Tag: Roger Zelazny

New French Edition of DEUS IRAE Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022

A new French edition of DEUS IRAE is out today! The novel, co-authored by Roger Zelazny and Philip K. Dick, is published in France by Folio SF. Here’s the synopsis…

Après l’holocauste qui a mis fin à la Troisième Guerre mondiale, les rares survivants devenus méconnaissables à force de mutations sont l’enjeu d’une lutte sans merci entre deux Églises : celle du Bien et celle du Mal, qui vénère Deus irae, le Dieu de la Colère, celui qui a lâché sur le monde l’horreur atomique.

Chargé de réaliser un portrait de cette funeste divinité pour ranimer la foi de ses fidèles, Tibor McMasters, un peintre sans bras ni jambes, part à sa recherche à travers une Terre dévastée, en proie aux stigmates d’un monde devenu fou. Un monde où se dissipe la frontière entre l’humain et le divin…

First published in 1976, here’s the English-language synopsis…

After World War III, the Servants of Wrath cult deified the mysterious Carlton Lufteufel, creator of the doomsday weapon that wiped out much of humanity. But to worship the man, they need an image of him as a god, and no one has ever seen him. So the high priests send a limbless master painter named Tibor McMasters into the wilderness on a mission to find Lufteufel and capture his likeness. Unfortunately for Tibor, the nation’s remaining Christians do not want him to succeed and are willing to kill to ensure that the so-called Deus Irae remains hidden.

This hallucinatory tale through a nuclear wasteland asks what price the artist must pay for art and tries to figure out just what makes a god.

DEUS IRAE is also available in Poland (Rebis) and Russia (Эксмо).

Roger Zelazny’s DOORWAYS IN THE SAND Out Now in Estonia

Posted on Monday, January 3rd, 2022

DOORWAYS IN THE SAND by Roger Zelazny is now available in Estonia! Published as UKSED LÍÍVAS by Kirjastus Fantaasia, here’s the synopsis…

Roger Zelazny „Uksed liivas“ on selle armastatud ulmekirjaniku üks eksperimentaalsemaid romaane, talle omases äärmiselt napis ja lihvitud stiilis edasi antud akadeemilises keskkonnas algav ning hullumeelses tempos arenev lugu, kus ükski tegelene pole see, kellena alguses paistab. Romaani kirjutamisaega, 1970ndaid aastaid meenutavate käitumisnormidega tulevikumaailmas on planeet Maa vastu võetud galaktilisse konföderatsiooni, mille käigus on vahetatud erinevaid kultuurilise väärtusega sümbolesemeid, nii näiteks on Maa ära andnud Mona Lisa ja Briti kroonijuveelid. Kui erinevad jõud hakkavad kahtlustama, et eluaegse üliõpilase Fred Cassidy valduses on maavälist päritolu artefakt Tähekivi, millest ta midagi ei tea, otsustab ta selle ise üles otsida, muutudes tulnukate ja teiste asjast huvitatud grupeeringute tagaajamisobjektiks.

Romaan ilmus esmakordselt järjeloona USA juhtivas ulmeajakirjas Analog 1975. aastal ning jõudis Hugo ja Nebula auhinna nominentide sekka. Teosest leiab viiteid Lewis Carrolli „Alice Imedemaal“ lugudele ja „Snargijahile“ ning see tekst demonstreerib ilmekalt, miks on Roger Zelazny’t nimetatud ameerika ulme suurimaks proosapoeediks.

DOORWAYS IN THE SAND, first published in 1976, is available in the UK via Farrago Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

The most playful – and arguably most accessible – novel by the master of inventive science fiction. 

Humanity is not alone in the cosmos. The aliens have given a precious relic to the people of Earth: star-stone. But the harmony of the galaxy is endangered when they discover that the star-stone has disappeared.

Likeable Fred Cassidy is an eternal undergraduate. All he thinks he knows about the star-stone is that it came to Earth in an interplanetary trade for the Mona Lisa and the British Crown jewels.

