Publication Day - Zeno Agency Ltd.

Lavie Tidhar’s A MAN LIES DREAMING is Out Tomorrow in the UK!

Posted on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

Lavie Tidhar‘s latest masterpiece, A MAN LIES DREAMING, is out tomorrow! Published by Hodder Books, here’s the synopsis…

Deep in the heart of history’s most infamous concentration camp, a man lies dreaming. His name is Shomer, and before the war he was a pulp fiction author. Now, to escape the brutal reality of life in Auschwitz, Shomer spends his nights imagining another world – a world where a disgraced former dictator now known only as Wolf ekes out a miserable existence as a low-rent PI in London’s grimiest streets.

An extraordinary story of revenge and redemption, A MAN LIES DREAMING is the unforgettable testament to the power of imagination.

The novel has already been generating great praise from critics and fans alike. For example…

‘Comes crashing through the door of literature like Sam Spade with a .38 in his hand. This is a shocking book as well as a rather brilliant one… Tidhar, who cut his teeth in the world of genre SF, understands how eloquent pulp can be… [OSAMA] won the World Fantasy award. I wouldn’t be surprised to see A MAN LIES DREAMING repeat that achievement… Like Tarantino, Tidhar may find that some people don’t take him seriously. But the joke’s on them. Seriousness is the least of it: A MAN LIES DREAMING is a twisted masterpiece.’ — Guardian

‘Theodor Adorno said that to write poetry after Auschwitz was barbaric. To which I would say, yes, but you can still write an excellent novel. A MAN LIES DREAMING is that novel.’ — Philip Kerr

‘There have been many alternate histories with a crime setting before but this new novel by a young Israeli author writing in English is one of the most challenging and rewarding… obeys all the rules of pulp writing in a noir and atmospheric tradition, full of violence, wit and irony… A fascinating walk along a literary tightrope that never rings a wrong note, this is outstanding and moving stuff, whether you are seeking crime, SF or just a great novel!’ — Love Reading

Lavie is the author of the World Fantasy Award-winning OSAMA (Solaris), the critically-acclaimed THE VIOLENT CENTURY (Hodder UK/Thomas Dunne US), The Bookman Histories (Angry Robot Books), and a growing number of short stories and novellas. Check back tomorrow for an extra bit of Tidhar News!

UK Publication Day: TROPIC OF SERPENTS by Marie Brennan

Posted on Friday, June 20th, 2014

The highly anticipated sequel to Marie Brennan‘s first Memoir by Lady Trent is out today in the UK! THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS is published in the UK by Titan Books. Here’s the synopsis…

Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, in which she lost her husband, the widowed Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the savage, war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics.

The expedition is not an easy one. Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other hazards in order to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian, even if it means venturing deep into the forbidden jungle known as the Green Hell – where her courage, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity will be tested as never before.

Here’s some the praise the book has received…

‘Uncompromisingly honest and forthright as the first, narrated in Brennan’s usual crisp, vivid style, with a heroine at once admirable, formidable and captivating. Reader, lose no time in making Isabella’s acquaintance.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review)

‘A rollicking adventure in which women wearing unnerving amounts of underwear tromp through jungles on dragon-hunting safaris. Really, that should be more than enough for just about everyone.’ — New York Times

‘THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS is in part a fantasy travelogue, a guided tour of a world aslant from our own. It is also, in its way, a very science-fictional fantasy novel: it is in love with the idea of discovery, of knowing the world, of knowledge for the sake of knowledge… a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it without hesitation.’ — Tor.com

‘Brennan’s follow up A NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS is every bit as exciting and engrossing as the first part of Lady Trent’s memoir… Isabella’s strength and bravery in the name of scientific advancement… is beyond admirable–she’s a model protagonist.’ — RT Book Reviews

‘THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS: A Memoir By Lady Trent brings dragons into the Victorian world, and flawlessly so… [it] gives fantasy readers another good reason to enter Brennan’s fantastical world.’ — Washington Post

The Memoirs by Lady Trent series includes A NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS, THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS, and THE VOYAGE OF THE BASILISK (expected 2015). Two further, as-yet-untitled volumes are also planned. The series is published by Titan in the UK, and Tor Books in the US.

