Tag: Fantasy

Aliette de Bodard’s Next Book is out in June: OF CHARMS, GHOSTS AND GRIEVANCES!

Posted on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Last week, Aliette de Bodard unveiled Ravven‘s striking cover for her next novella, OF CHARMS, GHOSTS AND GRIEVANCES. Set in the same world as the award-winning Dominion of the Fallen series, this is the second book in the Dragons and Blades series. Due to be published by JABberwocky, on June 28th, here’s the synopsis…

From the author of the critically acclaimed Dominion of the Fallen trilogy comes a sparkling new romantic adventure full of kissing, sarcasm and stabbing.

It was supposed to be a holiday, with nothing more challenging than babysitting, navigating familial politics and arguing about the proper way to brew tea.

But when dragon prince Thuan and his ruthless husband Asmodeus find a corpse in a ruined shrine and a hungry ghost who is the only witness to the crime, their holiday goes from restful to high-pressure. Someone is trying to silence the ghost and everyone involved. Asmodeus wants revenge for the murder; Thuan would like everyone, including Asmodeus, to stay alive.

Chased by bloodthirsty paper charms and struggling to protect their family, Thuan and Asmodeus are going to need all the allies they can — and, as the cracks in their relationship widen, they’ll have to face the scariest challenge of all: how to bring together their two vastly different ideas of their future…

A heartwarming standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.

The Dominion of the Fallen novels are published by Gollancz in the UK, and Roc Books (1-2) and JABberwocky (3) in North America: THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS, THE HOUSE OF BINDING THORNS, and THE HOUSE OF SUNDERING FLAMES. The first book in the Dragons and Blades series — OF DRAGONS, FEASTS AND MURDERS — is also published by JABberwocky.

Here are just a few of the advance reviews for the novella…

‘A darkly delicious romp full of ghosts, murder, dragons, and romance, with a couple that just keeps getting better and better as they push each other to new limits.’ — Stephanie Burgis, author of Snowspelled and Scales and Sensibility

‘Beautifully described, deeply caring, and satisfyingly murderous, it’s an immersive delight.’ — KJ Charles, author of the Will Darling Adventures

‘This one has everything… I gulped it down when I should have savoured it like a delicate tea, but what can I say.’ — Freya Marske, author of A Marvelous Light

Josh Winning’s THE SHADOW GLASS Out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

Josh Winning‘s hotly-anticipated debut novel, THE SHADOW GLASS is out in two weeks! Due to be published by Titan Books in the UK and North America, here’s the synopsis…

Jack Corman is failing at life.

Jobless, jaded and on the “wrong” side of thirty, he’s facing the threat of eviction from his London flat while reeling from the sudden death of his father, one-time film director Bob Corman. Back in the eighties, Bob poured his heart and soul into the creation of his 1986 puppet fantasy The Shadow Glass, a film Jack loved as a child, idolising its fox-like hero Dune.

But The Shadow Glass flopped on release, deemed too scary for kids and too weird for adults, and Bob became a laughing stock, losing himself to booze and self-pity. Now, the film represents everything Jack hated about his father, and he lives with the fear that he’ll end up a failure just like him.

In the wake of Bob’s death, Jack returns to his decaying home, a place creaking with movie memorabilia and painful memories. Then, during a freak thunderstorm, the puppets in the attic start talking. Tipped into a desperate real-world quest to save London from the more nefarious of his father’s creations, Jack teams up with excitable fanboy Toby and spiky studio executive Amelia to navigate the labyrinth of his father’s legacy while conjuring the hero within –– and igniting a Shadow Glass resurgence that could, finally, do his father proud.

Want to give the novel a try? Check out this excerpt, over on io9.

