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Solaris is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Anna by Sammy H.K Smith

Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of contemporary dystopian novel, Anna, by Sammy H.K Smith which will be released in summer 2021.

Editor Kate Coe acquired World English rights in Smith’s new novel from the author.

About the book:

Strength comes in many forms, and Anna tells the story of one woman who becomes someone else in order to free herself. Anna is a possession. Meek. Willing. Subservient. Raped. Branded. Strong. 

In a post-apocalyptic society she is owned by the man named Will, shielded from the world of struggles and possessions by his care. He loves her, protects her, and then breaks her. Anna is obedient, dutiful, and compliant. Anna does not know her place in the world. When she falls pregnant, Anna leaves her name behind, and finds the strength to run. But the past is after her.

Author Sammy H.K Smith

“I am utterly delighted that Anna has found a home with Rebellion, and can’t wait to work with the team and bring the story to readers. Anna is about one woman’s fight for survival in a damaged, socially regressed and dysfunctional society only a few steps from our own where ‘might is right’ and identity lost. Anna explores issues of subjugation and abuse, but also hope and strength.”

Editor Kate Coe had this to say:

Anna is a wonderful, unsettling, dystopian fiction that’s terrifyingly close to our own lives – or our own experiences. It completely gripped me from the first page, and I’m thrilled to have acquired it for Solaris.”

Sammy H.K Smith lives and works in Oxfordshire UK as a police detective. When not working she spends time with her children, husband and pets, renovates her house, and inadvertently kills plants. A keen writer and lover of all things science fiction and fantasy, she’s often found balancing a book, a laptop, a child, and a cat whilst watching Netflix.

For review copies, information, or interviews for Anna please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish three new novellas by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Following the critical and commercial success of Ironclads, Walking to Aldebaran and Firewalkers, Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of three more standalone novellas by the Clarke-Award-winning Adrian Tchaikovsky.

The first novella, One Day All This Will Be Yours, will be released as a limited edition hardback in March 2021, with a further two works scheduled for release in 2022 and 2023.

Fiction Commissioning Editor David Thomas Moore acquired the novellas in a deal with Simon Kavanagh and Oliver Cheetham of the Mic Cheetham Agency.

Adrian Tchaikovsky:

“I’m delighted that Solaris will be publishing another trio of novellas showcasing a variety of dark futures and strange times, following Ironclads, Firewalkers and Walking to Aldebaran. I’ve had a great deal of fun working on this set of books and I’m looking forward to unleashing the new crop of weird ideas.”

David Thomas Moore:

“Adrian’s at the top of his game right now; these novellas are smart, sharp, timely, challenging, engaging and profoundly human. I’m pleased and proud to continue working with him on building a treasury of dangerous futures.”

Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire before heading off to Reading to study psychology and zoology. For reasons unclear even to himself he subsequently ended up in law and has worked as a legal executive in both Reading and Leeds, where he now lives. Married, he is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor, has trained in stage-fighting, and keeps no exotic or dangerous pets of any kind, possibly excepting his son.

For review copies, information, or interviews please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris acquires The Second Shooter, a speculative thriller by Nick Mamatas

Solaris are delighted to announce the acquisition of a political–espionage thriller The Second Shooter by Nick Mamatas, which will be released in autumn 2021.

Editor David Thomas Moore acquired World English rights in Mamatas’ new novel from Michael Curry at Donald Maass Literary Agency.

 Synopsis:

With an almost preternatural knack for knowing what people are going to say, Mike Karras has heard a lot of strange things. But they’re about to get stranger. And a lot more dangerous.

As far back as the assassination of JFK and as current as more recent tragedies, eyewitness accounts of a second shooter have infiltrated popular consciousness, appearing in early media reports and on social networks. But there’s rarely any proof. Commissioned by a small conspiracy-minded publisher to research this phenomenon, Mike’s found enough true believers to draw unwanted attention to himself…

Author Nick Mamatas on the acquisition:

“I’m extremely excited to be able to bring The Second Shooter—a novel that has been gestating for years—to the public before the world ends in a hail of bullets, viruses, 54-degree spring days, fascist governments, tsunamis, and online grudges. Did you know that every revolution of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries started with a very committed book club? Well, it’s true.”

Editor David Thomas Moore:

The Second Shooter is a wonderfully batty story, a political/espionage thriller seen through a wholly cracked lens, like Lee Child or Robert Ludlum as written by Jeff Vandemeer. I’ve been a fan of Nick’s for years and I’m over the moon to be giving this novel a home.”