When Fred is accused of stealing the cosmic artefact, he is pursued from Australia to Greenwich Village and beyond, by telepathic psychologists, extra-terrestrial hoodlums and galactic police in disguise. Follow him on his adventures as he enters multiple realities, flipping in and out of alien perspectives, through doorways in the sand.

‘Ingenious.’ — New York Times

‘One of the highest tributes I have ever heard paid to a writer lies in the words of a young lady who said, ‘I knew, halfway through the second paragraph, that I was in good hands.’ Science fiction has produced many such hands, and I genuinely envy those who encounter Roger Zelazny.’ — Theodore Sturgeon, New York Times Book Review

‘That rarest of creatures in science fiction, the original character, emerges in Roger Zelazny’s DOORWAYS IN THE SAND.’ — Chicago Daily News

More CHRONICLES OF AMBER Available in Romania!

Posted on Monday, December 20th, 2021

Great news for Romanian fans of Roger Zelazny: Editura Paladin has published a third volume in the Chronicles of Amber series, translated by Bogdan Perdivară: ATUURILE OSÂNDEI! Here’s the synopsis…

Doar un neghiob ar crede că viața are un singur sens.

Merlin nu reușește să stea mult timp departe de tărâmul magic al Amberului. Incidentele din ultimii ani de pe umbra Pământ, toate petrecute în ziua de 30 aprilie, nu mai par a fi simple coincidențe, ci tentative reale de omor. Atunci când fosta lui iubită este ucisă de o fiară neobișnuită și în cale îi apar persoane misterioase care îi cunosc adevărata identitate, fiul lui Corwin decide să se întoarcă în Amber, unde descoperă că familia regală se confruntă cu un dușman pornit să-i distrugă pe urmașii lui Oberon.

Viața e plină de uși care nu se deschid când bați, cam la fel de multe ca acelea care se deschid fără să fi bătut.

The collection includes TRUMPS OF DOOM, BLOOD OF AMBER, and SIGN OF CHAOS (books 6-8). Here’s the English-language synopsis for TRUMPS OF DOOM…

Merlin knows that someone is going to try and kill him. He knows this because it’s April 30th and someone tries to kill him every April 30th. He has no idea who wants to kill him, why they want to kill him, or why they only try to kill him once a year. But this year he intends to find out and put a stop to it. 

Little does Merlin know that he is about to launch himself into an adventure full of danger, intrigue, royal politics, magic, and deceit that will take him across the multiverse and back. There is far more afoot that Merlin can imagine… and thus continues one of the greatest series ever written.

This is the third collection available in Romania, following NOUĂ PRINȚI DIN AMBER (1-3) and MÂNA LUI OBERON (4-5). In case you’ve missed the first two collections, Paladin is also offering the three volumes as a bundle.

New ROADMARKS Audiobook Out Tomorrow in North America!

Posted on Thursday, November 18th, 2021

A new North American audiobook edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ROADMARKS is out tomorrow! To be published by Recorded Books, it is narrated by Matt Godfrey. Here’s the synopsis…

The Road runs from the unimaginable past to the far future, and those who travel it have access to the turnoffs leading to all times and places – even to the alternate time-streams of histories that never happened. Why the Dragons of Bel’kwinith made the Road — or who they are — no one knows. But the Road has always been there and for those who know how to find it, it always will be!

Dizzying in its virtuosity, gripping in its kaleidoscopic treatment of time, character, and action, Roadmarks is a dazzling achievement.

Below are a couple of photos from Godfrey’s recording session. If you’d like to watch a brief excerpt-clip, you can do so here.

A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER: Perfect for Halloween!