Here are just a few of the great early reviews the novel has received so far…

‘There’s a stirring sense of adventure, excitement, and terror running throughout… a treat for fans of the movies that inspired it.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘THE SHADOW GLASS could easily stand alongside Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and The NeverEnding Story.’ — Clay McLeod Chapman, author of The Remaking

‘The fantasy adventure my 80s-loving heart needed! Loaded with unforgettable characters, a thrilling quest, and the best 80s pop culture references, I loved every moment.’ — Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake

‘You don’t have to be a child of the ’80s to appreciate THE SHADOW GLASS. There’s enough magic within these pages to dress you in leg warmers and take you there. Nostalgic, heartfelt, and bristling with humor. An absolute corker!’ — Rio Youers

‘THE SHADOW GLASS is like the old children’s movies it worships: sometimes dark, but never heartless; gritty yet soulbaring. It embraces its referents as a whole: their beauty with their ugliness, the healing power of nostalgia with its potential to poison the present. But it never goes cynical, never loses faith. It stands proud with a VHS copy of its favorite movie held aloft, daring you to say it’s not the greatest film ever.’ — Edgar Cantero

‘Wonderful. A bold and heartfelt adventure from another world, another time — and our own.’ — Max Gladstone

‘Thrilling suspense and action… will satisfy anyone who has ever fallen in love with a story.’ — Foreword Reviews (Starred Review)

Croatian Edition of Roger Zelazny’s A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER

Posted on Monday, March 7th, 2022

A new Croatian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s acclaimed A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER is now available! Published by Zagrebačka naklada, as NOĆ U SAMOTNOM LISTOPADU, and translated by Domagoj Čavrak, here’s the synopsis…

Noć u samotnom listopadu roman je koji kombinira elemente fantastike i stvarnosti, poznatih i nepoznatih književnih likova, a pripovjedač je… nitko drugi nego pas zvan Njuško. Svita eklektičnih likova poput Drakule, Jacka Trbosjeka i Sherlocka Holmesa čini ovaj roman savršenim štivom za predstojeću Noć vještica. Još kad majstor ZF-a u sve to uklopi inteligentnu mačku, lukavu zmiju i šišmiša zvanog Iglić, začudnoj zabavi nema kraja.

The UK edition of the novel is published by Farrago Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

The novel has been published widely in translation (see Zelazny’s page for more information). Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received since it was first published, in 1993…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’ — Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’ — George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — Science Fiction Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly

Zagrebačka naklada also publishes the Croatian edition of Zelazny’s DAMNATION ALLEY; ALEJA PROKLETSTVA.

Nick Martell’s THE TWO-FACE QUEEN Now Available in UK Paperback

Posted on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022

The second novel in Nick Martell‘s acclaimed Legacy of the Mercenary Kings fantasy series is now available in paperback in the UK! Published by Gollancz, here’s the synopsis for THE TWO-FACED QUEEN…

Michael Kingman thought he was going to die by the executioner’s axe, forever labelled as a traitor.

Still alive, and under the protection of the Orbis Mercenary company, Michael and his family and friends are deeply involved in the seemingly rival conspiracies that are tearing The Hollows apart.

With the death of the King, both the Corrupt Prince and his sister Serena are vying for the throne, while the Rebel Emperor is spreading lies amongst the people, and all of them want Michael dead. This is a story of betrayal, murder, and rebellion, and in this direct sequel to the debut novel The Kingdom of Liars, also some hope for justice.

You may have spotted the cover reveal for the hotly-anticipated concluding volume in the trilogy — THE VOYAGE FOR THE FORGOTTEN (due to be published by Gollancz in the UK, in November). If not, here are all three series covers together…

Here’s some of the aforementioned acclaim that THE TWO-FACED QUEEN has received so far…

‘Simply put, this series is a masterclass in grand-scale storytelling. The future of epic fantasy is here—and this saga is it.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review)

