Tag: Podium

Katy Nyquist’s A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED is Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

Katy Nyquist‘s A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED, the highly-anticipated first novel in the Scandals of the Gifted series, is out today! Published by Podium, here’s the synopsis…

A Holy Maiden should never drink, get kidnapped, nor kiss a Dark Lord, but Ysabel is breaking all the rules to escape her fate as a human sacrifice.

In a world where magical powers are commonplace, Holy Maiden Ysabel is revered as a goddess among her people. She’s the only one able to heal the sick and injured with a simple touch. But her spectacular gift comes at a steep price. For each person she saves, she loses a day of her own conscripted life. To add insult to injury, she’s supposed to maintain a pure image even though she’d rather drink and play dominatrix until her sorrows fade away.

After the corrupt Head Cardinal Jiang abuses her gift, forbids her from leaving the city, and takes her brother hostage, Ysabel doesn’t dare drag anyone else into her problems — especially since it won’t change her fate. But when Dark Lord Kaine arrives at her clinic doorstep grievously wounded, she’s touched by his refusal to accept her healing lest it cost her another day of her life.

The mysterious and sexy Dark Lord awakens forbidden desires in Ysabel, and the nagging survival instinct she tried to drown with booze and drugs comes back with a vengeance. She’s less impressed, however, when he threatens to sack her city in return for his injuries. Fortunately, she can flirt her way to an alliance against the Head Cardinal instead.

Armed with only a ferociously loyal female bodyguard named Alzira, Ysabel attempts to make the most of her mere months left to live, protect the refugees around her city, prevent a war, and hide her face blindness. But before her life flickers to its sad end, she must decide: either die a proper Holy Maiden or risk it all to run off with Kaine.

With a cover by Mario Teodosio, the novel is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook (read by Hollie Jackson).

“[A Holy Maiden’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped features] a protagonist with a strong voice and unique character facets like face blindness and a healing gift . . . and some nice worldbuilding, both in broad strokes and specific detailing.’ — Elayne Audrey Becker, author of the Forestborn duology

‘I… absolutely fell in love with Ysabel and Kaine… The ‘opposites attract’ trope worked so well for this story… The stakes are high throughout… Great craft and storytelling!’ — April L. Wood, author of the Season of the Witch series

‘Both [Ysabel and Kaine are] strongly drawn and very relatable.’ — Bogi Takács, author of Power to Yield

Katy Nyquist’s A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Monday, May 26th, 2025

In three weeks (June 17th), Podium are due to publish A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED by Katy Nyquist, the first novel in the highly-anticipated Scandals of the Gifted series! Here’s the synopsis…

A Holy Maiden should never drink, get kidnapped, nor kiss a Dark Lord, but Ysabel is breaking all the rules to escape her fate as a human sacrifice.

In a world where magical powers are commonplace, Holy Maiden Ysabel is revered as a goddess among her people. She’s the only one able to heal the sick and injured with a simple touch. But her spectacular gift comes at a steep price. For each person she saves, she loses a day of her own conscripted life. To add insult to injury, she’s supposed to maintain a pure image even though she’d rather drink and play dominatrix until her sorrows fade away.

After the corrupt Head Cardinal Jiang abuses her gift, forbids her from leaving the city, and takes her brother hostage, Ysabel doesn’t dare drag anyone else into her problems — especially since it won’t change her fate. But when Dark Lord Kaine arrives at her clinic doorstep grievously wounded, she’s touched by his refusal to accept her healing lest it cost her another day of her life.

The mysterious and sexy Dark Lord awakens forbidden desires in Ysabel, and the nagging survival instinct she tried to drown with booze and drugs comes back with a vengeance. She’s less impressed, however, when he threatens to sack her city in return for his injuries. Fortunately, she can flirt her way to an alliance against the Head Cardinal instead.

Armed with only a ferociously loyal female bodyguard named Alzira, Ysabel attempts to make the most of her mere months left to live, protect the refugees around her city, prevent a war, and hide her face blindness. But before her life flickers to its sad end, she must decide: either die a proper Holy Maiden or risk it all to run off with Kaine.

With a cover by Mario Teodosio, the novel will be published on June 17th in paperback, eBook, and audiobook (read by Hollie Jackson).

“[A Holy Maiden’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped features] a protagonist with a strong voice and unique character facets like face blindness and a healing gift . . . and some nice worldbuilding, both in broad strokes and specific detailing.’ — Elayne Audrey Becker, author of the Forestborn duology

‘I… absolutely fell in love with Ysabel and Kaine… The ‘opposites attract’ trope worked so well for this story… The stakes are high throughout… Great craft and storytelling!’ — April L. Wood, author of the Season of the Witch series

‘Both [Ysabel and Kaine are] strongly drawn and very relatable.’ — Bogi Takács, author of Power to Yield

Jasmine Wigham’s CRADLE OF SECRETS is Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

The wait is finally over! Jasmine Wigham‘s highly-anticipated new novel, CRADLE OF SECRETS is out today! The first in a new series, it’s published by Podium Entertainment in print, eBook, and audiobook (read by Tim Campbell). It is ‘a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and paranormal mystery’, and will appeal to ‘fans of Bridgerton and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’.