Posted on Friday, October 29th, 2021

The spooky season is upon us! With Halloween on Sunday, we thought it would be a great opportunity to remind you all that Roger Zelazny‘s acclaimed A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER could serve as a perfect read for this weekend! Published in the UK by Farrago Books, and widely in translation, here’s the English-language synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

Here is a selection of the various other editions the novel is available in…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’ — Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’ — George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — Science Fiction Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly

New ROADMARKS Audiobook on the way!

Posted on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021

We’re very happy to report that there is a new North American audiobook edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ROADMARKS on the way! Due to be published on November 19th by Recorded Books, it is narrated by Matt Godfrey. Here’s the synopsis…

The Road runs from the unimaginable past to the far future, and those who travel it have access to the turnoffs leading to all times and places – even to the alternate time-streams of histories that never happened. Why the Dragons of Bel’kwinith made the Road — or who they are — no one knows. But the Road has always been there and for those who know how to find it, it always will be!

Dizzying in its virtuosity, gripping in its kaleidoscopic treatment of time, character, and action, Roadmarks is a dazzling achievement.

And, as a bonus, here’s an excerpt, in the form of a clip of Godfrey recording…

Two New Chronicles of Amber Czech Audiobook Editions Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021

We’re very happy to report that Walker & Volf have published two more audiobook editions of Roger Zelazny‘s Chronicles of Amber! Specifically, the fourth and fifth volumes in the classic fantasy series, both of which are narrated by Luboš Ondráček.

First up, the fourth volume in the series, THE HAND OF OBERON is available as PAŽE OBERONOVA (cover above)…

Ve čtvrtém díle ságy Tajemný Amber princ Corwin pátrá po tom, kdo z Ambeřanů otevřel cestu zrůdám Chaosu. Byl to snad zmizelý Oberon? Brand, který podle všeho měl být dávno mrtev? Fiona, která vládne silami, o kterých ostatní nemají ani potuchy? Někdo úplně jiný? Corwin neví, ale musí jednat. Na Amberu se totiž začínají dít hrůzyplné věci. Vstupte s námi do napínavého a složitého světa Stínů!

Originally published in 1976, here’s the English-language synopsis…

Across the mysterious Black Road, demons swarm into Shadow. The ancient, secret source of the royal family’s power is revealed, & an unholy pact between a prince of the realm & the forces of Chaos threaten all the known worlds with absolute obliteration. The hour of battle is at hand.

Now Corwin and the remaining princes of Amber must call upon all their superhuman powers to defeat their brother-turned-traitor before he can walk the magical Pattern that created Amber and remake the universe in his own image.

The fifth volume in the series, THE COURTS OF CHAOS (1978), is published in Czechia as DVORY CHAOSU. It is the final volume in the first part of the series, the Corwin Cycle. Here’s the Czech synopsis…

Americký spisovatel, držitel literárních cen Hugo, Nebula a Locus, Roger Zelazny dovedl šlechtice Corwina na závěr jeho spletité a krvavé poutě.

Pátým dílem fantasy ságy Tajemný svět Amberu se uzavírají proslulé „Corwinovy kroniky“.

Vstupte s námi naposled do Amberu a vydejte se s jeho hrdinou do rozhodující bitvy!

Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Amber, the one real world of which all others – including our own Earth – are but Shadows…

For untold millennia, the cosmic Pattern sustained order in Amber and all the known worlds. But now the forces of Chaos have succeeded in disrupting the Pattern, unleashing destructive forces beyond measure… forces meant to reshape the universe.

To save Amber, Corwin, prince of the blood, champion of the perfect realm, must undertake the most perilous journey of his life. A journey that will take him through all the terrors of Shadows to the enemy’s last stonghold. A journey beyond the very edge of existence… to the Courts of Chaos.

Walker & Volf have also published the first three novels in the series: DEVĚT PRINCŮ AMBERU (NINE PRINCES IN AMBER), PUŠKY AVALONU (THE GUNS OF AVALON), and ZNAMENÍ JEDNOROŽE (SIGN OF THE UNICORN) — all narrated by Luboš Ondráček.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny in translation, on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.

