Dystopia - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Roger Zelazny’s DAMNATION ALLEY Gets a New Ukrainian Edition!

Posted on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

We’re happy to report that Roger Zelazny‘s DAMNATION ALLEY has a new Ukrainian edition! Published by Богдан as Проклін-зона, and out now, here’s the synopsis…

Страшенна хвороба загрожує зменшити людство наполовину… Точніше, не людство, а те, що від нього лишилось, — по ядерному армагедоні. Ліки, що можуть зарадити мору, потрібні «на вчора», ще й дуже далеко, але це героїчне завдання волею долі дісталося байкеру-соціопату.

Чи зможе, чи схоче він подолати заради чужого добра жахи Проклін-зони, що накрила прокляттям увесь континент? Як змінить його ця мандрівка?

Славетний фантаст розповів нам про це в динамічному бойовику «на колесах» і не без моралі, вплив якого помітний і в пізніших творах про постядерний світ. Колоритні мутанти, мобільні бандити, химерні броньовані транспортні засоби і божевільні стихії — класика жанру!

DAMNATION ALLEY was first published as a novella in 1967 (which was a Hugo Award finalist), and was expanded into a novel-length form in 1969. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Hell Tanner isn’t the sort of guy you’d mistake for a hero: he’s a fast-driving car thief, a smuggler, and a stone-cold killer.

Facing life in prison for his various crimes, he’s given a choice: Rot away his remaining years in a tiny jail cell, or drive cross-country & deliver a case of antiserum to the plague-ridden people of Boston, Mass.

The chance of a full pardon does wonders for getting his attention. And don’t mistake this mission of mercy for any kind of normal road trip — not when there are radioactive storms, hordes of carnivorous beasts, and giant, mutated scorpions to be found along every deadly mile between LA and the East Coast. But then, this is no normal part of America, you see.

This is Damnation Alley.

William C. Dietz sounds the BATTLE HYMN in the UK!

Posted on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

Next month, Titan Books are due to publish BATTLE HYMN, the third novel in William C. Dietz‘s America Rising trilogy! Here’s the synopsis…

America is rising from the ashes of a global catastrophe, but in the wasteland that was once the USA, only the strong can survive…

As people fight to survive the aftereffects of more than a dozen meteor strikes, a group of wealthy individuals conspires to rebuild the United States as a corporate entity called the New Confederacy, where the bottom line is law. As a second civil war rages, with families fighting against families on opposite sides, Union president Samuel T. Sloan battles to keep the country whole.

After the fateful battle with her sister, the New Confederacy places a price on Union Army captain Robin Mac Macintyre s head. While dodging bounty hunters, Mac will do all that she can to help Sloan reunify the country, reclaiming a strategic oil reserve in the heart of Confederate territory and freeing hundreds of Union prisoners of war. But, to truly have peace, they will have to take down the New Confederacy s leadership and that includes Mac s father, General Bo Macintyre.

Titan have also published the first two in the series: INTO THE GUNS and SEEK AND DESTROY.

In addition to this series, Titan have also published William’s Mutant Files trilogy in the UK: DEADEYE, REDZONE and GRAVEYARD.

Zeno represents William C. Dietz in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

New Naomi Foyle books out this year!

Posted on Thursday, June 1st, 2017

Later this year, Jo Fletcher Books are due to publish two books by Naomi Foyle: the paperback edition of THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE, and also the brand-new STAINED LIGHT! Both are in the author’s Gaia Chronicles series, and are due out in December. Here’s the synopsis for THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE…

Astra Ordott is the long-prophesied icon of unification for the peoples of Is-Land and Non-Land — but is she ready to accept her destiny?

War is breaking out in Kadingir. Still struggling to accept her role as a long-prophesied icon of unification between Is-Land and Non-Land, Astra Ordott is on a journey across the windsands to join her father in Shiimti, where powerful mystics claim to be truly healing the damaged relationship between human beings and the Earth. Astra is desperate to get there quickly, but when her guide and companion, the shepherd Muzi, leads her off-course into the path of a vicious sandstorm, she is forced to confront what the gods of their devastated world might be telling her: that there will be no refuge from her destiny.

Jo Fletcher Books has published the first two novels in the series — ASTRA and ROOK SONG — in the UK and US. Here are the details for STAINED LIGHT…

Astra Ordott tried — and failed — to deny her destiny.

To cleanse her conscience and save those she loves, she made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up her freedom to hand herself over to the Is-Land authorities. But that was ten years ago, and the conflicts that have branded her a psychotic traitor are just getting hotter. All around her, long-simmering conflicts are beginning to boil over again, Non-Land and Is-Land are further from reunification than ever and the wider world is facing devastating threats both old and new.

