Author Interview - Adrian Tchaikovsky

I haven't been doing interviews for quite some time now. Rather, after resuming writing here again, after life forced a long break due to my postgrad, family and whatnot, I have been focusing on reviewing stuff.

But when I got the chance to interview one of my favorite authors, and on the eve of the release of a long-awaited sequel, it was impossible to pass.

So, here is my short interview of the great 'Adrian Tchaikovsky', whose sequel to the acclaimed 'Elder Race' named 'Engines of Reason' is releasing today.


1) Hi and welcome to my blog. Hope you're doing well. Nowadays everyone who read fantasy or sci-fi know who Adrian Tchaikovsky is. Start by telling something about you that generally your fans aren't aware of, please.

AT: That’s a tough one. I feel like I’ve spilled just about everything about myself in one interview or another. Possibly people don’t know that I used to be an evil lawyer before the writing really took off? Or that my name isn’t spelled like this (check the copyright page of my books!). Honestly there’s not much to be outside the writing!

2) It's been 5 years since the release of 'Elder Race', what made you return to it?

AT: Sometimes sequel ideas take a while to come together. A lot of the time there’s a wait to see if the book will take off (and so if the publisher will even want a sequel) but in ER’s case it did inexplicably well right out of the gate – something about it caught people’s imaginations and I think it was the first of my books that really did well over in the US, for example. However it was also fairly self-contained, and for a while I wasn’t sure what the story would be about Lyn and Nyr’s future, that would be worth the telling. Presumably they just had something of a quiet life? Apparently not, as my imagination belatedly furnished! The story of Engines of Reason came to me a long time after, when a couple of fragments of book ideas sort of collided in my head and I realised the resulting amalgam looked a lot like it fit into Elder Race’s world.

3) We all remember Lyn and Nyx like it was yesterday. Have they changed much in this sequel? Will there be any new viewpoint characters this time?

AT: A good few years have passed for them, and not entirely happily. Political and personal changes have driven them apart, Lyn’s been married and has a child, Nyr is kicking about playing Merlin in the Lanessite court. Nobody’s particularly happy but it’s been a sort of gradual decline rather than anything catastrophic. At the start of the book there’s some bandit/rebel activity that starts to look as though someone has got a hold of the old colonial technology, meaning it falls into Nyr’s bailiwick, and that’s where we meet our new PoV character, Sendra, a bandit/rebel who also thinks he’s got a hold of the old technology, but in fact has found something rather more problematic…


4) Now that the second book is here, are there more stories you want to tell in this setting or using these characters?

AT: The end of the 2nd book ties off this particular story but leave enough threads that you can see where a third book will go. So there should eventually be a trilogy of novellas.

 

5) We all know about some of your future projects including The Grave of Perfection and The Eighth Face. Would you care to hint at or divulge some info regarding some unknown future projects?

AT: As usual there’s quite a lot on the plate. I have some new Warhammer stuff which hasn’t been announced yet, and I’m just finishing a Cage of Souls sequel. There are a couple more standalone SF books contracted for, one of which I’ve delivered, and a fantasy novella that’s quite different to anything I’ve written before, titled “Last Song of Ash”. The Terrible Worlds series has another three to go after the recently released Preaching to the Choir, two of which have been written. I’ve also got some plans to expand my repertoire into areas of the genre I’ve not previously touched. Watch this space!


6) So 2026 is more than half over. Any books you read from the year you liked?

AT: I got an advance copy of Claire North’s As We Fall Through Time and it blew my mind. Amazing book. Premee Mohammed’s Wickhills is very good, and Ian Green’s The Deep and the Drowned. Beyond that I’m still getting to read new stuff via Emma’s recommendations on the Starship Alexandria podcast, which people can check out.


7) I have been reviewing or blogging for about 12 years now. And only just have the time and decided to try my hand on writing fiction. Can you impart a bit of guidance or instructions for new writers like myself?

AT: It’s very tricky – from a craft perspective everyone has their own process and method, and you have to find that organically, trial and error. From an industry perspective, I got into print almost 20 years ago now, and things have changed so much in that time that I don’t really have up to date advice. I think the old adage of “Just write” is always good. The more you write the better you get – there are no shortcuts to that, and using aids like AI to write for you – however you try to limit that – will only rob you of the chance to hone your skills. You can’t ever get better that way, Also, write what you love. I think a lot of people try to write whatever looks popular, whether it speaks to them or not. Write the book that only you can write, not the book everyone else is trying to write.


Wow, that was an amazing interview. Not only did Adrian tell us some of the amazing work he has coming for us (I am especially intrigued by the Warhammer stuff), he also informed us about some great books from 2026. But I particularly liked his insight and advice for aspiring new writers like myself; his comment about AI and writing the book that only I can especially resonates.

About 'Engines of War' -

Visit a world where sorcery intertwines with science by multiple Hugo nominee Adrian Tchaikovsky in this highly-anticipated sequel to his hugely popular Elder Race.

On a planet where stories govern identity, where science and magic are a merely point of view, a fallen princess, a reluctant wizard, and a precocious child must unravel the past to shape the future.

Betrayal, ancient myths, and the clash of worlds converge in this spellbinding tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.

A profound exploration of identity, memory, and discovery from one of science fiction’s most compelling voices.

About Adrian Tchaikovsky -

Adrian was born in Lincolnshire and studied zoology and psychology at Reading before becoming a professional author in 2007. He is a keen role-player and board gamer and is trained in stage-fighting. His literary influences include Gene Wolfe, Mervyn Peake, China Miéville, Steven Erikson, Naomi Novak, Scott Lynch and Alan Campbell.

Adrian primarily explores deep themes, such as artificial intelligence and alien awareness within epic galactic and fantastical settings.

He has a deep interest in the animal world specifically insects from his studies in Zoology and has a particular penchant for spiders. 

Links - Website, Goodreads

Author Interview - Cameron Johnston (The Traitor God)

Well, it's been a log time since my last interview on this blog (more than 2 years as a matter of fact). I guess it's time I do a few of this.

So I'll start with interviewing 'Cameron Johnston', the author of 'The Traitor God'  which is his debut being published today from 'Angry Robot'.

Without further ado -

1) Would you please start by telling us a bit more about yourself?

Hi, I'm Cameron Johnston, author of The Traitor God. I live in Scotland, with my wife and an extremely fluffy cat. I'm an enthusiast of archaeology, history and mythology and love exploring ancient sites and camping out under the stars by a roaring fire. I am also one of those people who have more books than shelves - clearly the answer is to acquire yet more shelves.

2) So, 'The Traitor God' is your debut novel. How does it feel to see your words in print for the first time?

