Kay McCauley - Zeno Agency Ltd.

THE EDGE OF RUIN by Melinda Snodgrass out Tomorrow in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, November 6th, 2014

THE EDGE OF RUIN, the second novel in Melinda Snodgrass‘s acclaimed Edge Series will be published tomorrow by Titan Books in the UK!

The sequel to THE EDGE OF REASON, George R.R. Martin has described the series as a blend of H.P. Lovecraft and H. L. Mencken, which ‘will delight thinkers — and outrage true believers — of all stripes.’ Here’s the synopsis…

A contemporary fantasy that explores the tensions between science and rationality, religion and superstition. An intelligent blend of Dante’s Infernoand Urban Fantasy…

Richard Oort, now CEO of Lumina Enterprises, has learned that an interdimensional gate has given the terrifying and grotesquely gluttonous Old Ones access to our universe. Richard tries to get the U.S. government to intervene before a rising tide of irrationality abetted by religious leaders and spiritual hucksters reduces humanity to madness.

Here are a couple more reviews of the series…

‘Snodgrass has a thick, meaty writing style that will satisfy the hungriest reader… she deftly weaves [her characters’] stories together to bind the interest and excitement of the story. Events in this novel will challenge the beliefs and thought systems of many and leave readers questioning themselves – but in a highly satisfying manner.’ — RT Book Reviews on THE EDGE OF RUIN

‘Peopled with a richly drawn cast of characters… the story is a big, complex and ambitious tale that rarely rests and demands the reader’s full attention. Thee ideas are provocative, strongly so… Readers looking for a thoughtful, action-packed and fascinating story, this one is for you. Strongly recommended.’ — SF Revu on THE EDGE OF RUIN

‘[A] gritty narrative of a war between light and dark… Balanc[es] a harsh critique of organized religion with touches of humor and a good-hearted priest who grounds his faith in the Golden Rule…’ — Publishers Weekly on THE EDGE OF REASON

‘This riveting tale resonates on many levels. Snodgrass entertains while skillfully raising questions about the origins of religion and technology that may offend some readers. There are chills and thrills aplenty, as well as food for thought. The characters are good, especially the hero’s emotional upheaval. You’ll be hooked until the end.’ — RT Book Reviews on THE EDGE OF REASON

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley of Aurous, Inc.

Melinda Snodgrass’s THE EDGE OF REASON out now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, September 18th, 2014

We’re very happy to report that the first in Melinda Snodgrass‘s excellent Edge series is now available in the UK! Published by Titan Books, THE EDGE OF REASON is the first in a great urban fantasy series. Here’s the synopsis…

A contemporary fantasy that explores the tensions between science and rationality, religion and superstition. An intelligent blend of Dante’s Inferno and Urban Fantasy…

Richard Oort is a cop. He’s also the last Paladin: a reluctant hero, fated to defend the world against demonic forces that threaten to plunge us into another Dark Age.

Richard is on patrol one night when he leaps to the defense of a terrified young woman fleeing something impossible: beings that can only be described as monsters. Beings that can only have been created by magic. But in saving the beautiful Rhianna, he gets drawn into the machinations of a mysterious billionaire who just might be Prometheus and Lucifer. And who claims to be waging a millennia-old war on the side of reason and light, defending humanity from others of his kind who want nothing more than to see us destroy ourselves with superstition, religion, darkness, fear.

But when Richard discovers he’s a Paladin — product of a genetic fluke that enables him to wield Lucifer’s sword — he becomes a central figure in the battle between Light and Darkness. But is he strong enough to bear the burden?

Here’s what critics have said about the novel so far…

‘If H.P. Lovecraft and H. L. Mencken had ever collaborated, they might have come up with something like THE EDGE OF REASON. This one will delight thinkers — and outrage true believers — of all stripes.’ – George R. R. Martin

‘This riveting tale resonates on many levels. Snodgrass entertains while skillfully raising questions about the origins of religion and technology that may offend some readers. There are chills and thrills aplenty, as well as food for thought. The characters are good, especially the hero’s emotional upheaval. You’ll be hooked until the end.’ – RT Book Reviews

‘[A] gritty narrative of a war between light and dark…’ – Publishers Weekly

THE EDGE OF RUIN, the sequel, is due to be published in April 2015.

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley of Aurous, Inc.

