Melinda Snodgrass - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Melinda Snodgrass unveils THE HIDDEN WORLD…

Posted on Thursday, July 19th, 2018

This week, Titan Books publishes the third novel in Melinda Snodgrass‘s Imperials sci-fi series, THE HIDDEN WORLD in the UK and US. Here’s the synopsis…

Fourteen years have passed since he was framed for theft to cover up an imperial atrocity, and disgraced military officer Thracius “Tracy” Belmanor has built a new life for himself. Living under an assumed name as the captain of a small trading vessel crewed primarily by aliens, he and his crew engage in both legal and illegal deals just under the radar of the Solar League authorities.

At the other end of the social hierarchy, Princess Mercedes de Arango has her own problems — the major one being the lack of an heir. Meanwhile her philandering husband Boho Cullen has ably proved the problem isn’t him. With rumors of a coup swirling around the throne, Mercedes makes the desperate decision to undertake a military campaign and gain her people’s allegiance through a victory. But when things go badly wrong and her future lies in the hands of the man she betrayed, Tracy has a choice to make — can he ever forgive her?

The first two books are also available from Titan Books: THE HIGH GROUND and IN EVIL TIMES.

Titan Books also publishes Melinda’s The Edge trilogy…

Zeno represents these two series in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Melinda Snodgrass’s IN EVIL TIMES out now

Posted on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017

Melinda Snodgrass‘s second Imperials Saga novel, IN EVIL TIMES, is out today in the UK! Published by Titan Books, here’s the synopsis…

Thracius “Tracy” Belmanor and the Infanta Mercedes de Arango have graduated from The High Ground and have become officers in the Orden de la Estrella. Tracy’s posting aboard a battleship leads him to further doubt the intentions of the Solar League, as he and his comrades are required to “assimilate” the settlers of a Hidden World. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ own posting — and her difficult marriage to Beauregard “Boho” Cullen, made to assure her succession of the throne — divides her loyalties. In a society where most humans and all aliens are second-class citizens, the two young officers will have difficult choices to make…

Titan Books also publishes the first novel in the series, THE HIGH GROUND. Titan also publishes the author’s The Edge series in the UK.

Zeno represents these two series in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

THE HIGH GROUND by Melinda Snodgrass out now!

Posted on Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

Melinda Snodgrass‘s gripping new sci-fi novel, THE HIGH GROUND, is out today! Published by Titan Books, it is the first in the new Imperials series. Here’s the synopsis…

Emperor’s daughter Mercedes is the first woman ever admitted to the High Ground, the elite training academy of the Solar League’s Star Command, and she must graduate if she is to have any hope of taking the throne. Her classmate Tracy has more modest goals — to rise to the rank of captain, and win fame and honor. But a civil war is coming and the political machinations of those who yearn for power threaten the young cadets. In a time of intrigue and alien invasion, they will be tested as they never thought possible.

The novel has started to receive some good review coverage. Here’s an example…

‘Snodgrass’s worldbuilding has several creative touches: intriguing alien races, English and Spanish as the common languages of the Solar League, and the origin of the upper echelons of the nobility, known pointedly as the Fortune Five Hundred. The story is entertaining and briskly paced…’ — Publishers Weekly

Titan also publishes Melinda’s critically-acclaimed Edge series: THE EDGE OF REASON, THE EDGE OF RUIN and THE EDGE OF DAWN.

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

Cover & Details: Melinda Snodgrass’s THE HIGH GROUND

Posted on Monday, March 21st, 2016

THE HIGH GROUND is the first novel in Melinda Snodgrass‘s new sci-fi series, Imperials. Due to be published by Titan Books on July 5th, 2016, it’s an action-packed adventure. Here’s the synopsis…

Emperor’s daughter Mercedes is the first woman ever admitted to the High Ground, the elite training academy of the Solar League’s Star Command, and she must graduate if she is to have any hope of taking the throne. Her classmate Tracy has more modest goals — to rise to the rank of captain, and win fame and honor. But a civil war is coming and the political machinations of those who yearn for power threaten the young cadets. In a time of intrigue and alien invasion, they will be tested as they never thought possible.

Snodgrass is also the author of the Edge series, which is also published in the UK by Titan Books: THE EDGE OF REASON, THE EDGE OF RUIN, and THE EDGE OF DAWN.

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

Out Tomorrow: THE EDGE OF DAWN by Melinda Snodgrass

Posted on Thursday, August 20th, 2015

Tomorrow, Titan Books publish the long-awaited third novel in Melinda Snodgrass‘s Edge series, THE EDGE OF DAWN. Here’s the synopsis…

The final battle approaches for a band of modern paladins, fighting for the light of science and reason, and against an ancient supernatural army poised to destroy the world.