‘In an ominous start to THE TWO-FACED QUEEN, Michael Kingman is presumed guilty of murdering the king, and is only alive because the Orbis Mercenary company claimed him as one of their own at the conclusion of The Kingdom of Liars (2020). Michael has information but is desperately seeking evidence regarding Prince Davey’s death a decade earlier to prove his family’s innocence. He’s also reconnecting with his mother after her stay in an asylum, and is dealing with recovered memories he had lost to a dark fabrication, learning how his nullification fabrications work. There are complications, though: the sudden appearance of his grandfather with a band of refugees; the return of a serial killer whom Michael’s mentor, Dark, had defeated years before; a hired assassin with an unclear target; and a Recorder who is convinced that the Kingman family’s history of protecting Hollow and the royal family is overstated. As Michael’s own knowledge expands, Martell weaves in hints about the broader world, offering the possibility of future books in this inventive fantasy setting.’ — Booklist

‘THE TWO-FACED QUEEN delivers everything an awesome sequel should, far surpassing the first while expanding on the world in surprising and often gut-wrenching ways. Make sure it’s on your radars!’ — Jeremy Szal

‘A masterpiece. A true masterpiece…High tension action, gripping drama, and so many secrets.’ — FanFi Addict

‘For readers who love the intrigue and widening scope of epic fantasy like Sanderson’s Mistborn and Week’s The Black Prism, this is your next must-read fantasy series.’ — Broken Binding

‘Nick Martell is well on his way to becoming a huge talent in the world of fantasy fiction. These first two volumes of The Legacy of the Mercenary Kings series have already made quite a splash.’ — BiblioSanctum

‘The secrets, lies, [and] betrayals all make for a read that is one to pay attention to.’ — Tor.com

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

New UK Hardcover Edition of Brandon Sanderson’s THE WAY OF KINGS Out Tomorrow!

Posted on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022

New hardcover editions of Brandon Sanderson‘s THE WAY OF KINGS Parts 1 and 2 are out tomorrow in the UK! Published by Gollancz, they comprise the first instalment in the author’s acclaimed, best-selling, and epic Stormlight Archive fantasy series. Here’s the synopsis…

Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilisation alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soil-less ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.

It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armour that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.

One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.

Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.

Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan’s motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.

The result of more than ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of The Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making.

Speak again the ancient oaths:

Life before death.
Strength before weakness.
Journey before Destination.

And return to men the Shards they once bore.

The Knights Radiant must stand again.

The first four novels in the Stormlight Archive series are published in the UK by Gollancz. The other three are WORDS OF RADIANCE, OATHBRINGER, and RHYTHM OF WAR.

Gollancz also publishes a whole host of Brandon’s other acclaimed works in the UK, too, including the Mistborn, Reckoner and Skyward series, the stand-alone novels ELANTRIS and WARBREAKER, and more.

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

New Bulgarian Audiobook of A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER!

Posted on Friday, February 18th, 2022

There is a new, Bulgarian audiobook edition of Roger Zelazny‘s acclaimed A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER! Published by Storytel as Една нощ в самотния октомври, here’s the synopsis…

Дръзко оригинална и безумно забавна „Една нощ през самотния октомври“ е скъпоценен камък, който блести с черна светлина, амалгама от ужас, хумор, тайнственост и фантазия, каквато човек действително може да се очаква от блестящия талант на Роджър Зелазни — носител на най-престижните награди „Хюго“ и „Небюла“, автор сякаш на безбройна поредица от научнофантастични романи и фентъзи.

A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER, first published in 1993, is available in the UK published by Farrago Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

Here are just a few of the great reviews A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER has received…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’ — Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’ — George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — Science Fiction Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly

ICYMI: Cover Reveal for Nick Martell’s THE VOYAGE OF THE FORGOTTEN

Posted on Thursday, February 17th, 2022

In case you missed it last week, today we’re sharing the newly unveiled cover for Nick Martell‘s THE VOYAGE OF THE FORGOTTEN — the third and concluding novel in the author’s Legacy of the Mercenary Kings fantasy series! Due to be published in the UK by Gollancz, on November 3rd, the art is by Richard Anderson. Here’s the novel’s synopsis…

Michael Kingman has found his destiny, but it conflicts with what he wants, namely a life with Sabrina, the heir to Hollow kingdom. Meanwhile, Dark, Michael’s sometime mentor, who happens to be the most fearsome mercenary in the realms and a ruthless killer, is attempting to break the world in order to bring back his wife and his mother from the dead. The only way for Dark to achieve this is to open the seals that have kept the Wolven Kings trapped since their last attempt to take over the world.

