Above is the striking cover for the paperback edition of Justina Robson‘s critically-acclaimed GLORIOUS ANGELS! The first in a planned series, the book is due to be published by Gollancz in February 2016. 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.

Here’s just a small selection from the aforementioned critical praise…

‘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

‘Stands out from so many others… the story is incredibly intelligent and well structured… the characters are incredibly deep and personable… There’s a real mix of emotions and ideas explored across the course of the book… What this book really does is tell an engaging, complex story, and it tells it well without condescending to stereotypes.’ — SciFi Now (5*)

‘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

‘An intriguing… tale of war, internecine politics and ancient technologies… Beautiful prose and some succulently concocted sex scenes keep one’s interest from flagging; and once the plot kicks in and the action leaves Glimshard, GLORIOUS ANGELS quickens from thoughtful to forceful.’ — FT.com

‘I was impressed by the boldness and scale of Robson’s vision… a compelling read… if you’re looking for a bold, unashamedly different story, then The Glorious Angels is for you.’ — Bending Over Bookwards

‘A compellingly complex novel… action, intrigue, sex and fantastic characters… what a fantastic start THE GLORIOUS ANGELS makes.’ — Flickering Myth