Literary agency
Tomorrow evening, Louise Buckley — Zeno’s newest junior agent — will be attending an event at London’s Writers’ Cafe!
‘In Conversation: Agent Louise Buckley on opening pages’ will take place at The Perserverance in London, from 6:45-9:30pm. Full details for the event can be found here.
Next week, on August 6th, Goldsboro Books in London will hold their new, annual Fantasy in the Court event — from 6pm-9pm. A great opportunity to meet authors and talk and hear about the science fiction and fantasy genres, we’re pleased to report that a few Zeno clients will be in attendance. Specifically…
Aliette de Bodard is the author of the highly-anticipated, upcoming THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS — due to be published in the UK by Gollancz on August 20th, 2015; and by Roc Books in the US on August 18th, 2015. Aliette is also the author of the Obsidian & Blood trilogy, published in the UK and US by Angry Robot Books, and numerous award-nominated short stories and novellas.
E.J. Swift is the critically-acclaimed author of the Osiris Project trilogy — OSIRIS, CATAVEIRO and TAMARUQ — which is published in the UK by Del Rey, and in the US as eBooks via the JABberwocky eBook Program. Emma is also the author of numerous award-nominated and critically-acclaimed short stories.
Lavie Tidhar is the author of the World Fantasy Award-winning OSAMA (PS Publishing), the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize-winning A MAN LIES DREAMING (Hodder), critically-acclaimed THE VIOLENT CENTURY (Hodder in UK; Thomas Dunne in US), The Bookman Histories (Angry Robot), and numerous acclaimed short stories and novellas.
Critically-acclaimed author Aliette de Bodard is due to attend the North London Literary Festival next week, March 24th, where she will take part in a special event sponsored by the Science Fiction Foundation. Specifically, at 5:30pm, she will be discussing speculative fiction with fellow author Stephanie Saulter, and Farah Mendlesohn (who will chair the discussion).
Aliette is the author of the Obsidian & Blood trilogy, published by Angry Robot Books; multiple award-winning and nominated short stories and novellas; and also the highly anticipated upcoming new novel HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS (the first in a planned duology). Rights for the latter were recently sold to Gollancz in the UK and Roc Books in the US – both are due to publish in August 2015. Here’s the synopsis from Aliette’s website:
A superb murder mystery, on an epic scale, set against the fall out – literally – of a war in Heaven.
Paris has survived the Great Magicians War – just. Its streets are lined with haunted ruins, Notre-Dame is a burnt-out shell, and the Seine runs black with ashes and rubble. Yet life continues among the wreckage. The citizens continue to live, love, fight and survive in their war-torn city, and The Great Houses still vie for dominion over the once grand capital.
House Silverspires, previously the leader of those power games, lies in disarray. Its magic is ailing; its founder, Morningstar, has been missing for decades; and now something from the shadows stalks its people inside their very own walls.
Within the House, three very different people must come together: a naive but powerful Fallen, an alchemist with a self-destructive addiction, and a resentful young man wielding spells from the Far East. They may be Silverspires’ salvation. They may be the architects of its last, irreversible fall…
At 2pm this Sunday, December 7th, Caltech University is hosting Andrew Hodges for a lecture about his critically-acclaimed book ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA. The lecture will take place in the Baxter Lecture Hall. Seating is limited, so admittance will be purely on a first come first served basis. Tickets are $10 for Skeptics Society members and the JPL/Caltech community, $15 for nonmembers.
The lecture will be followed by a book signing, and the organisers of the event will have copies of the book available for purchase.
Andrew’s book has been much in the news recently (here and also mainstream media) because it is the inspiration behind the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring movie THE IMITATION GAME, which opened in US cinemas last week. Movie tie-in editions of the book were published last week by Vintage Books (UK), Princeton University Press (North America) and Michel Lafon (France/Quebec).
Celebrating the release last week of A MAN LIES DREAMING, World Fantasy Award-winning author Lavie Tidhar will be hosted by Hatchards* in London for a discussion about his new novel.