To stop Dark, Michael must gather his remaining allies and push himself to achieve the impossible because the alternative is worse than he can imagine: it’s not the beginning of the end of the world, it’s being alone and forgotten.

In this epic conclusion, The Voyage of the Forgotten brilliantly wraps up the stories fans have fallen in love with as the characters struggle against odds that seem impossible to overcome.

The first two novels in the series — THE KINGDOM OF LIARS and THE TWO-FACED QUEEN — are also published in the UK by Gollancz.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘An excellent fantasy debut, with engaging worldbuilding and a good mix between action and character. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, and look forward to following Nick’s sure-to-be lengthy writing career.’ — Brandon Sanderson on THE KINGDOM OF LIARS

‘… impressive and highly ambitious epic fantasy debut… Martell’s portrayal of his protagonist’s growth, from a cocksure chancer to a mature adult sobered by his discoveries, is just as impressive as the twisty plot.’ — Guardian on THE KINGDOM OF LIARS

‘THE KINGDOM OF LIARS is a tale of family, loyalty and leaving a legacy that none shall forget. This is certainly a book that you won’t be able to put down, and will linger with you long after you’ve read the last page.’ — Fantasy Hive

‘Martell’s taut, clever debut tells of rebellion and regicide in a world where the use of magic comes at the cost of one’s memories… Though the abundance of characters becomes overwhelming at times, their political maneuvers and varied motivations form a satisfying web. This smart, briskly told high fantasy entertains all the way until the unexpected end.’ — Publishers Weekly on THE KINGDOM OF LIARS

‘An obvious strength of this novel is Martell’s worldbuilding prowess as well as his utilization of magic, which is subtle but powerful… a knotty mystery… keeps the pages turning… a story full of relentless action and more than a few jaw-dropping plot twists… An impressive fantasy debut that creates a solid foundation for (hopefully) a much larger narrative to come.’ — Kirkus on THE KINGDOM OF LIARS

‘… an exciting, action-focused fantasy thriller with intriguing mystery elements… The finale is stunning…’ — Grimdark Magazine on THE KINGDOM OF LIARS

‘Simply put, this series is a masterclass in grand-scale storytelling. The future of epic fantasy is here—and this saga is it.’ — Kirkus on THE TWO-FACED QUEEN

‘In an ominous start to THE TWO-FACED QUEEN, Michael Kingman is presumed guilty of murdering the king, and is only alive because the Orbis Mercenary company claimed him as one of their own at the conclusion of The Kingdom of Liars (2020). Michael has information but is desperately seeking evidence regarding Prince Davey’s death a decade earlier to prove his family’s innocence. He’s also reconnecting with his mother after her stay in an asylum, and is dealing with recovered memories he had lost to a dark fabrication, learning how his nullification fabrications work. There are complications, though: the sudden appearance of his grandfather with a band of refugees; the return of a serial killer whom Michael’s mentor, Dark, had defeated years before; a hired assassin with an unclear target; and a Recorder who is convinced that the Kingman family’s history of protecting Hollow and the royal family is overstated. As Michael’s own knowledge expands, Martell weaves in hints about the broader world, offering the possibility of future books in this inventive fantasy setting.’ — Booklist

‘THE TWO-FACED QUEEN delivers everything an awesome sequel should, far surpassing the first while expanding on the world in surprising and often gut-wrenching ways. Make sure it’s on your radars!’ — Jeremy Szal

‘A masterpiece. A true masterpiece…High tension action, gripping drama, and so many secrets.’ — FanFi Addict on THE TWO-FACED QUEEN

‘For readers who love the intrigue and widening scope of epic fantasy like Sanderson’s Mistborn and Week’s The Black Prism, this is your next must-read fantasy series.’ — Broken Binding on THE TWO-FACED QUEEN

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

ICYMI: Cover for Ben Aaronovitch’s AMONGST OUR WEAPONS Revealed!

