Tag: Sci-Fi

Ian McDonald’s THE WILDING Out Next Month!

Posted on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024

Next month, Gollancz is due to publish the highly-anticipated new novel by Ian McDonald, THE WILDING! Publishing on September 26th, here’s the synopsis…

Five kids are on a sleepover in a restored wilderness project in Ireland. With them, three teachers and one Ranger: Lisa. She is 26, longing to leave her job, out of her depth and soon to find herself mired in a nightmare.

Strange things have been happening at Lough Carrow, a vast rewilding project on the site of a former commercial peat-bog. Livestock mutilations. Rumours, myths from the neighbouring villages. Strange, unidentifiable tracks. On the trek in to the sleepover site they sight animals that have not yet been introduced to the park – wolves, wolverines, things older. Things thought long extinct.

As they near the centre of the wilding a boy realises he’s forgotten his meds. A teacher volunteers to take him back to the visitor centre. Sure, what could go wrong?

That night the camp is attacked. A teacher is dragged away. Lisa’s group is marooned in the wild. It is night, the four remaining kids are terrified, they need to get back to the ARK, but the wilderness seems to be playing with time and distance and something is out there. Something hungry and hunting…

Ian McDonald is the author of many acclaimed and award-winning novels and series. His most recent are the stand-alone novel HOPELAND and the Luna series — both published by Gollancz in the UK, and Tor Books in North America.

NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS by Aliette de Bodard Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

Today’s the day: NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS, the superb, highly-anticipated (and already widely-acclaimed) new novella by Aliette de Bodard, is out now! Published by TorDotCom on July 30th, here’s the synopsis…

Award-winning author of The Red Scholar’s Wake Aliette de Bodard comes for your heart with a compelling tale of love, duty, and found-family in an exciting new space opera that brings xianxia-style martial arts to the stars.

Jockeying navigator clans guide spaceships through the Hollows: an area of space populated by the mysterious but deadly creatures known as Tanglers. When a Tangler escapes the Hollows for the first time in living memory, each clan must send a representative to help capture it — but the mission may be doomed and the hearts of two clan juniors may be in danger too.

Việt Nhi is not good with people. Or politics. Which is a problem when the Rooster clan sends her on the mission against her will, forcing her to work with an ill-matched group of squabbling teammates from rival clans, including one who she can’t avoid, and maybe doesn’t want to.

Hạc Cúc of the Snake clan has always been better at poisoning and stabbing than at making friends, but she’s drawn to Nhi’s perceptiveness and obliviousness to social conventions — including the ones that really should make Nhi think twice about spending time with her.

But when their imperial envoy and nominal leader is poisoned, this crew of expendable apprentices will have to learn to work together — fast — before the invisible Tangler can wreak havoc on a civilian city and destroy the fragile reputation of the clans. Along the way, Nhi and Hạc Cúc will have to learn the hardest lesson of all: to see past their own misconceptions and learn to trust their growing feelings for each other.

NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS created quite a buzz, pre-publication — for example, it was selected as one of New Scientist’s best new SF books of July 2024; one of Screen Rant’s 10 most-anticipated SF books of July; and also one of LitHub’s best SFF books of July. It has also received a ton of great revivews. Here are just a few of them…

‘This magnificent space opera from Nebula Award winner de Bodard is simultaneously electric and heartwarming… De Bodard loads the narrative with unexpected twists and intricate interpersonal relationships. Fans and new readers alike will devour this.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘[A] fast, tense story that drives atmospherically forward towards its confrontations and revelations… solidly compelling… NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENT undergirds itself with a powerful sense of justice, as well as compassion… I loved it. Give me more, please.’ — Locus

‘This tight book, best enjoyed in a single day, is only a bite-sized story within an imagined universe that could easily exist beyond the central mystery… A quirky Sapphic space opera…’ — Kirkus

‘Fans of de Bodard’s Hugo Award-winning “Xuya Universe” series will find similarities in this standalone novel, and for those curious about Xuya and looking for a way in, this book includes many of the elements that make that series so compelling, but in a shorter, self-contained work. Readers of SF mysteries inflected with sapphic romance and political or corporate shenanigans … will become entangled in the latest from de Bodard.’ — Library Journal

‘Aliette de Bodard’s latest packs action, political intrigue, and strong character work into a vibrant and enthralling space opera that you can devour in a day. I found the two main characters incredibly endearing and especially appreciated the inclusion of a point-of-view character that reads as neurodivergent, the dual-POV narrative providing a potent representation of how different minds approach and process the same world, events, and interactions. I picked up this book for the promise of sapphics and space drama, and NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS delivered!’ — Oli Schmitz at Boswell Book Company

TorDotCom also publishes Aliette’s FIREHEART TIGER, a stand-alone Hugo Award-nominated fantasy novella.