Here’s the synopsis…

When an intrepid American with a dark past becomes a hired gun for a mysterious woman in London, he’s shocked to discover a world crawling with monsters.

Jem has lied and cheated his way out of America and into the most fashionable circles of Victorian London’s elite. He has almost everything he ever wanted: a beautiful, if gullible, tycoon’s daughter on his arm and a patron who’s willing to fund his lavish lifestyle. But none of it delivers the high he always thought it would. So when a mysterious woman called Felicity appears at a ball and asks him to demonstrate his legendary gunslinger skills, he can’t resist.

But Jem is about to realise the problem with inventing yourself an elaborate adventuring background: it doesn’t hold up very long when you’re confronted with real monsters risen from the grave.

Narrowly escaping with his life, Jem discovers Felicity isn’t all that she appears either. He tries to return to normality, but when tragedy strikes, he’s forced to seek her out at her home, Grimwood Manor, where he finds her surrounded by a motley crew of friends, none of whom seem exactly… human.

Swept up in a world of witches, werewolves, and other creatures that ought not to exist, Jem struggles to keep his dark past buried. But when a string of supernatural murders rocks the human world, he must confront his fears and join forces with his new friends to figure out who’s creating monsters out of men.

The novel is already generating some great pre-publication buzz, and recently received a great review from Kirkus Reviews:

‘High action and intricate plot twists are woven through the magical tapestry that Wigham conjures here, but the real sorcery comes from how she brings the characters and their relationships to vivid life. A spellbinding start to a promising new horror/fantasy series.’

CRADLE OF SECRETS by Jasmine Wigham is out in Four Weeks!

Posted on Monday, April 7th, 2025

Jasmine Wigham‘s highly anticipated new novel, CRADLE OF SECRETS (the first in a new series), is out in four weeks! Due to be published by Podium Entertainment in print, eBook, and audiobook (read by Tim Campbell) on May 6th, it’s ‘a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and paranormal mystery’, and is sure to appeal to ‘fans of Bridgerton and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. Here’s the synopsis…

When an intrepid American with a dark past becomes a hired gun for a mysterious woman in London, he’s shocked to discover a world crawling with monsters.

Jem has lied and cheated his way out of America and into the most fashionable circles of Victorian London’s elite. He has almost everything he ever wanted: a beautiful, if gullible, tycoon’s daughter on his arm and a patron who’s willing to fund his lavish lifestyle. But none of it delivers the high he always thought it would. So when a mysterious woman called Felicity appears at a ball and asks him to demonstrate his legendary gunslinger skills, he can’t resist.

But Jem is about to realise the problem with inventing yourself an elaborate adventuring background: it doesn’t hold up very long when you’re confronted with real monsters risen from the grave.

Narrowly escaping with his life, Jem discovers Felicity isn’t all that she appears either. He tries to return to normality, but when tragedy strikes, he’s forced to seek her out at her home, Grimwood Manor, where he finds her surrounded by a motley crew of friends, none of whom seem exactly… human.

Swept up in a world of witches, werewolves, and other creatures that ought not to exist, Jem struggles to keep his dark past buried. But when a string of supernatural murders rocks the human world, he must confront his fears and join forces with his new friends to figure out who’s creating monsters out of men.

The novel is already generating some great pre-publication buzz, and recently received a great review from Kirkus Reviews:

‘High action and intricate plot twists are woven through the magical tapestry that Wigham conjures here, but the real sorcery comes from how she brings the characters and their relationships to vivid life. A spellbinding start to a promising new horror/fantasy series.’

Coming Soon: A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED by Katy Nyquist!

Posted on Friday, March 21st, 2025

This summer, Podium are due to publish A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED by Katy Nyquist! The highly-anticipated first novel in a new series, the Scandals of the Gifted, here’s the synposis…

A Holy Maiden should never drink, get kidnapped, nor kiss a Dark Lord, but Ysabel is breaking all the rules to escape her fate as a human sacrifice.

In a world where magical powers are commonplace, Holy Maiden Ysabel is revered as a goddess among her people. She’s the only one able to heal the sick and injured with a simple touch. But her spectacular gift comes at a steep price. For each person she saves, she loses a day of her own conscripted life. To add insult to injury, she’s supposed to maintain a pure image even though she’d rather drink and play dominatrix until her sorrows fade away.