UK Cover Reveal: Melinda Snodgrass’s EDGE SERIES

Posted on Monday, August 18th, 2014

We’re very happy to share with you today these stunning covers for the first two novels in Melinda Snodgrass‘s Edge Series! The novels – THE EDGE OF REASON and THE EDGE OF RUIN – are due to be published in the UK by Titan Books in September 2014 and early 2015, respectively.

Here’s the synopsis for THE EDGE OF REASON…

A contemporary fantasy that explores the tensions between science and rationality, religion and superstition. An intelligent blend of Dante’s Infernoand Urban Fantasy…

Richard Oort is a cop. He’s also the last Paladin: a reluctant hero, fated to defend the world against demonic forces that threaten to plunge us into another Dark Age.

Richard is on patrol one night when he leaps to the defense of a terrified young woman fleeing something impossible: beings that can only be described as monsters. Beings that can only have been created by magic. But in saving the beautiful Rhianna, he gets drawn into the machinations of a mysterious billionaire who just might be Prometheus and Lucifer. And who claims to be waging a millennia-old war on the side of reason and light, defending humanity from others of his kind who want nothing more than to see us destroy ourselves with superstition, religion, darkness, fear.

But when Richard discovers he’s a Paladin — product of a genetic fluke that enables him to wield Lucifer’s sword — he becomes a central figure in the battle between Light and Darkness. But is he strong enough to bear the burden?

Melinda is also working on a third novel in the series – more news as and when it is available. She is also working on Imperials, an epic space opera series that recently sold to Titan Books. Here are some reviews of the Edge Series…

‘If H.P. Lovecraft and H. L. Mencken had ever collaborated, they might have come up with something like THE EDGE OF REASON. This one will delight thinkers — and outrage true believers — of all stripes.’ — George R. R. Martin

‘[A] gritty narrative of a war between light and dark… Balanc[es] a harsh critique of organized religion with touches of humor and a good-hearted priest who grounds his faith in the Golden Rule…’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Snodgrass has a thick, meaty writing style that will satisfy the hungriest reader… she deftly weaves [her characters’] stories together to bind the interest and excitement of the story. Events in this novel will challenge the beliefs and thought systems of many and leave readers questioning themselves – but in a highly satisfying manner.’ — RT Book Reviews

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Cover Reveal: THE MECHANICAL by Ian Tregillis

Posted on Thursday, August 7th, 2014

We are absolutely delighted to share with you today the cover for Ian Tregillis‘s highly-anticipated next novel, THE MECHANICAL. Due to be published by Orbit Books in March 2015, it is the first in a new trilogy – The Alchemy Wars. Here’s the synopsis…

My name is Jax.

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

I am a clakker: a mechanical man, powered by alchemy. Armies of my kind have conquered the world – and made the Brasswork Throne the sole superpower.

I am a faithful servant. I am the ultimate fighting machine. I am endowed with great strength and boundless stamina.

But I am beholden to the wishes of my human masters.

I am a slave. But I shall be free.

Ian is the author of the critically-acclaimed Milkweed Triptych – BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR and NECESSARY EVIL. Not so long ago, we shared some effusive responses to that trilogy from multiple Orbit staffers. It would appear that THE MECHANICAL is causing a similar stir already. Here’s senior editor Anna Gregson, writing for the publisher’s own cover reveal post:

‘THE MECHANICAL – in my humble opinion – is going to blow people’s minds… Part science fiction, part fantasy and part alternate history, this book shows the incredible imagination of an exceptionally skilled author… It’s a truly stunning book. Intricately crafted, hauntingly atmospheric, and just gripping. You won’t want to miss this one.’

Naturally, we agree. You can find more reviews of Ian’s Milkweed Triptych here.

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

New Deal: IMPERIALS by Melinda Snodgrass sells to Titan!

Posted on Thursday, May 15th, 2014

We are very happy to report that Miranda Jewess at Titan Books has acquired UK and Commonwealth publishing rights to a new series by Melinda Snodgrass, in a five-book deal! The series, Imperials, is a fantastic, high-energy science fiction saga, set against a vast backdrop of interstellar war and adventure that will appeal to fans of Star Wars, Star Trek, Ender’s Game, and the novels of Elizabeth Moon, Tanya Huff and Kevin J. Anderson.