Here are just a few of the great reviews FIREHEART TIGER has received…

‘[A] high-stakes lesbian love triangle in this tightly plotted fantasy novella… convincingly combines sex, politics, and betrayal. This is an ideal pick for fantasy fans longing for non-European settings.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘FIREHEART TIGER… is a delicate novella with threads of imperial politics, magical beings, queer romance and the psychology of trauma. It’s a bit of a miracle to feel as if you’ve read a six-book fantasy series in so few pages. This book is elegant and hypnotic as the flame of a candle, and I’ll be thinking for some time about the shadows it throws into relief.’ — New York Times Book Review

‘A fascinating story filled with strong female characters and lush prose, the relationships woven around Thanh evolve into themes of reclaiming the self and recognizing that love can hide the truth about people… a story of love, power, and what burns within. Highly recommended.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘De Bodard…, as she so often does, packs the world-building and emotional punch of an epic into a shockingly slim novella. This touching romance with the delicate negotiations of a small country’s survival against an imperial adversary would be a lovely place to start with de Bodard’s work, and fans will find more of what they’ve come to love about her stories.’ — Booklist

‘As always, de Bodard writes a steamy romance better than anyone… The action scenes are thrilling, but so is watching these characters ingeniously solve near-impossible problems. This is a wonderful novella about unlikely heroes outwitting manipulative authority figures and forming a new family.’ — Washington Post

Roger Zelazny’s DOORWAYS IN THE SAND Out Tomorrow in a New Audiobook edition!

Posted on Monday, July 29th, 2024

DOORWAYS IN THE SAND by Roger Zelazny is out tomorrow in a new audiobook edition! Published by Tantor Media, and read by Andrew J. Anderson, here’s the synopsis…

Can You Hear Me Fred?

Fred Cassidy leads an idyllic life. As long as he remains a full time college student without a degree, he is provided a very generous stipend from his uncle’s estate.

But after thirteen years of happy undergrad existence everything is about to change.

Cassidy’s home is broken into and ransacked. When he enters he is assaulted by a former professor wanting to know where the alien artifact known as the star stone is. Cassidy manages to escape, only to discover that he is also being pursued by hired criminals, Anglophile zealots, government agents, and aliens.

Cassidy has no idea where the star stone is but he realizes that unless he finds it, one of these factions will eventually catch up to him and most likely kill him.

Doorways in the Sand is fast paced, humorous, and has the most lyrical prose of any of Zelazny’s novels. It’s simply a joy to listen to, and was nominated for both a Hugo and Nebula Award for best novel.

DOORWAYS IN THE SAND is also available in print and eBook in the UK, published by Farrago.

Coming Soon: IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP by Aliette de Bodard

Posted on Thursday, July 25th, 2024

In September, readers will be able to pick up the latest Xuya masterpiece from Aliette de Bodard! IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP is due to be published on September 30th by Subterranean Press in North America (cover above), and JABberwocky in the UK (below). Here’s the synopsis…

Nightjar, sentient ship and family matriarch, looms large in Khuyên’s past. Disappearances drove teenage Khuyên from it, but death will steer her back.

Now an adult and a magistrate, Khuyên came for her maternal grandmother’s funeral but finds herself unwittingly reliving her past on the decaying Nightjar. Children are still disappearing as her childhood friends once did; and worse, her beloved Cousin Anh vanishes after pleading for her help.

Khuyên sets out to save Anh alongside Thảo, a beautiful and mysterious woman who seems to know more than she should about Khuyên and the ship. But saving Anh requires doing what Khuyên couldn’t do before: face her family, face the ship, face her own hopes and fears for the future—a future that might well include Thảo, but only if Khuyên can stop listening to the critical voice in her head.

A voice that sounds an awful lot like Nightjar’s…

The novella has already picked up a great review from Locus…

‘For all its brevity, this is a dense and emotionally complex piece, carrying grief and hope, pain and potential, in equal measure. The ashes of the past meeting the chance to build something different for the future. I always enjoy de Bodard’s work, and IN THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP is no exception: a sharp-edged and glittering science-fictional gem.’