Posted on Monday, February 14th, 2022

We’re very happy to share with you today the recently revealed cover for AMONGST OUR WEAPONS, the highly anticipated ninth novel in Ben Aaronovitch‘s Peter Grant/Rivers of London series!

Due to be published in April by Gollancz (UK) and DAW Books (North America), here’s the synopsis…

There is a world hidden underneath this great city.

The London Silver Vaults — for well over a century, the largest collection of silver for sale in the world. It has more locks than the Bank of England and more cameras than a paparazzi convention.

Not somewhere you can murder someone and vanish without a trace — only that’s what happened.

The disappearing act, the reports of a blinding flash of light, and memory loss amongst the witnesses all make this a case for Detective Constable Peter Grant and the Special Assessment Unit.

Alongside their boss DCI Thomas Nightingale, the SAU find themselves embroiled in a mystery that encompasses London’s tangled history, foreign lands and, most terrifying of all, the North!

And Peter must solve this case soon, because back home his partner Beverley is expecting twins any day now. But what he doesn’t know is that he’s about to encounter something — and somebody — that nobody ever expects…

AMONGST OUR WEAPONS will also be available as an audiobook, narrated by long-time series narrator, Kobna Holdbook-Smith!

Ben’s Rivers of London novels and novellas have been acclaimed bestsellers in a number of countries. They are published in the UK by Gollancz; in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas); in Germany by DTV; and a growing number of other territories. (See Ben’s page for more details.)

New CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS Audiobook Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

In two weeks, Recorded Books are due to publish a new audiobook edition of Roger Zelazny‘s classic novel CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS! Narrated by Matt Godfrey, here’s the synopsis…

Two gods, two houses, one quest, and the eternal war between life and death   

To save his kingdom, Anubis, Lord of the Dead, sends forth his servant on a mission of vengeance. At the same time, from The House of Life, Osiris sends forth his son, Horus, on the same mission to destroy utterly and forever The Prince Who Was a Thousand.   

But neither of these superhuman warriors is prepared for the strange and harrowing world of mortal life, and The Thing That Cries in the Night may well destroy not only their worlds, but all mankind.   

As Zelazny did with the Hindu pantheon in the legendary, groundbreaking classic Lord of Light, the master storyteller here breathes new life into the Egyptian gods with another dazzling tale of mythology and imagination.

Godfrey also narrated the recent ROADMARKS audiobook, published by Recorded Books.

Aliette de Bodard & Jeremy Greathouse Finalists for Reddit Stabby Awards!

Posted on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022

We’re very happy to report that two Zeno author have been selected as finalists for this year’s r/Fantasy Stabby Awards! Voting is open now, and closes on February 7th — so get voting!

First up, Aliette de Bodard‘s highly-acclaimed FIREHEART TIGER is a finalist for Best Novella! Published by Tor.com, here’s the synopsis…

Fire burns bright and has a long memory…

Quiet, thoughtful princess Thanh was sent away as a hostage to the powerful faraway country of Ephteria as a child. Now she’s returned to her mother’s imperial court, haunted not only by memories of her first romance, but by worrying magical echoes of a fire that devastated Ephteria’s royal palace.

Thanh’s new role as a diplomat places her once again in the path of her first love, the powerful and magnetic Eldris of Ephteria, who knows exactly what she wants: romance from Thanh and much more from Thanh’s home. Eldris won’t take no for an answer, on either front. But the fire that burned down one palace is tempting Thanh with the possibility of making her own dangerous decisions.

Can Thanh find the freedom to shape her country’s fate — and her own?

