New Peter V. Brett Audio Editions this week!


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The audio editions of Peter V. Brett‘s Demon Cycle novels are being re-released this week. Available from November 27th (Thursday), the novels and two novellas have been rerecorded by Harper Voyager/HarperCollins Audio. With the fourth novel in the series, THE SKULL THRONE, fast approaching, this is a great opportunity to get caught up on the audiobooks. Here’s the synopsis for the first in the series, THE PAINTED MAN (on the off chance that you have somehow managed to miss the bestselling series):

Sometimes there is very good reason to be afraid of the dark…

Eleven-year-old Arlen lives with his parents on their small farmstead, half a day’s ride from the isolated hamlet of Tibbet’s Brook.

As dusk falls upon Arlen’s world, a strange mist rises from the ground; a mist that promises a violent death to any foolish enough to brave the coming darkness, for hungry corelings – demons that cannot be harmed by mortal weapons – materialize from the vapours to feed on the living. As the sun sets, people have no choice but to take shelter behind magical wards and pray that their protection holds until the creatures dissolve with the first signs of dawn.

When Arlen’s life is shattered by the demon plague, he is forced to see that it is fear, rather than the demons, which truly cripples humanity. Believing that there is more to his world than to live in constant fear, he must risk leaving the safety of his wards to discover a different path.

In the small town of Cutter’s Hollow, Leesha’s perfect future is destroyed by betrayal and a simple lie. Publicly shamed, she is reduced to gathering herbs and tending an old woman more fearsome than the corelings. Yet in her disgrace, she becomes the guardian of dangerous ancient knowledge.

Orphaned and crippled in a demon attack, young Rojer takes solace in mastering the musical arts of a Jongleur, only to learn that his unique talent gives him unexpected power over the night.

Together, these three young people will offer humanity a last, fleeting chance of survival.

So far, the Demon Cycle series includes THE PAINTED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR, THE DAYLIGHT WAR and the two novellas THE GREAT BAZAAR and BRAYAN’S GOLD. A third, new novella will also be published next week, MESSENGER’S LEGACY (check back next week for more on this title). All of Brett’s novels have been published in the UK by Voyager.

Zeno represents Peter V. Brett in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Naomi Foyle’s ASTRA Available in Audio


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Produced by W.F. Howes, we’re delighted that Naomi Foyle‘s latest novel, ASTRA, is available as an audiobook! The novel is narrated by Penelope Rawlins, and is available from all good audiobook distributors. The novel was published in print by Jo Fletcher Books in the UK in February 2014.

Here’s the synopsis…

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.

Jo Fletcher Books also published Naomi’s previous novel, SEOUL SURVIVORS.

Here’s just a small selection of the great reviews ASTRA has received…

‘Shocking though it might be in some respects, ASTRA certainly provides food for thought… the story quickly becomes engrossing. The ending is abrupt, but it makes you crave the second instalment of the Gaia ChroniclesASTRA will certainly not be everyone’s cup of tea, but personally I am looking forwards to the next book with curiosity and excitement.’ — Starburst Magazine

‘I enjoyed ASTRA immensely. The novel’s plot is fascinating, with an intricate web of relationships between Astra and those around them and the adults amongst themselves and some compelling political shenanigans going on in the background, all of it set down in Foyle’s smooth and flowing writing style. ‘ — Fantastical Librarian

‘… an unusual and appealing novel…’ — Strange Horizons

James P. Blaylock’s Complete BALUMNIA Trilogy Now Available via Audible!


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We’re delighted to report that all three books in James P. Blaylock‘s Balumnia Trilogy (sometimes known as the Cheeser Trilogy) are available as audiobooks. Published by Audible, they are a great early, somewhat whimsical fantasy story by one of the Fathers of Steampunk. Philip K. Dick described this series as offering ‘A magical world, magically presented… having journeyed there, you will not wish to leave, nor ever to forget.’