About the author:

Nick Mamatas is the author of several novels, including Move Under GroundI Am Providence and Sabbath. His short fiction has appeared in Best American Mystery Stories, Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, Tor.com, and dozens of other venues. Much of the last decade’s short fiction was recently collected in The People’s Republic of Everything

Nick is also an editor and anthologist: he co-edited the Bram Stoker Award-winning Haunted Legends with Ellen Datlow, the Locus Award nominees The Future is Japanese and Hanzai Japan with Masumi Washington, and the hybrid fiction/cocktail title Mixed Up with Molly Tanzer. His short fiction, non-fiction, novels, and editorial work have variously been nominated for the Hugo, Shirley Jackson, Stoker, and World Fantasy Awards.

For review copies, information, or interviews for The Second Shooter please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Rebellion partners with Penguin Random House for audiobooks

Increasing demand for science fiction audio leads Penguin Random House partnership with Rebellion

Penguin Random House has partnered with leading comics, fiction, and video game publisher Rebellion. The partnership will see Penguin Random House produce and distribute audio versions of their latest fiction titles alongside classic graphic novels from the #1 bestselling 2000 AD imprint. 

New research from Harris Interactive indicates that science fiction is one of the leading audiobook genres, with 30% of those surveyed listening to science fiction in the last 12 months.* However, the latest research from Bookstat, revealed at the recent Futurebook conference, has indicated that traditional publishers are only capturing half of the overall demand, which supported Penguin Random House’s decision to invest in this area.

Richard Lennon, Audio Publisher at Penguin Random House, said:

“This is a really exciting new partnership which helps us reach even more listeners in this hugely popular and ever-growing section of the audiobook market. We’re looking forward to helping tell some of Rebellion’s incredible stories and to creating some truly groundbreaking recordings, particularly as we explore turning some of British comic book history’s true greats – Judge Dredd, Slaine and Rogue Trooper, to name but a few – into audiobooks for the first time.”

Ben Smith, Rebellion’s Head of Film, TV & Publishing, said:

“Rebellion is the UK’s leading comic book publisher and home to Hugo and Nebula award-winning fiction from our Solaris and Abaddon imprints, and as such we’re delighted to partner with Penguin’s forward-looking audio team. Their appetite to bring both our fiction and our landmark graphic novels to the audiobook market is tremendously exciting. We can’t wait for the public to listen to the incredible stories in the works.”

Penguin Random House will produce and distribute audio versions of around 30 titles a year from the Rebellion frontlist, which covers genres including science fiction, fantasy and horror, and will include works from authors such as Chuck Wendig, Katherine Addison, Derek Künsken and Adrian Tchaikovsky. The audiobooks, published from March 2020, will draw on Penguin Random House’s roster of top narrator talent. They regularly top the bestseller charts with titles such as The Handmaid’s Tale narrated by Elisabeth Moss, The Secret Commonwealth narrated by Michael Sheen, and Becoming narrated by Michelle Obama.

The partnership also sees Penguin Random House record and produce adaptations of 5 new graphic novels in the 2000 AD series, which will feature multi-voice narration, sound design and original music to bring the stories to life. This is not the first time Penguin Random House has embarked on ambitious recordings of science fiction audiobooks: last year it brought together a groundbreaking ensemble of 50 different voices for a completely immersive full-cast recording of Sylvain Neuvel’s Only Human, which was nominated for several awards including the New York Festival Radio Awards.

Available from today, the first title to be published will be Chuck Wendig’s apocalyptic epic, Wanderers, read by Dominic Hoffman and Xe Sands.

Penguin Random House: Penguin Random House is the UK’s leading publisher of audiobooks. We bring together our amazing authors and the world’s very best acting talent to create exceptional listening experiences, from the finest stories and ideas for adults to entertainment and education for children and families. Penguin Random House have won awards including the British Book Awards Audiobook of the Year in 2019 and 2018 for Becoming, written and narrated by Michelle Obama, and The Book of Dust by Phillip Pullman, narrated by Michael Sheen.