It's a surreal and wonderful thing to hold your own book in your hands and know it will be in bookshops and libraries all over the world. The library-going kid me from many years ago would be incredibly happy with me right now.

3) Among a sea of epic fantasy novels out there, what would you say makes 'The Traitor God' different?

It's part blood-soaked murder mystery and part grimdark urban fantasy Lovecraftian apocalypse. Big magic, bigger monsters, and the unfortunate magician landed right in the middle of it. It's something that little bit different.

4) Care to divulge a bit more info about your protagonist 'Edrin Walker' beyond the info we got from the book blurb? What do you think will make the readers root for him?

Most of the magi who rule the city hail from the nobles houses and come from old money and power. When Walker's Gift for magic was discovered he was living as a gutter-rat running the streets of the slums, and he has never forgotten his lowly origins. Nor have the other magi. What true friends he ever made he is utterly loyal to, and he would do anything to protect them, or avenge them...

5) Can you tell us a bit about some of your influences regarding this novel?

I would say there are three main streams of influence melded into The Traitor God: old pulp swords and sorcery fantasies like Conan, Elric and Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Hellblazer's John Constantine and film noir, and the cosmic horror of writers like HP Lovecraft and Arthur Machen.

6) From your author bio on Goodreads, we get that you are a student of Historical European Martial Arts, can you tell us a bit about this vocation of yours?

Mostly, I get to play with swords. A large part of it involves going back to the surviving period manuscripts and using those to practice and learn the old swordplay and techniques and why they worked so well. I have done german longsword, Scottish broadsword and a also little quarterstaff work.

7) Read any good books lately?

I've had a really good run with reading great books recently. Some of my highlights have been Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames, The Bitter Twins by Jen Williams, Blackwing by Ed McDonald, Age of Assassins by RJ Barker and Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

8) As a new writer, publishing from a major publisher, would you please say something to the aspiring writers out there?

This will be a long one!

Firstly, a while back I was exactly where many aspiring writers are right now, writing away and sending stories out and not getting anywhere fast. It’s not enough to just keep on writing the same old thing in the same old way. I kept on writing new things and tried different points of view and techniques to improve my skills, got feedback from other writers and readers and used that to improve still further as I got a few short stories published in small magazines. Don't get disheartened if you are just starting out or deep in the slog of submissions - like any other art it takes time to learn and online writing forums like https://absolutewrite.com/forums/ are a great resource.

Secondly, if you want your novel trade/traditionally published then it is not always enough to have a good book, you need to have something different or a fresh take to make it stand out. If twenty people are offering chocolate cake for sale on a table and you rock up with yet another chocolate cake, customers are not exactly going to be enthused even if it is a perfectly good cake. It's exactly the same if you are writing another Lord of The Rings or A Song of Ice and Fire. Having an editor really like your book is not enough, you also need to interest the marketing team who quite possibly won't have read it all. If they can't figure out how to sell and advertise your book then they won't pick it up. Think up an easy sales pitch to go with your novel if you can, something like The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán is a great example of a golden pitch that makes editors sit up and the marketing team's eyes gleam: Jurassic Park meets Game of Thrones. Knights riding dinosaurs! Now that's a chocolate cake with added sparkly sprinkles.

9) Please do tell us about your future projects? May I expect more books featuring 'Edrin Walker'?

Funnily enough, right about now Angry Robot have given me the go-ahead to say that there will indeed be a book two! It will end Edrin Walker's duology with some world-shattering revelations, dastardly tricks, and epic magical confrontations.

About 'The Traitor God' -

A city threatened by unimaginable horrors must trust their most hated outcast, or lose everything, in this crushing epic fantasy debut.
After ten years on the run, dodging daemons and debt, reviled magician Edrin Walker returns home to avenge the brutal murder of his friend. Lynas had uncovered a terrible secret, something that threatened to devour the entire city. He tried to warn the Arcanum, the sorcerers who rule the city. He failed. Lynas was skinned alive and Walker felt every cut. Now nothing will stop him from finding the murderer. Magi, mortals, daemons, and even the gods - Walker will burn them all if he has to. After all, it wouldn't be the first time he's killed a god...

The books is being published on June 5, 2018 from Angry Robot.








About Cameron Johnston -

Cameron Johnston is a Scottish writer of speculative fiction (usually a mix of fantasy and horror) and a member of the Glasgow Science Fiction Writers' Circle since 2010.

He is also a swordsman, gamer, enthusiast of archaeology and history, a fine ale drinker, builder of LEGO, a cat-slave, and owns far too many books to fit on his shelves. 

Links - Website, Twitter, Goodreads

Author Interview - James A. Moore

Haven't done an interview in a long time, but finally I am back on business. James A. Moore was previously on my blog doing a guest post promoting the second book in his 'Seven Forges' series, and he is back with an interview regarding the fourth and possible the final book in the series named 'The Silent Army'.
Here it goes -

1) First of all welcome back to the blog and start by telling us a bit about yourself.

Thanks for having me back! I thought after that last time with the coffee pot and the four kittens, well, I'd have understood if I were never invited back in this lifetime. There's not much to tell, really. I'm a writer of fantasy and horror, and my latest series SEVEN FORGES is about to wrap up for the present time.

2) Will you please tell us some information about your new novel 'The Silent Army' that is not on the book blurb?

Well, it's book four in the SEVEN FORGES series, and though there is already talk about more books in the series later, THE SILENT ARMY is the end of the first story arc. That is, if I do more books, it will be an entirely different tale that takes place after the dust has settled. It is my hope that I've wrapped things up in end. The world map has certainly changed a great deal.

3) Where did you come up with the idea of writing the series? Can you tell us a bit more about your inspirations?

For me every story comes down to what if. I got an idea in my head about how it would play out if the biggest empire on the planet went soft, and what would happen if they ran across soldiers who absolutely refused to stop or negotiate. What would happen if an empire came across an army of religious fanatics who could back up their belief that they were doing the work of their gods? You have Spartans who were considered nearly unstoppable. You have Vikings who raided and took on nations that were bigger and badder and kept taking them on. Those are really the thoughts that were going through my head. Now, think on this: How different would your world be if you gods spoke directly to you? It was a notion that would not leave me alone. So I decided I should write it down.

4) So what makes the characters of these books and their world unique and interesting in your opinion?

I aimed to make them as real as possible, with human flaws and constantly changing perspectives. We are, in my opinion, all changing as we live our lives. In this case, however, one of the biggest differences as I'm concerned is that the gods actually get involved in the daily lives of some of the characters and shape them regularly.

5) Tell us a bit about the research you did for writing this book?

WellI guess you can call it research. I did a lot of reading of fantasy novels because I hadn't read ANY in fifteen years. I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything that was already being done.

6) Read any good book lately? Do share with us some of your favorite books from this year?