New Illustrated Edition of Zelazny’s Ночь в тоскливом октябре Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021

We’re very happy to report that Эксмо has released a new, illustrated edition of Roger Zelazny‘s classic novel A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER! With interior artwork by ViaEstelar, this special edition is out just in time for Halloween! Here’s the synopsis for Ночь в тоскливом октябре…

Добро пожаловать в Лондон конца XIX века! Под покровом тумана этого промозглого октября сойдутся в Великой Игре известнейшие персоны своего времени, а также их питомцы-помощники. Великий сыщик, граф, пробуждающийся по ночам, таинственный учёный и его создание – игроки не афишируют своих имён, но вы наверняка узнаете их без труда. А наградой победителю станет возможность изменить весь существующий мир…

Уникальное иллюстрированное издание знаменитого романа-трибьюта классикам фантастики и мистики, где образы Грандмастера фэнтези Роджера Желязны оживают в великолепном исполнении художницы ViaEstelar.

First published in 1993, the novel is now available in the UK via Farrago Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff — gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches — so let the Game begin.

Here, too, are just some of the great reviews the novel has received…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’ — Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’ — George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — SF Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly

New Russian Edition of Roger Zelazny’s THE COURTS OF CHAOS Out Now!

Posted on Monday, September 13th, 2021

There’s a new Russian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s THE COURTS OF CHAOS! The fifth novel in the classic, beloved Chronicles of Amber series, it has been translated by Pchelintsev Mikhail Alekseevich. It’s published in Russia by Эксмо as Владения Хаоса. Here’s the synopsis…

Амбер вновь на краю гибели! Хаос наступает, и кажется, некому его остановить… Пускай король Оберон снова заполучил свой великий артефакт, Камень Правосудия, даже ему будет нелегко восстановить Лабиринт Амбера, а в случае его неудачи весь их мир погибнет. Перед мятежным принцем Корвином встает последний, нелегкий выбор… Заключительная книга Пятикнижия Корвина культового цикла “Хроники Амбера”!

Амбер вновь на краю гибели! Хаос наступает, и, кажется, некому его остановить… Пускай король Оберон снова заполучил свой великий артефакт, Камень Правосудия, даже ему будет нелегко восстановить Лабиринт Амбера, а в случае его неудачи весь их мир погибнет. Перед мятежным принцем Корвином встает последний, нелегкий выбор… Заключительная книга «Пятикнижия Корвина» культового цикла «Хроники Амбера»! Переиздание классического фэнтези в удобном формате и стильном оформлении! Заключительный роман культового цикла «Хроники Амбера» от признанного мастера американской фантастики Роджера Желязны, лауреата главных жанровых премий («Хьюго», «Небьюла» и др.). Продолжение приключений девяти принцев в борьбе за престол Амбера.

Эксмо has published all ten of the Chronicles of Amber novels, and the first four are also available in the Эксклюзивная фантастика (Exclusive Fantasy) series.

THE COURTS OF CHAOS was first published in 1978, and was nominated for the Locus Award for Best SF Novel. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Amber, the one real world of which all others — including our own Earth — are but Shadows…

For untold millennia, the cosmic Pattern sustained order in Amber and all the known worlds. But now the forces of Chaos have succeeded in disrupting the Pattern, unleashing destructive forces beyond measure… forces meant to reshape the universe.

To save Amber, Corwin, prince of the blood, champion of the perfect realm, must undertake the most perilous journey of his life. A journey that will take him through all the terrors of Shadows to the enemy’s last stonghold. A journey beyond the very edge of existence… to the Courts of Chaos.

Zeno represents Roger Zelazny on behalf of the Zelazny Estate.

Roger Zelazny’s DOPPIA DIMENSIONE out now!