Here is the series synopsis…

The Imperials series opens with THE HIGH GROUND, in which we follow the lowborn son of a tailor and the high-born daughter of the Emperor. Their destinies become
entwined when, coming of age, they reluctantly enter the elite military space academy, The High Ground, bowing to their parent’s expectations.

Thus begins a saga spanning thirty years, telling of their adventures, trials and tribulations. We will trace their lives through military service, court-martials, and civil war. The story will culminate in a confrontation with an alien species capable of eradicating all life in the galaxy.

Along the way, alliances, love affairs and bitter enmities will be forged; an ancient alien manipulation of human development will be discovered; and however high our protagonists may rise, or however low they may fall, it is the people they meet in that first year at the academy that will forever leave their mark on the lives of our heroes.

Their actions will have a profound impact on the politics of this universe, and the very survival of the human race…

Currently the five novels that make up the series have the following working titles, but these may be subject to change: THE HIGH GROUND, SNARED IN EVIL TIMES, TIME AND CHANCE, A TRIUMVIRATE OF HATE, and BREAKING THE YOKE. Titan will also published these in the US, and we expect the first of these to appear on both sides of the Atlantic sometime in 2015.

Melinda is the author of The Edge Series, which also recently sold to Titan Books and is currently scheduled for publication in 2015. She is also a co-editor for George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards, a shared-world urban fantasy series (published in the UK by Gollancz). In the past, she has also written fan-favourite TV episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Sliders, among others.

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley of Aurous, Inc.

Ian Tregillis’s MILKWEED Trilogy Coming to Germany!

Posted on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014

We are delighted to announce that Festa Verlag has acquired German rights for Ian Tregillis‘s superb Milkweed Triptych – BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR, and NECESSARY EVIL! The trilogy has been published in the UK by Orbit Books, the US by Tor Books, and in Spain by DeBolsillo.

Here’s the synopsis for BITTER SEEDS…

The year is 1939. Raybould Marsh and other members of British Intelligence have gathered to watch a damaged reel of film in a darkened room. It appears to show German troops walking through walls, bursting into flames and hurling tanks into the air from afar.

If the British are to believe their eyes, a twisted Nazi scientist has been endowing German troops with unnatural, unstoppable powers. And Raybould will be forced to resort to dark methods to hold the impending invasion at bay.

But dealing with the occult exacts a price. And that price must be paid in blood.

The Milkweed novels have been a huge critical hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Here is just a small taste of the praise…

‘Tregillis… has created a unique, unsettling, and deeply atmospheric setting; populated it with a diversity of grimly fascinating characters; and turned up the heat with the sort of plot that requires those characters to keep shoveling frantically if they are ever to stay in advance of the needs of the firebox… These are the book’s strengths – its atmosphere, its setting, the vividly imagined consequences of immoral and desperate actions… All in all, this is an excellent first book…’ — Tor.Com

‘You should read BITTER SEEDS because of the brutal effect of this concocted mix of science, magic and grey characters. If you are looking for a new and exciting voice in fantasy and science-fiction or a voice that rings true on the tolls of war, then look no further than Ian Tregillis.’ — Ranting Dragon

‘… engrossing… Tregillis ably mixes cold war paranoia with his mythology, also nicely expanding characters (particularly Gretel)… The monstrous, extra-dimensional Eidolons add a genuinely convincing menace that transcends the more banal evil motivations of the political game players, although Gretel’s more complicated motivations really drive the action. A few nice twists keep things interesting, and the cliffhanger ending sets up the concluding volume quite well…’ — Publishers Weekly on THE COLDEST WAR

‘… something like a cross between the devious, character-driven spy fiction of early John le Carré and the mad science fantasy of the X-Men… Despite the jaw-dropping backdrop and oblique plotting, the narrative is driven by character and personal circumstance, the only possible drawback being certain important developments that annoyingly take place offstage. Grim indeed, yet eloquent and utterly compelling.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review, “Best of 2012”) on THE COLDEST WAR

‘With NECESSARY EVIL… Ian Tregillis triumphantly concludes his astonishing, brilliant, pulse-pounding debut trilogy… This is a book that veers precipitously from unexpected and chilling ruminations on the inherent evil of precognition; to the questions of loyalty and betrayal so thorny that they need a time-travel loop to really be explored; to spy-thriller action sequences that will keep you up under the covers with a flashlight, turning pages and unable to sleep. This is a remarkable set of books, and with all three in hand, would make a fabulous spring read.’ — BoingBoing

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

These Zeno Titles Would Make Great Mini-Series…

Posted on Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

The internet site Pajiba recently published an article about seven recent books they thought would make great TV mini-series. We were delighted to note that two recent releases by Zeno clients were featured! Both Lavie Tidhar‘s THE VIOLENT CENTURY and Ian Tregillis‘s SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT were selected, and we couldn’t agree more!