‘FIREHEART TIGER… is a delicate novella with threads of imperial politics, magical beings, queer romance and the psychology of trauma. It’s a bit of a miracle to feel as if you’ve read a six-book fantasy series in so few pages. This book is elegant and hypnotic as the flame of a candle, and I’ll be thinking for some time about the shadows it throws into relief.’ — New York Times Book Review

‘A fascinating story filled with strong female characters and lush prose, the relationships woven around Thanh evolve into themes of reclaiming the self and recognizing that love can hide the truth about people… a story of love, power, and what burns within. Highly recommended.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘[A] high-stakes lesbian love triangle in this tightly plotted fantasy novella… convincingly combines sex, politics, and betrayal. This is an ideal pick for fantasy fans longing for non-European settings.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘De Bodard…, as she so often does, packs the world-building and emotional punch of an epic into a shockingly slim novella. This touching romance with the delicate negotiations of a small country’s survival against an imperial adversary would be a lovely place to start with de Bodard’s work, and fans will find more of what they’ve come to love about her stories.’ — Booklist

Next up, J. T. Greathouse‘s acclaimed debut novel, THE HAND OF THE SUN KING is a finalist for Best Debut Novel! Published in the UK by Gollancz, here’s the synopsis…

My name is Wen Alder. My name is Foolish Cur.

All my life, I have been torn between two legacies: my father’s, whose family trace their roots back to the right hand of the Emperor. My mother’s, whose family want to bring the Empire to its knees.

I can choose between them – between the safety of empire or the freedom of rebellion – or I can seek out a better path… one filled with magic and secrets, unbound by suffocating legacy, but one which could shake my world to its very foundation.

For my quest will bring me face to face with the gods themselves. And they have been watching. Waiting to make their move…

‘A great coming of age story about a foolish boy who seeks to unravel the secrets of magic and maybe do something good in the process. I absolutely loved it’ — Nick Martell

‘THE HAND OF THE SUN KING fundamentally explores the right to make our own choices in life, to make sacrifices to serve the greater good and to use power to uplift the oppressed. Greathouse delivers a debut full of complexities, passion and grace, and I’m already longing for more.’ — Fantasy Hive

‘An excellent mix of classic and modern fantasy with a grimdark undertone of despair.’ — Grimdark Magazine

‘Add in a very cool magic system with weighty consequences, a cast of meaningful, well-developed characters, and a lush world that carefully considers its lore, economic struggles, and religious history, it’s easy for me to call THE HAND OF THE SUN KING one of my top reads of 2021.’ (10/10) — Fantasy Book Review

‘JT Greathouse shows no first-time jitters wit his impressive and compelling debut novel… Greathouse casts an engrossing spell, establishing himself as an exciting new voice in epic fantasy.’ — SFX Magazine

Zeno represents J. T. Greathouse in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Check Out the New SHADOW GLASS Trailer!

Posted on Monday, January 31st, 2022

Just a quick post today, but we wanted to share with you the great trailer for Josh Winning‘s upcoming new novel, THE SHADOW GLASS! Due to be published on March 22nd by Titan Books (UK and North America), here is the synopsis…

Jack Corman is failing at life.

Jobless, jaded and on the “wrong” side of thirty, he’s facing the threat of eviction from his London flat while reeling from the sudden death of his father, one-time film director Bob Corman. Back in the eighties, Bob poured his heart and soul into the creation of his 1986 puppet fantasy The Shadow Glass, a film Jack loved as a child, idolising its fox-like hero Dune.

But The Shadow Glass flopped on release, deemed too scary for kids and too weird for adults, and Bob became a laughing stock, losing himself to booze and self-pity. Now, the film represents everything Jack hated about his father, and he lives with the fear that he’ll end up a failure just like him.