Posted on Thursday, August 19th, 2021

Urania has published a new omnibus containing two of Roger Zelazny‘s novellas! DOPPIA DIMENSIONE includes translated editions of HOME IS THE HANGMAN (1976) and HE WHO SHAPES (1965). Here’s the synopsis…

Due romanzi brevi vincitori del premio Nebula, per attraversare le dimensioni visionarie di uno dei maestri della science fiction internazionale.

IL BOIA TORNA A CASA (HOME IS THE HANGMAN, 1976) Zelazny indaga ciò che è buono e ciò che è cattivo: in un mondo in cui gli archivi informatici sono unificati, un programmatore ha l’occasione di far completamente sparire la propria esistenza. Per poi assumere gli incarichi che nessun altro vuole…

IL CREATORE DI SOGNI (HE WHO SHAPES, 1965) Il dottor Charles Render usa una macchina per entrare nei sogni dei pazienti, alterandoli e modellandoli per curare traumi, abbattere barriere e migliorare lo stato mentale. Ma come sta davvero il dottor Render, che ha in mano la salute mentale di altre persone? Zelazny gioca con Jung e Freud per un’esemplare rappresentazione del carattere umano.

Here are the English-language synopses for the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning HOME IS THE HANGMAN…

HOME IS THE HANGMAN shows Zelazny at his very best grappling with questions of what is good and evil, what makes something truly alive. HOME IS THE HANGMAN is part of a series of novellas where the premise is that when the world databases are unified, a programmer takes the opportunity to completely erase his existence. He pursues a career as a trouble-shooter, taking on those assignments no one else will do.

The Nebula Award-winning HE WHO SHAPES was later expanded into the novel, THE DREAM MASTER.

Roger Zelazny’s DAMNATION ALLEY Gets a New Ukrainian Edition!

Posted on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

We’re happy to report that Roger Zelazny‘s DAMNATION ALLEY has a new Ukrainian edition! Published by Богдан as Проклін-зона, it was translated by Denys Dömin (Денис Дьомін), and is out now! Here’s the synopsis…

Страшенна хвороба загрожує зменшити людство наполовину… Точніше, не людство, а те, що від нього лишилось, — по ядерному армагедоні. Ліки, що можуть зарадити мору, потрібні «на вчора», ще й дуже далеко, але це героїчне завдання волею долі дісталося байкеру-соціопату.

Чи зможе, чи схоче він подолати заради чужого добра жахи Проклін-зони, що накрила прокляттям увесь континент? Як змінить його ця мандрівка?

Славетний фантаст розповів нам про це в динамічному бойовику «на колесах» і не без моралі, вплив якого помітний і в пізніших творах про постядерний світ. Колоритні мутанти, мобільні бандити, химерні броньовані транспортні засоби і божевільні стихії — класика жанру!

DAMNATION ALLEY was first published as a novella in 1967 (which was a Hugo Award finalist), and was expanded into a novel-length form in 1969. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Hell Tanner isn’t the sort of guy you’d mistake for a hero: he’s a fast-driving car thief, a smuggler, and a stone-cold killer.

Facing life in prison for his various crimes, he’s given a choice: Rot away his remaining years in a tiny jail cell, or drive cross-country & deliver a case of antiserum to the plague-ridden people of Boston, Mass.

The chance of a full pardon does wonders for getting his attention. And don’t mistake this mission of mercy for any kind of normal road trip — not when there are radioactive storms, hordes of carnivorous beasts, and giant, mutated scorpions to be found along every deadly mile between LA and the East Coast. But then, this is no normal part of America, you see.

This is Damnation Alley.

ICYMI: Roger Zelazny’s DILVISH, THE DAMNED is Available in Czechia!

Posted on Monday, June 28th, 2021

We just wanted to take this opportunity to share that one of Roger Zelazny‘s classic novels, DILVISH, THE DAMNED, has been re-issued in Czechia! Published by Straky na vrbě, as PROKLETÝ DILVISH, here’s the synopsis…

Na svém jak půlnoc černém oři se Proklatec Dilvish žene fantaskní krajinou.

