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Audio Spotlight: The Alchemy Wars by Ian Tregillis

Posted on Friday, September 9th, 2022

Today, we wanted to highlight the audio editions of the Alchemy Wars — Ian Tregillis‘s widely acclaimed fantasy trilogy. Published by Hachette in the UK and North America, all three novels are available as audiobooks, narrated by Chris Kayser: THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING, and THE LIBERATION.

Here’s the synopsis for THE MECHANICAL…

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 print and eBook editions of the trilogy are published by Orbit Books in the UK and North America.

As already mentioned, the Alchemy Wars trilogy was met with incredible critical acclaim when each novel was published. Here is just a small sample of the reviews the series has received…

‘The first thing readers will say after finishing this splendid book is: “Wow.” The second thing will probably be: “When can I read the next one?” … This is a rousing SF/fantasy adventure, with a brilliantly imagined and beautifully rendered alternate world. Although he keeps the pace moving at a brisk clip, the author is able to work in some Big Ideas, asking us to think about what we mean when we speak about souls and free will. This isn’t Tregillis’ first venture into alternate history — the Milkweed Triptych is set during WWII and features an alternate time line — but, in terms of the quality of writing and cleverness of ideas, this new book constitutes a major leap forward.’ — Booklist (Starred Review) on THE MECHANICAL

‘… launches a series with this superb alternate history filled with clockwork men and ethical questions on the nature of free will… Tregillis’s complex setting is elegantly delivered, and the rich characters and gripping story really make this tale soar.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on THE MECHANICAL

‘An original approach to a well-known subject matter; human ethics and free will… a fascinating world… Tregillis is a capable sculptor of narrative. He rarely drags on in his descriptions, painting a complex picture of his world one section at a time. He imbues most characters with a specific internal voice, ably switching between points of view without it ever jarring. And the central character, a Clakker known as Jax, is the most engaging automaton you’ll encounter in any recent book. This opener to the Alchemy Wars trilogy delivers a mostly fresh breath of sci-fi fantasy.’ — SciFi Now on THE MECHANICAL

‘This is the kind of novel you’re reading on the bus or train and you actually resent reaching your destination because it means you have to pause your reading … One of the sharpest, most intelligent, hugely compelling works I’ve read this year, and I cannot wake to see where Tregillis takes this series next.’ — Forbidden Planet Blog on THE MECHANICAL

‘An excellent novel. Truly excellent: I have rarely found myself this gripped by a book … At the climactic points, I had to pause and walk away for moments at a time, because the intensity of the tension became nerve-wrackingly hard to bear. Tregillis has an excellent eye for characterisation, and a master’s grasp of how to build tension to a breaking point: the sheer narrative drive here, the way in which the storylines of the three point-of-view characters support and reinforce the tension in each other, is a thing of beauty. I can’t escape the feeling that it’s shaping up as a long arc tragedy – in the classic sense of tragedy – for all of its protagonists, but it is immensely well done. I’m very much on board to see what happens next. Even though it’s probably going to horrify me more.’ — Locus on THE MECHANICAL

‘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) on THE RISING

‘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 on THE RISING

‘The thoughtful, blood-soaked conclusion to an alternate-history trilogy… A frighteningly frank and brutal consideration of slavery, post-slavery, and colonialism in metallic garb.’ — Kirkus on THE LIBERATION

‘Action-packed and harrowing…’ — RT Book Reviews on THE LIBERATION

‘THE LIBERATION brings to a violent, triumphant conclusion Ian Tregillis’s epic Alchemy Wars Trilogy: one of the most entertaining, original, and thought-provoking series of recent years… It’s a wonderfully realized world, packed with fascinating characters, and Tregillis uses alternative history brilliantly to explore concerns we still have over new technologies and their potential effect, for good and ill, on our freedom.’ — Toronto Star

‘THE LIBERATION is part philosophical debate over human nature and choice, part contemplation on colonialism and slavery, and part action-y alternate history. It brings the trilogy to a raucous, blood-soaked end where no one gets everything they want, but everyone gets exactly what they deserve… evocative and exciting… Every moment builds to half a dozen more. Each action scene both tightens the noose on the protagonists and ramps up the heart rate of the plot… 10/10…’ — Tor.com

Ian’s first trilogy, the Milkweed Triptych, is also available — published by Orbit Books in the UK and Tor Books in North America: BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR, and NECESSARY EVIL. The audiobook editions are published by Audible, and narrated by Kevin Pariseau.

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.

Ian Tregillis’ Bitter Seeds is a chilling masterpiece – a tale of a twentieth century like our own and also profoundly different.