In the wake of Bob’s death, Jack returns to his decaying home, a place creaking with movie memorabilia and painful memories. Then, during a freak thunderstorm, the puppets in the attic start talking. Tipped into a desperate real-world quest to save London from the more nefarious of his father’s creations, Jack teams up with excitable fanboy Toby and spiky studio executive Amelia to navigate the labyrinth of his father’s legacy while conjuring the hero within –– and igniting a Shadow Glass resurgence that could, finally, do his father proud.

If you can’t wait until March to read the novel, it is available for reviewers to request on NetGalley, and you can also read an excerpt over on Gizmodo.

‘There’s a stirring sense of adventure, excitement, and terror running throughout… a treat for fans of the movies that inspired it.’ — Publishers Weekly

Coming Soon: New UK Chronicles of Amber SF Masterworks Omnibus!

Posted on Tuesday, January 25th, 2022

In April, Gollancz are due to publish a new SF Masterworks Chronicles of Amber omnibus edition! Including the first five novels in Roger Zelazny‘s classic series, here’s the synopsis…

Amber is the one real world, casting infinite reflections of itself – Shadow worlds, that can be manipulated by those of royal Amberite blood. But the royal family is torn apart by jealousies and suspicion; the disappearance of the Patriarch Oberon has intensified the internal conflict by leaving the throne apparently up for grabs.

In a hospital on the Shadow Earth, a young man is recovering from a freak car accident; amnesia has robbed him of all his memory, even the fact that he is Corwin, Crown Prince of Amber, rightful heir to the throne – and he is in deadly peril…

The five books, NINE PRINCES IN AMBER, THE GUNS OF AVALON, SIGN OF THE UNICORN, THE HAND OF OBERON, and THE COURTS OF CHAOS, together make up The Chronicles of Amber, Roger Zelazny’s finest work of fantasy and an undisputed classic of the genre.

The Chronicles of Amber series is available widely in translation — in individual and omnibus editions. Check out Zelazny’s page for more details.

Gollancz also publishes Zelazny’s LORD OF LIGHT as part of their SF Masterworks series.

New Audiobook of CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS out in two weeks!

Posted on Monday, January 24th, 2022

In two weeks, Recorded Books are due to publish a new audiobook edition of Roger Zelazny‘s classic novel CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS! Narrated by Matt Godfrey, who also narrated the recent ROADMARKS audiobook, here’s the synopsis…

Two gods, two houses, one quest, and the eternal war between life and death   

To save his kingdom, Anubis, Lord of the Dead, sends forth his servant on a mission of vengeance. At the same time, from The House of Life, Osiris sends forth his son, Horus, on the same mission to destroy utterly and forever The Prince Who Was a Thousand.   

But neither of these superhuman warriors is prepared for the strange and harrowing world of mortal life, and The Thing That Cries in the Night may well destroy not only their worlds, but all mankind.   

As Zelazny did with the Hindu pantheon in the legendary, groundbreaking classic Lord of Light, the master storyteller here breathes new life into the Egyptian gods with another dazzling tale of mythology and imagination.

Coming Soon: RHYTHM OF WAR Parts 1 & 2

Posted on Monday, January 17th, 2022

On April 28th, Gollancz are due to publish the paperback editions of RHYTHM OF WAR. Split into two halves, it is the fourth instalment in Brandon Sanderson‘s best-selling, critically-acclaimed Stormlight Archive series. Here is the synopsis…

After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move.

Now, as new technological discoveries by Navani Kholin’s scholars begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength.

At the same time that Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with his changing role within the Knights Radiant, his Windrunners face their own problem: As more and more deadly enemy Fused awaken to wage war, no more honorspren are willing to bond with humans to increase the number of Radiants. Adolin and Shallan must lead the coalition’s envoy to the honorspren stronghold of Lasting Integrity and either convince the spren to join the cause against the evil god Odium, or personally face the storm of failure.