A pleasant discovery for me is that there really are some fresh voices in the genre. I am addicted to Joe Abercrombie's writing and can't recommend his SHATTERED SEA series enough. I'm a huge fan of Stephen King and one of those who absolutely loved his DARK TOWER series.

7) Can you divulge a bit more information about your upcoming projects? And may we ask what is the future for the 'Seven Forges' series?

My Next series is called TIDES OF WAR and the first book is called THE LAST SACRIFICE. In that story a mercenary named Brogan McTyre is forced to go after his family when they are taken by a religious sect that is allowed to take whomever they want by the five kingdoms. His actions are a violation of every law in the land and he goes after his family with every intention of getting them back at any cost.  His actions trigger Armageddon, and that in turn leads him on a quest to stop the world from ending.

When I'm done with that series there's a very real chance that I'm going to revisit Fellein and the Seven Forges and catch up on how different the world is when the seven different tribes of the Sa'ba Taalor are broken apart. I can't say too much but I meant it when I said there are massive changes in story for the people of those novels.

About the Author -

James A. Moore is the award winning author of over twenty novels, thrillers, dark fantasy and horror alike, including the critically acclaimed Fireworks, Under The Overtree, Blood Red, the Serenity Falls trilogy (featuring his recurring anti-hero, Jonathan Crowley) and his most recent novels, Blind Shadows, Homestead and the soon to be released Seven Forges. He has also recently ventured into the realm of Young Adult novels, with his new series Subject Seven. In addition to writing multiple short stories, he has also edited, with Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, the British Invasion anthology for Cemetery Dance Publications.
His Site - http://www.jamesamoorebooks.com/ 
His Twitt https://twitter.com/JamesAMoore 

About 'The Silent Army' -

The City of Wonders has been saved by nearly miraculous forces and the Silent Army is risen, ready to defend the Fellein Empire and Empress Nachia at any cost.
The power that was hidden in the Mounds is on the move, seeking a final confrontation with the very entities that kept it locked away since the Cataclysm. Andover Lashk has finally come to accept his destiny and prepares to journey back to Fellein. The Sa’ba Taalor continue their domination over each country and people they encounter, but the final conflict is coming: The Great Wave of the Sa’ba Taalor stands to destroy an empire and the Silent Army prepares to stop them in their tracks.
Caught in the middle is the Fellein Empire and the people who have gathered together on the final battlefield. The faithful and the godless, the soldiers and killers alike all stand or fall as old gods and new bring their war to a world-changing end. Some struggles are eternal. Some conflicts never cease. The Gods of War are here and they are determined to win.

Author Interview - David Annandale (2nd appearance)

Well, I have been a fan of Black Library for a few years now. And one of the authors who got my most admiration is definitely 'David Annandale'. So when I got the chance of doing an interview of him on the eve of his release of the second Yarrick novel I couldn't have been more happy. Here goes the episode -

1) Welcome back to the blog. Please start by telling us a bit about what's been going on with you lately?

It's been a busy time since we last spoke. My Grey Knights work appeared -- the novel Maledictus and two audio dramas -- and I wrote the novels Lemartes: Guardian of the Lost and The Pyres of Armageddon. There are three other novels in the bag too, but they must remain shrouded in secrecy for now. Beyond the writing front, I've carried on as one the co-hosts of the Skiffy and Fanty Show podcast, while Shaun Duke and I have begun the Totally Pretentious film podcast. I also had the opportunity to teach courses on fantasy films and drive-in movies, so that was fun too.

2) 'Yarrick: Pyres of Armageddon' is your second novel featuring Yarrick, so how does it feel to write about the character again?

I've now written more about Yarrick than any other character in the 40K universe, so I feel very close to him. I enjoy writing Yarrick very much -- it's rather like visiting with an old friend. And while Imperial Creed was about his first mission as commissar, and was an entirely new adventure, The Pyres of Armageddon deals with events about which there is plenty of lore, and so there was the extra spice of writing about some of the most important moments of his life.

3) So why do you think Yarrick is an interesting character? Why would your readers like him?

Yarrick is very human, yet capable of extraordinary feats, often through will alone. Here is an old man who is respected by both Space Marines and orks, which takes some doing, and I find it fascinating to explore the nature of the man who could achieve this most unusual position. And then there's the Ahab-Moby Dick relationship he has with Ghazghkull, which I love delving into. I've written about one facet of it in Chains of Golgotha. The Pyres of Armageddon is where it begins.

4) Is this novel a sequel to the first one or can new readers jump right on board with this one?

There are threads linking the book to Imperial Creed, but well over a century has passed between the two books. New readers should have no trouble jumping in.

5) The mention of Armageddon in the name smells of action. So is this book solely action oriented or does Yarrick deliver some thing more here?

This may be the most action-oriented novel I've written for Black Library, given the apocalyptic events that take place as the ork invasion begins. But I hope you learn more about Yarrick and why he acts as he does. This was also a chance to bring figures like Herman von Strab onto the stage, and Canoness Errant Setheno is back (and she has gone through a lot between Imperial Creed and now too).

6) What's in future for Yarrick? Do you plan to write more with him as a protagonist?

I would certainly like to, and the logical place to go would be what happens next in the Second War of Armageddon. That will depend on the Black Library schedule, and it's looking very busy (in the best sense of the word!) right now.

7) Can we expect some more 'Black Library' fiction from you in 2015? Care to divulge a bit?

Oh yes, much more to come! Lots that I'm excited about, but nothing I can divulge for the moment. Sorry!

8) So have you ever thought about writing on 'Warhammer' universe? And can we as fans expect some original fictions from you in near future?

I would jump at the chance, so we'll see what the future holds! As for my original work, the short story "The Broken Choir" in  A Grimoire of Eldritch Inquests (edited by Josh Reynolds and Miles Boothe) has ties to the events in Gethsemane Hall, and I'm continuing to work on that. There are a few other short stories that will be appearing too, including a fantasy one, in times to come.

About Yarrick: Pyres of Armageddon - 

The thrilling exploits of one of Black Library's most iconic characters.

Commissar Sebastian Yarrick returns to action to defend the world of Armageddon. When the largest ork horde seen for centuries hits the hive world, the Imperial forces are faced with an overwhelming attack. As battle rages across the planet, Yarrick and his allies lead the defence, striking at the orks in a series of daring assaults. Even if it means incurring the wrath of Armageddon's corrupt Overlord, Commissar Yarrick will not let Armageddon fall.







About David Annandale -
David Annandale is the author of the Yarrick series, consisting of the novella Chains of Golgotha and the novel Imperial Creed, as well as the Horus Heresy novel The Damnation of Pythos. For the Space Marine Battles series he has written The Death of Antagonis and Overfiend. He is a prolific writer of short fiction, including the novella Mephiston: Lord of Death and numerous short stories set in the Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 universes. David lectures at a Canadian university, on subjects ranging from English literature to horror films and video games.

