John Jarrold’s Corner: News! & Spotlight: Chris Evans & Light of Burning Shadows

John Jarrold’s Corner:

I have 3 lots have some great news from John Jarrold!

PRESS RELEASE – TWO-BOOK DEAL FOR BRITISH HORROR NOVELIST AFTER AUCTION

Julie Crisp of Pan Macmillan in London has concluded a World Rights deal with John Jarrold, for two untitled horror novels by British author Adam L G Nevill, after a hard-fought auction. She set a floor, which she exercised at the end of the auction for a good five-figure sum. The under-bidder was Emma Coode of HarperCollins UK.

‘Adam is one of horror’s rising stars,’ said John Jarrold. ‘His first novel, BANQUET FOR THE DAMNED, received great praise. Having now read his next book and the synopsis of his third novel, I can say without doubt that he’s going places, and sooner rather than later. Congratulations to Julie – and to all who took part in the auction. The enthusiasm with which this was met really makes me feel positive about horror’s re-birth after a period in the doldrums.’

I’ve actually got a copy of Banquet for the Damned – should bloody well read it, right?! Good news all round!

Next up: A SF Short-Story Collection wins major recognition!

A science fiction collection from defunct indie publisher Elastic Press has won the 2009 Edge Hill Short Story Prize, beating collections from Faber, Vintage, Cape and Hamish Hamilton.

Elastic Press author Chris Beckett won for his collection The Turing Test. He was presented with £5,000 plus a specially commissioned painting by Liverpool artist Pete Clarke at a ceremony held by Edge Hill University at the Bluecoat Centre in Liverpool on Saturday (4th July). He also picked up the £1,000 Readers’ prize.

Anne Enright won the second prize, also worth £1,000, for her collection Yesterday’s Weather (Vintage).

Judge James Walton, journalist and chair of BBC Radio 4’s “The Write Stuff” said: “I suspect Chris Beckett winning the Edge Hill Prize will be seen as a surprise in the world of books. In fact, though, it was also a bit of surprise to the judges, none of whom knew they were science fiction fans beforehand.

“Yet, once the judging process started, it soon became clear that The Turing Test was the book that we’d all been impressed by, and enjoyed, the most—and one by one we admitted it.”

The Edge Hill Short Story Prize was launched by the university three years ago and is co-sponsored by Blackwell; it is the UK’s only award for a short story collection by a single author. This year’s shortlist also comprised: Country of the Grand by Gerard Donovan (Faber), The Atmospheric Railway by Shena Mackay (Cape) and The First Person and Other Stories by Ali Smith (Hamish Hamilton).

Elastic Press closed in November 2008, although it is still selling backlist, it is no longer accepting submissions.

Just goes to show that just because the fiction is speculative and fantastical doesn’t mean that it doesn’t get recognized! Let’s hope that the trend continues!

And finally, this great news:

PRESS RELEASE – DAVID BARNETT NOVEL SOLD TO PENDRAGON

John Jarrold has sold limited-edition rights in popCULT!, a novel by UK author David Barnett, to Chris Teague at Welsh publisher Pendragon Press. David is the Assistant Editor of the Bradford Telegraph and Argus newspaper, and has had two earlier novels published by Immanion Press, Hinterland and Angelglass. He also writes regular blogs for the Guardian books website.

popCULT! is a contemporary SF caper in which a struggling writer is drawn into the machinations of a motley group of underground art prankster rebels who harbour a strange and terrible secret beneath the streets of London.

David said, ‘popCULT! is one of my favourite works and I’m delighted that a press with the reputation of Pendragon has taken it on.’

‘David is both prolific and incredibly inventive,’ said John Jarrold. ‘I’m expecting great things of him as his career progresses!’

One thing is for sure – John Jarrold is working, working, working to give us more and more great reading!

Next up, Book 2 in the series in coming out soon, and I’ve started reading Book 1 (among everything else I’m reading at the moment)… What am I talking about? Well, for starters, this man,

and this book,

I will have back-to-back reviews for A Darkness Forged in Fire and Light of Burning Shadows, plus I will also be doing an interview with Chris and I will also be giving away copies of Book 2!

Here’s some info on Chris; Chris Evans was born in Canada and now lives in New York City. As a military historian he has conducted battlefield tours of Europe, and was the historical consultant on a television documentary on the First World War. He’s earned degrees in English, Political Science, and a Masters in History. Chris is also an editor of history and current affairs/conflicts books including the highly successful Stackpole Military History Series. The Light of Burning Shadows: The Iron Elves Series, is his second novel.