Outside Astra’s fortified Gaian homeland, an infertility crisis is threatening the survival of the human race, while global civilisation’s reckless pursuit of rare earth mining is infuriating the ancient spirits of the planet.

Astra may have found her voice as a messenger of cosmic harmony — but is anyone listening? And if she cannot persuade humanity to respect the elemental laws of the universe, will she at least see her life-long personal enemies, Dr Samrod Blesserson and Ahn Orson, face justice on Earth?

Here are some reviews the series 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 Chronicles. ASTRA will certainly not be everyone’s cup of tea, but personally I am looking forwards to the next book with curiosity and excitement.’ — Starburst

‘If there’s one thing I learned from reading SEOUL SURVIVORS and now ASTRA, it is that author Naomi Foyle has a remarkable way of making me feel. I have been shocked and disturbed by some of the ideas in her books, but likewise there have been times where the touching beauty of her writing has bought me to tears. Her stories might not necessarily read like heart-pounding thrillers or page-turners, but no matter what, they always pack a powerful punch… a bold dystopian tale… by following Astra through all three life stages, I feel like I’ve come to know her very well, and the author has managed to make me care deeply about her character. I didn’t even realize how completely immersed I’d been until I reached the end, and tears started coming to my eyes while reading a scene that was particularly touching. I don’t know if that would have hit me so hard emotionally if the book hadn’t been so well-written overall… an intensely deep, complex and thought-provoking narrative of the main character’s life. It’s a beautiful story, unique and daring, which serves as a solid foundation for everything else to come.’ — Bibliosanctum

‘The second instalment of the Gaia Chronicles, ROOK SONG continues to develop Astra’s story, taking the reader through many illuminating, horrifying and overwhelming avenues… once the story really starts, it doesn’t let up. The highly politicised narrative is an enthralling and absorbing read… Where the first book offered a shocking, but somewhat aspirational alternative way of living, ROOK SONG delves further into the political influence that enables the way of life the Gaian’s are privileged to inhabit… Offering plenty of twists and surprises, ROOK SONG outdoes its predecessor with a more developed story and plenty of conspiracies that pull the reader in. Book one was a comment on how society should live to protect the planet, book two is a comment on how people should prevent international conflict and wars. We can only wait with bated breath to see what book three will campaign for.’ — Starburst

‘ROOK SONG is brave and unexpected… if you like your SF intelligent and stimulating do yourself a favour and pick up both ASTRA and ROOK SONG. You won’t regret it.’ — Upcoming4me

Cover & Details: INTO THE GUNS by William C. Dietz

Posted on Friday, September 16th, 2016

Next month, Titan Books will publish the first novel in William C. Dietz‘s new post-apocalyptic/dystopian series, America Rising. INTO THE GUNS will arrive on shelves on October 4th. Here’s the synopsis…

America is rising from the ashes of a global catastrophe, but in the wasteland that was once the USA, only the strong can survive…

On May Day, 2018, sixty meteors entered Earth’s atmosphere and exploded around the globe with a force greater than a nuclear blast. Earthquakes and tsunamis followed. Then China attacked Europe, Asia, and the United States in the belief the disaster was an act of war.

Washington D.C. was a casualty of the meteor onslaught that decimated the nation’s leadership and left the surviving elements of the armed forces to try and restore order as American society fell apart. As refugees across America band together and engage in open warfare with the military over scarce resources, a select group of individuals representing the surviving corporate structure makes a power play to rebuild the country in a free market image as The New Confederacy…

Titan also publishes Dietz’s urban fantasy Mutant Files series in the UK: DEADEYE, REDZONE and GRAVEYARD. They also publish the author’s Legion of the Damned military sci-fi series.

Zeno represents William C. Dietz in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Naomi Foyle’s THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE out this week!

Posted on Monday, May 2nd, 2016

Naomi Foyle‘s third novel in her Gaia Chronicles series, THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE, is out this Thursday! Published by Jo Fletcher Books. Here’s the synopsis…

Astra is the long prophesied icon of unification for the peoples of Non-Land, but is she ready to accept her destiny?

War is breaking out in Kadingir. Still struggling to accept her role as a long prophesied icon of unification between Is-Land and Non-Land, Astra Ordott is on a journey across the wind sands to join her father and his people – the mystics of Shiimti, who claim to hold the secret of truly healing the damaged relationship between human beings and the Earth. Astra’s desperate to get there quickly, but when her guide and companion, the shepherd Muzi, leads her off course into the path of a vicious sandstorm, she is forced to confront what the gods of their devastated world might be telling her: that there will be no refuge from her destiny.

Jo Fletcher Books also publishes the first two novels in the series — ASTRA and RAVEN SONG, as well as the stand-alone novel SEOUL SURVIVORS.

