Release Date: 15/01/15
Publisher: Tor/Pan Macmillan UK
SYNOPSIS:
Irene must be at the top of her game or she'll be off the case - permanently...Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. And along with her enigmatic assistant Kai, she's posted to an alternative London. Their mission - to retrieve a dangerous book. But when they arrive, it's already been stolen. London's underground factions seem prepared to fight to the very death to find her book. Adding to the jeopardy, this world is chaos-infested - the laws of nature bent to allow supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic. Irene's new assistant is also hiding secrets of his own. Soon, she's up to her eyebrows in a heady mix of danger, clues and secret societies. Yet failure is not an option - the nature of reality itself is at stake.
REVIEW:
Ah the world of magic, burgalry and of course kick ass action through a multitude of alternate worlds as Librarian extraordinaire Irene as she uses not only smarts but quick actions to help her achieve her goals. Its definitely quirky, has a great principle character and for me, gave me a book that was a sheer joy to spend time with.
Back this up with solid prose alongside great pace all round gives you a great experience. I’ll definitely be looking forward to the second outing.
Release Date: 15/01/15
Publisher: Tor/Pan Macmillan UK
SYNOPSIS:
War is coming, secrets multiply and betrayal waits in the wings...The Annurian Empire's ruling family must be vigilant, as the conspiracy against them deepens. Having discovered her father's assassin, Adare flees the Dawn Palace in search of allies. But few trust her, until she seems marked by the people's goddess in an ordeal of flame. As Adare struggles to unite Annur, unrest breeds rival armies - then barbarian hordes threaten to invade. And unknown to Adare, her brother Valyn has fallen in with forces mustering at the empire's borders. The terrible choices they face could make war between them inevitable. Fighting his own battles is their brother Kaden, rightful heir to the Unhewn Throne, who has infiltrated the Annurian capital with two strange companions. While imperial forces prepare to defend a far-distant front, Kaden's actions could save the empire, or destroy it. Book One, The Emperor's Blades, was on the list of BuzzFeed.com's most-anticipated SF/F reads for 2014 and also on the Fantasy Faction blog for most anticipated fantasy for 2014.
REVIEW:
The second title from Brian and whilst the first one blew me away, its always the second that is, for me the teller, as to whether the author can cope with the pressures of writing to a deadline. It’s a tricky hurdle to conquer and for many they fall at it, yet not only does Brian manage to clear it, but he does it with plenty of space below as the sheer quality not only exists but exudes from within the covers.
Its crisp writing, the characters outstanding and when added to an overall arc that just keeps giving the reader more and more all round leaves you with not just a glowing feeling but the type of confusion about where all the times gone. Add to this characters that you not only just want to spend time around but would love to buy a pint for all round, alongside their outstanding dialogue makes the third title a hell of a long wait.
Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Tor UK have let us know that they're opening the door's to writers E-Submissions from you the writing public. Yes, that's right, a chance for your book to be read by one of thier editors without having to worry about a whole load of rigmarole or having had to secure an agent.
Here is a copy of what they've said (taken from their blog:
What sort of books is Tor UK looking for?
For direct submissions we only consider complete and unpublished
science fiction, fantasy and horror novels, written in English of
between 95,000 – 150,000 words.
We don’t publish non-fiction, poetry, short stories or novellas. If
your work falls into any of these categories we regret we are unable to
help.
How should I send you my novel?
Only emailed submissions can be considered (please see below for the
email address). The email must include the novel’s title in the Subject
line. The body of the email should contain a short synopsis and
biographical note (including details of any previously published work),
and the entire novel should be attached to the email as a single
standard word-processing file, preferably Microsoft Word. Please do not
send typescripts as individual chapter files, or as ‘compressed’,
‘zipped’ or password protected files.
Can I send more than one novel at a time?
If you wish to send multiple novels for consideration please send each one as a separate submission.
Do you accept hardcopy (printed) submissions, or submissions on disc or CD?
No, and unfortunately we are unable to return any typescripts sent to us in this way.
Will you consider incomplete novels or proposals for as yet unwritten novels?
No, we can only accept finished novels.
Do you accept submissions from authors whose work has
previously been self-published, ‘vanity’ published or published
electronically/online?
Yes as long as they follow the guidelines set out above, including the provision concerning word extent.
Does Tor UK accept submissions from outside the UK?
Yes. But again, they will need to comply with the above guidelines.
Will Tor UK consider translations?
No. I’m afraid we’re only, at this time, looking for full and complete works written in English.
How long will you take to decide if you want to publish my novel?
If we would like to publish your novel, we will let you know within twelve weeks of receipt.
Unfortunately, due to the large number of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful submissions.
If you have not had a response within twelve weeks please assume that we have, regretfully, decided not to publish your novel.
How should my manuscript be formatted?
We prefer 12-point, Times New Roman, double line-spaced.
Can I resubmit a novel which has been declined by you in the past but which has been revised?
No, regrettably a decision to decline must be final.
To whom should my submission be addressed?
There’s no need to address it to a specific individual: if it is
eligible and sent to the email address below it will be read and
assessed by one of our team of editors.
I am a literary agent. Can I send you my client’s novel?
Yes, please follow the submissions procedure described above.
Where should I send my novel?
Please email it to: TorUKSubmissions@macmillan.com
So best of luck writing people and who know's maybe we'll be reading your work over the next few years.
Gareth and Lady Eleanor