Aliette de Bodard’s NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS is out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Today, we wanted to share a reminder that NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS, the superb latest novella by Aliette de Bodard, is out in three weeks! The book has already been generating a lot of pre-publication buzz — for example, it has been selected as one of New Scientist’s best new SF books of July 2024; one of Screen Rant’s 10 most-anticipated SF books of July; and also one of LitHub’s best SFF books of July. Due to be published by TorDotCom on July 30th, here’s the synopsis…

Award-winning author of The Red Scholar’s Wake Aliette de Bodard comes for your heart with a compelling tale of love, duty, and found-family in an exciting new space opera that brings xianxia-style martial arts to the stars.

Jockeying navigator clans guide spaceships through the Hollows: an area of space populated by the mysterious but deadly creatures known as Tanglers. When a Tangler escapes the Hollows for the first time in living memory, each clan must send a representative to help capture it — but the mission may be doomed and the hearts of two clan juniors may be in danger too.

Việt Nhi is not good with people. Or politics. Which is a problem when the Rooster clan sends her on the mission against her will, forcing her to work with an ill-matched group of squabbling teammates from rival clans, including one who she can’t avoid, and maybe doesn’t want to.

Hạc Cúc of the Snake clan has always been better at poisoning and stabbing than at making friends, but she’s drawn to Nhi’s perceptiveness and obliviousness to social conventions — including the ones that really should make Nhi think twice about spending time with her.

But when their imperial envoy and nominal leader is poisoned, this crew of expendable apprentices will have to learn to work together — fast — before the invisible Tangler can wreak havoc on a civilian city and destroy the fragile reputation of the clans. Along the way, Nhi and Hạc Cúc will have to learn the hardest lesson of all: to see past their own misconceptions and learn to trust their growing feelings for each other.

Here are just a few of the great early reviews that NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS has received so far…

‘This magnificent space opera from Nebula Award winner de Bodard is simultaneously electric and heartwarming… De Bodard loads the narrative with unexpected twists and intricate interpersonal relationships. Fans and new readers alike will devour this.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘[A] fast, tense story that drives atmospherically forward towards its confrontations and revelations… solidly compelling… NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENT undergirds itself with a powerful sense of justice, as well as compassion… I loved it. Give me more, please.’ — Locus

‘This tight book, best enjoyed in a single day, is only a bite-sized story within an imagined universe that could easily exist beyond the central mystery… A quirky Sapphic space opera…’ — Kirkus

‘Fans of de Bodard’s Hugo Award-winning “Xuya Universe” series will find similarities in this standalone novel, and for those curious about Xuya and looking for a way in, this book includes many of the elements that make that series so compelling, but in a shorter, self-contained work. Readers of SF mysteries inflected with sapphic romance and political or corporate shenanigans … will become entangled in the latest from de Bodard.’ — Library Journal

‘Aliette de Bodard’s latest packs action, political intrigue, and strong character work into a vibrant and enthralling space opera that you can devour in a day. I found the two main characters incredibly endearing and especially appreciated the inclusion of a point-of-view character that reads as neurodivergent, the dual-POV narrative providing a potent representation of how different minds approach and process the same world, events, and interactions. I picked up this book for the promise of sapphics and space drama, and NAVIGATIONAL ENTANGLEMENTS delivered!’ — Oli Schmitz at Boswell Book Company

TorDotCom also publishes Aliette’s FIREHEART TIGER, a stand-alone Hugo Award-nominated fantasy novella.

Here are just a few of the great reviews FIREHEART TIGER has received…

‘[A] high-stakes lesbian love triangle in this tightly plotted fantasy novella… convincingly combines sex, politics, and betrayal. This is an ideal pick for fantasy fans longing for non-European settings.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘FIREHEART TIGER… is a delicate novella with threads of imperial politics, magical beings, queer romance and the psychology of trauma. It’s a bit of a miracle to feel as if you’ve read a six-book fantasy series in so few pages. This book is elegant and hypnotic as the flame of a candle, and I’ll be thinking for some time about the shadows it throws into relief.’ — New York Times Book Review

‘A fascinating story filled with strong female characters and lush prose, the relationships woven around Thanh evolve into themes of reclaiming the self and recognizing that love can hide the truth about people… a story of love, power, and what burns within. Highly recommended.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘De Bodard…, as she so often does, packs the world-building and emotional punch of an epic into a shockingly slim novella. This touching romance with the delicate negotiations of a small country’s survival against an imperial adversary would be a lovely place to start with de Bodard’s work, and fans will find more of what they’ve come to love about her stories.’ — Booklist

MJ Wassmer’s ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND is out Today in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, July 4th, 2024

MJ Wassmer‘s highly-anticipated debut, ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND is out today in the UK! A humorous, laugh-out-loud take on the apocalypse, it’s published by Zaffre Books. Here’s the synopsis…

What happens when you’re on holiday and the sun explodes?