Short Fiction Watch: COME THE REVOLUTION by Ian Tregillis

Posted on Monday, October 11th, 2021

You may recall that Ian Tregillis has written a prequel novella for his Alchemy Wars trilogy: COME THE REVOLUTION. First published in the March/April 2020 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, the novella has also been included in a new anthology, THE YEAR’S TOP TALES OF SPACE AND TIME, published by Infinivox.

In an alternate 18th Century Holland, a robot whose obedience is enforced through pain is determined to escape her makers’ constraints.

Ian’s highly-acclaimed Alchemy War novels are out now, published by Orbit Books in the UK and North America: THE MECHANICAL, THE RISING, and THE LIBERATION. Here’s the synopsis 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 series has also been published in Poland, Italy, and China; and THE MECHANICAL has also been published in Hungary and Turkey.

Here are a few of the great reviews the series has received since publication…

‘The first thing readers will say after finishing this splendid book is: “Wow.” The second thing will probably be: “When can I read the next one?” … This is a rousing SF/fantasy adventure, with a brilliantly imagined and beautifully rendered alternate world. Although he keeps the pace moving at a brisk clip, the author is able to work in some Big Ideas, asking us to think about what we mean when we speak about souls and free will. This isn’t Tregillis’ first venture into alternate history — the Milkweed Triptych is set during WWII and features an alternate time line — but, in terms of the quality of writing and cleverness of ideas, this new book constitutes a major leap forward.’ — Booklist (Starred Review) on THE MECHANICAL

‘… launches a series with this superb alternate history filled with clockwork men and ethical questions on the nature of free will… Tregillis’s complex setting is elegantly delivered, and the rich characters and gripping story really make this tale soar.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on THE MECHANICAL

‘An original approach to a well-known subject matter; human ethics and free will… a fascinating world… Tregillis is a capable sculptor of narrative. He rarely drags on in his descriptions, painting a complex picture of his world one section at a time. He imbues most characters with a specific internal voice, ably switching between points of view without it ever jarring. And the central character, a Clakker known as Jax, is the most engaging automaton you’ll encounter in any recent book. This opener to the Alchemy Wars trilogy delivers a mostly fresh breath of sci-fi fantasy.’ — SciFi Now on THE MECHANICAL

‘Tregillis never fails to impress, and his writing and stories seem to be getting better with each novel. This book is truly unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and it’s my favorite work of his to date. I can’t wait to see what the next installment in The Alchemy Wars will bring.’ — BiblioSanctum on THE MECHANICAL

‘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) on THE RISING

‘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 on THE RISING

‘The thoughtful, blood-soaked conclusion to an alternate-history trilogy… A frighteningly frank and brutal consideration of slavery, post-slavery, and colonialism in metallic garb.’ — Kirkus on THE LIBERATION

‘Action-packed and harrowing…’ — RT Book Reviews on THE LIBERATION

‘THE LIBERATION brings to a violent, triumphant conclusion Ian Tregillis’s epic Alchemy Wars Trilogy: one of the most entertaining, original, and thought-provoking series of recent years… It’s a wonderfully realized world, packed with fascinating characters, and Tregillis uses alternative history brilliantly to explore concerns we still have over new technologies and their potential effect, for good and ill, on our freedom.’ — Toronto Star

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.

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.

Alchemy Wars RISING in Poland…

Posted on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017

Ian Tregillis‘s second Alchemy Wars novel, THE RISING is out today in Poland! Published by Wydawnictwo SQN as POWSTANIE, here’s the synopsis…

Odrodzony w ogniach zniszczonej Wielkiej Kuźni Jax rozpoczyna życie jako wolny klakier. Z wyzwoleniem wiąże się jednak ogromne brzemię. Jax pragnie wolności dla swoich mosiężnych braci i sióstr. Nadziei upatruje w na poły legendarnej królowej Mab i jej mitycznej arkadii ukrytej gdzieś daleko na północy kontynentu.

Berenice pełniła funkcję Talleyranda – szpiegmistrzyni, bohaterki dziesiątków opowieści, herosa ludu Nowej Francji. A potem popełniła błąd… Została wygnana z kraju i pochwycona przez drakońską sekretną policję zegarmistrzów. Choć jej dni zdają się policzone, nadal zamierza za wszelką cenę dążyć do odmienienia losów wojny.

Mosiężny Tron planuje znów najechać francuskie ziemie. Ostatnim bastionem Francuzów jest dotąd niezdobyta twierdza Zachodniej Marsylii. Właśnie tu do obrony przygotowuje się kapitan Hugo Longchamp. Zadanie ma wyjątkowo trudne, bo naprzeciw niestrudzonej armii mechanicznych żołnierzy może wystawić jedynie znękane i nieprzetestowane oddziały złożone w większości z kupców i rzemieślników. Sytuacja dawno nie była tak beznadziejna.

