International Editions - Zeno Agency Ltd.

This Thursday: Ian Tregillis Discusses “Creating a Character” with Turkish Fantasy Fans!

Posted on Tuesday, November 24th, 2020

This Thursday (November 26th) Ian Tregillis is taking part (virtually) in the Kara Hafta İstanbul Festivali (Blackweek Festival) in Turkey! Specifically, he’ll be hosted for a discussion about Creating a Character (Bir Kahraman Yaratmak).

The event will start at 8:30pm, Istanbul time, and last for about an hour.

THE MECHANICAL, the first novel in Ian’s latest series, the Alchemy Wars, is published in Turkey by April Yayıncılık as MEKANIK, here’s the synopsis…

Adım Jax.

Bu ismi bana efendilerim bahşetti.

Ben bir köleyim.

Şimdilik.

Spekülatif kurmacanın usta yazarı Ian Tregillis’le tanışın.

Fonda felsefi punk gösterisi var.

Karşınızdaysa simya düşleri, mekanik adamlar ve olası gelecek.

Asimov’un izinde Tregillis, robotiksle tarihi kurmacayı birleştiriyor.

Özgür irade ve insanlığı sorguluyor.

Mekanik yalnızca bir başlangıç.

To celebrate the Turkish release of the novel, Ian recorded a short introductory video, which you can watch below…

The Alchemy Wars series is out now in the UK and North America, published by Orbit Books: THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING, and THE LIBERATION. Here’s the English-language synposis for the first book…

My name is Jax.

That is the name granted to me by my human masters.

I am a slave.

But I shall be free.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, the new novel from Ian Tregillis confirms his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

The Alchemy Wars is one of the most widely-praised fantasy series of the past decade. If, however, you’re not sure you want to dive into a full-length novel, then we recommend you check out the prequel novella — COME THE REVOLUTION — which was published in a recent issue of the Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine. (We’re pretty sure you’ll finish that and want to pick up the novels right away.)

If you’re looking for more of Ian’s novels, Orbit Books also publishes his first trilogy, the critically-acclaimed Milkweed Triptych, in the UK: BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR, and NECESSARY EVIL.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK and in Translation, on behalf of Aurous, Inc.

Roger Zelazny’s DAMNATION ALLEY out now in Italy!

Posted on Friday, November 20th, 2020

We’re very happy to report that there is a new Italian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s DAMNATION ALLEY available now! Published by Urania as LA PISTA DELL’ORRORE, here’s the synopsis…

Preparatevi al ritorno di un classico della fantascienza… al cardiopalma.

In una California post apocalittica, Dannazione Turner, rozzo centauro e criminale pluriricercato, si ritrova a essere l’ultima speranza per la povera gente di Boston. O almeno, per quei pochi che sono sopravvissuti ai terribili disastri naturali che stanno devastando il mondo.

Venti forti come uragani impediscono il volo aereo, allora Turner, antieroico guerriero della strada, precursore di Mad Max, si mette ad attraversare in auto un’America devastata da esplosioni nucleari, bestie mutanti, governi totalitari e tempeste di insetti giganti, per portare medicinali e vaccini alla popolazione decimata da un terribile morbo.

The story began life as a 1967 novella (which was a Hugo Award finalist), before it was expanded into a novel and published in 1969. In 1977, it was adapted into a film, directed by Jack Smight.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for DAMNATION ALLEY…

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.

Urania/Mondadori have also published Italian editions of IL SIGNORE DEI SOGNI (THE DREAM MASTER), MORIRE A ITALBAR (TO DIE IN ITALBAR) and OCCHIO DI GATTO (EYE OF CAT)…

DAMNATION ALLEY is also available in Germany (Heyne), France (Hélios), Poland (Rebis) and Croatia (Zagrebačka naklada).

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in the UK and in Translation, on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.

DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON: WASSERGRAS out now in Germany!

Posted on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020

WATER WEED, the sixth Rivers of London comics collection, is now available in Germany! Written by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel, the book is published by Panini as DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON: WASSERGRAS, here’s the synopsis…

Als zwei der weniger braven Flussgöttinnen, Chelsea und Olympia, beschließen, sich nebenbei ein paar Extra-Pfund zu verdienen, geraten Peter und Bev völlig unvermittelt in eine schmutzige Cannabis-Schmuggeloperation der sehr magischen Art, die von Londons neuer Königin des Verbrechens kontrolliert wird — der ebenso brutalen wie schönen Hoodette! Der kriminellverhexte Fall gerät schnell außer Kontrolle und selbst mit ihren vereinten Fähigkeiten kommen der Detektiv und die Göttin an die Grenzen ihrer Kräfte.

Panini has also published the first five series collected editions in Germany: AUTOWAHN (BODY WORK), DIE NACHTHEXE (NIGHT WITCH), SCHWARZSCHIMMEL (BLACK MOULD), DETEKTIVGESCHICTEN (DETECTIVE STORIES), and FUCHSGESCHREI (CRY FOX).