After the corrupt Head Cardinal Jiang abuses her gift, forbids her from leaving the city, and takes her brother hostage, Ysabel doesn’t dare drag anyone else into her problems — especially since it won’t change her fate. But when Dark Lord Kaine arrives at her clinic doorstep grievously wounded, she’s touched by his refusal to accept her healing lest it cost her another day of her life.

The mysterious and sexy Dark Lord awakens forbidden desires in Ysabel, and the nagging survival instinct she tried to drown with booze and drugs comes back with a vengeance. She’s less impressed, however, when he threatens to sack her city in return for his injuries. Fortunately, she can flirt her way to an alliance against the Head Cardinal instead.

Armed with only a ferociously loyal female bodyguard named Alzira, Ysabel attempts to make the most of her mere months left to live, protect the refugees around her city, prevent a war, and hide her face blindness. But before her life flickers to its sad end, she must decide: either die a proper Holy Maiden or risk it all to run off with Kaine.

With a cover by Mario Teodosio, the novel will be published on June 17th in paperback, eBook, and audiobook (read by Hollie Jackson).

“[A Holy Maiden’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped features] a protagonist with a strong voice and unique character facets like face blindness and a healing gift . . . and some nice worldbuilding, both in broad strokes and specific detailing.’ — Elayne Audrey Becker, author of the Forestborn duology

‘I… absolutely fell in love with Ysabel and Kaine… The ‘opposites attract’ trope worked so well for this story… The stakes are high throughout… Great craft and storytelling!’ — April L. Wood, author of the Season of the Witch series

‘Both [Ysabel and Kaine are] strongly drawn and very relatable.’ — Bogi Takács, author of Power to Yield

Coming Soon: CRADLE OF SECRETS by Jasmine Wigham!

Posted on Friday, December 13th, 2024

Next year, Podium Entertainment are due to publish the debut gothic fantasy novel from Jasmine Wigham! CRADLE OF SECRETS, the first in a new series, will available in the UK and North America from May 6th, 2025, is print, eBook, and audiobook (read by Tim Campbell). It’s ‘a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and paranormal mystery’, and is sure to appeal to ‘fans of Bridgerton and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’.

Here’s the synopsis…

When an intrepid American with a dark past becomes a hired gun for a mysterious woman in London, he’s shocked to discover a world crawling with monsters.

Jem has lied and cheated his way out of America and into the most fashionable circles of Victorian London’s elite. He has almost everything he ever wanted: a beautiful, if gullible, tycoon’s daughter on his arm and a patron who’s willing to fund his lavish lifestyle. But none of it delivers the high he always thought it would. So when a mysterious woman called Felicity appears at a ball and asks him to demonstrate his legendary gunslinger skills, he can’t resist.

But Jem is about to realise the problem with inventing yourself an elaborate adventuring background: it doesn’t hold up very long when you’re confronted with real monsters risen from the grave.

Narrowly escaping with his life, Jem discovers Felicity isn’t all that she appears either. He tries to return to normality, but when tragedy strikes, he’s forced to seek her out at her home, Grimwood Manor, where he finds her surrounded by a motley crew of friends, none of whom seem exactly… human.

Swept up in a world of witches, werewolves, and other creatures that ought not to exist, Jem struggles to keep his dark past buried. But when a string of supernatural murders rocks the human world, he must confront his fears and join forces with his new friends to figure out who’s creating monsters out of men.

The novel is already generating some great pre-publication buzz, and recently received a great review from Kirkus Reviews: ‘High action and intricate plot twists are woven through the magical tapestry that Wigham conjures here, but the real sorcery comes from how she brings the characters and their relationships to vivid life. A spellbinding start to a promising new horror/fantasy series.’

A FIRE BORN OF EXILE Audiobook Out Tomorrow in North America!

Posted on Monday, January 8th, 2024

Tomorrow, Podium are due to publish the North American audiobook edition of Aliette de Bodard‘s latest acclaimed Xuya novel, A FIRE BORN OF EXILE! Narrated by Tuyen Do, here’s the synopsis…

The Scattered Pearls Belt is a string of habitats on the edge of a huge galactic empire—a glittering, decadent society rife with corruption.

Now, one of its victims—Quỳnh, a scholar betrayed and left for dead—has come back for her revenge under the guise of the glamorous and enigmatic Alchemist of Streams and Hills.

Quỳnh’s path intersects that of Minh—the daughter of one of her oldest enemies, who chafes at her own lack of freedom—and of Hoà, a near-destitute engineer who poses a threat to all Quỳnh’s careful plans. Quỳnh finds herself inexorably attracted to Hoà, even as her plans upend the fragile political equilibrium of the Belt.