> Passport
> Suncream
> Apocalypse???

Professional underachiever Dan Foster is finally taking a break. Sure, his life has been average at best and, yes, he has never has quite lived up to his potential. But after a few Bud Lights in paradise with his girlfriend Mara, things are starting to look up.

Then the sun explodes.

With the island suddenly plunged into darkness, the ultra-rich guests hijack the remaining supplies and declare themselves the new ruling class. Led by a fitness influencer turned ruthless dictator, martial law is declared and the hoi polloi are press-ganged into service. And it’s just Dan’s luck that he could land an even worse job while on holiday.

As temperatures drop and class tensions rise, Dan might have found a way for himself and Mara to escape the island. But sneaking away would also mean abandoning the burgeoning revolution that he might-have-kind-of-sort-of single-handedly started.

The novel racked up a number of great advance reviews. Here are just a handful of them…

‘A life-or-death action-packed debut… a romp and a page-turner… Wassmer’s debut novel succeeds in being the opposite of its title. He might become a new favorite for fans of John Scalzi and David Wong.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘This is Lord Of The Flies meets an all-inclusive bar, with incredible results. MJ Wassmer has written a totally original brainmelter — part thriller, part comedy, and part inspiring love story.’ — Alice Bell, author of Grave Expectations and Displeasure Island

‘Fresh, fun, and completely brilliant. ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND combines a terrifyingly plausible apocalyptic fallout with an utterly original comedic voice. Who would have thought the end of the world could be this much fun!’ — Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin and Her Sweet Revenge

‘The end of the world has never been so fun! Explosively funny and terrifyingly plausible in its depiction of the apocalypse, this cinematic debut had me LOLing, cringing and cheering throughout. I absolutely blazed through this earth-shattering action romp.’ — Josh Winning, author of The Shadow Glass

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

Lavie Tidhar’s THE CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE FUTURE is out Tomorrow!

Posted on Monday, June 24th, 2024

Lavie Tidhar‘s latest book for younger readers, THE CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE FUTURE, is out tomorrow! Co-authored with Richard Watson, and illustrated by Cinthya Alvarez, it’s published by DK. Here’s the synopsis…

An illustrated, imaginative exploration of future technology and science for children that carries a message of hope and optimism.

This narrative non-fiction book offers an inclusive and hopeful vision of the future for children aged 7-9, taking inspiration from the latest scientific research.

This highly illustrated book makes complex ideas more accessible and shows the exciting futures that could be ahead. There are eighteen stories that each take inspiration from current research and present engaging, optimistic futures that could result from real-world science, with insets delving into how that science works.

This science book for children offers:

– A combination of sci-fi and science using short fictional descriptions combined with real-world scientific explanations to make the future come alive.
– An optimistic vision of the future with inclusive and diverse content for the generations that will not only live in it but shape it.
– A variety of different topics covered, including a train ride on Mars, life on a Dyson Sphere, a birthday on planet Venus, a trip to the bottom of the sea, and a chat with the extinct animals of the past!

A Children’s Book of the Future provides a diverse and multicultural approach that will appeal to children of all backgrounds. The exploration of future technology and some of the diverse visions explored include a plane ride on one of Saturn’s moons, a journey to a faraway star that is lightyears from Earth, life on a floating city, and living amongst robots. Inspire young changemakers with this book that sets out to reclaim the future for current and future generations of children.

Here’s a sample from inside…

Lavie is the multi-award winning and nominated author of many novels, novellas, and short stories. His recent novels include the critically-acclaimed MAROR and ADAMA (published by Ad Astra/Head of Zeus), and THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD (published by Tachyon Publications).

Lavie’s next novel is SIX LIVES, a literary fiction stand-alone, due to be published by Apollo/Head of Zeus, on August 29th.

MJ Wassmer’s ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND Out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Monday, June 17th, 2024

The UK edition of MJ Wassmer‘s highly-anticipated debut, ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND is out in two weeks! Due to be published by Zaffre Books on July 4th, here’s the synopsis…

What happens when you’re on holiday and the sun explodes?

> Passport
> Suncream
> Apocalypse???

Professional underachiever Dan Foster is finally taking a break. Sure, his life has been average at best and, yes, he has never has quite lived up to his potential. But after a few Bud Lights in paradise with his girlfriend Mara, things are starting to look up.

Then the sun explodes.