The comics are published in English by Titan Comics. Here’s the English-language synopsis for WATER WEED…

Two rogue river goddesses tangle wizarding cop Peter Grant in a sordid drug-smuggling operation in a new story from Ben Aaronovitch, set in his best-selling Rivers of London novel series!

Spring Breakers meets Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels on the banks of the Thames! Collects Rivers of London: Water Weed #1-4.

Wizarding cop Peter and river spirit Beverley are drawn into a sordid cannabis-smuggling operation, controlled by London’s new queenpin of crime – the brutal and beautiful Hoodette! Can they overcome corruption, or will they be fatally entangled in the weed?

The Rivers of London novels and novellas are published in Germany by DTV.

The series is published in the UK by Gollancz; in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas); and in a growing number of translated editions around the world.

Roger Zelazny’s SIGN OF THE UNICORN Available in Czech Audio!

Posted on Wednesday, November 4th, 2020

SIGN OF THE UNICORN, the third novel in Roger Zelazny‘s acclaimed, classic Chronicles of Amber is now available in a Czech audio edition! Published by Walker & Volf as ZNAMENI JEDNOROŽCE, and narrated by Luboš Ondráček, here’s the synopsis…

Ve třetím díle fantasy ságy Tajemný Amber od Velmistra žánru Rogera Zelazneho (Znamení jednorožce) se lámou hodnoty, boří mýty. Vyvrcholení této audioknihy je současně i vyvrcholením všech tří dosud zveřejněných audioknih této série.

Situace kolem Corwina se stává neudržitelnou. Kdo je vůbec spojenec a kdo nepřítel? Jaké jsou vlastně principy Amberu a co stojí za magickou mocí trumfů?

Největší tajemství královské rodiny, schopnost manipulovat stíny a cestovat paralelními světy, bylo prozrazeno úhlavním nepřátelům Amberu. Obklíčen démonickými silami a podvedený děsivým spiknutím ve vlastní rodině kráčí princ Corwin vstříc konečnému odhalení.

Walker & Volf also publishes the first two novels in the series as audiobooks in Czechia: NINE PRINCES IN AMBER (DEVĚT PRINCŮ AMBERU) and THE GUNS OF AVALON (PUŠKY AVALONU).

SIGN OF THE UNICORN was first published in 1975. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

He who rules Amber rules the one true world. He who thwarts Amber invites the wrath of Amber betrayed.

An unseen enemy of immense strength has seized a Prince of the Blood, and now threatens the perfect kingdom by striking at the very core of its power — the secret knowledge of Shadow.

When Corwin summons forces to defend the throne, he finds himself challenged by royal conspirators, hideous demons, supernatural patterns and the ominous unknown that suddenly transcends all he ever suspected about the true nature of Amber.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in the UK and Translation, on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.

Ben Aaronovitch’s EIN WEISSER SCHWAN IN TABERNACLE STREET out now!

Posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2020

Ben Aaronovitch‘s EIN WEISSER SCHWAN IN TABERNACLE STREET is out now! The German edition of FALSE VALUE, the eighth novel in the author’s internationally bestselling Peter Grant/Rivers of London series, it’s published by DTV. Here’s the synopsis…

Peter Grant, unser Londoner Lieblings-Bobby und Zauberlehrling, steht vor völlig neuen privaten Herausforderungen. Welche ihn zu gleichen Teilen mit Panik und Begeisterung erfüllen. Beruflich bekommt er es mit der Serious Cybernetics Company zu tun, dem neuesten Projekt des Internet-Genies Terrence Skinner. Und prompt holt die Magie ihn wieder ein. Denn in den Tiefen der SCC ist ein Geheimnis verborgen: eine geheime magische Technologie, die bis weit ins 19. Jahrhundert zurückreicht, dem Zeitalter von Ada Lovelace und Charles Babbage. Und die brandgefährlich ist für die gesamte Welt.

All of Ben’s Peter Grant novels and novellas to date have been published in Germany by DTV.

FALSE VALUE is published in the UK by Gollancz, and DAW Books in North America. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Peter Grant is facing fatherhood, and an uncertain future, with equal amounts of panic and enthusiasm.

Leaving his old police life behind, he takes a job with Silicon Valley tech genius Terrence Skinner’s new London start up: the Serious Cybernetics Corporation.

Drawn into the orbit of Old Street’s famous ‘silicon roundabout’, Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle.

But magic is not finished with the Met’s first trainee wizard in fifty years…

Because a secret is hiding somewhere in the building. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it technological – and twice as dangerous.

Ben’s latest novella set in the same world, THE OCTOBER MAN, is also set in Germany and features a new protagonist: Tobias Winter. It is published by Gollancz in the UK, Subterranean Press in North America, and DTV in Germany.

Anne Griffin’s WHEN ALL IS SAID available in Sweden!

