Archive for Orbit US

The Literature of Discovery?

Robert Jackson Bennett has some interesting thoughts on the role of genre in fiction over at his blog: here. What do you think? Is literary fiction innovative? Is genre limiting?

Is Mr. Shivers the best debut you’ll read this year? I can only answer the last one.

(… the answer is yes, by the way.)

Films of High Adventure

The inimitable Jesse Bullington and his friend (and writer) Molly Tanzer have been subjecting themselves to classic films of dubious merit for our entertainment for months now. This week, they take on a personal favorite (an assessment that bears some reflection on reading their analysis)– the classic Willow.

Anyhow, go check it out here.

Also, for some past highlights, I recommend the truly awful Ladyhawke.

It’s like if the Grossbarts reviewed movies. With less cursing.

Traitors’ Gate — enter Kate Elliott’s world

The epic conclusion to Kate Elliott’s Crossroads trilogy (UK|ANZ) is out this month in the UK, in mass market paperback. And it’s out soon in Oct for Australia/New Zealand. To celebrate Kate’s huge achievement — and it must be in the region of 600k carefully chosen words! — there’s a free extract HERE. The author’s prose has been described as “oozing with texture, taste and even aroma” so I’m also giving a taste of the plot to whet the appetite below:

GUARDIANS HAVE RETURNED TO THE HUNDRED TO SPREAD CHAOS AND DESTRUCTION UNDER THE BANNER OF A TWISTED STAR.

Reeve Joss is struggling to defend a country ravaged by the assaults of twin armies. His men now patrol a land of burning villages and homeless refugees as Joss tries to separate traitor from friend. The Reeve’s thoughts are also plagued by the intriguing Zubaidit, pleasure-giver, spy and temple-trained assassin. But Zubaidit is focused on a dangerous mission, her target being warped Guardian Lord Radas. His death would leave the invading militia in chaos, but the old tales tell truly of the Guardians’ immortality – and of the powers they now wield to twist the hearts of men. Joss’s nights are also troubled, disturbed by dreams of Marit. His lost love has returned from death to become a feared Guardian herself, but Marit rejected the corrupt temptations they offered. She now seeks others of her kind, praying some are yet uncontaminated by the blight on the land — and have the will to fight it.”

Plus here are few quotes for the series are HERE to show just what a damn fine read is in store.

Lastly, and very excitingly indeed, get ready to grab a copy of Cold Magic (US | UK | ANZ). Publication is imminent and this is book 1 in Kate Elliott’s superb new fantasy with a touch of steampunk. More on that very soon …

The Black Prism – First Reviews

THE BLACK PRISM is out worldwide in less than a week, but we’ve got some early reviews coming in that we just had to share.

Over at Fantasy Book Critic Liviu writes:

“The Black Prism is an A++ from me while the series has the potential to become one for the ages. The main flaw of The Black Prism is that it ends – despite 600+ pages and a reasonable ending point, I still wanted another 600 at least!” (more)

And over at Grasping for the Wind, John Ottinger writes:

“It is a truly visionary and original work, and has set the bar high for others in its subgenre.” (more)

Brent Weeks will be touring the US starting on the 25th (full tour schedule here) but he’s been doing a pre-release video tour online. Today he stopped by Janicu’s Book Blog to talk about his love of Magic (the Gathering!) and how many books we can expect in The Lightbringer Series.  Next week he’ll be at thebooksmugglers.com – so stay tuned!