was published by Jo Fletcher Books this past February. It is the first in a projected trilogy. Jo Fletcher Books also published Naomi’s previous novel, SEOUL SURVIVORS.

Here is the synopsis for ASTRA…

Like every child in Is-Land, all Astra Ordott wants is to have her Security Shot, do her National Service and defend her Gaian homeland from Non-Lander ‘infiltrators’. But when one of her Shelter mothers, the formidable Dr Hokma Blesser, tells her the shot will limit her chances of becoming a scientist and offers her an alternative, Astra agrees to her plan.

When the orphaned Lil arrives to share Astra’s home, Astra is torn between jealousy and fascination. Lil’s father taught her some alarming ideas about Is-Land and the world, but when she pushes Astra too far, the heartache that results goes far beyond the loss of a friend.

If she is to survive, Astra must learn to deal with devastating truths about Is-Land, Non-Land and the secret web of adult relationships that surrounds her.

Trailer and Advance Praise for Charlaine Harris’s MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD

Posted on Thursday, May 1st, 2014

Charlaine Harris‘s new novel MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD is due to be published in the UK next week by Gollancz, who produced the above trailer to mark the occasion. The novel is published in the US by Ace Books.

The novel is the first in a new series from the author of the mega-popular and successful Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood urban fantasy series. Along with that trailer, MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD has received some great advance praise…

‘A gently paced mystery with a supernatural slant, populated by endearing, varied and well-constructed characters… Definitely recommend.’ — Civilian Reader

‘I enjoy this kind of story, a mystery/crime/thriller/urban fantasy novel, there is something for everyone here and enough loose ends to keep you intrigued to find out what could happen next. If you have read anything by Charlaine Harris I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t read anything by Charlaine Harris, then MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD might be the book to get you started.’ — Fantasy Book Review

‘MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD is a strong opener of the new series and often feels like a love letter from Charlaine to her faithful readers. This gentle mystery shows an author confident in her writing and perhaps heralds the arrival of the best stage of her work – one where she writes primarily because of the sheer love for writing. An excellent read.’ — Upcoming4.Me

‘I can see many nights being lost to the wonder of Midnight. 4/5’ — Backwards Compatible

‘A slow burning novel which successfully juggles setting the scene for an ongoing series with a self-contained story. 7/10’ — SciFi Bulletin

‘Fans might be sad to say good-bye to Sookie, but they’ll be so intrigued by the denizens of Midnight they won’t have time to mourn.’ — A Knife & A Quill

‘MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD is another compelling book by Charlaine Harris. I love her storytelling style and the wonderful characters she creates.’ — Following the Nerd

‘I was blown away by Midnight Crossroad. It’s a wholly immersive, stunningly written adventure that I couldn’t put down. The characters are spot on and unforgettable, the plot is exciting – the only negative thing is that I have to (very impatiently) wait for book two!!!’ — Carly Bennett

‘The inclusion of a mystery that starts simply and then winds out of control so that no one can be trusted makes this is a blast to read. Everyone is your friend in Midnight, but you don’t know everything about anyone. I can’t wait for Midnight to come again. Overall grade: A’ — SciFi Pulse

In one additional piece of news, Audible UK are currently running a fantastic promotion for the whole of Charlaine’s mega-successful Sookie Stackhouse series! The audiobooks are just £4.99 each. This offer will end at 10am on May 2nd.

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

RIVERS OF LONDON Music Video & Award Nomination

Posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

A little while back, we shared a fan-produced musical homage to Ben Aaronovitch‘s critically-acclaimed, bestselling Peter Grant Series. Today, we’re very happy to be able to share with you the music video! It really is a sign of just how passionate Ben’s fans are about his novels and the characters he’s created. The song was produced by Ben’s nephew, Mikis Michaelides, a composer and musician who works with Doc Brown on their hugely successful 4 O’Clock Club for the BBC.

Check it out…

In related Peter Grant news, the audiobook edition of BROKEN HOMES, the fourth in the series, has been nominated for a CrimFest Award in the Best Audiobook category! The audiobook was expertly narrated by the great Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, and published by Orion Audio.

Ben’s Peter Grant series is published in the UK by Gollancz. At the time of writing, the first four novels are available: RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND, and BROKEN HOMES. The fifth book in the series is due out in the summer of 2014. We’ll be sure to share up-t0-the-minute information as soon as we get it. The series has been sold widely in other territories – including DTV (Germany), J’ai Lu (France), Del Rey and DAW Books (US), to name but a few.

Jim Shields and PS Publishing Launch BABY STRANGE

Posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

At the recently-held Eastercon in Glasgow, Zeno client Jim Shields‘s new novel, BABY STRANGE, was launched. Published by PS Publishing, it is a pretty awesome, unique novel. As the publisher’s newletter stated, ‘Jim did an absolutely superb reading.’ The event, which also included a short reading (see right), seems to have done just the trick – increasing interest in and raising awareness of Jim’s new book.

The two chapters that Jim read, as well as some clips of Jim’s reading are apparently soon to hit the internet. We’ll be sure to share them here with you as soon as we can. Just in case you can’t recall seeing our artwork reveal for the novel, here’s the synopsis for BABY STRANGE…

A Dark Intelligence Has Been Poisoning Carefully Selected Lives.

The Con Man: ‘Reverend’ Joe McGill claims he’s a healer, but he’s chosen the wrong man to con.

The Psychotic Gangster: Arthur Bewlay has cancer eating away at his face. He’s in no mood to be messed around—either by fake miracle workers or his dead brother Tommy—and he’ll stop at nothing in his desperate desire to live.

The Eccentric Recluse: Maryam Clemenceau is just what both McGill and Bewlay need—a real miracle worker with a bona fide gift. But it comes at a considerable cost.

The Architect: The sinister link between a Maryam’s Gothic apartment block, and Bewlay’s boarded up, abandoned Victorian pub—buildings that are contaminated with fear and the echoes of old and ominous power.

Baby Strange opens with Joe beaten and bound in the back of a car, on his way to an appointment with a cement pit under a Glasgow flyover . . . this is not to be the lowest point of his day.

Jim Shields is a director/producer living and working in his home town of Glasgow. His work has been BAFTA-nominated and he has spent much of his career happily killing people who aren’t real and blowing stuff up. BABY STRANGE is his debut novel.