With the island suddenly plunged into darkness, the ultra-rich guests hijack the remaining supplies and declare themselves the new ruling class. Led by a fitness influencer turned ruthless dictator, martial law is declared and the hoi polloi are press-ganged into service. And it’s just Dan’s luck that he could land an even worse job while on holiday.

As temperatures drop and class tensions rise, Dan might have found a way for himself and Mara to escape the island. But sneaking away would also mean abandoning the burgeoning revolution that he might-have-kind-of-sort-of single-handedly started.

Here are just a small sample taken from the advance praise that the novel has received so far…

‘A life-or-death action-packed debut… a romp and a page-turner… Wassmer’s debut novel succeeds in being the opposite of its title. He might become a new favorite for fans of John Scalzi and David Wong.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘This is Lord Of The Flies meets an all-inclusive bar, with incredible results. MJ Wassmer has written a totally original brainmelter — part thriller, part comedy, and part inspiring love story.’ — Alice Bell, author of Grave Expectations and Displeasure Island

‘Fresh, fun, and completely brilliant. ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND combines a terrifyingly plausible apocalyptic fallout with an utterly original comedic voice. Who would have thought the end of the world could be this much fun!’ — Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin and Her Sweet Revenge

‘The end of the world has never been so fun! Explosively funny and terrifyingly plausible in its depiction of the apocalypse, this cinematic debut had me LOLing, cringing and cheering throughout. I absolutely blazed through this earth-shattering action romp.’ — Josh Winning, author of The Shadow Glass

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

THE CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE FUTURE is out in Two Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024

This is just a reminder that Lavie Tidhar‘s next book for younger readers, THE CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE FUTURE, is out in two weeks! Co-authored with Richard Watson, and illustrated by Cinthya Alvarez, it’s due to be published by DK on June 25th. Here’s the synopsis…

An illustrated, imaginative exploration of future technology and science for children that carries a message of hope and optimism.

This narrative non-fiction book offers an inclusive and hopeful vision of the future for children aged 7-9, taking inspiration from the latest scientific research.

This highly illustrated book makes complex ideas more accessible and shows the exciting futures that could be ahead. There are eighteen stories that each take inspiration from current research and present engaging, optimistic futures that could result from real-world science, with insets delving into how that science works.

This science book for children offers:

– A combination of sci-fi and science using short fictional descriptions combined with real-world scientific explanations to make the future come alive.
– An optimistic vision of the future with inclusive and diverse content for the generations that will not only live in it but shape it.
– A variety of different topics covered, including a train ride on Mars, life on a Dyson Sphere, a birthday on planet Venus, a trip to the bottom of the sea, and a chat with the extinct animals of the past!

A Children’s Book of the Future provides a diverse and multicultural approach that will appeal to children of all backgrounds. The exploration of future technology and some of the diverse visions explored include a plane ride on one of Saturn’s moons, a journey to a faraway star that is lightyears from Earth, life on a floating city, and living amongst robots. Inspire young changemakers with this book that sets out to reclaim the future for current and future generations of children.

Here’s a sample from inside…

Lavie is the multi-award winning and nominated author of many novels, novellas, and short stories. His recent novels include the critically-acclaimed MAROR and ADAMA (published by Ad Astra/Head of Zeus), and THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WORLD (published by Tachyon Publications).

Paperback Edition of Simon R. Green’s NOT OF THIS WORLD Out Tomorrow in North America!

Posted on Monday, May 27th, 2024

The paperback edition of NOT OF THIS WORLD, the fourth novel in Simon R. Green‘s Gideon Sable series, is out tomorrow in North America! Published by Severn House, here’s the synopsis…

This might be his biggest coup yet! Legendary master thief Gideon Sable is on the hunt for the ghost of an alien-possessed man in this fast-paced supernatural heist thriller.

The Preserve in Bath – the British Area 51 – is the secret government dumping ground for all things supernatural and out of space. It is one of the most heavily-guarded places in the world. However, it’s not what protects it that makes it so dangerous but the things that are inside . . .

Gideon Sable – master thief, con artist and self-proclaimed vigilante – faces a challenge he can’t refuse. His client, the former Head of the British Rocketry Group, Professor Neil Sharpe, wants him to break into the Preserve. Once inside, Gideon and his crew of supernatural misfits can get any mystical artefact they desire out of the Preserve’s collection. The catch? To reach it, they must go through the treacherous Box Tunnel complex and not only face trained guards and booby traps but steal something that can’t normally be stolen – a ghost!