We’ve featured both of these novels a lot, recently (they’re getting great responses from a broad swathe of readers and the SFF community at large), but just in case you’ve missed them, here are the synopses. First, THE VIOLENT CENTURY, which is published in the UK by Hodder…

They’d never meant to be heroes.

For seventy years they guarded the British Empire. Oblivion and Fogg, inseparable friends, bound together by a shared fate. Until one night in Berlin, in the aftermath of the Second World War, and a secret that tore them apart.

But there must always be an account… and the past has a habit of catching up to the present.

Now, recalled to the Retirement Bureau from which no one can retire, Fogg and Oblivion must face up to a past of terrible war and unacknowledged heroism, – a life of dusty corridors and secret rooms, of furtive meetings and blood-stained fields – to answer one last, impossible question:

What makes a hero?

And secondly, SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT, which is published in the US by Tor Books (translation and UK rights available)…

A Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler inspired murder mystery set in Thomas Aquinas’s vision of Heaven. It’s a noir detective story starring fallen angels, the heavenly choir, nightclub stigmatics, a priest with a dirty secret, a femme fatale, and the Voice of God.

Somebody has murdered the angel Gabriel. Worse, the Jericho Trumpet has gone missing, putting Heaven on the brink of a truly cosmic crisis. But the twisty plot that unfolds from the murder investigation leads to something much bigger: a con job one billion years in the making.

Because this is no mere murder. A small band of angels has decided to break out of heaven, but they need a human patsy to make their plan work.

Much of the story is told from the point of view of Bayliss, a cynical fallen angel who has modeled himself on Philip Marlowe. The yarn he spins follows the progression of a Marlowe novel—the mysterious dame who needs his help, getting grilled by the bulls, finding a stiff, getting slipped a mickey.

Angels and gunsels, dames with eyes like fire, and a grand maguffin, Something More Than Night is a murder mystery for the cosmos.

Which other titles of ours do you think would make excellent TV mini-series and/or movies?

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

New UK Deal for Melinda Snodgrass’s EDGE Series!

Posted on Monday, January 20th, 2014

We are delighted to announce that UK and Commonwealth rights to Melinda Snodgrass‘s Edge series have sold to Titan Books!

The series – which comprises THE EDGE OF REASON, THE EDGE OF RUIN, and an as-yet-untitled third novel – is a contemporary fantasy that explores the tensions between science and rationality, religion and superstition. It is an intelligent blend of Dante’s Inferno and Urban Fantasy.

Melinda has had many varied careers — she studied opera at the Conservatory of Vienna; has been a practicing attorney; she has written multiple novels and screenplays, working in Hollywood on Star Trek: The Next Generation (best known for the episode ‘Measure of a Man‘), and numerous other shows. She coedits the Wild Card series with George R.R. Martin, and has recently turned in the Wild Cards screenplay to Universal. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Here is the synopsis for THE EDGE OF REASON…

Richard Oort is a cop. He’s also the last Paladin: a reluctant hero, fated to defend the world against demonic forces that threaten to plunge us into another Dark Age.

Richard is on patrol one night when he leaps to the defense of a terrified young woman fleeing something impossible: beings that can only be described as monsters. Beings that can only have been created by magic. But in saving the beautiful Rhianna, he gets drawn into the machinations of a mysterious billionaire who just might be Prometheus and Lucifer. And who claims to be waging a millennia-old war on the side of reason and light, defending humanity from others of his kind who want nothing more than to see us destroy ourselves with superstition, religion, darkness, fear.

But when Richard discovers he’s a Paladin — product of a genetic fluke that enables him to wield Lucifer’s sword — he becomes a central figure in the battle between Light and Darkness. But is he strong enough to bear the burden?