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

Publication Day – Elizabeth Moon’s CROWN OF RENEWAL

Posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

The final novel in Elizabeth Moon‘s epic fantasy series, Paladin’s Legacy, is out today! CROWN OF RENEWAL is published in the UK by Orbit Books.

Here’s the synopsis…

Eight kingdoms in danger, an enemy that cannot die…

Count Jeddrin has received a grisly message. His son, Filis, is dead, brutally killed by Alured the Black – the first move in his plan to take the eight kingdoms.

But Filis managed to send his own message, telling of the dark forces that control Alured, warning of something more than human behind the man’s eyes…

Meanwhile, Dorrin Verrakai, last of a long line of magelords, must forever leave the home she loves in order to protect powerful magic relics created by her ancestors. For their power is desired both by Alured, and by the dark elves infesting the kingdoms. Searching for answers, her friend and King, Kieri, considers waking the magelords from their ancient slumber…

Some reviews for the Paladin’s Legacy so far…

‘This is a must-read for fans of Moon’s Paksenarrion stories from 20 years ago. There’s a brief synopsis of the tale to date, just enough to refresh the memory, but thanks to a skillful, subtle weaving of backstory, newcomers won’t be left out. Moon was a good storyteller 20 years ago. Now she is excellent, and this is a thoroughly entertaining read.’ — RT Book Reviews on OATH OF FEALTY

‘There’s action a-plenty, but this series most appeals to readers who enjoy their fantasy more thoughtful and intellectual.’ — Publishers Weekly on KINGS OF THE NORTH

‘… some rousing action and intriguing plot twists… Readers hungry for more dragons, elves, mages and gnomes will find exactly what they’re looking for.’ — Kirkus on ECHOES OF BETRAYAL

‘Moon’s fourth fantasy novel set in the Eight Kingdoms… is thoughtful and deeply character driven, full of personal crises as heartbreaking and hopeful as any dramatic invasion… There are plots within plots, but the complex story is never confusing. Fantasy fans will be delighted by this impressive foray.’ — Publishers Weekly on LIMITS OF POWER

The Paladin’s Legacy series is part of Moon’s larger Paksennarion fantasy world, and also includes: LIMITS OF POWER, KINGS OF THE NORTH, ECHOES OF BETRAYAL.

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

Publication Day – Randall Garrett’s LORD DARCY

Posted on Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Randall Garrett‘s LORD DARCY – a collection of short stories and the novel TOO MANY MAGICIANS – is published today! The book is published by Gollancz, as part of the Fantasy Masterworks series.

Here is the synopsis…

In a world where the Plantagenets never fell, Lord Darcy is Chief Investigator for the Duke of Normandy…

Welcome to a world where the Plantagenet kings survived, the laws of magic were discovered and the physical sciences never pursued. In the resulting Anglo-French Empire, a detective like Lord Darcy needs more than a keen mind and an observant eye. Luckily, Darcy can call on the aid of Master Sean O’Lochlainn, forensic sorcerer.

Here’s just a small selection of praise for Garrett’s Lord Darcy fiction…

‘I cannot count the number of times I have read TOO MANY MAGICIANS — each time with the same pleasure.’ — Andre Norton

‘Maddeningly intricate, well reasoned and great fun. his world was as utterly real as his characters, and his mysteries were of the first caliber.’ — Simon R. Green

‘… great fun for fans of mystery and SF alike.’ — SF Chronicle

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

Publication Day – Brandon Sanderson’s WORDS OF RADIANCE

Posted on Thursday, March 6th, 2014

Today sees the UK publication of Brandon Sanderson‘s highly anticipated WORDS OF RADIANCE, the second novel in his Stormlight Archive epic fantasy series. Brandon is the bestselling author who completed Robert Jordan’s epic Wheel of Time series, and also the Mistborn saga (currently four novels, with more on the way!). The second book in the Stormlight Archive exhibits Brandon’s gift for epic storytelling, wonderous magic systems, and sheer addictive writing.

Here is the synopsis for WORDS OF RADIANCE…

The Knights Radiant must stand again.

The ancient oaths have at last been spoken; the spren return. Men seek that which was lost. I fear the struggle will destroy them.

It is the nature of the magic. A broken soul has cracks into which something else can be fit. Surgebindings, the powers of creation themselves. They can brace a broken soul; but they can also widen its fissures.