Falling in love wasn’t part of Quỳnh’s plans. Will she be able to grasp this second chance at happiness, or will she cling to a revenge that may well consume her whole?

A poignant, heartwarming, romantic space opera about love, revenge, and the weight of the past.

Podium also publishes the audiobook of Aliette’s highly-acclaimed THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE, also set in the Xuya universe (narrated by Aoife Hinds).

A FIRE BORN OF EXILE is published in print and eBook by Gollancz (UK) and JABberwocky (North America). The UK audiobook editions are also published by Gollancz (same narrators).

A FIRE BORN OF EXILE was selected as a Tor.com Reviewers’ Choice: Best of 2023. Here are just a few of the reviews the novel has received so far…

‘… intricate and emotional standalone space opera…  de Bodard’s worldbuilding dazzles… a touching sci-fi romance that will delight fans and new readers alike.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘Incredible… This is a world of dizzying tech, gorgeous illusions and twisty political thrills — catnip for readers who enjoyed Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch trilogy or Jacqueline Koyanagi’s “Ascension.”’ — New York Times

‘[A]n elaborate tale of revenge, courtly machinations, filial relationships, and a romance… As usual in the Xuya stories, de Bodard weaves a solid adventure; this stands alone and so might be a perfect introduction to the series.’ — Booklist

‘A tense, accomplished space opera, told with de Bodard’s usual vividness and verve.’ — Locus

‘As always, Aliette’s prose is impactful, and the relationships and emotional arcs of the characters are doubly so.’ — Lynne M. Thomas, co-editor of Uncanny Magazine

THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE Audiobook Out Tomorrow in North America!

Posted on Monday, June 26th, 2023

The North American audiobook edition of Aliette de Bodard‘s critically-acclaimed and award-nominated THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE is out tomorrow! Narrated by Aoife Hinds and published by Podium Audio, here’s the synopsis…

When tech scavenger Xích Si is captured and imprisoned by the infamous pirates of the Red Banner, she expects to be tortured or killed. Instead, their leader, Rice Fish, makes Xích Si an utterly incredible proposition: an offer of marriage.

Both have their reasons for this arrangement: Xích Si needs protection; Rice Fish, a sentient spaceship, needs a technical expert to investigate the death of her first wife, the Red Scholar. That’s all there is to it.

But as the interstellar war against piracy rages on and their own investigation reaches a dire conclusion, the two of them discover that their arrangement has evolved into something much less business-focused and more personal…and tender. And maybe the best thing that’s ever happened to either of them—but only if they can find a way to survive together.
A rich space opera and an intensely soft romance from an exceptional SF author.

The print and eBook editions of THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE are published in North America by JABberwocky, and in the UK by Gollancz (who also publish the audiobook edition in the UK — also narrated by Aoife Hinds).

THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE has been shortlisted for the 2023 BSFA Award for Best Novel and the 2023 Arthur C. Clarke Award!

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

‘With a unique world, a thought-provoking plot and a fragile, achingly believable relationship forming against the odds in the midst of rampant inequality and ever-present danger, this is a perfect novel for readers wanting emotional complexity, warmth and heartache in their space opera.’ — British Fantasy Society

‘Aliette’s prose is outstanding. It is descriptive and evocative without being overwrought, it is witty and full of emotion. Every character, every scene comes to life immediately and plastically, drawing the reader into this world of space pirates, family biological and found and relationships of all sorts….I could not recommend THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE more.’ — Grimdark Magazine

‘While bringing together two such unlikely lovers seems to be one of the most common conventions of romance, de Bodard places the melodrama against the backdrop of flat-out space opera, which she excels at.’ — Locus Magazine

‘But beyond the romance, THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE also shines both when it comes to the action packed mystery of unravelling the Red Scholar’s death, and in the wider implications about piracy, freedom and emancipation which that plot entails.’ — Nerds of a Feather

‘A top-notch science fiction romance… THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE spins a thrilling yarn about pirate rivalries and epic battles, while proving a more-than-worthy addition to the canon of post-human space opera. And the romance is really, really hot. You’ll want to read this one twice: First to hold your breath as these two wives discover each other. And second to soak up all the clever ideas and lovely moment that feel totally human, even in this star-spanning context.’ — Washington Post

‘Aliette de Bodard summons the spirit of HG Wells… in some far-flung future galaxy, love blossoms between two lesbian space pirates, one human, the other a sentient ship… Soon the pair are navigating the tricky waters of mutual attraction and virtual sex but must also deal with shifting allegiances among the pirate clans and rescue Xich Si’s daughter Khanh from slavery.’ — Financial Times (Best New Science Fiction Novels, January 2023)

Aliette’s next highly-anticipated new novel is A FIRE BORN OF EXILE, due to be published by Gollancz in October.