Links - Website, Twitter

[PS: I just can't wait to find out more about the future projects by David. Well, at least in the mean time I can read this 2nd Yarrick novel, which hopefully would be even better than the first.
You can also check out my 'first interview of him'; as well as reviews of his works - 'Yarrick: Chains of Golgotha', 'Yarrick: A Plague of Saints', 'Yarrick: The Gallows Saint', 'Yarrick: Imperial Creed' on this blog.]  

Author Interview - Daryl Gregory

Wow, back after sooooo long. Sorry guys, but due to my new remote job placement and financial difficulties I was unable to publish on my blog for the past 1 and a half months, now I am back and hopefully will continue posting regularly again.

Lets start with some post due to be published. First an interview from the author 'Daryl Gregory' (which was to be published about 2 months ago), Thanks to the author for making time for these questions.

Here are my questions and Daryl's answers -
  
1) First of all welcome to the blog and start by telling us a bit about yourself.

Thanks for having me. I live in State College, PA, a nice little town with a big ol' university on it. I've been writing SF and fantasy for a long time -- my first story was published in F&SF back in 1990 -- but I took a ten-year break from publishing when my kids were small, I was working full time, and my wife was getting tenure.
Around 2001 I started writing short stories again (most of which are in my collection, Unpossible and Other Stories) and writing novels. My first novel came out in 2008, and my most recent one, Afterparty, appeared earlier this year from Tor Books. Along the way I've dabbled in comics. I wrote the Planet of the Apes series for a few years, and did a couple other comics projects, but mostly I'm a prose writer, whose kids are now disturbingly grown. Our youngest is about to head to college, which makes my wife and I empty-nesters. This will either mean good or terrible things for my productivity.

2) Will you please tell us some information about your new novel 'We Are All Completely Fine' that is not on the book blurb?

I don't think any of the cover copy gives away the news that the book is a kind of sampler of horror tropes, mostly from movies, across the decades. The people in this book who form the therapy group last girls/ last boys, similar to the lone survivors in flicks like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Hell Raiser, and Ringu. I also threw in a survivor of Lovecraftian horror, because who can write a post-horror horror novel without referencing Lovecraft?
    
3) Where did you come up with the idea of writing a book about a support group?

I'm married to a psychologist who has run small groups, and also teaches small group therapy. She turned me on to the work of Irvin Yalom, the man who literally wrote the book on group psychotherapy, and is a fine novelist in his own right.

4) So what makes the characters of these book unique and interesting?

I tried to make them unique, but it's up to the reader to decide if they're interesting. What I was interested in is what happens to people like these long after the horror flick or novel is over. They have a "peak experience," if you can use that term for the most extreme thing that has ever happened to them. How does that color the rest of your life? How do you go on with a "normal" life once you know there are real monsters in the world?  And if there's one thing we've learned from horror stories, is that they're never over. The monster can always return.

5) Tell us a bit about the research you did for writing this book?

As I mentioned, it helps to be married to an expert. My wife, Dr. Kathleen Bieschke, gave me plenty of research materials, including the video tapes used to train therapists. As for the knowledge of horror tropes... well, I've been training my entire life on those!

6) Read any good book lately? Do share with us some of your favorite books from this year?

I just read Countdown City by Ben Winters, the sequel to his book The Last Policeman. It's really well done. And I'm in the middle of reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, which is simply beautiful. 
    
7) Can you divulge a bit more information about your upcoming projects?

My next book is a YA horror novel called Harrison Squared that will come out from Tor in early 2015. And currently I'm writing a new adult SF novel. I'm just trying keep busy as the nest empties around me.

About 'We Are Completely Fine' -

Harrison is the Monster Detective, a storybook hero. Now he’s in his mid-thirties and spends most of his time not sleeping.
 
Stan became a minor celebrity after being partially eaten by cannibals. Barbara is haunted by the messages carved upon her bones. Greta may or may not be a mass-murdering arsonist. And for some reason, Martin never takes off his sunglasses.
 
Unsurprisingly, no one believes their horrific tales until they are sought out by psychotherapist Dr. Jan Sayer. What happens when these likely-insane outcasts join a support group? Together they must discover which monsters they face are within and which are lurking in plain sight.






About Daryl Gregory -

Award-winning author of Pandemonium, The Devil's Alphabet, and Raising Stony Mayhall.
 
He is also the writer of comics such as Dracula: The Company of Monsters and Planet of the Apes, both from BOOM! Studios.
His first collection of short stories is Unpossible and Other Stories, by Fairwood Press (October, 2011).
 
Daryl lives in State College, Pennsylvania.  

His Links - Website, Twitter, Goodreads








PS: I have read and enjoyed the book a few months ago, but didn't publish a review yet due to my hectic life situation, please expect a full review in a few days.

Author Interview - Rod Duncan

This time I interviewed 'Rod Duncan' on part of his blog tour celebrating the release of 'The Bullet Catcher's Daughter'. Thanks to 'Angry Robots' and the author for making time for this questions.

So, here it is -
1) Welcome to the blog and thanks for making time for talking to me. So, why don't you start by telling us what makes your new novel 'The Bullet Catcher's Daughter' unique?

The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter is about Elizabeth Barnabus who lives in what appears to be Victorian England.
Armed with an unusual set of skills (learned during her childhood in a travelling conjuring show) she ekes out a living as a private investigator.
But as the story progresses it becomes clear that the Nineteenth Century has long passed. Something has caused history to stall. How this has come about is a mystery that Elizabeth will gradually unravel.
People have been kind enough to say that these things make the book distinctive. It is certainly very different from anything I have written before.

2) So what genre/genres would you say this book belongs to?

It is an alternate history – which makes it speculative fiction. The Victorian aesthetic and anachronous technology have made some people call it steampunk. I’m certainly happy with that description.  

3) Tell us a bit about your protagonist 'Elizabeth Barnabus'?

Her father was a traveling conjurer. From him she learned that people can be easily fooled. Her great illusion combined male impersonation with the quick change. As she grew into adolescence, the corset and the binding cloth became tools, enabling her to choose which gender to project.
As an adult, she misses the freedom of the wandering life. So she uses her childhood skills to evade the rules that society would impose on her. 

4) What will make the readers root for her?

Life has dealt Elizabeth a really bad hand of cards. Her idyllic childhood was cut short by an aristocrat who wanted to possess her. Her family were bankrupted by corrupt officials. And she has had to flee into exile. Despite all this, she makes the best of things.  Perhaps that is the reason that readers warm to her.