What do you do when the Earth is under assault from monstrous creatures by alternate dimensions and you’re the only person who can wield the weapon that can destroy them? That’s the situation facing Richard Oort, hero of the Edge novels.

Lonely and overwhelmed after a series of terrifying, catastrophic global and personal events, Richard is still determined to save the world from the horrific Old Ones. He goes undercover in a Christian fundamentalist compound, playing house with an attractive FBI agent. At first, this only serves to increase his loneliness, missing his real family, but against all odds discovers another unique human who can use the paladin’s weapon, one who might be able to join him and lighten the burden of responsibility. There’s only one problem — Mosi is a nine-year-old Navajo girl.

Their enemies are trying to kill both Richard and Mosi — and have already killed Mosi’s family. To keep her safe Richard becomes her guardian, but an error in judgement leads to disaster and betrayal, and now the odd pair will need to summon all their strength to survive the coming battle. From the American southwest to a secret society in Turkey, the paladin and his ward try to stay in front of their enemies, but the world is at stake — and time is running short.

The novel is published in the US by Tor Books, who has shared an excerpt from the novel here.

The first two novels in the series, THE EDGE OF REASON and THE EDGE OF RUIN, are also published in the UK by Titan Books. Here’s some praise the series has received 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

‘A rousing finale… A terrific conclusion to this epic urban fantasy, Snodgrass continues to define the genre on her own terms. This is one book readers should grab on to now, because it might prove to be a harbinger for the next phase of urban fantasy. Recommended.‘ — SF Revu

‘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… 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

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

Cover: THE EDGE OF DAWN by Melinda Snodgrass

Posted on Thursday, May 14th, 2015

Above is the UK cover for Melinda Snodgrass‘s THE EDGE OF DAWN. The third novel in the author’s Edge series, it is due to be published in the UK in August 2015 by Titan Books. Here’s the synopsis…

The final battle approaches for a band of modern paladins, fighting for the light of science and reason, and against an ancient supernatural army poised to destroy the world.

What do you do when the Earth is under assault from monstrous creatures by alternate dimensions and you’re the only person who can wield the weapon that can destroy them? That’s the situation facing Richard Oort, hero of the Edge novels.

Lonely and overwhelmed after a series of terrifying, catastrophic global and personal events, Richard is still determined to save the world from the horrific Old Ones. He goes undercover in a Christian fundamentalist compound, playing house with an attractive FBI agent. At first, this only serves to increase his loneliness, missing his real family, but against all odds discovers another unique human who can use the paladin’s weapon, one who might be able to join him and lighten the burden of responsibility. There’s only one problem — Mosi is a nine-year-old Navajo girl.

Their enemies are trying to kill both Richard and Mosi — and have already killed Mosi’s family. To keep her safe Richard becomes her guardian, but an error in judgement leads to disaster and betrayal, and now the odd pair will need to summon all their strength to survive the coming battle. From the American southwest to a secret society in Turkey, the paladin and his ward try to stay in front of their enemies, but the world is at stake — and time is running short.

Titan Books have also published the first two novels in the series, THE EDGE OF REASON and THE EDGE OF RUIN (covers below). The series is published in the US by Tor Books. Here’s just a small selection of the great reviews the series has received thus 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

‘Melinda melds science, urban fantasy and light philosophy to create a very absorbing tale…‘ — The Book Bag on THE EDGE OF REASON

‘Snodgrass pulls no punches with this one. It’s certain to ruffle some feathers, but readers who like a challenge will rejoice. It’s filled with some deep ideas that will spark discussion.’ — Bookgasm on THE EDGE OF REASON

‘Snodgrass strongly and convincingly highlights the danger of unreason…’ — Publishers Weekly on THE EDGE OF RUIN

‘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

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

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.

Zeno Clients at Loncon 3…

Posted on Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

The SFF extravaganza that is Loncon 3 will be rolling into town this weekend. Certain events have already kicked off, of course – some of which we’ve mentioned here before. From Thursday 14th to Monday 18th, a great number of Zeno clients will be participating in the festivities, events and signings.

So, below are all of the Zeno-related events, organised by day and time. If you’d rather search by author, however, here’s an alphabetical list of our clients attending, complete with links to their Loncon 3 schedule pages: Peter V. Brett, Jack Campbell, Michael Cobley, Myke Cole, Edward Cox, Aliette de Bodard, Simon R. Green, Daryl Gregory, Matthew Hughes, Tanya Huff, Anne Lyle, Ian R. MacLeod, Ian McDonald, Justina Robson, Melinda Snodgrass, Kari Sperring, E.J. Swift, Lavie Tidhar, Freda Warrington. Continue reading “Zeno Clients at Loncon 3…” →

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.

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.