But wait, there’s more! If you happen to be in Toronto this Thursday (May 5th), Bakka Phoenix are hosting Naomi for a book launch for the US edition of ASTRA (published by Quercus Books)! The event starts at 6:30pm.

Cover: THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE by Naomi Foyle

Posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2015

THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE is the third novel in Naomi Foyle‘s Gaia Chronicles sci-fi series. Published by Jo Fletcher Books in the UK, here’s the synopsis…

Astra is the long prophesied icon of unification for the peoples of Non-Land, but is she ready to accept her destiny?

War is breaking out in Kadingir. Still struggling to accept her role as a long prophesied icon of unification between Is-Land and Non-Land, Astra Ordott is on a journey across the wind sands to join her father and his people – the mystics of Shiimti, who claim to hold the secret of truly healing the damaged relationship between human beings and the Earth. Astra’s desperate to get there quickly, but when her guide and companion, the shepherd Muzi, leads her off course into the path of a vicious sandstorm, she is forced to confront what the gods of their devastated world might be telling her: that there will be no refuge from her destiny.

The novel is due to be published in March 2016. Jo Fletcher Books also publish the first two novels in the series — ASTRA and ROOK SONG, and also Foyle’s stand-alone novel SEOUL SURVIVORS.

‘Readable and entertaining.’ — Interzone on ASTRA

‘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 Chronicles. ASTRA 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

‘The highly politicised narrative is an enthralling and absorbing read… Where the first book offered a shocking, but somewhat aspirational alternative way of living, ROOK SONG delves further into the political influence that enables the way of life the Gaian’s are privileged to inhabit… Offering plenty of twists and surprises, ROOK SONG outdoes its predecessor with a more developed story and plenty of conspiracies that pull the reader in. Book one was a comment on how society should live to protect the planet, book two is a comment on how people should prevent international conflict and wars.’ — Starburst

Naomi Foyle’s ASTRA Out Today in the US

Posted on Tuesday, August 4th, 2015

Today, Quercus published Naomi Foyle‘s ASTRA in the US in hardcover. The first novel in the author’s Gaia Chronicles, here is 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.

ASTRA and its sequel, ROOK SONG, are published in the UK by Jo Fletcher Books. The third novel in the series, THE BLOOD OF THE HOOPOE, is due to be published in March 2016 (more details to come). Jo Fletcher Books also publishes Foyle’s SEOUL SURVIVORS.

‘An unusual and appealing novel…’ — Strange Horizons on ASTRA

‘The mastery with which Foyle creates her world is astounding. The deft handling that brings Astra to life is breathtaking – and her journey is a heartbreaking thing, despite the fact that it has seemingly only just begun. If this book is any indication at all of what to expect from her, then I can say with pretty firm certainty that Naomi Foyle is a writer who’s absolutely worth watching out for.’ — Over the Effing Rainbow on ASTRA

‘A beautiful story, unique and daring, which serves as a solid foundation for everything else to come.’ — Bibliosanctum on ASTRA

‘Offering plenty of twists and surprises, ROOK SONG outdoes its predecessor with a more developed story and plenty of conspiracies that pull the reader in. Book one was a comment on how society should live to protect the planet, book two is a comment on how people should prevent international conflict and wars. We can only wait with bated breath to see what book three will campaign for.’ — Starburst on ROOK SONG

Naomi Foyle Interviewed by Writers Forum

Posted on Tuesday, May 5th, 2015

In the May issue of Writers Forum, Naomi Foyle has been interviewed about her novels and writing (you can read the interview, above, by clicking on the image).

To coincide with the interview, Naomi has written an article for the Jo Fletcher Books blog, which you can read here.

Naomi is the author of the critically-acclaimed SEOUL SURVIVORS, ASTRA and ROOK SONG. She is published in the UK and US by Jo Fletcher Books. Here’s the synopsis for ROOK SONG, the second novel in her Gaia Chronicles sci-fi series…

Astra Ordott is in exile. Evicted from Is-Land for a crime she cannot regret, she has found work in an ancient fortress in Non-Land: headquarters of the Council of New Continents, the global body charged with providing humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of this toxic refugee camp.

Recovering from a disorienting course of Memory Pacification Treatment, Astra struggles to focus on her overriding goals – to find her Code father and avenge the death of her Shelter mother, Hokma.

But can the CONC compound director, the ambiguous Major Thames, protect her from the hawk-eyed attentions of her old enemies? And who in this world of competing agendas can she trust? The deeper Astra ventures into this new world, the more she realises her true quest may be to find herself.