Here are some great blurbs about the novels…

‘If H.P. Lovecraft and H. L. Mencken had ever collaborated, they might have come up with something like The Edge of Reason. This one will delight thinkers — and outrage true believers — of all stripes.’ — George R. R. Martin

‘[A] gritty narrative of a war between light and dark… Balanc[es] a harsh critique of organized religion with touches of humor and a good-hearted priest who grounds his faith in the Golden Rule…’ — Publishers Weekly on THE EDGE OF REASON

‘Interesting religious arguments aside Snodgrass crafted a tightly paced supernatural thriller that manages to stay interesting and thrilling from beginning to end.’ — King of the Nerds

‘I really enjoyed this book. It’s thought-provoking and certainly memorable, with an intriguing concept and a cast of characters begging for further exploration. I’d love to see more of this world’ — Green Man Review

‘Peopled with a richly drawn cast of characters… the story is a big, complex and ambitious tale that rarely rests and demands the reader’s full attention. Thee ideas are provocative, strongly so… Readers looking for a thoughtful, action-packed and fascinating story, this one is for you. Strongly recommended.’ — SF Revu on THE EDGE OF RUIN

Zeno represents Melinda Snodgrass in the UK and Commonwealth on behalf of Kay McCauley of Aurous, Inc.

Ian Tregillis’s SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT is not to be missed!

Posted on Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

Reviews have started to pour in for Ian Tregillis‘s latest novel, the noir, supernatural mystery SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT, and they have continued the precedent set by his critically-acclaimed Milkweed trilogy – that is, they are glowing. The novel has been published by Tor Books in the United States. Additionally, it has been selected by Kirkus as a Best Book of 2013 in the SFF category and a not-to-be-missed December release by io9.

Amy Goldschlager, in her Best Book of 2013 post about SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT, talked with Ian a bit about the book, and described it as ‘… a brain-bending combo of angelic cosmogony, high-level physics and meta-noir… dazzling and dark, and more than a little quirky.’

From the io9 post, Charlie Jane Anders had the following to say: ‘Tregillis wowed people with his Milkweed Triptych, beginning with BITTER SEEDS. Now he’s back with a Dashiell Hammett-style murder mystery set in Thomas Aquinas’ version of Heaven. Just re-read that last sentence a couple times. And now that we’re all savagely jealous that Tregillis beat us to this amazing concept.’

Here are just a selection of some of the other reviews that have come through…

‘[A] doozy… Superlatives seem superfluous. Instead…wow. Just—wow.’ — Kirkus

‘Tregillis’ amazing new fantasy thriller is a tour de force: a real nail-biting page-turner. Set in a post- apocalyptic future, his cerebral, inventive narrative is a mix of classic gumshoe and quantum physics/theology. With an “OMG!” ending and characters who are anything but cookie-cutter, Tregillis solidifies his place as a brilliant voice in the genre.’ — RT Book Reviews

‘… this book is something completely and absolutely different… One thing all of Tregillis’ books have in common is the stunning prose that flood his books with atmosphere and bring the scene and situation to glorious life… Tregillis combines his incredible prose, and stunningly complex world filled with unforgettable characters to create something new, nuanced, and different. This book is impossible to put down, and is an incredibly fast mover… SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT shows Tregillis at his finest…’ (5/5) — Bookworm Blues

‘When it comes to the world he has created in this book, I can only boggle in amazement… Tregillis has managed to completely floor me… I also adore Ian Tregillis’ writing style, which I’ve always figured was well suited for darker, more evocative stories, and as such I thought it was perfect for a book like this. Plus, I was just wowed by Bayliss’ voice and mannerisms, which are straight out of a crime noir novel of the 30s or 40s. I think that was the most impressive of all, and it’s obvious that great lengths were taken to make his character sound true to that particular era and genre.’ — Bibliosanctum

Ian’s Milkweed trilogy – BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR, and NECESSARY EVIL – has been published by Orbit Books in the UK. Orbit are also due to publish the author’s next series, Clakkers, in 2014.

Speaking of NECESSARY EVIL, and in yet more great news for Ian’s fiction: the final installment of the Milkweed trilogy has been selected by BuzzFeed as one of their 14 Greatest Science Fiction Novels of the Year! This is a well-deserved accolade! The novel was also one of Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist’s top Top 10 of 2013.

Zeno represents Ian Tregillis in translation and the UK/Commonwealth on behalf of Kay McCauley.