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Brandon Sanderson’s THE WAY OF KINGS out tomorrow in paperback

Posted on Wednesday, June 10th, 2015

Previously available in two volumes, Brandon Sanderson‘s epic THE WAY OF KINGS is published tomorrow in a single-volume paperback by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

According to mythology mankind used to live in The Tranquiline Halls. Heaven. But then the Voidbringers assaulted and captured heaven, casting out God and men. Men took root on Roshar, the world of storms. And the Voidbringers followed…

They came against man ten thousand times. To help them cope, the Almighty gave men powerful suits of armor and mystical weapons, known as Shardblades. Led by ten angelic Heralds and ten orders of knights known as Radiants, mankind finally won.

Or so the legends say. Today, the only remnants of those supposed battles are the Shardblades, the possession of which makes a man nearly invincible on the battlefield. The entire world is at war with itself – and has been for centuries since the Radiants turned against mankind. Kings strive to win more Shardblades, each secretly wishing to be the one who will finally unite all of mankind under a single throne.

On a world scoured down to the rock by terrifying hurricanes that blow through every few day a young spearman forced into the army of a Shardbearer, led to war against an enemy he doesn’t understand and doesn’t really want to fight.

What happened deep in mankind’s past?

Why did the Radiants turn against mankind, and what happened to the magic they used to wield?

The first in Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive epic fantasy series, Gollancz also publish the sequel, WORDS OF RADIANCE (covers below). Gollancz also publish the author’s Mistborn and Reckoners series, as well as a handful of stand-alone novels and novellas.

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

Cover: THE WAY OF KINGS by Brandon Sanderson

Posted on Monday, April 20th, 2015

Above is the new cover for the trade paperback edition of Brandon Sanderson‘s THE WAY OF KINGS. The first novel in the author’s best-selling Stormlight Archive fantasy series, it was previously only available in hardcover and split into two paperback volumes. The book is due to be published on June 11th, 2015, by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis…

What happened deep in mankind’s past?

Why did the Radiants turn against mankind, and what happened to the magic they used to wield?

The audiobook edition of the novel — read by Michael Kramer and Kate Redding — is also getting a new cover…

The second novel in the series, WORDS OF RADIANCE, is also published in the UK by Gollancz. Brandon is also the author of the best-selling and critically-acclaimed Mistborn fantasy series and the new super-hero Reckoners series, which includes STEELHEART, MITOSIS and FIREFIGHT (thus far), all of which are also published in the UK by Gollancz.

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

Cover Reveal: WORDS OF RADIANCE by Brandon Sanderson (Paperback Editions)

Posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2015

Today, we have the covers for the paperback editions of Brandon Sanderson‘s WORDS OF RADIANCE. The Sunday Times-bestselling second volume in the Stormlight Archives series, the two volumes are due to be published in the UK by Gollancz, on March 5th, 2015.

Here’s the synopsis…

From the bestselling author who completed Robert Jordan’s epic Wheel of Time series comes a new, original creation that matches anything else in modern fantasy for epic scope, thrilling imagination, superb characters and sheer addictiveness.

Return to a planet swept by apocalyptic storms, a world tipping into war as aristocratic families move to control the shard blades and shard plates, ancient artifacts from a past civilisation that can win wars.

As the world tips into a war for control of the mythical artifacts of power made from Shard, characters are swept up into new dangers which will threaten their integrity and their lives.

Huge, ideas-filled, world-spanning fantasy from a master of the genre.

WORDS OF RADIANCE is the sequel to THE WAY OF KINGS, also published in the UK by Gollancz.

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

THE RELIC GUILD by Edward Cox is Out Today!

Posted on Thursday, September 18th, 2014

We are delighted to report that Edward Cox‘s epic debut fantasy, THE RELIC GUILD, is officially published today by Gollancz! The novel is the start of a superb, atmospheric and action-packed new series. Here’s the synopsis…

In the sealed Labyrinth, a young woman must find a way to control her magic and escape her prison in this remarkable debut fantasy.

Magic caused the war. Magic is forbidden. Magic will save us.

It was said the Labyrinth had once been the great meeting place, a sprawling city at the heart of an endless maze where a million humans hosted the Houses of the Aelfir. The Aelfir who had brought trade and riches, and a future full of promise. But when the Thaumaturgists, overlords of human and Aelfir alike, went to war, everything was ruined and the Labyrinth became an abandoned forbidden zone, where humans were trapped behind boundary walls 100 feet high.

Now the Aelfir are a distant memory and the Thaumaturgists have faded into myth. Young Clara struggles to survive in a dangerous and dysfunctional city, where eyes are keen, nights are long, and the use of magic is punishable by death. She hides in the shadows, fearful that someone will discover she is touched by magic. She knows her days are numbered. But when a strange man named Fabian Moor returns to the Labyrinth, Clara learns that magic serves a higher purpose and that some myths are much more deadly in the flesh.