What others have thought of A Darkness Forged in Fire:

“I’m always thrilled by seeing a new author press the boundaries of the conventions of fantasy. Chris Evans does just that–taking the broad sword and sorcery archetypes and placing them squarely in a new and exciting environment.” –R. A. Salvatore

“A gutsy fantasy set in a world of imperial greed and magical plotting, with an eye for the ordinary soldier’s plight that would have done Kipling proud.” — Karen Traviss, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force and City of Pearl

“Fascinating…combining the best touches of fantasy and military storytelling.” –John Ringo, New York Times bestselling author of the Legacy of the Aldenata and The Council Wars series

“A thrilling epic from beginning to end, filled with wit, intrigue, and twists and turns reminiscent of Glen Cook’s The Black Company. A grand new entry in the field of fantasy masters!” –Richard A. Knaak, New York Times bestselling author in the Dragonlance, The Dragonrealm, World of Warcraft, and Diablo series

“A fantasy in which the gritty realities of war and politics are as important as the magic–and all are handled very well.” –David Drake, national bestselling author of the Lord of the Isles and Hammer’s Slammers series.

So now that you know what some pretty damn good authors thought of Book 1, check out this blurb for Book 2:

In the bestselling traditions of J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, and Bernard Cornwell comes the second novel in the acclaimed Iron Elves epic fantasy series!

“They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion.”
Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this second epic fantasy adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves’ perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, takes on greater urgency.

The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch, and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army’s elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elfkyna, he was exiled, and these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters.

Recalled to duty to reform his regiment from the dregs of the Imperial Army, Konowa thwarted the plans of the Shadow Monarch at the Battle of Luuguth Jor — ensuring that the fabled Red Star, a source of great natural energy, did not fall into Her hands. Now Konowa must cross storm-tossed seas to seek out the lost elves and the prophesied return of another Star somewhere in a desert wasteland roiling with mysterious power, infernos of swirling magic, and legends brought back to life in new and terrible ways.

And the fate of every living creature will come to depend on a small band of ragged and desperate soldiers, whose very loyalty to the Empire they have sworn to serve is no longer certain. When death is but a temporary condition, a terrifying question arises: who is the true ally — and fearsome enemy — in a growing conflict that threatens all?

Sounds good to me! Stay tuned for the up-coming giveaway, it’s gonna be big! Also, click through here to go to the Iron Elves website, and here to get a sneaky peek at the people behind what’ll be this Blog’s biggest giveaway to-date!

Be EPIC!

Lengend of the Seeker comes to South Africa!

Legend of the Seeker aka Wizards First Rule
Hey guys and girls i have some exciting news for our South African friends!

Most of you should know about Terry Goodkind and his Sword of Truth series, the first one being Wizard’s First Rule.

Now for those of you who are still in the dark, the first book has in fact been converted into a TV show, aptly named Legend of the Seeker. It has already aired over seas, but will now also be coming to our SA screens.

The series will follow Richard(Craig Horner) and Kahlan(Bridget Regan) and their progress according to the first book in the series.

They are not the only ones though, we will also find the grand wizard Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander(Bruce Spenser) and Darken Rahl(Craig Parker), as well as the rest of the great cast and character from the book.
I am particularly looking forward to the appearance of the Mord Sith; yes they are in there as well!

As for those of you in the dark about the Sword of Truth series, you have some serious reading to do as there are about 10 books in the series!

The first book, Wizard’s First Rule, introduces us to the characters Richard Cypher and the Mother Confessor Kahlan. The two of them, along with a great group of supporting characters must work fast to save their two lands from the terrible armies of Darken Rahl. Darken Rahl however is not only after control of the kingdoms but also after an ancient book of power that was hidden and out of his reach, until the boundary started to fail. Now the small group must work fast to stop Darken Rahl and his evil plans, and this means Richard will most likely have to kill Darken, but can he learn to unleash the power inside himself and the Sword of Truth before it is to late?

Well there you have it a short summary of what the story is all about, but that is not the only thing I have. If you want a sneak peak at the first 10min of the first episode, start the video below!

Janice Marinelli, president of Disney-ABC Domestic Television, said in a statement that they are happy to continue their relationship into a second season of so we can look forward to that as well.

For more on Legend of the Seeker you can also go to its home page.

So be on the lookout for this amazing show starting on the 25 of July on M-NET at 19h00.

I know I cant wait!

-David

Hunting Season by Dean Vincent Carter – Review

Review done by David.

Hey there guys and girls, I’m back with another review for you. This time it’s a bit of an older book, 2007. Dean Vincent Carter’s Hunting Season, his second book. I decided on reading the second one before I read his new novel Blood Water which came out in June, just to gain a bit of background about the author.

Now Hunting Season was really a joy to read, it was fun, fast passed and interesting, it brought back fond memories of when I first turned into a book worm.

Eight years ago Gerontius lost his parents to a terrifying accident; it was not so much the car crash that scared him but the image of the terrible beast ripping away at his parents. And now it seems the beast is back.