5) Can you tell us a bit your influences behind writing this novel?

As influences, I would list stories that play with ideas of history. Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy and Robert Harris’s Fatherland, for example. Also, authors who have managed to create imagined societies. Although I was brought up on Tolkien, it was the stories of Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake that influenced me more. I love the way he describes a whole society from top to bottom – ruler, doctor, cook, teacher, servant, labourer and wet nurse.

But the specific inspiration for The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter was the Victorian buildings and streets of Leicester. This is the city where I live and where much of the story takes place. Where the road surface is damaged, you can sometimes glimpse old cobblestones below. It is easy to imagine the sound of wheel rims clattering over them. Another reality seems to exist just under the surface. 

6) So is this the start of a series or a stand-alone? What more can we expect from you in 2014?

This is the beginning of a series. I’m not going to say how many books it will run to. That would be a hostage to fortune. But the series title “The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire” gives an indication of the scale of the story.

The second in the series is called Unseemly Science. It will be published early next year.

7) Tell us a bit about some good books you read this year so far.

The last three books I read were:

Railsea by China Mieville. Quite steampunky, entirely original, very enjoyable.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. A masterclass in letting readers know more than the narrator. Very funny.

Polar Star. My regular re-reading of this crime classic by Martin Cruz Smith. Beautifully developed characters in a unique and evocative setting.

8) Can you divulge some info regarding you upcoming projects?

That is a hard one to answer because I don’t want to spoil the surprises ahead. But I can tell you that I have been writing about ice and death recently. They are ever present motifs in Unseemly Science. I can also say that as the series progresses, the title “The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire” will begin to loom large over the life of Elizabeth Barnabus.

About 'The Bullet Catcher's Daughter' -

Elizabeth Barnabus lives a double life—as herself and as her brother, the private detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of a disappearing aristocrat and a hoard of arcane machines. In her way stand the rogues, freaks and self-proclaimed alchemists of a travelling circus. But when she comes up against an agent of the all-powerful Patent Office, her life and the course of history will begin to change. And not necessarily for the better…


Expected to be published on 26th August on US & ebook format and on 4th September 2014 on UK.

 




 
About Rod Duncan - 

Rod Duncan worked in scientific research and computing before settling in Leicester to be a writer. His first novel, Backlash, was short-listed for the John Creasey Memorial Award (now the CWA Debut Dagger).

After four crime novels he switched to fantasy, and is currently writing a series of alternate history books, called ‘The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire’.

Rod is also a screenwriter, and was once eaten alive in the feature film Zombie Undead.

Links - Website,  Twitter

Author Interview - J.B. Skelter & Jack Reher

To start the month lets have double the fun with a double interview feature. Thanks to the two awesome guys, J.B. Skelter & Jack Reher. Also thanks to the wonderful people at Curiosity Quills Press for arranging the interview.

Here goes -
1) First of all welcome to the blog. Please start by telling us a bit about yourselves.

JR: Thanks for having us. I grew up in the great state of Minnesota before heading to Los Angeles for graduate school at the AFI Conservatory. Focusing on screenwriting for several years, with a feature film due out later this year - GRIZZLY - starring Billy Bob Thornton and James Marsden. It's been a long journey as a writer so far.

JBS: I was born in New York City but grew up in Colorado. I attended the University of Iowa but, I am ashamed to admit, barely touched their legendary Writers Workshop. I've done my best, over the years, to make up for that missed opportunity.

2) This is your debut novel as far as I can tell. So how does it feel to be published?

JR: Well, J.B. has a few novels under his belt. Highly acclaimed too. I was adapting one of his books for the screen and during the process, I slipped him a screenplay I had written entitled How Rex and the Count Save His Not-So-Ordinary-Town From a Werewolf on the Scariest Night of the Year... (yes, I was shooting for an outlandish film title) and I said to J.B. 'Hey, this is getting a lot of studio interest, but they think it's based on an intellectual property... any chance you want to help turn it into a series of books?"
And within a week or so, we had a publisher aboard (Curiosity Quills), contracts in place and we were off & running. CQ suggested a new title and I instantly fell in love with it. Catchy and fun. It's an awesome feeling to see something that started as an idea become flesh & blood. A physical property that others can hold and either love or hate.

JBS: Yeah, as Jack mentioned, I've written other books under my real name (which is a closely guarded secret). But in a lot of ways it was a debut novel for me because the genre and intended audience was completely new to me. Also, being able to collaborate with someone was new. As are most writers, I'm pretty independent, but working with Jack was a blast. He's a unique writer with so many fresh ideas. Frankly, I'm a bit jealous of abundance of creativity.

3) How much fun was working together on a collaboration may I ask? And how was it working with the people at 'Curiosity Quills'?

JR: It was a blast. As we were going through it, I even went back to the initial screenplay and added more content for the feature film that turned into added scenes within the novel. J.B. is like my long lost brother. A great collaborator.

JBS: Agreed. As I mentioned, this was the first time I'd done something like this. And I don't think I could have done it with two many people. Jack and I have a very similar vision. I feel very fortunate to have found that creative mate.

4) Got any advice for all the aspiring writers out there?

JR: Never forget the ABC's. Always Be Creating. To the blank page. You're only as good as your next project.

JBS: Me, giving advice? A bad idea. But if you insist, I would say to write something that you'd want to read. If you spend too much time trying to figure out the latest trends and what's selling, you'll lose your own creative center.

5) So who would you recommend this book to, may I ask?

JR: Kids to early teens. This is a throwback to the old Amblin types of stories... like Gremlins, Creepshow, classic horror stories that relied on good old fashioned characters & scares versus sparkling vampires and lame love triangles. I liken REX'd to The Monster Squad and John Hughes' The Breakfast Club  crossed with the classic Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books.  Good, clean fun and scary. But not too scary like old Ray Bradbury novels.

JBS: My nine-year-old daughter is very, very excited to read. And I think she'll dig it. But I also think a fourteen or fifteen year old would enjoy it as well. The themes are familiar yet fresh. Come to think about it, there are plenty of adults who will get a guilty pleasure out of reading.

5) Tell us a bit about your protagonist Rex Gerard? What makes him likeable as a character in you guys' opinion?

JR: Rex is just like any kid growing up. A kid trying to fit in and find his way. But in Rex's case, he and his dad just lost their mom in an accident and they've relocated to a new town where he's sort of spinning in a daze, just doing his best to hold onto a memory yet push on. But the universe has bigger plans for Rex. He was supposed to arrive in this particular town. Scholomance plays a huge part in this. It's a reference to what Bram Stoker quoted in Dracula... where the vampires went to be educated.