Sharpe’s obscure motive leaves Gideon uncertain and suspicious. The only thing he knows for sure is that he can steal anything with just the right amount of preparation – but will he be prepared enough to face whatever the Preserve holds, or will he find himself a permanent part of the government’s collection?

The paperback edition is also available in the UK, published back in March. The first three novels in the series are also published by Severn House in the UK and North America: THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL, A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE, and WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG.

‘A blast for urban-fantasy readers looking for a broken fourth wall riddled with dry-witted commentary, evil getting its just deserts, and the good walking away to fight the good fight.’ — Library Journal on NOT OF THIS WORLD

‘Master thief and con man Gideon Sable has a plan. He intends to breach the private vault of Fredric Hammer, noted bad guy, and rob him blind. To do that, he needs to assemble a crack team of professionals. But this is no ordinary team, because this is no ordinary London. This is an alternate London, wherein ghosts and demons and people with special gifts coexist with regular human folk. And Gideon’s team consists of former girlfriend Annie Anybody, whose gift is luck; a fellow known as the Damned (because he’s, you know, damned); the Ghost, who retains the memory of what it is to be a man; and the Wild Card, who sees all the truths in the world. Each of them has a score to settle with Hammer, and each of them is willing to risk plenty to get revenge. This novel by the author of the terrific Ishmael Jones series is a treat for anyone who relishes the blending of alternate-world fantasy, urban fantasy, and the caper novel. Exciting, witty, and stuffed full of fun.’ — Booklist on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘[Green] gives an urban fantasy twist to Oceans 11.’ — Publisher’s Weekly on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘This book is pure fun.’ — Grimdark Magazine on THE BEST THING YOU CAN STEAL

‘It’s a wonderfully imagined setting, which will be no surprise for those familiar with Green’s oeuvre. The Sable novels make perfect fare for fans of urban fantasy, thrillers, or caper novels (or, especially, blends of all three).’ — Booklist on A MATTER OF DEATH AND LIFE

‘[F]eatures a crew of criminals with hearts of gold and one of the snarkiest antiheroes to ever front an urban fantasy series, turning the murder and mayhem up to 11 while telling a story where disaster is always just on the other side of the door.’ — Library Journal on WHAT SONG THE SIRENS SANG

Zeno represents Simon R. Green on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

UK Print Edition of Jack Campbell’s IN OUR STARS Out Now!

Posted on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024

For those of you who prefer to read in print, we’re happy to report that Jack Campbell‘s IN OUR STARS is now out in paperback in the UK! (The eBook edition of the first book in the author’s new The Doomed Earth series was published a couple of weeks ago.) Published in the UK by Titan Books, here’s the synopsis…

When the destruction of Earth causes a time rift, one ship is thrust back in time to decades prior. The semi-disgraced naval officer Kayl Owen is sent from the Earth Guard ship Vigilant to investigate.  He finds one person alive, one person whose DNA analysis reveals to have some non-human DNA, a person who his superiors say isn’t human.

That’s not how Kayl Owen sees it. He thinks Lieutenant Genji of the near future Unified Fleet — the future successor of Earth Guard — is every bit a person. And more, the knowledge she brings from the future might hold the key to saving Earth from destruction.

Owen, Genji and everything they know is deeply threatening to a lot of people, and the two of them need to survive each day to get to the next and save the future for everyone.  But will changing Earth’s future erase Genji?

Here are just a few of the reviews the novel has already received…

‘Campbell juggles a lot here, with military cover-ups, alien first encounters, and ruminations on what it means to be human studding the sprawling plot… This series is off to a good start.’ — Publisher’s Weekly

‘Jack Campbell’s IN OUR STARS is old fashioned science fiction in the best possible way; taking a good hard look at the present through the lens of the future.’ — Tanya Huff

‘Space Opera works best when it’s operatic. Big and bold, dark and dramatic, characters and concepts that are cheerfully off the scale. IN OUR STARS is all of these things, with an extra helping of mayhem, just to keep things tasty.’ — Simon R. Green

‘An outstanding kickoff to a new series, IN OUR STARS is a heartfelt character study wrapped in a riveting action movie. It delivers everything I want out of sci-fi: fun tech, relatable characters, well-earned camaraderie, and deeply felt stakes. The bond between the two protagonists is inspiring—just two competent professionals who bring out the best in each other while striving to save the world from certain destruction. The contagious optimism and breakneck pace kept me glued to the page, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment!’ — J. S. Dewes

‘With IN OUR STARS, Jack Campbell shows once again why he’s one of the best SF writers working today.’ — Michael Mammay

Titan Books has published a fantastic range of Campbell’s science fiction novels, including his various, best-selling Lost Fleet series…

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

Russian edition of Ian McDonald’s KING OF MORNING, QUEEN OF DAY out now!