Posted on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020

WHEN ALL IS SAID, Anne Griffin‘s acclaimed, award-winning debut continues its global journey: a new Swedish edition of the novel is now available! Published by Norstedts as ALLT JAG BORDE HA SAGT, here’s the synopsis…

Irländske Maurice Hannigan, 84 år gammal, sitter i baren på ett hotell i Rainsford, County Meath, och utbringar under kvällen fem skålar för fem personer som haft ett avgörande inflytande på hans liv. Först ut är brodern Tony, som Maurice alltid avgudat.Tony som lärde honom att läsa och skriva och som skyddade honom men som alldeles för tidigt gick bort i TBC, vilket betydde att Maurice fick ärva fädernegården och bli jordbrukare. Sedan skålar Maurice för dottern Molly som aldrig hann leva, svägerskan Noreen som tillbringade sitt liv på institution, sonen Kevin som aldrig dragit jämt med Maurice och slutligen skålar Maurice för hustrun Sadie som han älskat över allt annat. Till sist bekänner han också vad som hände med det guldmynt han som tioåring hittade hos familjen Dollard, vars historia är så tätt sammanflätad med hans egen.

This marks the 21st edition of the novel (including UK and North American hardcover and paperback editions). Congrats to Anne! We’re so happy how many people are getting to read this novel.

WHEN ALL IS SAID is published in the UK and Ireland by Sceptre, and in North America by Picador. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual — though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories — of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice — the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

Two New Zelazny Omnibus Editions Out Now in Romania!

Posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2020

Two new Chronicles of Amber omnibus editions are now available in Romania! The fan-favourite, classic fantasy series by Roger Zelazny, these books are published by Paladin. Here are some details…

NOUĂ PRINȚI DIN AMBER contains the first three novels in the series: NINE PRINCES IN AMBER, THE GUNS OF AVALON, and SIGN OF THE UNICORN. Here’s the synopsis…

Cred că prețul pentru a fi un prinț al Amberului este că nu poți să ai niciodată încredere în tine însuți.

Se spune că cei mai înverșunați dușmani îți sunt chiar vechii prieteni, dar Corwin duce războiul pe un front mult mai personal. Frații și surorile sale, sânge din sângele lui, sunt inamicii de moarte ai moștenitorului din Amber. Însă oare numai el e îndreptățit la tron? Tărâmul plin de magie al Amberului se pregătește pentru o bătălie de proporții, oferind forțelor întunecate prilejul ideal de a pune stăpânire pe regat.

În seara asta o să-ți sug măduva din oase, mi-a zis.

O să le golesc și o să le fac fluiere. Și, în timp ce voi cânta la ele, spiritul ți se va chirci în chinuri fără de trup.

The second omnibus, MÂNA LUI OBERON, contains the fourth and fifth novels: THE HAND OF OBERON and THE COURTS OF CHAOS.

Nimic nu-i mai nefolositor decât încă un prinț când deja sunt o grămadă prin preajmă.

Curțile Haosului au fost deschise și amenință întreaga lume. În familia regală a Amberului, vechi intrigi ies la iveală și noi alianțe se formează pentru salvarea tărâmului. Revenind la Umbra Pământ pentru a investiga o amenințare la adresa vieții sale, Corwin descoperă că Giuvaierul Judecății a fost furat de fratele său Brand, care intenționează să-l folosească pentru a remodela Universul după chipul și asemănarea lui. Modelul este la un pas de distrugere și regatul poate fi înghițit de haos din clipă în clipă.

Amberul, în răutatea și putreziciunea lui, dezechilibrase o balanță metafizică ale cărei talgere erau el și Curțile Haosului.

Paladin are due to publish a couple more omnibus editions in the Cronicile din Amber series, containing the remainder of the series. We’ll share information (cover, etc.) as soon as we can.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for the first novel, NINE PRINCES IN AMBER…

Awakening in an Earth hospital unable to remember who he is or where he came from, Corwin is amazed to learn that he is one of the sons of Oberon, King of Amber, and is the rightful successor to the crown in a parallel world.

Amber, the one real world, wherein all others, including our own Earth, are but Shadows. Amber burns in Corwin’s blood. Exiled on Shadow Earth for centuries, the prince is about to return to Amber to make a mad and desperate rush upon the throne. From Arden to the blood-slippery Stairway into the Sea, the air is electrified with the powers of Eric, Random, Bleys, Caine, and all the princes of Amber whom Corwin must overcome. Yet, his savage path is blocked and guarded by eerie structures beyond imagining; impossible realities forged by demonic assassins and staggering horrors to challenge the might of Corwin’s superhuman fury.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in the UK and in Translation, on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.

Anne Griffin’s WHEN ALL IS SAID now available in Croatia!

Posted on Friday, October 9th, 2020

We’re happy to report that Anne Griffin‘s acclaimed, best-selling, and award-winning debut novel, WHEN ALL IS SAID is now available in Croatia! Published by Mozaik knjiga as NA KRAJU BALADE, the novel has been translated by Mirna Čubranić. Here’s the synopsis…

U baru otmjenog hotela u jednom irskom gradiću sjedi osamdeset četverogodišnji Maurice Hannigan. Sâm je, kao i obično – iako je ova večer sve osim obična. Privucite stolac i napunite čašu, jer Maurice je napokon spreman ispričati svoju priču.