Three men are followed into an abandoned theater but only one comes out alive, now Mason and Gerontius are hunted by the same creature, around every corner and down every street, they can’t seem to lose it.

But there is a bigger mystery to be discovered once the creature shifts back into its human form.

Now then, like I said this was a fun read, but not an intense read. If you want a fast paced, quick read that you don’t have to get overly involved in, then this is the book.

As I have said before, this is the type of book I love to read in between two serious, mind-numbing novels. It allows you to rest you brain from all the intensity and instead just takes you on a ride without having to keep track of every detail.

This book is definitely suited for the younger audience, not quite on the Stephen King level yet, somewhere in between Goosebumps and Mr King’s fright-feasts.

The characters are very simple; they are introduced at the start of the book and then left to run from the creature for the rest of the story. But to be honest, the whole story takes place during one night so there is no time to develop the characters or going into there pasts, apart form the occasional flashback Gerontius has about the accident.

The storyline is fast paced, starting almost immediately. The characters are set in the first three chapters and then the story gets on its way. There is no wasting time with an over abundance of detail and facts about the characters.

There are a few gory scenes in the book but, once more, its nothing too serious and nowhere near Mr King’s level of gore.

This is definitely a good read for any teen or young adult, or if you just want to take a Sunday break and relax with a book that will not ask every ounce of brain power you have to follow.

I will give this book a 6/10, it’s a good book, but I doubt I will remember it a year from now.

If you want to learn more about Dean then you can visit his home page here. And do yourself the favour, go check it out. It is a really cool site with lots of fun stuff to read. Fun facts about werewolf’s, and some cool web fiction The Chronicles of the Ganges Red, and The Sickness.

Also look out for Dean’s new book that just got released last month, Blood Water.

Order your copy of Hunting Season here (for South Africans), here (for those from the UK), and here (for those from the US).

Well that is all I have for you in this session.

Enjoy your reading.

Review: Avempartha – Book 2 of The Riyria Chronicles by Michael J Sullivan

I started reading Avempartha with some apprehension, I admit. After all, this is the second book in a series that a) had a very strong and enjoyable beginning in The Crown Conspiracy, and b) had to be a very good (in fact, it had to be better than Bk 1) sequel to The Crown Conspiracy while, at the same time, opening the world further and introducing new characters, events and places. In series of this kind, it’s always easy, from a certain point of view, to begin with a strong book and then to have a mediocre second book, but I am glad to say that Michael Sullivan didn’t disappoint and does indeed give a stronger showing with Avempartha. Don’t understand me wrong – The Crown Conspiracy was a great book and a very strong and assured debut, but the lessons Michael learned in writing The Crown Conspiracy have made Avempartha a stronger book.

Avempartha picks up some time after the events of The Crown Conspiracy, a well-made decision indeed; This deepens our belief in the world Michael has created and helps us to feel more comfortable in it –after all, to write what are essentially stand-alones that can also be read together in series there needs to have some kind of separation between the books; the fact that time has passed since we last saw the characters adds a depth and realism to the story that works very well.

Michael’s world also takes on more depth, colour and history in Avempartha, with some of the history of the world coming in, but as with The Crown Conspiracy, these history-lessons are not info dumps, and also don’t appear just for the sake of filling the world a bit more; the world takes on more definition and life because the characters find out more about their world, so as they progress through the tale, it’s not only we who are treated, but they are, too.

Character-wise, Michael excels his efforts in The Crown Conspiracy – some of the characters we already know and like (or dislike), are fleshed out more, with more than one surprise in store for those (like me) who have been trying to extrapolate who exactly the characters are and what their history is. But Michael also introduces a host of new characters, all of who serve to offer even more entertainment and intrigue, and a boat-load of action with some fitting magic, too. Michael shows that he can work with a bigger cast of characters and make them all unique and entertaining, and as the revelations begin you just know that even if one particular character bores you, you’re only seeing the surface and that the depths are waiting to be explored.

The only aspect of fantasy missing, in my opinion, are battles; we are so used to big battles in the books that we read that we’ve practically come to take them for granted, but Michael takes his tale on a different route, where battles are not needed, and besides, I think I’m just bemoaning the fact it’s strange for me to read a Fantasy novel that doesn’t have big set piece battles in it and still enjoy the book.

All in all, Avempartha is not only a great book in its own right, delivering on Michael’s promise to give us stand-alones within a bigger story-arc, but it is also a better book than The Crown Conspiracy, showcasing Michael’s crowing talents as an author who is sure to become a Name in the industry. Well worth a read!

8/10

As always, here’s a link to Michael’s site, and you can order your copy of Avempartha here (for US), and if you readers in SA want a copy, get onto your closest Exclusive Books and ask them to order it for you!