JBS: I really fell in love with Rex as a protagonist. He's dealing with his own demons, with his own uncertainties. And while most of us won't face the same type of external challenges that Rex faces (at least, I hope not), he's a very relatable kid. It's hard not to see ourselves in him.

6) As far as the blurb suggests the story takes place on Halloween, So is the book set during only one day (that sounds promising, imo) ?

JR: Yes! I think a sense of urgency was important within the first book. It heightens the intense nature and amps up the stakes. Plus, who doesn't love Halloween? The day is important to Rex. It was his mom's favorite too. So, it's sort of a 'birthday' or awakening of sorts for Rex. He will never be the same after this day.

JBS: I loved the concept of the entire book taking place on a single day. But despite its immediacy, we get enough backstory to understand the motivations and fears and hopes of Rex.

7) Will you give the readers some info/hints about the monsters mentioned of the blurb?

JR: Hmmm...I'll spill the beans. It won't take away from the plot. There are references and Easter eggs to Ichabod Crane, Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, and even Reed from the classic Creature from the Black Lagoon makes an appearance. Scholomance is a haven for these creatures. We've set up an outstanding mythology.

JBS: And you'll never look at Dracula in the same way...

8) Will you guys tell us a bit about the things that inspired you to be a writer?

JR: I'd say the 80s influenced me a lot. I'm still in awe by the creative juices of content that were a part of that decade. From seeing Ghostbusters and Poltergeist to E.T. which came out this week, 32 years ago... June 11, 1982! I was 4 years old!!! I remember reading old Ruth Chew books like The Witch at the Window and then later Something Wicked This Way Comes  by Bradbury and being truly inspired. As I got older, I started reading Poe and watching really old Vincent Price films. That inspired me. I wanted to create like the masters did. Those stories were roller-coaster rides. Today's are sort of lacking in the thrills like that. I think the last truly great book series for kids were the Harry Potter books. My high school creative writing teacher, Bruce Wiebe really pushed me as a writer to keep the spark going. I have to give him mad props for that. So pay attention kids, listen to the teachers that push you to be better.

JBS: As a kid, I was obsessed with the Hardy Boys. Read every one of those novels. Loved the dramatic covers. Loved the ridiculous plots. So I started writing my own detective fiction when I was ten or eleven. As I got older, I discovered a writer by the name of Jim Thompson. He wrote some incredibly dark crime fiction. For a long time, I wrote fiction derivative of Thompson. It took me years to find my own voice. I think I've found it, although some may cover their ears.

9) So tell us a bit about the other projects you are working on, if you will?

JR: I'm adapting an incredible novel entitled FACTORY TOWN that hits bookstores in October as a feature film and just signed onto to adapt IDW Comics' THE SHUNNED ONE  as a film as well. It's all about the intellectual properties. That's what film studios want!

JBS: I would tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.

10) Tell us a bit about some of books you read and loved in 2014?

JR: I just got through The Helios Conspiracy by Jim DeFelice who wrote American Sniper. I really dug it. I'm working on turning it into a tv series with the author. I have Stephen King's new one on my Nook, all set to delve into next...

JBS: It's funny, because Jack mentioned this book, but I recently re-read Something Wicked This Way Comes. I had forgotten how much I loved that book. Right now, I'm reading a book called The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien. Certainly one of the more surreal/strange books I've read. I need about fifteen or sixteen years to read all the books I want to.

About Rex'd: Welcome to Scholomance -

MONDAYS. Oh, the horror. Going back to school after a nice weekend. Homework. Tests. Gym class. It's even worse for Rex Gerard, the "new kid" at Scholomance High. Making friends, navigating the rough halls, avoiding trouble...

But on this particular Monday, it's also Halloween. Rex's favorite holiday. It was his mom's too before she passed away. And today, Rex will learn exactly how she died and what his purpose is in this life as he unlocks the hair-raising mysteries and lurking monsters of Scholomance.

But is he... is ANYONE... ready?

To be published on 18th August, 2014.




About J.B. Skelter -

J.B. Skelter is an author, high school teacher, and all-around good guy. He has written two other novels under an alternate identity, but his real name remains a closely guarded secret. Skelter lives in a ghost town somewhere in Colorado with his wife, two kids, and pet pig.

His Links - Facebook, Goodreads




About Jack Reher -

Jack Reher is a screenwriter that wrote the film Endangered starring Billy Bob Thornton & James Marsden. He recently adapted Jon Bassoff’s acclaimed novel Corrosion for the screen that Mike Macari (The Ring, The Ring Two) is producing. Currently, he’s adapting IDW Publishing’s upcoming comic book The Shunned One created by Alan Robert for the screen.
His Links - Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads






PS: I have finished reading the book, expect the review online closer to the release date.

Author Interview - Anna Kashina (2nd time)

Yup, now its time to interview the lovely author who was the first one that I interviewed on my blog. So, welcome again or should I say welcome back 'Anna Kashina' (who I previously interviewed and also there is a review of her first angry robot book on the blog). This time we talked about the sequel 'The Guild of Assassins'.

Q and A -
1) Hi and Welcome back. First please start off by telling us a bit about your new novel "The Guild of Assassins"?

Thanks! It is great to be back, and thank you for hosting this interview.
When I originally wrote “Blades of the Old Empire” I intended for it to be a complete stand-alone, with all the plot lines resolved. However, when I finished the book I could not escape the feeling that the story--as well as the relationships developed in this book--need to be followed up on. Among the story lines to wrap up, the most important one for me revolved around Kara’s status with the Majat Guild. Technically she is now free, but her freedom has been achieved by Mai putting himself on the line for her. Sooner or later the Majat Guild is bound to learn about his disobedience -- and act on it. This is the conflict that feeds the story in “The Guild of Assassins”. Of course, the Kaddim continue to play their part, trying to take advantage of this conflict to orchestrate the downfall of the entire Majat Guild.

2) Is the narrative still mostly from the viewpoint of 'Kythar' and 'Ellah' like the previous book, or do we get new narrators?

There is a major new narrator in the book: Kara. While previously it was important for me to keep out of her head to maintain an enigma around her character, with the way the story revolves around her in “The Guild of Assassins” I simply had to switch to her point of view. While previously she was shown only a superb fighter and a love interest (the fact that some readers actually complained about), in this book we finally get to learn what did she think about the whole situation and how she deals with it. I hope this will be rewarding to the readers who craved for her point of view in book 1.
Unfortunately, this shift means that Ellah has receded to a minor role in this book, but I hope to remedy that in the future installments of the series. Ellah is still very much in the picture, and her truthsense proves very important during the story.

3) Despite being somewhat in the shadows, Aghat Mai was one of the most interesting characters in the first book, so will he be more in the limelight in this book?