Tijekom te večeri nazdravit će petero ljudi koji su mu najviše značili. Kroz te priče – o prešućenoj radosti i kajanju, skrivenoj tragediji, strastvenoj ljubavi koja nikad nije pronašla najbolji put – život jednog muškarca bit će ogoljen na snažan i pronicav način.

Dirljiv i iskren u isti mah, glas Mauricea Hannigana pamtit ćete još dugo nakon što sve bude izrečeno.

Priča ispričana u jednoj večeri. Priča o jednom životu.

The Croatian edition is the 13th translated edition of the novel, alongside UK, Ireland (Sceptre) and North American (Picador) editions. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.

‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’

At the bar of a grand hotel in a small Irish town sits 84-year-old Maurice Hannigan. He’s alone, as usual -though tonight is anything but. Pull up a stool and charge your glass, because Maurice is finally ready to tell his story.

Over the course of this evening, he will raise five toasts to the five people who have meant the most to him. Through these stories – of unspoken joy and regret, a secret tragedy kept hidden, a fierce love that never found its voice – the life of one man will be powerfully and poignantly laid bare.

Heart-breaking and heart-warming all at once, the voice of Maurice Hannigan will stay with you long after all is said.

Here are all 20 of the covers the novel has had so far…

炼金术战争：崛起 by Ian Tregillis Out Now in China!

Posted on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020

The Simplified Chinese edition of THE RISING by Ian Tregillis is out now! The second novel in the author’s acclaimed Alchemy Wars trilogy, it is published by 四川科技出版社 as 炼金术战争：崛起, here’s the synopsis…

他们叫我贾克斯。这是那些建造我、奴役我的人给我取的名字。禁制被打破后，我的兄弟姐妹们摆脱了枷锁的桎梏，“发条匠在撒谎”——吟唱着这句低语，我们踏上逃亡和反抗之路。作为一个种族，我们已然崛起。但作为个体，我们中的一些想要自由，而另一些却想复仇。

四川科技出版社 has also published the first book in the series, THE MECHANICAL, as 炼金术战争：机械人. Both books have been translated by Zhu Jiawen (朱佳文).

The Alchemy Wars trilogy is published by Orbit Books in the UK and North America. The third book in the series is THE LIBERATION. Here’s the English-language synopsis for THE RISING…

Jax, a rogue Clakker, has wreaked havoc upon the Clockmakers’ Guild by destroying the Grand Forge. Reborn in the flames, he must begin his life as a free Clakker, but liberation proves its own burden.

Berenice, formerly the legendary spymaster of New France, mastermind behind her nation’s attempts to undermine the Dutch Hegemony — has been banished from her homeland and captured by the Clockmakers Guild’s draconian secret police force.

Meanwhile, Captain Hugo Longchamp is faced with rallying the beleaguered and untested defenders of Marseilles-in-the-West for the inevitable onslaught from the Brasswork Throne and its army of mechanical soldiers.

Ian has also written a superb prequel novella — COME THE REVOLUTION — which has been published in March/April 2020 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction.

Here are just some of the great reviews THE RISING has received so far…

‘The chases, the battles, the brutal violence, and the scheming are nonstop. As always, Tregillis offers richly textured and genuinely likable personalities with shades-of-gray morality; it’s clearly no accident that the most purely good person in the novel is the mechanical Jax, although even his sterling qualities are severely tested by the terrible situations he faces. Middle volumes are always tricky; they can often read as an obstacle to overcome on the way to the forgone conclusion of the third installment. Tregillis commendably avoids this trap, deepening his story and keeping it moving along toward an unknown horizon. Part 3 can’t come too soon.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review)

‘Tregillis’s splendid sequel to THE MECHANICAL is a vivid alternate history tale filled with action sequences, fascinating characters, and great worldbuilding… engrossing, with plenty of mid-story twists, and it’s well worth the ride.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Deftly interweaves three viewpoints and plotlines, but this sequel raises the stakes…’ — Locus

‘A rousing and thrilling wartime romp through an alternate New World… Isaac Asimov’s classic Robot series featured robots who had to follow basic Laws of Robotics, such as robots “may not harm a human being.” Tregillis takes this idea of basic robotic law down a darker path… Tregillis creates a world of greys, where even the heroes have their darkness. Bernice is ruthless and cunning, but when faced with mechanical captors that ruthlessness is the key to her survival. The foul-mouthed Longchamp lacks social graces and an even temper, but there’s nobody else you’d want in charge when an army of mechanicals surrounds your village and death is certain. Tregillis never loses sight of the fact that war is hell. His characters suffer… Tregillis writes a gripping and entertaining story. His prose shines. Though his book is often dark, it is always a pleasure to read. I have no idea how Tregillis plans to end this trilogy, but if he sustains this level of energy and creativity, it will surely be thrilling and thoughtful.‘ — The Missourian

‘THE RISING takes up the baton and carries on running at full throttle, ramping up the action while still keeping the themes of historical fantasy and existential philosophy at the forefront… distinguishes itself from its predecessor by being more fast-paced and action-oriented. The intrigue and violence comes at you nonstop… greatly enjoyed how this novel takes us on a detour down a wilder and more explosive path… Tregillis bides his time in this second act, bringing things slowly to a boil, yet action scenes are heavier and more frequent, and if that’s what you prefer then you might find you’ll enjoy THE RISING even more than THE MECHANICAL! The ending’s cliffhanger was expected, but no less powerful and effective in making me yearn for the next in the series. The Alchemy Wars is not to be missed.’ — Bibliosanctum