Hledá pomstu a nalézají jej potíže všelikého zrna.

Nechce ublížit nikomu vyjma černého mága, jehož jméno není radno vyslovit: A přece se zaplétá do potyček, které nejsou jeho bojem, a svým ostřím si klestí cestu vpřed.

Příběhy rychlé jako Black s dialogy břitkými jak hrdinova čepel!

Klasická fantasy okořeněná humorem i téměř keltským smutkem.

DILVISH, THE DAMNED was first published in 1982. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Escaping from Hell was only the beginning for Dilvish and Black, his demonic metal horse. Finding Jerelak, the evil sorcerer who sent him to two hundred years of torture, was the only thing that interested him. But Fate had other plans.

The armies of Colonel Lylish attacked his homeland, and only Black could carry Dilvish through the enemy lines to warn the king. The city of Dilfar was under siege, and only Dilvish, descendant of Selar, could raise the ghostly legions of Shorendan and bring them to its aid.

Then a damsel in distress cried out for his help – but really wanted his blood! Twin sorcerers needed him as a pawn in a deadly game for power. An ancient forgotten goddess tried and failed to stop his quest for vengeance, while a werewolf almost succeeded.

Then, when Dilvish finally climbed to Jerelak’s stronghold in the tower of ice, he found nothing but greater perils separating him from his ancient enemy.

Straky na vrbě has published a few of Zelazny’s novels in Czechia — more details can be found here.

ICYMI: Zelazny’s A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER is Available in Japan

Posted on Friday, May 21st, 2021

In case you missed it, Roger Zelazny‘s acclaimed, fan-favourite novel A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER is available in a Japanese edition. Published by 竹書房 (Takeshobo) as 虚ろなる十月の夜に, here’s the synopsis…

切り裂き魔(ジャック)に吸血鬼(ドラキュラ)、名探偵(ホームズ)
いずれ劣らぬ曲者たちが旧き神々(クトゥルー)に対峙する――

十月の終わりの万聖節前夜（ハロウィーン）に、そのゲームは行われる。 《閉じる者（クローザー）》と《開く者（オープナー）》、旧き神々を崇拝する者たちとそれを阻止せんとする者たちの、 世界の変革と保持を巡る戦い──《大いなる儀式》が。
御主人（マスター）切り裂きジャックと使い魔である犬のスナッフもまた、《大いなる儀式》の参加者である。彼らが来た村には、ドラキュラ伯爵、フランケンシュタイン博士らの姿があり、使い魔たちは儀式へ向け情報を集めている。スナッフは魔女ジルの使い魔である猫のグレイモークと頻繁に情報を交換するが、果たして彼女たちが味方なのかすらもわからないのだ。そして儀式の日が迫る中、参加者たちの周りに名探偵シャーロック・ホームズの影が見え隠れする──。
著名なキャラクターたちとクトゥルー神話を融合させ、ネビュラ賞候補作ともなった、奇想横溢のゼラズニイ最後の長篇。

A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER is published in the UK by Farrago Books. Described by Neil Gaiman as ‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books’, here’s the English-language synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

The novel has also been translated widely; with recent new editions in Italy, Russia, Italy, and Ukraine.

Roger Zelazny’s LORD OF LIGHT out now in Lithuania!

Posted on Monday, May 10th, 2021

Roger Zelazny‘s classic novel LORD OF LIGHT is now available in Lithuania! Published by Leidybos Studija’s Eridanas imprint, and translated by Danguolė Žalytė, here’s the synopsis for ŠVIESOS VALDOVAS…

Žemės seniai nebėra. Kolonizuotoje planetoje grupė naujakurių užgrobė technologijas, tapo nemirtingi ir dabar valdo pasaulį kaip hinduizmo dievai. Priešintis išdrįsta tik vienas, tas, kuris kadaise buvo Sidhartha, o dabar Mahasamatmanas, Demonų Apkalėjas. Šviesos Valdovas.