We reported a little while ago that the first book, THE ELFIN SHIP, was available, but Audible has now released the final two. Here are the details…

The trilogy, while out of print for some time, was recently published as eBooks, too: in the UK, they are available through the Gollancz SF Gateway; for the US market, they are available via the JABberwocky eBook Program – along with many other titles from Jim’s great backlist.

We are also happy to tease the fact that we will be revealing the cover for Jim’s next Langdon St. Ives novel tomorrow! So, be sure to check back for that!

New Audiobooks by Justina Robson and Michael Cobley


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Here is some information on three more new audio editions, published this past week by Audible.

First up, we have two more stand-alone novels by Justina Robson. As with SILVER SCREEN and NATURAL HISTORY, released earlier this month, these early novels further show Robson’s skill at crafting engaging, ahead-of-their-time literary science fiction novels.

Both of these novels were critically-acclaimed when they were released, and continue to receive good praise. Publishers Weekly gave MAPPA MUNDI a starred review, stating that it ‘maintains throat-tightening suspense from its teasingly enigmatic introduction of its major characters to its painful conclusion that evil will succeed if well-meaning people try to achieve good at any cost… this near-future SF thriller presents convincing characters caught in profound moral dilemmas brought home through exquisite attention to plot details and setting.’ The novel was also shortlisted for the 2001 Arthur C. Clarke Award. LIVING NEXT DOOR TO THE GOD OF LOVE garnered praise from both Publishers Weekly and the New York Times. The former suggested that, ‘If William Gibson and Norman Spinrad had dropped acid together, this fourth SF novel by British author Robson is the book they might have written.’ The NYT described the novel as one ofexquisite precision and thoughtfulness, andnothing short of a modern-day fairy tale, except she doesn’t need to hide behind predatory wolves and little girls in blood-red garments to convey what’s truly at stake. Her story could not be told without technology, but it is not a story about technology. It is a story about people, whose behavior cannot be so easily predicted, whose defects cannot be so easily repaired and whose functions and purposes in the universe have yet to be determined.

Next, the second volume in Michael Cobley‘s Shadowkings series, SHADOWGOD is also now available. There will be some more news on this series next week, but suffice it to say, Cobley’s debut fantasy trilogy was an early pioneer of modern ‘grimdark’ fantasy. Here are the details…

  • SHADOWGOD – Shadowkings #2 (Earthlight) – Philip Rose

Jon Courtenay-Grimwood, writing for the Guardian, reviewed SHADOWGOD thus: SHADOWKINGS, was brutal, cruel and realistic in a way genre usually avoids. SHADOWGOD, his second, is not only lighter, it is better written and makes good use of the world Cobley has created… writing to rival David Gemmell.’

Three New Audible Titles, from Blaylock and McDonald


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Three more great backlist titles have been released as audiobooks. First up, we have a pair of titles from the great James P. Blaylock – one Steampunk novella, and an eclectic short story collection…

Here’s just a small selection of what critics have said about the books…

‘While many recent novels have picked up the steampunk banner, this one fully delivers, offering action, farce, tender relationships, and prose full of genuine Victorian cadence and flavor.’  —  Publishers Weekly on THE AFFAIR OF THE CHALK CLIFFS

‘If you haven’t read Blaylock before, this is a good place to start, particularly if you enjoy steampunk and/or mysteries. If you are a fan of Blaylock’s writing, you’ll want to add this to your collection.’  —  SF Revu on THE AFFAIR OF THE CHALK CLIFFS

‘A short story collection from [Blaylock] is cause for celebration and rejoicing.’ — Neil Gaiman on 13 PHANTASMS

And finally, we also have a science-fiction anthology by Ian McDonald

Ian’s fiction has been praised far and wide, and here are just a couple of examples…

‘One of the most interesting and accomplished science fiction writers of this latter-day era, indeed maybe the most interesting and accomplished, and certainly the most culturally and musically sophisticated, the Frank Herbert, William Gibson, or arguably even Thomas Pynchon of the early 21st century.’ — Asimov’s

‘McDonald’s power as a storyteller lies in his stylistic versatility and intensity of language as well as in his capacity to create vivid and memorable characters.’ — Library Journal

As before, the titles above include links to their respective Audible pages, original print-publisher, and narrator. There are a few remaining backlist titles still to come via Audible, and we’ll be sharing that info as soon as it’s available. Watch this space!