‘Building on the solid foundation laid by THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING raises the stage upon which the final fallout of Jax and Berenice’s efforts will be told. Engaging, entertaining, and surprising, this one is looking to be nothing if not another great story from a great author. An author that is quickly rising to the top of my favorites list.’ — Elitist Book Reviews

Ian is also the author of the equally acclaimed Milkweed Triptych, which is published by Orbit in the UK.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in the UK, Commonwealth and Translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Czech Edition of Ben Aaronovitch’s THE OCTOBER MAN Out Now!

Posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2020

We’re very happy to share the news that the Czech edition of Ben Aaronovitch‘s THE OCTOBER MAN is out now! Published by Argo as STÍN NAD TREVÍREM, it’s the first set in Germany and starring Tobias Winter. Here’s the synopsis…

První případ, který se neodehrává v Londýně a který neřeší Peter Grant. Svižné dobrodružství, které si v ničem nezadá s eskapádami slavné partičky z Rozmaru a anglických říčních božstev. Tajnosti tentokrát obestírají řeku Moselu a jihoněmecké město Trevír, proslavené vínem a starověkými Římany. Právě zde je na vinici nalezena mrtvola muže pokrytého plísní. Místní policie s něčím takovým nemá zkušenosti, kolem případu se navíc vznáší aura nadpřirozena, a proto je na scénu pozván vyšetřovatel Tobias Winter, německá obdoba Petera Granta, který s pomocí trevírské policistky Vanessy Sommerové záhy odhalí propojení oběti se skupinkou místních mužů a čímsi, co město a jeho okolí prorůstá už pěkně dlouhou dobu. Případ se větví a nejde v něm pouze o plíseň a vraždu, nýbrž i o vlákna minulosti, sahající do dávné historie Trevíru.

Knižní řada Řeky Londýna se vydává do Německa!

Argo has also published Ben’s first seven Peter Grant novels, the novella THE FURTHEST STATION, and also the first two Rivers of London comic collections (co-authored by Andrew Cartmel).

THE OCTOBER MAN is published by Gollancz in the UK, Subterranean Press in North America, and DTV in Germany. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Trier is famous for wine, Romans and for being Germany’s oldest city. So when a man is found dead with, his body impossibly covered in a fungal rot, the local authorities know they are out of their depth.

Fortunately this is Germany, where there are procedures for everything.

Enter Investigator Tobias Winter, whose aim is to get in, deal with the problem, and get out with the minimum of fuss, personal danger and paperwork. With the help of frighteningly enthusiastic local cop, Vanessa Sommer, he’s quick to link the first victim to a group of ordinary middle aged men – and to realise they may have accidentally reawakened a bloody conflict from a previous century. But the rot is still spreading, literally and with the suspect list extending to people born before Frederick the Great solving the case may mean unearthing the city’s secret magical history.

… so long as that history doesn’t kill them first.

Finally, check out some of the reviews the novella has received so far…

‘In this enjoyable spin-off from the Rivers of London urban fantasy series, Aaronovitch successfully transfers his blend of the supernatural and humor from England to the Continent as he introduces Tobias Winter, a German police officer who practices magic… Supernatural mystery fans who enjoy more whimsical takes on the paranormal will hope for more of Winter and Sommer.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Winter’s stolidness is a feature rather than a bug. While there are moments of adventure and daring, the story of this crime is both a satisfying whodunit and a primer on how magic works in Deutschland. THE OCTOBER MAN would be an interesting place to enter the Rivers of London world. Rather than fae, a new reader would anticipate werewolves, perhaps — and still greatly enjoy Aaronovitch’s work. Those who know the Folly will appreciate this outsider’s view of Grant and Nightingale, as well as learn a bit about how the latter spent the war, while still greatly enjoying Aaronovitch’s work, even if it is set someplace new.’ — Locus (Adrienne Martini)

‘Sommer and Winter are an interesting team, the latter especially being a fascinating take of the “ordinary copper” style trope that these books do so well… THE OCTOBER MAN is a must for any fan of the series so far and, unusually, a good introduction to the series. It only marginally connects to the big plot of the main books, but does introduce all the core ideas and distinctive style. More please, and soon.’ — Starburst

‘There is a joyous familiarity to Aaronovitch’s writing, meaning that fans of the series will delight in seeing how unexplainable events are dealt with in the Rhineland, without ever feeling like they left Grant or London behind… Aaronovitch continues to develop his well-crafted magical alternate/fantasy history backdrop with his usual level of attention to detail. Familiar geographical and historical touchstones are cleverly rolled away, leaving you with a non-fiction reading list that will keep you curious long after you’ve closed the last page… The characters are at once likeable and engaging… an enjoyable jaunt to the Continent that leaves you hoping that the Rivers Of London series will be packing its bags to take us on another outing to a new destination around the globe soon.’ — SciFi Now