Here are just a few of the reviews RHYTHM OF WAR has received so far…

‘[RHYTHM OF WAR] certainly delivers the dense fantasy epic long-time readers will expect.’ — Booklist

‘It is the sign of a skilled author if they can draw laughter and tears from you in the space of a few chapters or even a few lines, and well Sanderson [is] the master of emotions.’ — The Fantasy Hive

‘Storms, this was a fantastic book. Highs and lows, laughter and tears, joy and grief—it was all there.’ — Tor.com

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

Alexia Casale’s THE BONE DRAGON Audiobook out tomorrow!

Posted on Monday, January 10th, 2022

The audiobook edition of Alexia Casale‘s THE BONE DRAGON is out tomorrow! Narrated by Sasha Higgins, and published by Tantor Media, here’s the synopsis…

Evie’s shattered ribs have been a secret for the last four years. Now she has found the strength to tell her adoptive parents, and the physical traces of her past are fixed — the only remaining signs a scar on her side and a fragment of bone taken home from the hospital, which her uncle Ben helps her to carve into a dragon as a sign of her strength.

Soon this ivory talisman begins to come to life at night, offering wisdom and encouragement in roaming dreams of smoke and moonlight that come to feel ever more real.

As Evie grows stronger there remains one problem her new parents can’t fix for her: a revenge that must be taken. And it seems that the Dragon is the one to take it.

This subtly unsettling novel is told from the viewpoint of a fourteen-year-old girl damaged by a past she can’t talk about, in a hypnotic narrative that, while giving increasing insight, also becomes increasingly unreliable.

A blend of psychological thriller and fairy tale, The Bone Dragon explores the fragile boundaries between real life and fantasy, and the darkest corners of the human mind.

You can listen to a clip from the audiobook, below.

Here are just a few reviews the novel has received so far…

‘With a relentless emotional charge and unexpected twists, Alexia Casale’s first novel will captivate readers… Beautifully evoked… Dark, with unexpected twists and a strong – if disturbing – ending, the narrative has a relentless emotional charge… an outstanding debut that vividly portrays the power and fragility of the human heart and mind.’ — Guardian

‘Casale’s dazzling debut begins with a sick girl who, when presented with a fragment of her own rib, carves it into the shape of a dragon. And then it just gets stranger. A haunting portrayal of damage, resilience and revenge, and one of the finest novels of the year – in any category.’ — Financial Times (Books of the Year 2013)

‘Beautifully written, poetic and haunting, this is a superlative debut.’ — Financial Times (Summer Books Guide)

‘There are numerous young adult novels dealing with dark subjects such as bereavement, illness and abuse, but THE BONE DRAGON stands apart from the crowd. Bold, brave and often unsettling, this tale of a teenage girl profoundly affected by a past that she cannot talk about – even to herself – is also both understated and beautifully-written. As well as dealing with challenging issues, with its positive and thoughtful depiction of adoption and adoptive parents, it is a tribute to unconventional families and friendships of all different kinds. An intriguing blend of psychological thriller and fantasy, this is an impressive and unusual debut.’ — Book Trust

‘Please read this book: I confess to feeling a certain sense of trepidation in writing this review for fear that my words will not do the book justice. To put it simply, this book has that ‘something special’ factor. From the first few pages I was immersed in this unsettling, hypnotic story that flits seamlessly between real life and reality. The plot is engaging despite the difficult subject matter; Evie is a courageous yet damaged individual and at times her pain and anger is so raw it can be uncomfortable to read. The book also poses a moral question as it explores the idea of revenge and whether you could exact it and live with the consequences. This is a totally original novel and Evie is a character I’ll find hard to forget and I would urge everyone to read this exceptional novel.’ — Waterstones (Brentwood)

‘THE BONE DRAGON was published as Fantasy fiction for older children but it could equally have been marketed as a psychological thriller for adults. It all depends on how you interpret what you are reading… a deceptively clever novel… has the scariest happy ending since the original Grimm (in every sense) version of `Snow White’. Whether it is Fantasy fiction or a novel about living out your fantasy is up to each individual reader to decide. Either way, Evie’s story is a mesmerising read.’ — Fantasy Reads