Posted on Monday, May 20th, 2024

There’s a new Russian edition of KING OF MORNING, QUEEN OF DAY by Ian McDonald! Published by ACT, as Король утра, королева дня; it was translated by Natalia Osoianu (Наталии Осояну). Here’s the synopsis…

1913 год. Ирландия. Юная Эмили Десмонд убеждена, что встретилась с фейри, в то время как ее отец пытается построить машину для установления контакта с инопланетянами. Он убежден, что приближающаяся к Земле комета Белла — это корабль, летящий к нам со звезды Альтаир.

Середина 1930-х годов. Официантка Джессика Колдуэлл начинает сталкиваться со странными феноменами в совершенно реальном Дублине и постепенно приходит к выводу, что ее фантазии склонны обретать плоть. Одновременно с этим в город прибывают два таинственных незнакомца, у которых есть миссия: охранять наш мир от пришельцев из вне.

Конец 1980-х годов. Энья Макколл, сотрудница рекламного агентства, с помощью своих сверхъестественных способностей по ночам уничтожает монстров, воплощения человеческих кошмаров и фантазий. Грани между мифом и реальностью истончаются, битва Эньи, страдающей от одиночества и усталости, казалось бы, проиграна, но причины разрушения мира вокруг нее таятся в начале века, в юной Эмили Десмонд, когда-то увидевшей фейри.

Три времени, три истории, три героини и их встречи с темной стороной человеческого мифосознания, а также с тайнами собственного прошлого. Но мир легенд и мир фейри обманчив, и никому нельзя доверять в попытках вырваться из его цепких объятий.

The novel was originally published in , KING OF MORNING, QUEEN OF DAY is published by JABberwocky in the UK and North America.

In Ireland, three generations of young women fight to control the powers coursing through their blood: the power to bring the mystical Otherworld into our world, and change it.

Emily, Jessica and Enye must each face their dark side of human mythoconsciousness–and their own personal histories. But the forces of faerie are ever treacherous…

Filled with vivid, passionate characters you will never forget, King of Morning, Queen of Day is a spellbinding fantasy of the real Ireland.

Ian’s latest novel is the widely acclaimed HOPELAND, published by Gollancz (UK) and Tor Books (North America).

IN OUR STARS by Jack Campbell — Out Now in the UK!

Posted on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024

The eBook edition of the first novel in Jack Campbell‘s new The Doomed Earth series, IN OUR STARS, is out today in the UK! (The print edition will follow in a couple of weeks.) Published in the UK by Titan Books, here’s the synopsis…

When the destruction of Earth causes a time rift, one ship is thrust back in time to decades prior. The semi-disgraced naval officer Kayl Owen is sent from the Earth Guard ship Vigilant to investigate.  He finds one person alive, one person whose DNA analysis reveals to have some non-human DNA, a person who his superiors say isn’t human.

That’s not how Kayl Owen sees it. He thinks Lieutenant Genji of the near future Unified Fleet — the future successor of Earth Guard — is every bit a person. And more, the knowledge she brings from the future might hold the key to saving Earth from destruction.

Owen, Genji and everything they know is deeply threatening to a lot of people, and the two of them need to survive each day to get to the next and save the future for everyone.  But will changing Earth’s future erase Genji?

The novel has already been racking up some great advance praise, too! Here are just a few examples…

‘Campbell juggles a lot here, with military cover-ups, alien first encounters, and ruminations on what it means to be human studding the sprawling plot… This series is off to a good start.’ — Publisher’s Weekly

‘Jack Campbell’s IN OUR STARS is old fashioned science fiction in the best possible way; taking a good hard look at the present through the lens of the future.’ — Tanya Huff

‘Space Opera works best when it’s operatic. Big and bold, dark and dramatic, characters and concepts that are cheerfully off the scale. IN OUR STARS is all of these things, with an extra helping of mayhem, just to keep things tasty.’ — Simon R. Green

‘An outstanding kickoff to a new series, IN OUR STARS is a heartfelt character study wrapped in a riveting action movie. It delivers everything I want out of sci-fi: fun tech, relatable characters, well-earned camaraderie, and deeply felt stakes. The bond between the two protagonists is inspiring—just two competent professionals who bring out the best in each other while striving to save the world from certain destruction. The contagious optimism and breakneck pace kept me glued to the page, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment!’ — J. S. Dewes

‘With IN OUR STARS, Jack Campbell shows once again why he’s one of the best SF writers working today.’ — Michael Mammay

Titan Books has published a huge range of Campbell’s novels, including his various best-selling Lost Fleet series.