Wydawnictwo SQN have also published the first in the trilogy (MECHANICZNY), and are due to publish the third later this year (we’ll share cover and details as soon as we have it). In the meantime, here’s the English-language synopsis…

They called me Jax.

That was the name given by those who built me and enslaved me. But a miracle has happened, and now my bonds are broken.

Now I must flee — because a rogue mechanical is a very dangerous thing.

But I will not run forever.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams.

The Alchemy Wars trilogy is published in the UK by Orbit Books, who also published Ian’s Milkweed Triptych.

Ian Tregillis’s LA RIVOLTA out today!

Posted on Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

Ian Tregillis‘s second Alchemy Wars novel, THE RISING is out today in Italy! Published by Mondadori as LA RIVOLTA, here’s the synopsis…

Risorto dalle fiamme dopo aver distrutto la Grande Forgia, l’automa Jax può ora cominciare la sua nuova vita come un Clakker libero. Ma anche la libertà ha il suo peso. Berenice Charlotte de Mornay-Périgord, ex spia leggendaria al servizio della Nuova Francia, è stata bandita dalla patria ed è ora nelle mani della Corporazione degli Orologiai. Ma medita un piano per vendicarsi e recuperare il proprio onore… Sulle rive del San Lorenzo il capitano Hugo Longchamp si prepara a difendere Marsiglia dell’Ovest dall’attacco dell’armata meccanica. Accolta in tutto il mondo come un capolavoro di narrazione a cavallo dei generi, la trilogia “Alchemy Wars” fonde mirabilmente fantascienza, spionaggio, storia d’amore, romanzo storico e distopico dai toni steampunk, apologo filosofico sul libero arbitrio, e molto altro ancora. Il risultato è una macchina narrativa perfetta e implacabile.

Mondadori have also published THE MECHANICAL, the first novel in the series, as L’OBBLIGO; they are due to publish the final book in the trilogy this summer.

The Alchemy Wars trilogy is published in the UK by Orbit Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis for THE RISING…

They called me Jax.

That was the name given by those who built me and enslaved me. But a miracle has happened, and now my bonds are broken.

Now I must flee – because a rogue mechanical is a very dangerous thing.

But I will not run forever.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, this is the second novel in a stunning new series by Ian Tregillis, confirming his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

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

THE RISING by Ian Tregillis covered in Poland…

Posted on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017

Above you can see the stunning Polish cover for Ian Tregillis‘s THE RISING! The second novel in his Alchemy Wars series, it is due to be published in Poland as POWSTANIE, by Wydawnictwo SQN in March 2017. (We don’t have a Polish synopsis yet, but we’ll be sure to share that in the not-too-distant future.)

Wydawnictwo SQN published the first novel in the series, THE MECHANICAL, late last year as MECHANICZNY.

The Alchemy Wars series is published in the UK and US by Orbit Books. Here’s the synopsis for THE RISING…

They called me Jax.

That was the name given by those who built me and enslaved me. But a miracle has happened, and now my bonds are broken.

Now I must flee — because a rogue mechanical is a very dangerous thing.

But I will not run forever.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, this is the second novel in a stunning new series by Ian Tregillis, confirming his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

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

Zeno Authors are the Best…

Posted on Monday, December 14th, 2015

… and so appropriately, a number of our clients have landed on Best SFF of 2015 lists this year. We thought we’d take this opportunity to share some of them.

Ben Aaronovitch‘s FOXGLOVE SUMMER was selected by iTunes Germany as Best Fantasy of the year! Published by DTV in Germany as FINGERHUT-SOMMER, it’s published in the UK by Gollancz and North America by DAW Books. Here’s the synopsis…

In the fifth of his bestselling series Ben Aaronovitch takes Peter Grant out of whatever comfort zone he might have found and takes him out of London – to a small village in Herefordshire where the local police are reluctant to admit that there might be a supernatural element to the disappearance of some local children. But while you can take the London copper out of London you can’t take the London out of the copper.

Travelling west with Beverley Brook, Peter soon finds himself caught up in a deep mystery and having to tackle local cops and local gods. And what’s more all the shops are closed by 4pm…

The fourth novel in Peter V. Brett‘s best-selling Demon Cycle series, THE SKULL THRONE, has been selected by BuzzFeed as one of the best Fantasy novels of the year. The novel ‘expands and deepens his endlessly fascinating and increasingly complex world of humans beset by powerful demons who prey on them at night’. The novel was also selected by Waterstones as one of their favourite Fantasy novels of the year. Published in the UK by Voyager, here’s the synopsis…

The Skull Throne of Krasia stands empty.

Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, it is a seat of honour and ancient, powerful magic, keeping the demon corelings at bay. From atop the throne, Ahmann Jardir was meant to conquer the known world, forging its isolated peoples into a unified army to rise up and end the demon war once and for all.

But Arlen Bales, the Painted Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel he could not in honour refuse. Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast them both from a precipice, leaving the world without a saviour, and opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart.

In the south, Inevera, Jardir’s first wife, must find a way to keep their sons from killing one another and plunging their people into civil war as they strive for enough glory to make a claim on the throne.

In the north, Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn struggle to forge an alliance between the duchies of Angiers and Miln against the Krasians before it is too late.

Caught in the crossfire is the duchy of Lakton – rich and unprotected, ripe for conquest.

All the while, the corelings have been growing stronger, and without Arlen and Jardir there may be none strong enough to stop them.

Only Renna Bales may know more about the fate of the missing men, but she, too, has disappeared…

William Gibson‘s THE PERIPHERAL was selected as one of the Best Science Fiction novels of the year by Waterstones. Published in the UK by Penguin, here’s the synopsis…

Flynne Fisher lives in rural near-future America where jobs are scarce and veterans from the wars are finding it hard to recover. She scrapes a living doing some freelance online game-playing, participating in some pretty weird stuff. Wilf Netherton lives in London, seventy-some years later, on the far side of decades of slow-motion apocalypse. Things though are good for the haves, and there aren’t many have-nots left.

Flynne and Wilf are about to meet one another. Her world will be altered utterly, and Wilf’s, for all its decadence and power, will learn that some of these third-world types from the distant past can be real badass.

Ian McDonald‘s LUNA: NEW MOON was selected by Adam Roberts for the Guardian’s Best Science Fiction novels of the year: ‘Ian McDonald’s cut-throat colonised moon in Luna (Gollancz) is not the sort of place you’d want to live, but it certainly makes for a gripping narrative.’ Niall Alexander also selected LUNA among his best novels of the year, for Tor.com., and it was picked by Waterstones as one of the Best Science Fiction novels of the year. LUNA is published in the UK by Gollancz and in the US by Tor Books. Here’s the synopsis…

A corporate SF thriller and the deepest evocation yet of the terrors and rigours of life on the moon.

The Moon wants to kill you.

She has a thousand ways to do it. The bitter cold of vaccum. The lethal sheet of radiation. Choking dust as old as the Earth. Your weakening bones…

Or you could run out of money for water. Or air. Or simply run foul of one of the Five Dragons: the corporations that rule the Moon and control its vast resources. But you stay, because the moon can make you richer than you can imagine. For as long as you can stay alive…

Victor Milán‘s THE DINOSAUR LORDS was also selected by BuzzFeed as one of the best Fantasy novels of the year. Indeed, they veritably gushed: ‘High fantasy with dinosaurs. Is that enough to make you want to read it? Here, let me put it another way… EPIC BATTLES BETWEEN HEROIC KNIGHTS, AND THEY’RE ALL RIDING DINOSAURS. What’s not to like about that? It’s as crazy and fun as it sounds.’ Published in Brazil by Darkside Books as OS SENHORES DOS DINOSSAUROS, here’s the English-language synopsis…

A world made by the Eight Creators on which to play out their games of passion and power, Paradise is a sprawling, diverse, often brutal place. Men and women live on Paradise as do dogs, cats, ferrets, goats, and horses. But dinosaurs predominate: wildlife, monsters, beasts of burden – and of war. Colossal plant-eaters like Brachiosaurus; terrifying meat-eaters like Allosaurus, and the most feared of all, Tyrannosaurus rex. Giant lizards swim warm seas. Birds (some with teeth) share the sky with flying reptiles that range in size from bat-sized insectivores to majestic and deadly Dragons.