A MAN LIES DREAMING is published in the UK by Hodder Books, who have World English Rights for the novel. The novel has already received some great reviews from the press and fellow authors. Here’s the synopsis…
Deep in the heart of history’s most infamous concentration camp, a man lies dreaming. His name is Shomer, and before the war he was a pulp fiction author. Now, to escape the brutal reality of life in Auschwitz, Shomer spends his nights imagining another world – a world where a disgraced former dictator now known only as Wolf ekes out a miserable existence as a low-rent PI in London’s grimiest streets.
An extraordinary story of revenge and redemption, A MAN LIES DREAMING is the unforgettable testament to the power of imagination.
The event starts at 6:30pm, and will include drinks and canapes, followed by a panel discussion on the book. The event is free, but because places will be limited, you should reserve your place by emailing events@hatchards.co.uk, or calling 020 7439 9921.
Here are just a couple of the aforementioned reviews…
‘This is a shocking book as well as a rather brilliant one… Tidhar, who cut his teeth in the world of genre SF, understands how eloquent pulp can be… [OSAMA] won the World Fantasy award. I wouldn’t be surprised to see A MAN LIES DREAMING repeat that achievement… Like Tarantino, Tidhar may find that some people don’t take him seriously. But the joke’s on them. Seriousness is the least of it: A MAN LIES DREAMING is a twisted masterpiece.’ — Guardian
‘Theodor Adorno said that to write poetry after Auschwitz was barbaric. To which I would say, yes, but you can still write an excellent novel. A MAN LIES DREAMING is that novel.’ — Philip Kerr
‘A fascinating walk along a literary tightrope that never rings a wrong note, this is outstanding and moving stuff, whether you are seeking crime, SF or just a great novel!’ — Love Reading
* The link to the event sometimes doesn’t work. If it doesn’t, visit the Waterstone’s Events page, and select Lavie’s name from the drop-down menu near the bottom of the page.
Anne Lyle, author of the critically-acclaimed Nights Masque trilogy, will be attending Bristolcon this weekend!
On October 25th, Anne will take part in two scheduled events:
Anne’s Nights Masque trilogy is published in the UK and US by Angry Robot Books, and is comprised of THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS, THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS and THE PRINCE OF LIES. Here’s the synopsis for the first book…
When Tudor explorers returned from the New World, they brought back a name out of half-forgotten Viking legend: skraylings. Red-sailed ships followed in the explorers’ wake, bringing Native American goods – and a skrayling ambassador – to London. But what do these seemingly magical beings really want in Elizabeth I’s capital?
Mal Catlyn, a down-at-heel swordsman, is seconded to the ambassador’s bodyguard, but assassination attempts are the least of his problems. What he learns about the skraylings and their unholy powers could cost England her new ally – and Mal Catlyn his soul.
We’re very happy to report that Ben Aaronovitch is taking part in an event as part of the Cheltenham Festivals this week! Ben will be on the panel for ‘Science fiction and Fantasy: A Celebration‘, joining fellow authors Joe Abercrombie, Mitch Benn, Sarah Pinborough and David Barnett.
‘Once regarded as a niche genre, Sci Fi and Fantasy continues to capture the imaginations of new readers Four of the genre’s leading voices… celebrate its rise and discuss their latest work.’
Here are the event’s details:
Ben Aaronovitch is the critically-acclaimed, best-selling author of the Peter Grant urban fantasy series, which includes: RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND, BROKEN HOMES, and the upcoming FOXGLOVE SUMMER. All of the novels are published in the UK by Gollancz, and the latter is due out mid-November 2014. Here’s the synopsis…
In the fifth of his bestselling series Ben Aaronovitch takes Peter Grant out of whatever comfort zone he might have found and takes him out of London – to a small village in Herefordshire where the local police are reluctant to admit that there might be a supernatural element to the disappearance of some local children. But while you can take the London copper out of London you can’t take the London out of the copper.
Travelling west with Beverley Brook, Peter soon finds himself caught up in a deep mystery and having to tackle local cops and local gods. And what’s more all the shops are closed by 4pm…
Edward Cox‘s THE RELIC GUILD has already been described as ‘a real page-turner’ (SF Crowsnest) and ‘a formidable debut from an author with huge potential’ (Fantasy Faction), with the buzz only increasing each week. With its UK publication fast approaching – September 18th, via Gollancz – we wanted to let you know about the book’s official launch, at Goldsboro Books. The event will be on Thursday September 18th, between 6:30-8:30pm. So, if you’re in London that evening, be sure to stop by!