Be EPIC!

P.S. for those who can’t wait and want a sneak peek of Bk 3, click this link!

Blog-Love for July and Announcements!

Hey everyone! I am absolutely vrot (that’s Afrikaans for rotten) with a cold, but thankfully, it’s not dripping from my nose yet.

It’s that time again on the blog – get ready for links from all over the blogospere, including authors, publishers and my fellow reviewers and bloggers! But before we get to that, let’s get the announcement out of the way:

The One-Year Birthday of the Blog is coming up this month and David and I have spoken about getting a proper structure going for the blog. What does that mean? Well, I’ve been getting a lot of info lately that I’d like to share with you but, but short of blasting everyone (and that includes the Blog’s Facebook Page) with constant updates (which, let’s face it, will get very irritating very quickly), we’d like to set aside each day of the week for specific posts. Not only will this give us more of a routine to follow, but our readers will then also be able to visit the blog on specific days for specific info (if they so choose).

We will also be setting up a new page with our contact details, so those who would like to get into contact with us will be able to without searching the whole blog for email addresses.

David and I will be sitting soon and working everything out, and we’ll post about that new structure as soon as it’s finalized. The look of the Blog won’t be changing (I like it too much), just the way we post info and reviews.

Okay, here’s what’ll be coming up in the next few days: I’ll be (finally!) posting my review of Michael J Sullivan’s Avempartha tomorrow, and David’s next review will be up after that. I will also be doing a guest-review on My Favourite Books soon (just need to send the review through to Liz), and there will also be some info regarding Chris Evans, Dark Horse, and a host of other stuff. The usual giveaways will also be occurring (got some great new books today that I can’t wait to giveaway!), and I will also be doing an interview with Mark Charan Newton soon, but this’ll be an interview with a twist!

Okay, let’s get to Blog-Love!

Bloggers first:

Bibliophile Stalker posted the interesting What Publishers Can Learn from Other Genre Publications and Links and Plugs for today,

Blood of the Muse in 100 pages into both Nowhere-Land and Warbreaker, and has reviewed Ken Scholes’ Lamentation (HAVE to get my hands on this one!),

Graeme has reviewed the first two issues of Olympus, has news on China Mièville in London (which I also have, at the end of this post), and also reviews the Star Trek The Next Generation manga from Tokyopop,

Over at Bookgeeks, Matthew reviews The Forest of Hands and Teeth (can’t wait for my winning copy to arrive! Yes, I won another book!), Meirion reviews Ox-Tales: Earth, and Ben review’s Miller’s Spent,

Club Jade (an awesome site for Star Wars-related news; if you haven’t been there yet, check it out!) has some EU (Expanded Universe) news, a video from an Ewok-Lover, and they also have news about the latest Star Wars Robot Chicken DVD release!

Mihai tells us about the 2009 Locus Awards, looks back on the forever-lost half of 2009 and also reviews The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (also have to read this one, and nope, haven’t seen the movie yet),

Fantasy Book Critic reviews The New Space Opera 2, Dragonseed, and has their usual excellent spotlight on books for July!

Fantasy Book News & Reviews asks, What Happened to Dragonlance?

Grasping for the Winds wants to know, visualizes and reviews!

My Favourite Books reviewed The Name of the Wind!

Neth Space reviews Best Served Cold (yet another book I MUST make time for!),

Gav is taking a break (what’s that, can you eat it?) – joking! Enjoy, Gav!

Pat, has as always, got pleanty happening on the blog: he’s posted an excerpt of the eagerly-awaited new Robin Hobb book, has received (and oh how my blood boils in jealousy!!!) page proofs of Steven Erikson’s Dust of Dreams, and also announces the winners of his The Price of Spring giveaway!

Check out these three posts for an insight into writing from Tara.

The Book Swede let’s Death speak,

The Road Not Taken makes a promise

Adam Whitehead suggests where new readers of Alistair Reynolds can start reading, and also reviews the Amtrak Wars book, Earth Thunder, as well as Aldiss’ Harm,

Un:Bound offers reviews on a book I’ve got but haven’t read yet (and will now make time for!), as well as P.C. and Kristin Cast’s Marked – with Undead and Uneasy.

Mark Chitty reviews Xenopath and has another excellent post up focusing on SF releases for July!

Okay, let’s see what some authors have been up to lately:

Brandon Sanderson let’s us know about a Mistborn-related giveaway,

David Anthony Durham recommends …… (not telling you, head on over to check it out!),

Jonathan Maberry spotlights what various authors are saying about Thrillfest 2009 in New York,

Karen Miller shows off the very cool cover of The Prodigal Mage and also points us to a post that had her giggling,

Robert Redick offers his thoughts on Star Trek,

Steve Perry has the Stupid Criminal of the Week (awesome! Laughed myself breathless!),

Jasper Kent points us to 5 books that have influenced him,

Paul McAuley tells us what he saw at the Physics for Fiction meeting,

and last, but not, least, Peter V Brett rips into me, showcases some cool fan-art, and has some awesome news regarding a little something coming from SubPress!!