Here’s just a small sample of the great reviews Naomi’s novels have received…

‘Foyle’s strengths are her impeccable plotting, her rendering of a futuristic Seoul and the depiction of Sydney Travers’ gradual inveiglement in the nightmare of Dr Kim’s cloning experiment.’ — Guardian on SEOUL SURVIVORS

‘It’s a beautiful story, unique and daring, which serves as a solid foundation for everything else to come.’ — Bibliosanctum on ASTRA

‘An enthralling and absorbing read… Offering plenty of twists and surprises, ROOK SONG outdoes its predecessor with a more developed story and plenty of conspiracies that pull the reader in. Book one was a comment on how society should live to protect the planet, book two is a comment on how people should prevent international conflict and wars. We can only wait with bated breath to see what book three will campaign for.’ — Starburst on ROOK SONG

Cover Reveal: ROOK SONG by Naomi Foyle

Posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014

Here is the striking cover for Naomi Foyle‘s ROOK SONG. Due to be published by Jo Fletcher Books on February 5th, 2015, this is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed ASTRA, and the second book in the Gaia Chronicles.

Here’s the synopsis…

Astra Ordott is in exile. Evicted from Is-Land for a crime she cannot regret, she has found work in an ancient fortress in Non-Land: headquarters of the Council of New Continents, the global body charged with providing humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of this toxic refugee camp.

Recovering from a disorienting course of Memory Pacification Treatment, Astra struggles to focus on her overriding goals – to find her Code father and avenge the death of her Shelter mother, Hokma.

But can the CONC compound director, the ambiguous Major Thames, protect her from the hawk-eyed attentions of her old enemies? And who in this world of competing agendas can she trust? The deeper Astra ventures into this new world, the more she realises her true quest may be to find herself.

Here is just a small amount of the aforementioned critical acclaim…

‘This is excellent Science Fiction and I heartily recommend it … reminiscent of LeGuin.’ — Birmingham SF Group

‘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 Chronicles. ASTRA 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 have been shocked and disturbed by some of the ideas in her books, but likewise there have been times where the touching beauty of her writing has bought me to tears. Her stories might not necessarily read like heart-pounding thrillers or page-turners, but no matter what, they always pack a powerful punch… a bold dystopian tale…I didn’t even realize how completely immersed I’d been until I reached the end, and tears started coming to my eyes while reading a scene that was particularly touching. I don’t know if that would have hit me so hard emotionally if the book hadn’t been so well-written overall… an intensely deep, complex and thought-provoking narrative of the main character’s life. It’s a beautiful story, unique and daring, which serves as a solid foundation for everything else to come.’ — Bibliosanctum

UK Paperback Release Day: E.J. Swift’s CATAVEIRO

Posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2014

The second novel in E.J. Swift‘s critically-acclaimed Osiris Project series, CATAVEIRO, is now available in paperback! Published by Del Rey Books, this science fiction series has been receiving some excellent reviews for all corners of the SFF audience. Here’s the synopsis…

A shipwreck. And one lone survivor.

For political exile Taeo Ybanez, this could be his ticket home. Relations between the Antarcticans and the Patagonians are worse than ever, and to be caught on the wrong side could prove deadly.

For pilot and cartographer Ramona Callejas, the presence of the mysterious stranger is one more thing in the way of her saving her mother from a deadly disease.

All roads lead to Cataveiro, the city of fate and fortune, where their destinies will become intertwined and their futures cemented for ever…

And now some of those great reviews…

‘… the soulful latest instalment in The Osiris Project and a superior sequel… new lead characters, a fresh story and some real action… CATAVEIRO has a soulful, lonely quality as Taeo and Ramona embark on their solitary missions, haunted by memories of the past and visions of what lies ahead… Their imperfections keep them grounded and likeable, preventing EJ Swift from slipping into predictable and clichéd characterisation… as dystopian fiction goes it is an intriguing world to get lost in.’ — SciFiNow

‘The characters within are fully rounded, have some wonderful little quirks and when added to the arc really generate a caring response within the reader. Back this up with great prose, solid pace work and of course some magical twists which, when backed with the authors own identifiable writing style all round, makes this a book that hit the spot for me as a reader. Top notch.’ — Falcata Times

‘A very good follow up, improving on the first in pretty much every way… another beautifully-written novel… If you enjoy beautifully-written, literary science fiction, with less focus on being an action-packed blockbuster, then The Osiris Project is a must read.’ — Civilian Reader

‘At a time when writing the far future novels is harder and harder Swift does it with style, brains and heart. OSIRIS is a fine mix of mystery and apocalyptic intrigue on a human scale.’ — Richard Kadrey (author of Sandman Slim) on OSIRIS

‘Swift’s first novel, with its brilliant near-future vision of an ecologically and socially devastated world and characters who resonate with life and passion, marks her as an author to watch.’ — Library Journal on OSIRIS

CATAVEIRO is the sequel to OSIRIS, also published by Del Rey in the UK. The first novel was published in the US by Night Shade Books.