Here’s the synopsis…
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.
Tomorrow, the great Peter V. Brett will be signing copies of his books at Forbidden Planet in London! The event starts at 1pm. When Peter was last in the UK (2012), his signing at Forbidden Planet was a big hit, and we are expecting much the same this year. So, be sure to arrive early!
Peter V. Brett is the bestselling, critically-acclaimed author of the Demon Cycle novels – THE PAINTED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR, THE DAYLIGHT WAR and the two novellas THE GREAT BAZAAR and BRAYAN’S GOLD. The next novel in the series, THE SKULL THRONE is on the way, as is a new novella. All of Peter’s books are 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.
As part of the ongoing SFF festivities in London this week, Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole will be taking part in Fantasy Faction’s Grim Gathering! The event, which will be held at Waterstone’s Kensington, begins at 6:30pm, and also features Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence.
This event is sure to be very popular, so be arrive early. Fantasy Faction held a similar event (minus Mark Lawrence) in 2012, and it was a huge success. All four authors will be signing copies of their books, afterwards.
Peter V. Brett is the bestselling author of the Demon Cycle novels – THE PAINTED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR, THE DAYLIGHT WAR, the novellas THE GREAT BAZAAR and BRAYAN’S GOLD, and the upcoming (highly-anticipated) THE SKULL THRONE. Peter is published in the UK by Voyager.
Myke Cole is the author of the Shadow Ops trilogy – CONTROL POINT, FORTRESS FRONTIER and BREACH ZONE, and the upcoming GEMINI CELL. Myke is published in the UK by Headline.
Zeno represents Peter V. Brett and Myke Cole in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.
We’re delighted to report that Anne Lyle is taking part in Angry Robot Books and Titan Books’ Summer Invasion event! Anne will be signing copies of her books, along with fellow Angry Robot authors (and Titan authors) at Forbidden Planet in London, on Wednesday 13th August, between 6-7pm.
Anne is the author of the critically-acclaimed Night’s Masque historical fantasy trilogy, published by Angry Robot Books – THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS, THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS, and THE PRINCE OF LIES. In case you haven’t enjoyed the novels, yet, here’s the synopsis for the first book…
When Tudor explorers returned from the New World, they brought back a name out of half-forgotten Viking legend: skraylings. Red-sailed ships followed in the explorers’ wake, bringing Native American goods – and a skrayling ambassador – to London. But what do these seemingly magical beings really want in Elizabeth I’s capital?
Mal Catlyn, a down-at-heel swordsman, is seconded to the ambassador’s bodyguard, but assassination attempts are the least of his problems. What he learns about the skraylings and their unholy powers could cost England her new ally – and Mal Catlyn his soul.
Here’s some of the praise the trilogy has received…
‘An outstanding debut and Lyle is certainly a name to watch for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ — British Fantasy Society
‘A lively cast of actors and their down-at-the-heel associates contrasts neatly with mysterious powers and goals of the inhuman skraylings as a theatrical competition in the ambassador’s honor offers opportunities for both actors and assassins. With an effective mix of espionage, backstage drama, and mystery, Lyle provides compelling drama in an intriguing setting.’ — Publishers Weekly
‘This may be one of the best historical fiction/fantasy novels of 2012. Venice, Pirates, Skraylings, politics and some epic action scenes in sixteenth century Europe make sure that THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS is a worthy successor to THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS.’ — The Founding Fields
‘… as exciting and action-packed as the previous two volumes, and it picks up all the loose threads that were left hanging at the end of THE MERCHANT OF DREAMS… I highly recommend this book, but don’t start here. Start with THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS and read them in order or you’ll be floundering. For those that have followed the series so far, this is a tight conclusion…’ — Fantasy Faction on THE PRINCE OF LIES
‘A good ending to what will hopefully be the first of many trilogies from the author… The action sequences, though, are the best thing in the series, and PRINCE OF LIES continues that tradition… the explosive denouement of the novel is a skilled set piece of character beats, well described action, and exciting confrontations in an excellent location for action shenanigans. Its quite probably the best sequence in the entire trilogy.’ — SF Signal
Anne’s event marks the start of an event-heavy week for Zeno clients. Be sure to check back on other days for more updates and news.