Now for some publisher-related posts:

John Jarrold breaks the news of Nights of Villjamur being reprinted (awesome! Congrats, Mark!) and also breaks the news of a new two-book deal for a horror novelist (the news will be appearing here on the Blog, too),

Suvudu recommends what they think you should be reading after finishing Stephanie Meyer’s books (and I agree, looks like an interesting series),

Tor / Forge announce their new releases, showcase some videos from Corey Doctorow’s Little Brother play, and also announce that Little Brother has won the 2009 John W Campbell Award! Congrats, Corey!

The Black Library’s blog points us toward two reviews,

And last but not least, Orbit loves Nicole!

And here’s a chance for you to meet China Mièville! He will be out an about in London, so mark the dates in your diary!

7th July – Upstairs at The Pineapple Public House
51 Leverton Street, London , NW5 2NX
For further details, email Richard ( rtvnr1{at}googlemail{dot}com )

9th July – The Wapping Project, 7.30pm
The Greenhouse, Wapping Hydraulic Power Station Wapping Wall, London , E1W 3ST
For further information, click here.

11th July – Bookmarks Bookshop, 2pm
1 Bloomsbury Street, London , WC1B 3QE
For further information, telephone 020 7637 1848

16th July – London Literature Festival, 7pm
Level 5 Function Room, Southbank Centre
For further information, click here.

29th & 30th August – Edinburgh International Book Festival
For further information, click here.

Okay, that’s it, guys and girls. I’ll be back tomorrow with my review of Avempartha, see you then!

Be EPIC!

An Interview with Jo Graham

After reading Jo’s second gorgeous novel, Hand of Isis, I knew I had to get her on the blog again for another interview, and not only did Jo agree and answer the questions I had, she also gave me some great news to post here – the first public announcement of a new project! I’ll bold it, of course, so that you don’t miss it!

First of all, thanks for once again agreeing to an interview, Jo! It’s an honour to have you back on the blog! So, Black Ships, Hand of Isis and soon, Stealing Fire: how does it feel?

It feels wonderful! I’m delighted to be able to write full time right now. I’m already working on the next Numinous World book, tentatively called Lioness. It’s about a Persian princess in the 6th century BC, the daughter of Darius the Great.

I also have a new project, which I’m talking about publicly for the first time here, a Stargate Atlantis novel, Death Game, which is due out in the US and UK in November 2010

.

It couldn’t have all been a walk in the park – how do you deal with life while having to remain focused on your writing?

My partner, Amy, is a saint! She’s wonderful when I have deadlines, and she puts up with months of conversation about the most obscure things.

Now that you have two much-loved and acclaimed novels out in the world, has your life changed markedly since Black Ships or has it been much of the same?

As I said, it’s wonderful to be able to write full time. And unsurprisingly I’m getting much more done!

Let’s talk about Gull and Charmian – can you take us behind the scenes (without spoiling those who haven’t yet read Hand of Isis) and talk about the creation and evolution of these wonderful characters?

Both of them are explorations of different archetypes that aren’t very common in fiction, especially fiction about women. Gull is a priestess, and while heroic fantasy has plenty of young warrior maidens, the priestess has been largely overlooked in recent years. You really have to go back to Marion Zimmer Bradley, Diana Paxson and Judith Tarr to find her. Gull puts her vocation first. It’s more important than any person in her life, more important than anything else in her life. We don’t talk about religious devotion very well in our society, so it’s very gratifying to me to hear from readers, from a female rabbinical student, from a woman minister in the Midwestern US, from a female Church of England divinity student, that they see their experiences reflected in Gull.

Charmian is a different archetype. She’s Isis Pelagia, not Isis the Lady of Amenti, the Queen of Love. And as such, she doesn’t belong to any man, doesn’t commit to any lover. She belongs to herself, and shares herself where she chooses. And yet it’s not selfish. Charmian is honest, and she’s not playing games or “working through issues.” It’s who she is. And she doesn’t know one end of a weapon from the other! She’s not a warrior maiden, and we have very ambivalent feelings about a woman like her in our society.

They’ve both been fascinating to write, the same person embodying two entirely different archetypes. In Stealing Fire we’ll see her as a man, Lydias, a soldier and adventurer.

You told me a while ago that you wanted your Cleopatra to be as close to the historical Cleopatra as possible and not to let your own opinions of her influence her characterization – was this difficult to do?