I am glad you asked! Mai is actually my favorite character in the series. It is strange for me now to think that he was originally conceived as no more than a plot device, a man who can pose a believable threat to Kara. He has become so much more. And yes, he does play a central role in “The Guild of Assassins” (as I hope is evident from the cover). In this book, he will show a range of different sides of his character, including some of the more ruthless and the more vulnerable ones. I hope it will be a treat for Mai’s fans.

4) As for 'Kythar', will we get to learn more about the his gift/ability?

Yes, of course. Kythar’s gift is still the main tool to defeat the Kaddim, and he still must develop it fully to do that. Moreover, defeating the Kaddim requires a combination of his gift with a Majat fighting force, and achieving it seems nearly impossible with the way the Majat never take sides and have now turned on their only two warriors capable of resisting the Kaddim mind control--Kara and Mai. Once again, the Kaddim’s mind games come into play to strike where they are least expected.
One of the fun aspects of writing “The Guild of Assassins” for me was to pitch Kyth against Mai. The two men are so opposite, and both are so important in the fight against the Kaddim. I had such a great time playing out this relationship in the book.

5) As I really liked the action bits and world building from the first book, tell us a bit about what more to expect in these regards?

More action, of course, and more world building. As the title suggests, this book will take us into the heart of the Majat Guild, and finally show some of the mysteries of this place not normally seen by outsiders. And, since Kara is now a major point of view character, the action around her rises to new heights--or so I hope.
Compared to the Blades, this book has more elements of romance too. While in the Blades we did have two major love interests, they both involved innocent teenagers and thus were more of the silent admiration and blushing type. Here the romance is more adult and thus revolves a bit more around physical aspects of it. I know some people were taken by surprise by romance in the previous book, so I just want to give the heads-up here and make sure the readers know what to expect.

6) So what's next for you, may I ask?

I am working on book 3 in the series. After that, we’ll see.

About 'The Guild of Assassins' -

Kara has achieved something that no Majat has ever managed – freedom from the Guild!

But the Black Diamond assassin Mai has been called back to face his punishment for sparing her life. Determined to join his fight or share his punishment, Kara finds herself falling for Mai.

But is their relationship – and the force that makes their union all-powerful – a tool to defeat the overpowering forces of the Kaddim armies, or a distraction sure to cause the downfall of the Majat?



Expected to be published on 5th August, 2014.




About Anna Kashina -

Anna Kashina grew up in Russia and moved to the United States in 1994 after receiving her Ph.D. in cell biology from the Russian Academy of Sciences. She works as a biomedical researcher and combines career in science with her passion for writing.

Anna's interests in ballroom dancing, world mythologies and folklore feed her high-level interest in martial arts of the Majat warriors. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Awards: 2013 Silver Medalist, ForeWord Book of the Year. 2014 Silver Medalist, Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY).

Her links - Website, Facebook, Twitter

PS: Expect the review of the novel 'The Guild of Assassins' closer to the release date. You can check out her 'First Interview' and review of 'Blades of the Old Empire' 

Author Interview - David Annandale

Well, if you are a regular reader of my blog, you have noticed that I have started reading some books from Black Library recently. And among these I have really liked the works I have read so far from 'David Annandale' (Yarrick:Chains of Golgotha & Yarrick:A Plague of Saints). So I got in touch with the amazing author and asked if he would be willing to do an interview. He did agree, and I let the questions flow. Thanks again to him for being so kind and making time for me.

So, here goes -

1) Welcome to the blog. Please start by telling us a bit about yourself. Who is David Annandale?

I teach Film, Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Manitoba. I’ve been a horror fan forever, and wound up doing my PhD on horror literature and film. My first horror novel, Gethsemane Hall, came out a couple of years ago. I’ve also written a series of thrillers featuring rogue warrior Jen Blaylock.

2) Why did you decide to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to write for almost as long as I can remember. My first (incomplete) effort was when I was six. I think the drive is a need to tell the stories that I would like to read.

3) How did you start writing for the 'Black Library'?

The Warhammer 40k universe combines all the genres I love in one place: SF, horror, war, and so on. I knew, as soon as I started reading Black Library books, that I wanted to be part of this creative endeavour. My chance came when there was a call for submissions to the Treacheries of the Space Marines anthology. I sent in a pitch for “The Carrion Anthem.” It was accepted, and that’s where it all began for me.

4) So how does it feel to write for a series as enriched with many authors as Warhammer 40,000?

It feels pretty extraordinary, to put it mildly. There are challenges and responsibilities that come with the exhilaration, of course. Quite apart from keeping the work consistent with the fluff and the work of my colleagues, I very much want to live up to the level of craft they have established.

5) If you were a person living in the world of Warhammer 40k what sort of a man/machine/alien would you want to become?

Oh, good question. And a hard one! I will say this: in that grim era, Ghazghkull Thraka actually appears to be enjoying himself. I think it would be pretty fun to be him.

6) I have been enjoying your work with 'Commissar Yarrick' a lot, your idea to do the work at first person narrative was brilliant, how did you come up with this idea?

Thank you! It was actually Nick Kyme who suggested I try that, when we first discussed my taking on the character. As soon as I started work on Yarrick, it felt absolutely right. I hear his voice in my head now, whenever I sit down to give him a new adventure.

7) Read any good book this year?

Not as many as I would like! My To Be Read pile is reaching for the skies! But most recently I have read (and very much enjoyed) John French’s Tallarn: Executioner and Ann Leckie’s Ancillary Justice.

8) Now a fan question, will you be writing more on 'Sebastian Yarrick' in the future?

Oh, yes! Much more to come! I’m writing several short stories about him this summer, as well as the next novel. The plan is for there to be many books to come. After all, Imperial Creed is just the start of his career. There is a lot to explore between then and Armageddon.

9) Can you give us some information on your upcoming projects?

Coming soon is Overfiend, the hardcover collection of three linked novellas: Stormseer, Shadow Captain and Forge Master. And not too long after that is the release of my first Horus Heresy novel, The Damnation of Pythos. Meanwhile, I’ve also been busy with the Grey Knights, and you should be hearing more details about those projects very soon.

PS: I am reading a few more works from 'David Annandale', expect more reviews of his works in the near future.

Author Interview - Michael R. Underwood

So, I recently read 'Shield and Crocus' & absolutely loved it. Here is the review if you are interested. So, now I have its brilliant author 'Michael R. Underwood' to answer a few of my questions.

Without further wasting time -

 1) Welcome to the blog and thanks for making time for talking to me. So, why don't you start by telling us what makes you new novel 'Shield and Crocus' unique?

MU) Thanks for having me! The most distinct thing about Shield and Crocus is probably that it’s a combination of the New Weird and Superhero action. Superhero novels are not common, but are far from unheard of. But few of them are set in a fantasy world or combine heroic action with a New Weird setting – a city built among the bones of a long-dead titan, transmogrifying storms that come and go without warning, and so on.