Next week, Goldsboro Books, Tor UK and Voyager Books are hosting in London a science fiction and fantasy extravaganza, Fantasy in the Court! A ticketed event, it is celebrates the SFF genres and offers fans an informal setting to meet some of today’s best authors of science fiction and fantasy. Tickets are available from Goldsboro Books, and more information can be found here. Zeno clients in attendance are Ben Aaronovitch, Edward Cox, E.J. Swift, and Lavie Tidhar.
Ben Aaronovitch is the author of the bestselling and critically-acclaimed Rivers of London series, the fifth book of which – FOXGLOVE SUMMER – is published later this year by Gollancz. Edward Cox is the debut author of THE RELIC GUILD, due out in September 2014 from Gollancz. E.J. Swift is the author of the Osiris Project science fiction series – the second book, CATAVEIRO, was published earlier this year by Del Rey UK. Lavie Tidhar is the author of OSAMA (winner of the World Fantasy Award), THE VIOLENT CENTURY, and the upcoming A MAN LIES DREAMING – to be published later this September by Hodder.
We are very pleased to share with you the news that two of Zeno’s clients will be participating in the inaugural Gollancz Festival! Jointly hosted by Gollancz and Waterstone’s Piccadilly, the event takes place on August 13th, from 6pm-9pm. The evening brings together some of Gollancz’s leading authors of science-fiction and fantasy to discuss the genre and their books.
The full schedule can be found here, but here are the Zeno-specific details…
More details about the event will be released via the Gollancz Twitter feed, and also through the hashtag #gollanczfest.
Ben Aaronovitch is the critically-acclaimed best-selling author of the Peter Grant series. The next novel in the series, FOXTROT SUMMER, is due to be published in September 2014. Edward Cox is the author of the upcoming debut fantasy THE RELIC GUILD, also due to be published in September 2014.
Great news! This Saturday, Ben Aaronovitch will be appearing at the Raworths Harrogate Literary Festival! Ben will be speaking at the St. George Hotel at 2.00pm. Tickets are only £8 (and currently 2-for-1!). You can book your tickets (and find more details) here.
‘Ever wondered what books your favourite crime writers read? Or what your favourite books say about you?’ Ben will be speaking on these topics and more with Ella Berthoud in a session of Bibliotherapy: LIVE! ‘Ella Berthoud believes that reading the right book could help ease pain, settle your mind or mend a broken heart. Sit back and relax as she diagnoses what ails best selling writer Ben Aaronovitch and recommends the perfect books for him…’
Ben is the author of the fan-favourite and critically-acclaimed London-based urban fantasy Peter Grant Series. The next novel in the series, FOXGLOVE SUMMER, is due to be published in the UK by Gollancz in September 2014. It follows RIVERS OF LONDON, MOON OVER SOHO, WHISPERS UNDERGROUND and BROKEN HOMES (all published in the UK by Gollancz, as well).
On July 13th, as part of the much-anticipated London Film & Comic Con, Zeno client Edward Cox will be participate in the ‘Breaking the Sci-Fi Industry‘ panel. Edward is the author of the superb gothic new fantasy novel, THE RELIC GUILD.
On the panel, Edward joins fellow Gollancz debut authors Den Patrick and Jon Wallace to discuss their experiences ‘writing their first novel, finding an agent, securing a publishing deal and starting the publishing adventure.’ Along with tips for aspiring writers, attendees will have the chance to win copies of each of the debut novels from these three talented genre writers. The panel will be moderated by Gollancz Publishing Director Gilllian Redfearn, and will take place on the Book Zone Stage, at 10.45am on Sunday 13th July. Tickets are free and can be collected at the Book Zone info point from 9am on Sunday morning.
The first in a trilogy, THE RELIC GUILD is due to be published in the UK by Gollancz in September 2014. Here’s the synopsis…
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.
Be sure to check out the Goodreads THE RELIC GUILD giveaway, too.