Very difficult! Almost everything we know about Cleopatra comes from her enemies. We don’t have contemporary Egyptian sources, so it’s very challenging to reconstruct.

Comparing Hand of Isis to Black Ships, your talents for world-building and characterization have really blossomed, and you’ve really built upon the work done in Black Ships and made Hand of Isis a bigger, more beautiful book: were there any specific areas you wanted to improve upon?

Thank you! I’m glad you think so. It’s a much longer book, and I think a lot of the difference is the depth of the world building. So…more space!

The characters that share Charmian’s tale are all unique in their own right, able to carry a novel on their own – how difficult was it to keep them fresh and engaging without making them echoes of the supporting cast from Black Ships?

Well, the echoes go forward and back! Many of them are meant to be the same characters, but they don’t present the same way each time. They are echoes of each other, and of the characters from other stories that aren’t told yet. But I think their life stories, what happens to them, makes them distinct. For example, Dion and Ashterah aren’t by any means the same person!

What are you feelings on the recently unveiled new over art for the re-print of Black Ships? Is that your Gull, or as close as it could be?

It’s gorgeous! That’s definitely my Gull!

Are there any plans to give your novels a ‘series’ title? Maybe something like The Saga of the Companions? Or would you like each novel to stand on its own?

I’ve been calling it The Numinous World. But the question of a series title is really up to my publisher.

How is Stealing Fire progressing and are you able to give us a sneak peek at what we can expect?

Stealing Fire is finished! It’s strange with the publication delay to wait so long for you to see it after I finish it. Stealing Fire was done in December! Since then I’ve written an entire other book, which is not currently sold so I can’t say when you might get it, a Numinous World book called The Chariot set in 1805. I’ve also started on Lioness and on Death Game. So finishing Stealing Fire seems like it happened a long time ago to me!

Sneak peak: Alexander the Great has died in Babylon, leaving the ashes of his empire to his quarrelling generals and his unborn son. Lydias of Miletus is a Companion Cavalryman, a soldier in Alexander’s service. As chaos reigns and the generals start to kill one another, General Ptolemy trusts Lydias with a charge of incredible personal importance, to get his longtime lover, the hetaira Thais, and their two young children out of Babylon and safely away from the bloodbath. Fleeing Babylon for the loyal fortress of Pelousion, Lydias is dragged into a deadly game — not just between generals and Companions, but between gods.

And finally, what would you like to explore further down the road? Any other genres you’d like to dabble in?

I’m looking forward to the challenge of the Stargate Atlantis novel. As a long time fanfic writer, it’s wonderful to be paid to write fanfic! I hope it will be a pleasure both to Stargate Atlantis viewers and to Jo Graham readers.

Thanks, Jo, for once again taking the time to answer these questions! We all wish you continued success and many, many more wonderful books on our shelves!

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

Well there you have it! Not only will be Jo be bringing us more of her own trademark beautiful tales, following an amazing cast of characters, but she will also be delving into the world of Stargate Atlantis! I’m sure you’ll all agree with me when I say that all of this is definitely much to look forward to!

Be EPIC!

Review and Giveaway: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Reviewed by David

Well here it is my latest review, Kristin Cashore’s – Graceling.

This was a truly interesting read for me, sad to say it won’t be on my top ten list but it was not too bad. I can definitely see that Kristin is a new author and testing the various elements of writing trying to find her own unique style. Some parts of the book were very well crafted while others felt lacking to me.

But lets get to the book itself:

In the world of the Seven Kingdoms people are born with extraordinary graces, talents allowing them to excel in a specific area. None has a grace more feared than Katsa, gifted with the grace of killing since she was ten years old and trained to be the weapon of her uncle, the King.

A mystery arises in the Seven Kingdoms, one that ties together the fates of a helpless old man, a young princess and the one eyed King, who seems to be both responsible and blameless for everything. And at the heart of this mystery, with the responsibility to solve it, sits Katsa and an enigmatic Liened prince who rivals even Katsa’s fighting abilities.

Katsa finally decides to no longer be the lady killer for her uncle and sees this mystery as her escape, but what will this cost her? Not only does this lead her to re-evaluate her entire life but also to a startling realization about her grace; is she really graced with killing, or is it something else?

Well, now that the scene has been set, lets get in a little deeper.

On the up side Kristin does create very vivid and beautiful landscapes at times, spending a good deal of attention on details. This in turn helps to set specific moods, thought at times it is quickly broken by the events that follow.

The flow of the story is not bad either as it stays relatively constant, however the pace at which it flows could use a little change. For the most part I found it very laid back and relaxed, not quite boring yet but not a lot of action.

This is definitely more of an adventure mystery with a bit of a love story and self discovery tied into it.