The (Big) Batch of Audible Releases…


Here are the details and links for the latest batch of Audible releases, including some real gems from our clients’ backlists. As before, the title is followed by print publisher and then narrator.

March 25th…

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March 27th…

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March 28th…

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Some More Recent Audible Releases…


Here are the details for some more recent Audible releases, from our clients…

March 11th…

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March 13th…

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March 14th…

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New Audible Releases! (This Week)


Last year, Audible acquired rights to publish the audio editions of a number of our clients’ backlist titles. The audiobooks will be released over the course of the next few months. Each week, therefore, we will publish a blog post with details of the latest batch of releases from our clients. Today, we have the two final titles from February and also the first week of March titles. Each title is followed by the book’s print publisher and narrator.

Published on February 28th…

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March 4th…

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March 6th…

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March 7th…

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Be sure to check back each week for the next titles! (We’re aiming for Fridays or Mondays, depending on when the information is released.)

Ian McDonald’s EVERNESS Series Available in Audio!


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We are very happy to report that Ian McDonald‘s critically-acclaimed Everness series of YA science fiction is now available in audio format! The three novels – PLANESRUNNERBE MY ENEMY, and EMPRESS OF THE SUN – have been recently released by Audible in both the UK and US. The audiobooks are narrated by Tom Lawrence.

Here’s the synopsis for PLANESRUNNER, in case you have inexplicably managed to miss it…

There is not just one you, there are many yous. We’re part of a multiplicity of universes in parallel dimensions – and Everett Singh’s dad has found a way in.

But he’s been kidnapped, and now it is as though Everett’s dad never existed. Yet there is one clue for his son to follow, a mysterious app: the Infundibulum.

The app is a map, not just to the Ten Known Worlds, but to the entire multiverse – and there are those who want to get their hands on it very badly. If Everett’s going to keep it safe and rescue his dad, he’s going to need friends: like Captain Anastasia Sixmith, her adopted daughter and the crew of the airship Everness.

The three novels are published by Jo Fletcher Books in the UK and Pyr Books in the US. Here’s just a small selection of the praise that has been heaped on the novels…

‘This is vintage McDonald, with beautifully drawn settings, complex characters and deft plotting. When Everett Singh’s scientist father is kidnapped, Everett’s investigations lead him to discover that his father was working to open portals between multiple worlds. Everett finds a map linking the worlds, which various sinister organisations desire – and the thrilling chase is on.’  —  Guardian on PLANESRUNNER

‘… nonstop action, eccentric characters, and expert universe building… this first volume of the Everness series is a winner.’  —  Publishers Weekly on PLANESRUNNER

Ian McDonald is one of the greats of science fiction and his young adult debut is everything you could hope for: romantic, action-packed, wildly imaginative and full of heart.’  —  BoingBoing on PLANESRUNNER

Smart, clever and abundantly original, with suspense that grabs your eyeballs, this is real science fiction for all ages. More! More!’  —  Kirkus on BE MY ENEMY

‘… a blast from start to finish. As far as I’m concerned, Ian McDonald could write another dozen or so of these Everness novels, and I’d happily read them all.’  —  Tor.com on BE MY ENEMY

‘The marvelous Everness series… [is] Endlessly fascinating and fun.’  —  Kirkus (Starred Review) on EMPRESS OF THE SUN

YA or not, the Everness series may be the most enjoyable ongoing series that SF currently has to offer.’  —  Locus (Jan.2014) on EMPRESS OF THE SUN