The only people Clara can trust are the Relic Guild, a secret band of magickers sworn to protect the Labyrinth. But the Relic Guild are now too few. To truly defeat their old nemesis Moor, mightier help will be required. To save the Labyrinth – and the lives of one million humans – Clara and the Relic Guild must find a way to contact the worlds beyond their walls.

In case that doesn’t whet your appetite, here is just a small selection of the advance praise…

‘There are many things to love about THE RELIC GUILD… an excellent story… Cox’s characters are well-realised individuals, each with a story to tell… a highly successful magic system that doesn’t require a lot of explanation and complements the setting beautifully… clever and effective, and [I] appreciated the way Cox keeps his world’s history alive and relevant to current events… THE RELIC GUILD is a formidable debut from an author with huge potential, and I will be one of the first clamouring for a copy of the sequel.’ – Fantasy Faction

‘THE RELIC GUILD was a fast and pleasurable read… [Cox] knows how to craft a tale and to write engaging characters and I’ve also loved his use of the Labyrinth as a vehicle for setting a fully immersive dystopian (with a dash of noir) atmosphere. It is a magical creation and a true feat of imagination which I’m looking forward to exploring more… A promising debut…’ – Upcoming4Me

‘… a fantasy with plenty of original ideas, where the world is detailed and dark, where the characters intrigue and delight and where the plot draws you in and takes you on a magical journey… Edward Cox’s debut novel, THE RELIC GUILD is a real page-turner of a book and I’m already impatient for the next book in the series.’ – SF Crowsnest

For those who prefer to listen to your books, THE RELIC GUILD is also out today in unabridged audio, read by Imogen Church and published by Orion Audio.

Ed is currently taking a blog tour in celebration of the release, and you can find him at the following stops:

And, finally, if you’re in London this evening, be sure to pop by Goldsboro Books, who are hosting the official launch for the novel (they also have signed, first editions in stock…).

Publication Day – Elizabeth Moon’s CROWN OF RENEWAL

Posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

The final novel in Elizabeth Moon‘s epic fantasy series, Paladin’s Legacy, is out today! CROWN OF RENEWAL is published in the UK by Orbit Books.

Here’s the synopsis…

Eight kingdoms in danger, an enemy that cannot die…

Count Jeddrin has received a grisly message. His son, Filis, is dead, brutally killed by Alured the Black – the first move in his plan to take the eight kingdoms.

But Filis managed to send his own message, telling of the dark forces that control Alured, warning of something more than human behind the man’s eyes…

Meanwhile, Dorrin Verrakai, last of a long line of magelords, must forever leave the home she loves in order to protect powerful magic relics created by her ancestors. For their power is desired both by Alured, and by the dark elves infesting the kingdoms. Searching for answers, her friend and King, Kieri, considers waking the magelords from their ancient slumber…

Some reviews for the Paladin’s Legacy so far…

‘This is a must-read for fans of Moon’s Paksenarrion stories from 20 years ago. There’s a brief synopsis of the tale to date, just enough to refresh the memory, but thanks to a skillful, subtle weaving of backstory, newcomers won’t be left out. Moon was a good storyteller 20 years ago. Now she is excellent, and this is a thoroughly entertaining read.’ — RT Book Reviews on OATH OF FEALTY

‘There’s action a-plenty, but this series most appeals to readers who enjoy their fantasy more thoughtful and intellectual.’ — Publishers Weekly on KINGS OF THE NORTH

‘… some rousing action and intriguing plot twists… Readers hungry for more dragons, elves, mages and gnomes will find exactly what they’re looking for.’ — Kirkus on ECHOES OF BETRAYAL

‘Moon’s fourth fantasy novel set in the Eight Kingdoms… is thoughtful and deeply character driven, full of personal crises as heartbreaking and hopeful as any dramatic invasion… There are plots within plots, but the complex story is never confusing. Fantasy fans will be delighted by this impressive foray.’ — Publishers Weekly on LIMITS OF POWER

The Paladin’s Legacy series is part of Moon’s larger Paksennarion fantasy world, and also includes: LIMITS OF POWER, KINGS OF THE NORTH, ECHOES OF BETRAYAL.

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

Multiple Award Nominations for Zeno Clients!

Posted on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014

This past weekend, a number of award shortlists were announced, and we’re very happy to report that a handful of Zeno authors are represented! (As well they should be!)

First up, two of our clients have been nominated for Hugo Awards!

In the Best Novel category, the whole of The Wheel of Time epic fantasy series has been nominated (as a single entity). This series, began by the late Robert Jordan, was completed by Brandon Sanderson, who finished the three final novels in the series – THE GATHERING STORM, TOWERS OF MIDNIGHT, and A MEMORY OF LIGHT (all published in the UK by Orbit).