Šiek tiek plačiau: 

Norėdami išgyventi naujame priešiškame pasaulyje, kolonistai pasitelkę biotechnologijas, elektroniką, kitus mokslo pasiekimus, mutavo savo smegenis, tobulino kūną, naudojo pažangiausias technologijas ir kiekvienas susikūrė įvaizdį – dieviškąjį pavidalą, kuris „sustiprino kūną, užgrūdino valią ir suteikė troškimų galią atributams, o šie stebuklingai ištikdavo tuos, į kuriuos būdavo atkreipiami“.

Jie išrado būdą perkelti žmogaus atmaną, arba sielą ir protą, į naują kūną. Reinkarnacija sukūrė nemirtingųjų rasę – buvę erdvėlaivio įgulos nariai įvedė kastinę hinduizmo sistemą, hinduizmą kaip oficialią religiją ir vietiniams gyventojams – nesuskaičiuojamiems savo pačių palikuoniams oficialiai tapo dievais.

Pagrindinis veikėjas Samas, išsiugdęs atributą valdyti elektromagnetines jėgas, atsisako dievystės ir tampa maištininku ir paskutiniu akceleratu: jis mano, kad žmonės turi teisę į technologijas, o reinkarnacijos neturi kontroliuoti elitas. Jo maištas prieš dievus trunka daugelį metų.

First published in 1967, LORD OF LIGHT won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, and was also nominated for the Nebula Award. George R.R. Martin has said it is one of the five best science fiction novels ever written. It is available in the UK as part of the SF Masterworks series, published by Gollancz. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Imagine a distant world where gods walk as men, but wield vast and hidden powers. Here they have made the stage on which they build a subtle pattern of alliance, love, and deadly enmity. Are they truly immortal? Who are these gods who rule the destiny of a teeming world?

Their names include Brahma, Kali, Krishna and also he who was called Buddha, the Lord of Light, but who now prefers to be known simply as Sam. The gradual unfolding of the story – how the colonization of another planet became a re-enactment of Eastern mythology — is one of the great imaginative feats of modern science fiction.

LORD OF LIGHT has also been published in Germany, Russia, China, Turkey, Ukraine and Poland.

New Russian Edition of Roger Zelazny & Philip K. Dick’s DEUS IRAE!

Posted on Friday, April 2nd, 2021

We are very happy to report that there is a new Russian edition of Roger Zelazny & Philip K. Dick‘s classic novel DEUS IRAE! Published by Эксмо as Господь гнева, here’s the synopsis…

После Третьей мировой войны служители культа Господа Гнева обожествили таинственного Карлтона Люфтойфеля, создателя оружия Судного дня, уничтожившего большую часть человечества. Но для поклонения нужен божественный образ, а Люфтойфеля никто и никогда не видел. И тогда первосвященники отправляют художника Тибора Макмастерса в пустыню, чтобы найти Карлтона и запечатлеть на полотне. К несчастью для Тибора, оставшиеся в стране христиане не хотят, чтобы он преуспел в своей миссии, и готовы убивать, лишь бы лик так называемого Deus Irae по-прежнему оставался сокрытым. Галлюцинаторный квест в мире постъядерных пустошей поднимает вопрос о том, какую цену художник должен заплатить за искусство, и как именно создаются боги.

First published in 1976, here’s the English-language synopsis…

After World War III, the Servants of Wrath cult deified the mysterious Carlton Lufteufel, creator of the doomsday weapon that wiped out much of humanity. But to worship the man, they need an image of him as a god, and no one has ever seen him. So the high priests send a limbless master painter named Tibor McMasters into the wilderness on a mission to find Lufteufel and capture his likeness. Unfortunately for Tibor, the nation’s remaining Christians do not want him to succeed and are willing to kill to ensure that the so-called Deus Irae remains hidden.

This hallucinatory tale through a nuclear wasteland asks what price the artist must pay for art and tries to figure out just what makes a god.