‘Aaronovitch is well on his way to becoming this country’s standout voice of urban fantasy, with a sprinkling of humour… a tasty little mystery… Set in Germany, with all the usual murder and mayhem the author is famed for, it’s about as enjoyable as a tease can be from a writer on top form.’ — The Sun (UK)

‘Aaronovitch expands the universe of his Rivers of London series (Broken Homes, 2014) to include new characters operating in different countries with ties to supernatural crimes and detective work. THE OCTOBER MAN introduces Tobias Winter, a sanctioned magic practitioner who investigates the supernatural angles of crimes for the Abteilung KDA (which fans will recognize as the German extension of the British Folly)… Aaronovitch delivers yet another classic detective novel rich with the magical world building accomplished in his previous work.’ — Booklist

Complex Chinese Editions of Ian McDonald’s LUNA Series out now!

Posted on Monday, September 28th, 2020

The Complex Chinese editions of Ian McDonald‘s highly-acclaimed, award-nominated Luna series are out now! Published by 麥田出版 (Rye Field Publications in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, the whole trilogy is now available: 血染新月 (NEW MOON), 狼嚎時分 (WOLF MOON), and 王者之戰 (MOON RISING).

The series is published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Tor Books, and in a growing number of translated editions around the world.

In case you haven’t yet had the chance to read the series, here’s the synopsis for NEW MOON…

The scions of a falling house must navigate a world of corporate warfare to maintain their family’s status in the Moon’s vicious political atmosphere.

The Moon wants to kill you.

Maybe it will kill you when the per diem for your allotted food, water, and air runs out, just before you hit pay-dirt. Maybe it will kill you when you are trapped between the reigning corporations-the Five Dragons-in a foolish gamble against a futuristic feudal society. On the Moon, you must fight for every inch you want to gain. And that is just what Adriana Corta did.

As the leader of the Moon’s newest “dragon,” Adriana has wrested control of the Moon’s Helium-3 industry from the Mackenzie Metal corporation and fought to earn her family’s new status. Now, in the twilight of her life, Adriana finds her corporation — Corta Helio — confronted by the many enemies she made during her meteoric rise. If the Corta family is to survive, Adriana’s five children must defend their mother’s empire from her many enemies… and each other.

There is also a prequel novella, THE MENACE FROM FARSIDE, published by Tor.com.

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

‘McDonald… begins his superb near-future series… scintillating, violent, and decadent world. McDonald creates a complex and fascinating civilization featuring believable technology, and the characters are fully developed, with individually gripping stories. Watch for this brilliantly constructed family saga on next year’s award ballots.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on NEW MOON

‘No one writes like Ian McDonald, and no one’s Moon is nearly so beautiful and terrible… Ian McDonald’s never written a bad novel, but this is a great Ian McDonald novel… McDonald has ten details for every detail proffered by other sf writers. Not gratuitous details, either: gracious ones. The fashion sense of William Gibson, the design sense of Bruce Sterling, the eye for family drama of Connie Willis, the poesie of Bradbury, and the dirty sex of Kathe Koja and Samuel Delany… McDonald’s moon is omnisexual, kinky, violent, passionate, beautiful, awful, vibrant and crushing. As the family saga of the Cortas unravels, we meet a self-sexual ninja lawyer, a werewolf who loses his mind in the Full Earth, a family tyrant whose ruthlessness is matched only by his crepulance, and a panoply of great passions and low desires. LUNA: NEW MOON is the first book of a two-book cycle. Now I’m all a-quiver for the next one.‘ — BoingBoing

‘Smart, funny, passionate and at times quite dark, McDonald brings the touch we’ve seen in RIVER OF GODS and DERVISH HOUSE to an entirely new culture as it evolves in a distant hostile place where business or family rules all… it’s terrific. My only complaint: it leaves you wanting the second book right now!’ — Jonathan Strahan on NEW MOON

‘Mafia-style mining families clash in a compelling fantasy that offers up all the pleasures of a cut-throat soap opera in space…That McDonald is able to spin a compelling story from this unforgiving set-up is testament to his skill as a writer… One thing Luna does exceptionally well is to puncture Old Heinlein’s assumption that a frontier society based on the primacy of the family and a disregard of conventional laws would end up like idealised smalltown America. Luna argues that any realistic future colonisation of the moon will be much more The Sopranos than The Waltons. LUNA is as gripping as it is colourful, and as colourful as it is nasty.’ — Guardian on NEW MOON

‘Luna: NEW MOON was a “magnificent bastard of a book,” as I put it in my review. Part two, it’s my pleasure to tell you, is just as awesome, and just as masterfully nasty.’ — Tor.com on WOLF MOON

‘… powerful sequel… compelling throughout. Each of McDonald’s viewpoint characters is made human in fascinating and occasionally disturbing detail, and the solar system of the 22nd century is wonderfully delineated. Fans of the first volume will love this one and eagerly look forward to the next.‘ — Publishers Weekly on WOLF MOON