One of the things I did love about the book was the detail to character development, and there is a lot of it. Katsa and Po, our two main characters, are constantly changing and evolving throughout the plot of the story, especially Katsa. As I sit here I also realize that in the beginning of the book it was Po who helped Katsa in accepting herself and by the end it is Katsa who helps Po accept the circumstances he has to live with.

Katsa is a very negative person when we meet her; not planning on marrying or loving anyone, she hates herself for who she is and wants to get away from the life she is in, but is unable to do so until she meets Po.

Po on the other hand is a very positive person and the complete opposite to Katsa, but apart from their unusual meeting they soon become friends and even deeper feelings start to grow between them, until something devastating happens.

The graces were an interesting addition to the storyline to say the least, but the illusion surrounding them was quickly broken for me in part due to over-explanation about them. Some of the graces were truly interesting and supernatural but then Kristin mentioned a few less than impressive graces and I have to say I lost a big part of my appreciation for them.

Lastly something that in my opinion was the saving grace for the book is the mystery. The middle part of the book was mostly boring and I would have had trouble getting through it if it was not for the intrigue behind the mystery. Kristin kept just enough fog over the mystery, deceiving you with her words so that you could not make complete sense of the clues you found. I think she could have, and should have, pulled it out a little longer but it was still a very interesting mystery and by the time it was over the story picked up a little bit more of a pace.

Finally she ended the story in a manner that you do not see that often. She gave full attention to her characters and setting out some future plans for them. Instead of simply ending a story with lovers uniting and a kingdom at peace, she sets out the plans for her characters and what they will be doing in the following months. Something she did not have to do, but it gives the story a bit more of a continuation and flow instead of a blunt ending.

Well there you have it.

Graceling may not be my favorite book of the year but it was not bad either. I will definitely like to read the next one, aptly called Fire; I’m kind of intrigued to see what these monsters in Fire will be like. It should also be noted that she is busy with a follow-up to Graceling called Bitterblue, referring to Princess Bitterblue, but more of that on a later date.

So if you’re in the mood for a light adventure mystery you can definitely take a look at this one, just don’t expect a great deal of action as the action sequences are few and far apart.

Good mystery, good character development, I will give it a

6/10

Check out more info on Kristin at this site.

If you want to buy yourself a copy of Graceling you can find it here.

Giveaway!

You can also try your luck with our give-away, just in time for you to get up to speed with the Seven Kingdoms.

Later this year she will be launching her new book Fire, which is set 30 years before Graceling, and promises to be an even better addition to the series. Kristin is also busy with her follow-up to Graceling, Bitterblue, so this is an excellent chance to get acquainted with the world she has created for us.

If you want to know a bit more about the book itself, take a look at the review above, and you can also find Kristins web site here.

Okay, down to the rules!

1) No-one working for a publisher is allowed to enter.

2) Only South Africans or people living in South Africa are allowed to enter, please! The postage from SA to Europe or the US is a killer.

3) How do you enter? Just leave a comment on this post!

The giveaway starts today (being the 25th of June), and will run until the 9th of July, so that gives you all 2 weeks to enter!

Well there you have it guys and girls! Spread the word about the giveaway to anyone you think would be interested!

Upcoming Review and Give-away

Hey guys and girls David here, first of all i just want to apologise for the laps of absence, but I’m back now.

I will have a brand new review up for you guys before the weekend is over, all about Kristin Cashore’s new book Graceling.

Along with the review you will see Dave and me will also be have a give-away of Graceling, so keep an eye out for that.

In the mean time if you want to find out a bit more about Kristin Cashore, you can find her here, where you can look up some of her other books as well. She will also be bringing out a prequel to Graceling in October called Fire and she is currently busy with a sequel to Graceling.

So make sure to keep an eye on the site for the review and who knows you just might be the lucky winner of the Graceling give-away!

Spotlight: Thrillfest 2009 coming to New York!

Hey guys and girls, here’s something to look forward to for those of you who call the Big Apple home! Author Shane Briant (reviewed his novel, Worst Nightmares, here and interviewed him here) will also be attending! Here are the details:

The city’s dark alleys will get even darker when the most spine-tingling and pulse-pounding event of the year for fiction’s most popular genre returns to the Big Apple. ThrillerFest 2009 promises to be the biggest yet with over 200 of the best-loved and bestselling authors invading The Grand Hyatt in New York from July 8-11 for a four-day extravaganza to mix and mingle with fellow shock-smiths, budding writers and fans.

Now in its fourth year, ThrillerFest is the brainchild of International Thriller Writers, Inc. (ITW). According to Jon Land, Vice President of Marketing for ITW, ThrillerFest is unique for its spirit of camaraderie and openness. “Where else can fans and aspiring writers mix and mingle with some of the biggest names in the business?” he says. “Not only can writers further hone and develop their craft, but they can also learn the ins and outs of the entire publishing business.” Land adds how meeting his own idol, David Morrell, at the first ThrillerFest in Phoenix, inspired him to no end, calling it “a dream come true.” Land stresses the friendly, informal atmosphere makes ThrillerFest a special experience for readers and fans.