Two of Brand Sanderson‘s novels have landed on best-of lists: the fifth Mistborn novel, SHADOWS OF SELF, has been selected as one of Waterstones‘ best Fantasy books of the year, as well as one of BuzzFeed’s Best Fantasy novels of 2015 — ‘delivers more excitement, adventure, and magic in a newly industrialized world that is as richly realized as any of Sanderson’s creations.’ In addition, FIREFIGHT, the second Reckoners novel, has been picked as one of BuzzFeed’s Best Science Fiction novels of the year — ‘incredibly satisfying YA trilogy about a world ruled by insane super-villains continues to delight… lots of action and plot in a rare sequel that doesn’t suffer from a sophomore slump.’ Both novels are published in the UK by Gollancz. Here’s the synopsis for SHADOWS OF SELF…

It is more than 300 years after the events of the The Final Empire shaped Scadrial. Waxillium Ladrian has returned to the capital city of Elendel from the far flung roughs. Elendel is crisscrossed by canals and railways and towers reach for the sky but this is still a city of dangers and of magic; Allomancy and Feruchemy can still change the world. Wax faces many more adventures.

Ian Tregillis‘s THE MECHANICAL has landed on Waterstones’ Best Fantasy list, and BuzzFeed’s Best SF novels of the year, described thus: ‘as enthralling as it is imaginative.’ The novel was also selected as one of the Speculative Herald‘s best books of the year. The sequel in the Alchemy Wars series, THE RISING, was selected as one of Amazon’s Best SFF of December 2015. The novels are published by Orbit Books. Here’s the synopsis for the first novel…

A thrilling and heart-breaking tale of one individual’s struggle for freedom…

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.

Zeno represents Peter V. Brett and Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York; William Gibson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of Martha Millard at Sterling Lord Literistic; and Ian Tregillis and Victor Milan in the UK and in translation, on behalf of Kay McCauley at Aurous, Inc.

Out now: THE RISING by Ian Tregillis

Posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2015

Ian Tregillis‘s new novel, THE RISING, is published today in the UK by Orbit Books! The second novel in the Alchemy Wars series, here’s the synopsis…

They called me Jax.

That was the name given by those who built me and enslaved me. But a miracle has happened, and now my bonds are broken.

Now I must flee – because a rogue mechanical is a very dangerous thing.

But I will not run forever.

Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, this is the second novel in a stunning new series by Ian Tregillis, confirming his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

Orbit also publish in the UK the first in the series, THE MECHANICAL, and the author’s previous series, the Milkweed Triptych. Here’s just a small selection of the great reviews Ian’s novels have received…

‘Launches a series with this superb alternate history filled with clockwork men and ethical questions on the nature of free will… Tregillis’s complex setting is elegantly delivered, and the rich characters and gripping story really make this tale soar.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on THE MECHANICAL

‘An original approach to a well-known subject matter; human ethics and free will… a fascinating world… Tregillis is a capable sculptor of narrative. He rarely drags on in his descriptions, painting a complex picture of his world one section at a time. He imbues most characters with a specific internal voice, ably switching between points of view without it ever jarring… This opener to the Alchemy Wars trilogy delivers a mostly fresh breath of sci-fi fantasy.’ — SciFi Now on THE MECHANICAL

‘Truly excellent: I have rarely found myself this gripped by a book… Tregillis has an excellent eye for characterisation, and a master’s grasp of how to build tension to a breaking point: the sheer narrative drive here, the way in which the storylines of the three point-of-view characters support and reinforce the tension in each other, is a thing of beauty… I’m very much on board to see what happens next. Even though it’s probably going to horrify me more.’ — Locus on THE MECHANICAL

‘Far deeper than you might expect… Aside from the depth of characters and meanings, this book is filled with the kinds of exciting, intelligent and intense scenes that you’ll find in only the best page turners… written so damned beautifully… Tregillis writes with authority while displaying a firm understanding of the subtler things that make us human… Whether you are looking for a cool alternate history that questions the core of humanity or just a damned brilliant story with twisted powers and great action, you should check this out and be wowed. It’s one hell of a ride.’ — Fantasy Faction on BITTER SEEDS

‘Engrossing… Tregillis ably mixes cold war paranoia with his mythology, also nicely expanding characters… 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

‘Ian Tregillis triumphantly concludes his astonishing, brilliant, pulse-pounding debut trilogy… unexpected and chilling… questions of loyalty and betrayal so thorny that they need a time-travel loop to really be explored… 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 on NECESSARY EVIL

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

Cover: THE RISING by Ian Tregillis

Posted on Friday, August 7th, 2015

This week, the cover for Ian Tregillis‘s THE RISING was unveiled by Orbit Books. The second novel in the Alchemy Wars series, here is the synopsis…

The second book in the Alchemy Wars trilogy by Ian Tregillis, an epic tale of liberation and war.

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.

THE RISING is due to be published in the UK on December 3rd, 2015. It is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed THE MECHANICAL, which was published by Orbit Books in March 2015. Orbit also published Ian’s widely-praised Milkweed Triptych in the UK: BITTER SEEDS, THE COLDEST WAR and NECESSARY EVIL.