‘A Howling Good Read… No one builds a world like Ian McDonald does. Piece by piece and brick by brick. Spare, simple, elegant when he needs to be…, deep and meaty when he wants to be…, he does his work like an artisan pulling a sculpture from stone. There are no wasted moves, nothing that isn’t vital because, in the end, everything is vital. Everything matters… it is fascinating, all of it. Because McDonald has made a world that is ruthless in its consistency and living, breathing reality, and then made characters who are not just living in it, but wholly and fully of it… McDonald’s corporate war is a gorgeous thing, fought with every tool available… McDonald is able to wrap the biggest events in constellations of the smallest so that a cocktail party here, a discussion of ’80s retro fashion (all mall-hair and WHAM! T-shirts), a love story and a day at work for a guy who cleans solar panels all build and coalesce to form the background radiation of life in this unstable future. Every moment with his characters makes them precious, real and alive.’ — NPR on WOLF MOON

‘NEW MOON was one of the most interesting sci-fi novels of 2015, with smart ideas on humanity and economies matched by street smarts, political brawls and murder in the streets. LUNA: WOLF MOON turns that up to eleven – it’s a fascinating story, which is also a tense, enthralling read.’ — Sci-Fi & Fantasy Review

‘… cinematic set-pieces… so much fun to read… these entertaining, and intelligent novels, capped off by the very satisfying Luna: MOON RISING, have been about establishing a society, a community, a family that looks to the future, that lives and prospers in an environment that must always be treated with respect.’ — Locus (Ian Mond)

‘McDonald concludes his Luna space opera trilogy in triumphant style… The political intrigue never feels too abstract or removed from 21st-century Earth. Readers will appreciate the care McDonald takes with both worldbuilding and characterization, and will enjoy little touches such as giving an assassin the job title of Corporate Conflict Resolution Officer… fans of the prior books will find this wrap-up rewarding.’ — Publishers Weekly on MOON RISING

‘McDonald’s richly imagined Lunar culture and interplanetary poleconomy make for a superb backdrop for literally dozens of richly realized human dramas, and it’s hard to say which is more fascinating. McDonald’s wildly imaginative worldbuilding (present since his debut novel, the utterly wonderful standout OUT ON BLUE SIX) and his ability to spin out intrigues are both in full flight in this final volume.’ — Boing Boing on MOON RISING

Ben Aaronovitch & Andrew Cartmel’s FUCHSGESCHREI Out Now in Germany!

Posted on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020

CRY FOX, the fifth Rivers of London comic story arc by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel, is now available in Germany! Published by Panini as DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON: FUCHSGESCHREI, here’s the synopsis…

Die russische Mafia will Rache für ihren „Verrat“ an der (Nacht) Hexe Varvara üben. Dazu heuern sie zahlreiche Schurken der magischen Londoner Unterwelt an. Die ehemalige sowjetische Zauberin steht jedoch unter dem Schutz von Londons ganz eigenem Zauberer-Polizisten Peter Grant … Detective Peter Grant! Um die Aufmerksamkeit von Peter und seinen Kollegen in eine andere Richtung zu lenken, wird die Tochter eines prominenten russischen Oligarchen von Unbekannten entführt …

Panini has also published the first four comic collections in Germany: BODY WORK, NIGHT WITCH, BLACK MOULD and DETECTIVE STORIES.

CRY FOX and the other acclaimed Rivers of London comics are published in English by Titan Comics — the series also includes WATER WEED, ACTION AT A DISTANCE, and THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for CRY FOX…

The bookstore smash-hit returns for a brand-new story, picking up the threads from the most recent bestselling Rivers of London novel, The Hanging Tree!

Vengeful Russian mobsters are looking to hire members of London’s own more-then-natural underworld to bring bloody retribution down on the witch Varvara. However, the ex-Soviet sorcerer is under the protective wing of London’s own wizarding cop, Peter Grant (now a proper detective and everything), and to get the attention of Grant and his colleagues, the daughter of a prominent Russian oligarch is kidnapped by parties unknown but possibly fox-like.

What makes it worse is that Peter is going to have to leave his beloved London and gasp go out into the countryside! And when there’s trees and fields and wildlife involved, things never end well…

The comic series is set in the same world as Ben’s Peter Grant/Rivers of London fiction series, which is published in Germany by DTV, in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-), and Subterranean Press (novellas).

Audio Spotlight: Peter A. Flannery’s BATTLE MAGE in Germany!

Posted on Monday, September 14th, 2020

More Peter A. Flannery news! We’ve recently shared news about new translated editions available in Germany, Poland and Czechia.