The Windrunner, lost in a shattered land, balanced upon the boundary between vengeance and honor. The Lightweaver, slowly being consumed by her past, searching for the lie that she must become. The Bondsmith, born in blood and death, striving to rebuild what was destroyed. The Explorer, straddling the fates of two peoples, forced to choose between slow death and a terrible betrayal of all she believes.

It is past time for them to awaken, for the Everstorm looms.

And the Assassin has arrived.

A couple of advance, non-spoilery reviews have managed to find their way online (it’s so huge, it’s not surprising there haven’t been more). Here are some choice quotes…

‘Does Book 2 live up to the expectations? My answer is a resounding, “Yes!”’ — Tor.com (1)

‘… worth the wait… WORDS OF RADIANCE is excellent, which was a tremendous relief to me. Love or hate this book, I was wedded to it long before I read it, and I’m fortunate to say that I continue to love it. So to you, lucky reader, who have the choice of whether or not to buy this book, I give this advice. Sanderson’s experiment is working, and he gets better with every book. The journey will be worth it. Yes, you should buy this book. Yes, this is a series worth following to the end. I’m so glad to be taking this journey, and I hope you will as well.’ — Tor.com (2)

‘WORDS OF RADIANCE is truly an achievement. It expands on its predecessor, fulfilling the promises it sets up, and manages to surpass it. There is no question about it: this is my favorite Brandon Sanderson novel. When I read THE WAY OF KINGS, I had thought that while it was (at the time) Brandon’s best written novel, it wasn’t my favorite, but that The Stormlight Archive series absolutely had the potential to be Brandon’s best series. Well, that was entirely right. There’s no doubt about it. If you adored THE WAY OF KINGS, you will be blown away by WORDS OF RADIANCE. Even if book one didn’t thrill you, however, I can’t see how you won’t be enthralled by this volume. It really is that good. You’ll be sold on the entire series with this.’ — 17th Shard

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

Publication Day – E.J. Swift’s CATAVEIRO

Posted on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

The wait is finally over! E.J. Swift‘s CATAVEIRO, the sequel to her critically-acclaimed debut, OSIRIS, is published today by Del Rey UK! The novel is due to be published sometime later this year by Night Shade Books. Here is the synopsis…

An intense, politically engaged dystopian thriller.

A shipwreck.

And one lone survivor.

For political exile Taeo Ybanez, this could be his ticket home. Relations between the Antarcticans and the Patagonians are worse than ever, and to be caught on the wrong side could prove deadly.

For pilot and cartographer Romana Callejas, the presence of the mysterious stranger is one more thing in the way of her saving her mother from a deadly disease.

All roads lead to Cataveiro, the city of fate and fortune, where their destinies will become intertwined and their futures cemented for ever…

OSIRIS was a critical success when it was first released in the US in 2012 and the UK in 2013. Here’s just a fraction of the praise that has been lavished on Swift’s novel and writing…

‘Marvelously well done. A glittering first novel: a kind of flooded Gormenghast treated with the alienated polish of DeLillo’s Cosmopolis. The result is a gripping novel, beautiful, politically engaged and wholly accomplished. Swift is a ridiculously talented writer… the fact that it’s her first novel is belied by how accomplished and well-written it is.’ — Adam Roberts

‘At a time when writing the far future novels is harder and harder Swift does it with style, brains and heart. OSIRIS is a fine mix of mystery and apocalyptic intrigue on a human scale.’ — Richard Kadrey (author of Sandman Slim)

‘With a plot as slick and tangled as drifted seaweed and phrases like ‘an empty foyer that smelled of decomposing ideas,’ this is a terrific debut. Grade A‘ — Cleveland Plain Dealer

‘Swift’s first novel, with its brilliant near-future vision of an ecologically and socially devastated world and characters who resonate with life and passion, marks her as an author to watch.’ — Library Journal

‘… Swift’s writing is exceptional, vivid and compelling… I found OSIRIS to be a novel that deserves to be read. Swift’s talent as a writer can’t be questioned, and it’s clear to me that there exists an intent behind her work. It lends a depth that helped me persevere, not only to finish, but to anticipate the sequel. I’m hopeful that other patient readers will take the time to find the beauty in it that I ultimately did.’ — Staffer’s Book Review