One of the highlights of the event is the coveted ThrillerMaster Award, recognizing outstanding contribution to the thriller genre. This year’s winner is noted author David Morrell, widely considered the “father” of the contemporary action novel with his 1974 debut First Blood (which introduced the character of Rambo to the world). The award celebrates Morrell’s amazing career, spanning 37 years and 28 novels published in dozens of languages across the globe. “He’s the finest thriller writer working today,” says Steve Berry, one of ITW’s current co-presidents. “Every one of us owes him a debt of gratitude and many, myself included, learned how to craft a novel from studying his work. He is, quite simply, the best.”

The prestigious Silver Bullet Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the encouragement of literacy and the love of reading, will be presented to the #1 New York Times bestselling suspense novelist Brad Meltzer (The Book of Fate). Recipients are chosen on an annual basis representing the corporate, literary and entertainment worlds with past winners including authors David Baldacci and R.L. Stine, publisher Tom Doherty, actor Tony Plana (Ugly Betty), the Nestle Company, Capital One and Macy’s.

Additional bestselling spotlight guests that will attend are last year’s ThrillerMaster award recipient Sandra Brown as well as Robin Cook, Katherine Neville, and David Baldacci.

The four-day event includes numerous author signings, a complete bookstore on premises, a cocktail party and reception for readers, a roasting of Clive Cussler, and a breakfast featuring first-time authors. The highlight is the annual ThrillerFest Awards Banquet, which this year will take place at Cipriani, one of New York City’s most spectacular event venues.

Some of the biggest names in the genre will be holding court with interactive panel sessions, including Kathleen Antrim, Steve Berry, Peter Rubie, William Bernhardt, James Rollins, Barry Eisler, Andrew Gross, David Hewson, Jon Land, Eric Van Lustbader, Gayle Lynds, Steve Martini, Donald Maass, Joan Johnston and many more.

ThrillerFest runs in conjunction with AgentFest, in which aspiring writers pitch their work to more than forty top literary agents, and CraftFest, offering workshops with best-selling authors. Some CraftFest workshops presented this year are “Living on the Ritz – How to Hit the Times List in Five Years or Less” with Lisa Gardner; “Creating a Series Character” with Lee Child; and “How – and Why – to Write Thrillers for Young Readers” with R.L. Stine.

Registration for ThrillerFest is open to everyone (ITW members and non-members alike). There are three separately-priced packages: CraftFest/AgentFest on Wednesday July 8; the ThrillerFest Conference from July 9 – July 11; and the Thriller Awards Banquet at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. A complete events package is also available as well as day passes. Details and a date/rate schedule can be found at www.thrillerfest.com.

About ThrillerFest

ThrillerFest was established to bestow recognition and promote the thriller genre at an innovative and superior level for and through the Active Members of ITW; to provide opportunities for mentoring, education and collegiality among thriller authors and industry professionals; and to grant awards for excellence in the thriller genre.

The nominations for 2009 are as follows:

Best Thriller of the Year

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben
The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor

Best First Novel

Calumet City by Charlie Newton
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
Criminal Paradise by Steven Thomas
Sacrifice by S. J. Bolton
The Killer’s Wife by Bill Floyd

Best Short Story

Between the Dark and the Daylight by Tom Piccirilli (Ellery Queen Magazine)
Last Island South by John C. Boland (Ellery Queen Magazine)
The Edge of Seventeen by Alexandra Sokoloff (The Darker Mask)
The Point Guard by Jason Pinter (Killer Year Anthology)
Time of the Green by Ken Bruen (Killer Year Anthology)

Thrillfest 2009 will be taking place at the Grand Hyatt, July 8-11, so if you’re in New York at that time, go check it out and take a bag-full of books with to get them signed!

Be EPIC!

Robot Army Website of the Month!

I’m just so stoked at the moment! Lee Harris from Angry Robot Books let me know earlier to check out the main base of the Robot Army and when I did, I saw this!

Thanks to Angry Robot and all their staff – this really is an honour! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Although, the focus must remain on Angry Robot! Not only have they got a batch of wonderful authors -who’s books will soon begin gracing our shelves- but they’re also one of the most promising imprints in publishing at the moment, and that’s no puffing up of the facts! To launch a new imprint when the market is as crowded as it is and to still be able to catch the authors they have (and continue to do) speaks very highly of the kind of imprint Angry Robot is and the kind of people who are behind it.

Thanks again, Angry Robot! You guys rock!

Be EPIC!