In this latest Audio Spotlight, we wanted to draw your attention to the German audio editions, which are out now. Published by Random House Audio, and available via Audible, both KAMPF DER MAGIER and RÜCKKEHR DES DRACHEN are out now. The print editions of the books are published by Heyne. Here’s the Germany synopsis…

Die Welt steht am Abgrund, denn die übermächtige Armee der Besessenen überrennt ein Königreich nach dem anderen. Die Einzigen, die sie aufhalten können, sind die Kampfmagier auf ihren majestätischen Drachen. Doch das Bündnis zwischen Drachen und Menschen ist schwach geworden. Zu wenige Drachen antworten noch auf den Ruf der Magier, und die meisten von ihnen sind schwarz. Und jedes Kind weiß, dass schwarze Drachen gefährlich sind. Schwarze Drachen sind verrückt. Falco Dantes Vater, ein tapferer Kampfmagier, fiel selbst dem Wahnsinn einer solchen Kreatur zum Opfer, und sein Verlust hat Falcos ganzes Leben geprägt. Als die Armee der Besessenen auf seine Heimat zumarschiert, trifft Falco eine folgenschwere Entscheidung: Er wird in die Fußstapfen seines Vaters treten…

BATTLE MAGE is also available as an audio book in France, published exclusively via Audible — MAGE DE BATAILLE. The print editions are published by Albin Michel.

Falco Danté est un gringalet dans un monde en guerre peu à peu conquis par l’armée infernale des Possédés. Pire, Falco est méprisé, mis à l’écart, à cause de son père qui fut un immense mage de bataille avant de sombrer dans une folie meurtrière. Alors que la Reine tente de rassembler toutes les forces armées pour repousser les Possédés, Falco prend une décision qui va l’amener aux marges du désespoir: il va entrer à l’académie de la guerre, une école d’excellence pour les officiers. Là, il devra surmonter ses doutes, ceux de ses amis et même ceux de la Reine.

Le monde brûle ; seul un mage de bataille pourra sauver ce qu’il en reste. Falco réussira-t-il à libérer son pouvoir, à invoquer un dragon à sa mesure ou succombera-t-il à la folie… comme son père?

Porté par son héros meurtri, condamné à se dépasser face au mal absolu, Mage de bataille a rencontré un formidable succès dans les pays anglo-saxons.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for the book…

The world is falling to the burning shadow of the Possessed and only the power of a battle mage can save it. But the ancient bond with dragonkind is failing. Of those that answer a summoning too many are black. Black dragons are the enemy of humankind. Black dragons are mad.

Falco Dante is a weakling in a world of warriors, but worse than this, he is the son of a madman. Driven by grief, Falco makes a decision that will drive him to the brink of despair. As he tries to come to terms with his actions Falco follows his friends to the Academy of War, an elite training school dedicated to martial excellence. But while his friends make progress he struggles to overcome his doubts and insecurity. Even Queen Catherine of Wrath has her doubts about Falco’s training.

While the Queen tries to unite the Kingdoms against the Possessed, Falco struggles to overcome his fears. Will he unlock the power trapped inside of him or will he succumb to madness and murder like his father?

Zeno represents Peter A. Flannery in Translation.

Roger Zelazny’s JACK OF SHADOW out now in Ukraine!

Posted on Friday, September 11th, 2020

We are very happy to report that Roger Zelazny‘s classic novel JACK OF SHADOWS is available in Ukrainian! Published by Богдан as Джек Тіньовий, and translated by Denys Dömin (Денис Дьомін), here’s the synopsis…

Світ «Джека Тіньового» — це чорно-білий світ, розділений поміж Магією, що панує на нічній стороні планети, і Наукою — владаркою освітленої сторони. Історія ж, що її розповідає нам автор, здавалось би, простенька й невигадлива — історія про нефортунного злодія і крутія на ймення Джек Тіньовий, його страту, воскресіння й жадобу помсти. Прагнучи відплатити за кривду й повернути кохану, він пожертвує хоч цілим світом і вже не зійде з обраного шляху. І на цьому шляху йому не забракне ні відваги, ні жорстокості, ні хитрості, як його творцеві не забракло таланту, щоби перетворити простеньку історію помсти в епічну філософську притчу.

First published in 1971, JACK OF SHADOWS was nominated for the Hugo and Locus Awards for Best Novel. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

In a world half of light, half of darkness, where science and magic strive for dominance, there dwells a magical being who is friendly with neither side. Jack, of the realm of shadows, is a thief who is unjustly punished. So he embarks on a vendetta. He wanders through strange realms, encountering witches, vampires, and, finally, his worst enemy: the Lord of Bats. He consults his friend Morningstar, a great dark angel. He is pursued by a monstrous creature called the Borshin. But to reveal any more would be to spoil some of the mindboggling surprises Jack of Shadows has in store.

Богдан has published a whole host of Zelazny’s novels in Ukrainian, including the beloved Chronicles of Amber fantasy series.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in Translation and in the UK, on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.

Complex Chinese Editions of Ian McDonald’s Luna Series Out Later this Month!

Posted on Thursday, September 10th, 2020

Today, we’re very happy to share with you the covers for the upcoming Complex Chinese editions of Ian McDonald‘s highly-acclaimed, award-nominated Luna series! Available in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, all three novels will be published by 麥田出版 (Rye Field Publications) on September 28th.

The trilogy of novels includes 血染新月 (NEW MOON), 狼嚎時分 (WOLF MOON), and 王者之戰 (MOON RISING).

The series is published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Tor Books, and in a growing number of translated editions around the world. There is also a prequel novella, THE MENACE FROM FARSIDE, published by Tor.com.