In the Best Novelette category, Aliette de Bodard‘s ‘The Waiting Stars’ has been nominated. The story first appeared in THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY, published by Candlemark & Gleam. Back in February, we reported that ‘The Waiting Stars’ was also nominated for a Nebula Award. ‘The Waiting Stars’ is also available to read, free, on Aliette’s website.

The Hugo Awards will be presented at Loncon 3, in London, UK, on August 17, 2014.

Secondly, two Zeno clients also made it onto a Gemmell Awards shortlist, for the Legend Award (best fantasy)! We mentioned them briefly on the blog in March, as they (obviously) made the long-list, but we’re very happy to see Peter V. Brett‘s THE DAYLIGHT WAR (Voyager) and Brandon Sanderson‘s A MEMORY OF LIGHT (Orbit) make it to the final selection round.

The Shortlist is open for voting now, until the end of April. The winner will be announced at the Gemmell Award ceremony at the Magic Circle, London, on June 13th, 2014.

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

Brandon Sanderson Storms Bestseller Lists

Posted on Friday, March 14th, 2014

We have recently been informed that Brandon Sanderson‘s WORDS OF RADIANCE is not only going to be #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it will also debut at #2 on the Sunday Times Bestseller list! This is absolutely fantastic news, and well-deserved.

WORDS OF RADIANCE is the second novel in Brandon’s latest fantasy epic, the Stormlight Archive, following THE WAY OF KINGS. Published by Tor Books in the US and Gollancz in the UK. Here is the (non-spoilery) synopsis…

As the world tips into a war for control of the mythical artifacts of power made from Shard, characters are swept up into new dangers which will threaten their integrity and their lives.

The Sunday Times list will be officially released and printed in the March 16th edition of the newspaper.

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

Publication Day – Brandon Sanderson’s WORDS OF RADIANCE

Posted on Thursday, March 6th, 2014

Today sees the UK publication of Brandon Sanderson‘s highly anticipated WORDS OF RADIANCE, the second novel in his Stormlight Archive epic fantasy series. Brandon is the bestselling author who completed Robert Jordan’s epic Wheel of Time series, and also the Mistborn saga (currently four novels, with more on the way!). The second book in the Stormlight Archive exhibits Brandon’s gift for epic storytelling, wonderous magic systems, and sheer addictive writing.

Here is the synopsis for WORDS OF RADIANCE…

The Knights Radiant must stand again.

The ancient oaths have at last been spoken; the spren return. Men seek that which was lost. I fear the struggle will destroy them.

It is the nature of the magic. A broken soul has cracks into which something else can be fit. Surgebindings, the powers of creation themselves. They can brace a broken soul; but they can also widen its fissures.

The Windrunner, lost in a shattered land, balanced upon the boundary between vengeance and honor. The Lightweaver, slowly being consumed by her past, searching for the lie that she must become. The Bondsmith, born in blood and death, striving to rebuild what was destroyed. The Explorer, straddling the fates of two peoples, forced to choose between slow death and a terrible betrayal of all she believes.

It is past time for them to awaken, for the Everstorm looms.

And the Assassin has arrived.

A couple of advance, non-spoilery reviews have managed to find their way online (it’s so huge, it’s not surprising there haven’t been more). Here are some choice quotes…

‘Does Book 2 live up to the expectations? My answer is a resounding, “Yes!”’ — Tor.com (1)

‘… worth the wait… WORDS OF RADIANCE is excellent, which was a tremendous relief to me. Love or hate this book, I was wedded to it long before I read it, and I’m fortunate to say that I continue to love it. So to you, lucky reader, who have the choice of whether or not to buy this book, I give this advice. Sanderson’s experiment is working, and he gets better with every book. The journey will be worth it. Yes, you should buy this book. Yes, this is a series worth following to the end. I’m so glad to be taking this journey, and I hope you will as well.’ — Tor.com (2)

‘WORDS OF RADIANCE is truly an achievement. It expands on its predecessor, fulfilling the promises it sets up, and manages to surpass it. There is no question about it: this is my favorite Brandon Sanderson novel. When I read THE WAY OF KINGS, I had thought that while it was (at the time) Brandon’s best written novel, it wasn’t my favorite, but that The Stormlight Archive series absolutely had the potential to be Brandon’s best series. Well, that was entirely right. There’s no doubt about it. If you adored THE WAY OF KINGS, you will be blown away by WORDS OF RADIANCE. Even if book one didn’t thrill you, however, I can’t see how you won’t be enthralled by this volume. It really is that good. You’ll be sold on the entire series with this.’ — 17th Shard

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