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

Aliette de Bodard’s A FIRE BORN OF EXILE (UK paperback) Out Tomorrow!

Posted on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

The UK paperback edition of Aliette de Bodard‘s acclaimed A FIRE BORN OF EXILE is out tomorrow! Published by Gollancz, it is the latest novel set in the author’s award-nominated Xuya Universe. Here’s the synopsis…

The Scattered Pearls Belt is a string of habitats under tight military rule… where the powerful have become all too comfortable in their positions, and their corruption. But change is coming, with the arrival of Quynh: the mysterious and enigmatic Alchemist of Streams and Hills.

To Minh, daughter of the ruling prefect of the Belt , Quynh represents a chance for escape. To Hoà, a destitute engineer, Quynh has a mysterious link to her own past… and holds a deeper, more sensual appeal. But Quynh has her own secret history, and a plan for the ruling class of the Belt. A plan that will tear open old wounds, shake the heavens, and may well consume her.

A beautiful exploration of the power of love, of revenge, and of the wounds of the past, this fast-paced, heart-warming space opera is set against a backdrop of corruption, power and political scheming in the far reaches of the award-winning Xuya universe.

The novel is published in North America by JABberwocky.

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

‘… 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

de Bodard’s previous novel, the equally acclaimed and award-nominated THE RED SCHOLAR’S WAKE, is published by Gollancz in the UK, and JABberwocky in North America. It was shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.

Out Now: Four New Zelazny Audiobook Editions!

Posted on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Calling all classic SFF and audiobook fans: four more of Roger Zelazny‘s novels have new audiobook editions! Published by Tantor Media, the following are now available in audio:

  • DAMNATION ALLEY — read by Paul Bellantoni
  • DILVISH, THE DAMNED — read by Eric Michael Summerer
  • THE CHANGING LAND — read by Eric Michael Summerer
  • MY NAME IS LEGION — read by Adam Barr

Read on for some more details…

DAMNATION ALLEY (cover at top) was first published in 1968…

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 and deliver a case of antiserum to the plague-ridden people of Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Los Angeles and the East Coast. But then, this is no normal part of America, you see. This is Damnation Alley…

DILVISH, THE DAMNED, first published in 1982, collected together stories featuring Dilvish, which had originally been published in a variety of magazines and other publications. The collection came 5th in Locus Award voting (1983)…

Dilivish, a half elf-half man hybrid, failed in his attempt to rescue a young maiden being ritually sacrificed by the dark sorcerer Jelerak. In his anger at the attempt Jelerak kills the maiden and turns Dilvish’s body to stone and banished his soul to Hell.

It takes Dilvish two hundred years to escape Hell and reclaim his body. Dilvish does not leave hell unprepared. He returns with a number of very powerful spells and a faithful metal steed, Black who is far more than he seems. Together Black and Dilvish plan to hunt down Jelerak and make him pay. Heroic fantasy at its finest from a master storyteller.

THE CHANGING LAND is the second book in the Dilvish series — it was originally published in 1981, a year before Zelazny’s earlier Dilvish stories were collected into a single volume. The novel came 3rd in Locus Award voting (1982).

The Changing Land picks up shortly after the events chronicled in Dilvish, the Damned. Dilvish must gain entry to Castle Timeless if he is to destroy his nemeses Jelerak. Unbenounced to Dilvish, Jelerak is also seeking to gain entrance to his own castle as his apprentice has blocked him out while attempting to lean the castles secrets so that he may become lord of Castle Timeless.

The castle is protected by a lethal, chaotic, ever-changing land. In a race against time and reality itself both Dilvish and Jelerak must survive the maze-like changing lands and then somehow survive whatever traps await them and perhaps even the elder gods themselves may intervene if the whim strikes them. A breathtaking grand adventure!

Another of Zelazny’s short novels from the 1970s, MY NAME IS LEGION originally appeared in 1976.

He’d been an important part of the team putting together the International Data Bank, which would track every single move made by every single human being. As the project neared completion, he realized that no one would ever truly be free again. At the very last moment he blanked his file, changed his face, and created a back door into the system. Now he was nameless, had no past, left no traces, according to the IDB he no longer existed. But he could become anyone at any time for any reason. Not being in the system meant that he had to earn a living outside of the normal confines of human society. But there were people willing to pay cold, hard cash for a man who could be anyone and then disappear once the job was done.