2) So what genre/genres would you say this book belongs to?

MU) As above, I’d call it New Weird and Superheroes. I think we could say that Heroic Fantasy is in there as the glue between the two genres. For those not familiar with New Weird, I was inspired by Perdido Street Station, The Scar, and Iron Council by China Mieville, City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer, and The Etched City by KJ Bishop, among others.

3) The book blurb of 'Shield and Crocus' gives a hint of superheroes, would you please divulge a bit more info on this?

MU) My superheroes in Shield and Crocus are more defined by their skills and will to fight than their incredible powers. In the world of Audec-Hal (where the book is set), each of the races has a special birthright, which let me re-create superhero archetypes:

The Pronai are my speedsters – they’re incredibly fast, but live far shorter lives.
The Freithin are bruisers/bricks – incredibly strong and tough. If they aren’t killed, Freithin never stop growing.
Qava are my mentalists – they’re all telepathic and telekinetic.

And so on. My heroes have powers, but they’re really just the most skilled members of their own race, pushing their natural powers to an incredible degree. Some of them, including my protagonist First Sentinel, have been fighting for fifty years. They’re seasoned veterans, heroes of countless battles and a decades-long campaign to free the city.

4) On the topic of superheroes, just for fun, what would be your catch-phrase if you were a superhero/super villain?

MU) Oh, nice.I think mine would have to be “For Great Awesomeness!” as I try to focus on the positive side of life, and seek to support awesome work by creative and to tell awesome stories myself. As a hero, I’d want to inspire people to be optimistic and creative.

5) Can you tell us a bit about the influences you had behind writing this novel?

MU) Shield and Crocus began at the Clarion West 2007 workshop in Seattle. A classmate wrote a powerful New Weird short story, and I was inspired to write my own New Weird story, since I was (and still am) a big fan of that sub-genre, its ambition, its inventiveness, and the powerful sense of atmosphere and sense of place that is so common in works in that sub-genre.

The specific concept came from a desire to combine the New Weird with the superhero genre, to bring the action/adventure and optimism of supers to the New Weird. The superhero stories that were a most direct influence on the heroes in Shield and Crocus would be Grant Morrison’s Justice League, The Authority, as well as years of reading The Avengers, The X-Men, and more.

6) 2014 has seen the releases of quite a lot of good books so far, can you tell us about some of your favorite novels from this year?

MU) I don’t get to read a whole lot for pleasure, as I’m constantly reading for my work with Angry Robot – which is awesome, but it’s also work.

Some of my favorite books from 2014 include:

The Goblin Emperor, by Katherine Addison. This was a great change from the recent string of grimdark epic fantasies, for me. I’m more of an optimistic fantasy reader, so this was really up my alley. Maia, the titular emperor, is totally unprepared for ruling, and his struggles with the political situation he's inherited are well-drawn. Most delightful, for me, is how much of a hero Maia is and tries to be, making amends for past wrongs, bringing people together, and making his own way without just tearing down everything that had come before.





The Martian, by Andy Weir. This book was just a whole lot of fun. It’s McGuyver on Mars, with a breezy, likeable voice, tons of science worker to dig into if you like, and impressive pacing. The book had been self-published before, but hit the bookstore shelves in a traditionally-published edition from Crown Books this February. It’s already been making some great waves, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a fun SF read.


And to do one short Angry Robot plug:

The Mirror Empire, by Kameron Hurley. Hurley is a multiple award-winning author, and The Mirror Empire starts off a new Inter-dimensional Epic Fantasy series. When we held the acquisitions meeting at Angry Robot to decide whether we were going to offer on The Mirror Empire, I told my colleagues that I would knife fight a man to get this book on our list.Having read the whole revised novel, I would have fought three.







7) Well, thanks again for talking with me about your new novel, I would like to end with asking you for some info on your upcoming projects (books & others)?

MU) I’ve got a lot going on. I’m revising Hexomancy, the third Ree Reyes novel, and I have a new project on submission with editors right now. I wrote a short story for the Tianxia RPG, which was funded via Kickstarter. The main game is available now, and the anthology with my story should be coming out later this year. My last publication of 2014 is going to be The Younger Gods, the start of a new urban fantasy series about the only moral son from a family of demon worshippers who want to kick off the apocalypse. The lead is socially awkward and was raised with a very twisted view of the world, and he was an incredibly rewarding challenge to write.

Thanks for having me by for the interview!
-Mike

 About Shield and Crocus -

In a city built among the bones of a fallen giant, a small group of heroes looks to reclaim their home from the five criminal tyrants who control it.
The city of Audec-Hal sits among the bones of a Titan. For decades it has suffered under the dominance of five tyrants, all with their own agendas. Their infighting is nothing, though, compared to the mysterious "Spark-storms" that alternate between razing the land and bestowing the citizens with wild, unpredictable abilities. It was one of these storms that gave First Sentinel, leader of the revolutionaries known as the Shields of Audec-Hal, power to control the emotional connections between people'a power that cost him the love of his life.
Now, with nothing left to lose, First Sentinel and the Shields are the only resistance against the city's overlords as they strive to free themselves from the clutches of evil. The only thing they have going for them is that the crime lords are fighting each other as well--that is, until the tyrants agree to a summit that will permanently divide the city and cement their rule of Audec-Hal.
It's one thing to take a stand against oppression, but with the odds stacked against the Shields, it's another thing to actually triumph.
In this stunning, original tale of magic and revolution, Michael R. Underwood creates a cityscape that rivals Ambergris and New Crobuzon in its depth and populates it with heroes and villains that will stay with you forever.

About Michael R. Underwood -

Michael R. Underwood is the author of GEEKOMANCY, CELEBROMANCY, ATTACK THE GEEK, as well as the forthcoming SHIELD AND CROCUS and THE YOUNGER GODS. By day, he's the North American Sales & Marketing Manager for Angry Robot Books. Mike grew up devouring stories in all forms, from comics to video games, tabletop RPGs, movies, and books. Always books.

Mike lives in Baltimore with his fiance, an ever-growing library, and a super-team of dinosaur figurines & stuffed animals. In his rapidly-vanishing free time, he studies historical martial arts and makes pizzas from scratch. He is a co-host on the Hugo-nominated Skiffy and Fanty Show.





Michael R. Underwood
Ree Reyes series - Geekomancy, Celebromancy, Attack the Geek (4/7/14)
Shield and Crocus (6/10/14)
The Younger Gods (12/15/2014)
http://michaelrunderwood.com
His Twitter & Goodreads.

PS: Check out my review of 'Shield and Crocus'.