Rebellion is an internationally renowned video games publisher and leading publisher of comics and fiction, based in Oxford, UK. Founded in 1992 by Chris and Jason Kingsley, Rebellion’s titles include the bestselling Sniper Elite series and the wildly popular Nazi Zombie Trilogy. The company is home to legendary UK comic 2000 AD and is the proud custodian of Judge Dredd. Rebellion recently acquired an extensive archive of comics covering over a century of British comic books and fiction, a deal that included titles such as Roy of the Rovers, Sexton Blake and many more beloved creations. The publishing division is also home to award-winning science fiction imprints Solaris and Abaddon, and is proud to publish some of the finest talents in genre fiction.

 * https://www2.harris-interactive.com/Audiobook-Market

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Solaris to publish Sinopticon – New Chinese Science Fiction, a stunning new anthology

Solaris are proud to announce the publication of Sinopticon – New Chinese Science Fiction, an anthology of Chinese science fiction, translated and edited by Xueting Christine Ni.

Publishing in spring 2021, this collection will bring together some of the best new and established authors in Chinese science fiction, delivering readers an anthology of short stories published for the first time in English.

With subjects ranging through all-powerful AI, mass time travel, and sentient zombies, Xueting Christine Ni has curated a diverse collection of voices from across China. Collecting the future views of award winning authors across age, gender, and backgrounds, Sinopticon is a truly unique anthology.

Editor Michael Rowley acquired World English Rights in the publication.

Authors included:

Anna Wu (Nebula Award Winner)

Gu Shi (Nebula and Galaxy Award Winner)

Zhao Haihong (National Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature and Galaxy Award Winner)

Tang Fei (Author of Call Girl – translated by Ken Liu)

Regina Kanyu Wang (Nebula Award Winner)

Nian Yu (Nebula Award Winner)

Hao Jingfang (Hugo Award Winner)

Wang Jinkang (Galaxy Award Winner)

Ma Boyong (People’s Literature, Zhu ZiQing Prose, and Nebula Award Winner)

Han Song (Galaxy, Nebula, and Tokyo Award Winner)

A Que (Nebula and Galaxy Award Winner)

Jiang Bo (Best Original Science Fiction – China, Galaxy, and Nebula Award Winner)

Bao Shu (Author of Redemption of Time part of the award-winning science fiction saga)

Xueting Christine Ni was born in Guangzhou, during China’s “re-opening to the West”. Having lived in cities across China, she emigrated with her family to Britain at the age of 11, where she continued to be immersed in Chinese culture, alongside her British education, giving her a unique cultural perspective. Xueting has written for the BBC, the Guangdong Art Academy and her first book, From Kuan Yin to Chairman Mao, is published by Weiser Books. Xueting currently lives in the suburbs of London with her partner and their cats, all of whom are learning Chinese.

For review copies, questions, and interviews please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish stunning Aliya Whiteley novel, Skyward Inn

Solaris are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley, a new and thoughtful speculative fiction novel set in the English moorlands.

Skyward Inn will be published in spring 2021.

Editor David Thomas Moore acquired World English rights in Whiteley’s new novel from Max Edwards at Aevitas Creative Management UK.

Synopsis:

This is a place where we can be alone, together.

Skyward Inn, on the moorlands of the Western Protectorate, is removed from modern technology and politics. Theirs is a quiet life – The Protectorate has stood apart from the coalition of world powers that has formed. Instead the inhabitants choose to live simply, many of them farming by day and drinking the local brew at night.

The co-owners of the inn are Jem and Isley. Jem, a veteran of the coalitions’ war on the perfect, peaceful planet of Qita, has a smile for everyone in the bar. Her partner Isley does his cooking in the kitchen and his brewing in the cellar. He’s Qitan, but it’s all right – the locals treat him like one of their own. They think they understand him, but it’s only Jem who knows his homeland well enough to recreate it in the stories she tells him at dawn.

Skyward Inn is Jamaica Inn by way of Ursula Le Guin, bringing the influences, too, of Angela Carter, Michel Faber and Jeff Vandermeer to create a fantastic story of love, belonging, and togetherness. Asking questions of ideas of the individual and the collective, of ownership and historical possession, and of the experience of being human, it is at once timeless and thoroughly of its time.

Aliya Whiteley on the acquisition:

“It’s a joy that Rebellion will be publishing my latest novel. I wanted to write a story that conveys my love of science fiction, with all its scope and creativity for imagined futures, and how it can uniquely reflect on the way we live our lives now. I know Rebellion shares my passion for producing exciting science fiction; it’s the perfect home for Skyward Inn.” 

Editor David Thomas Moore:

“This is a strange, gentle, utterly beautiful book about how humanity might live alongside another people wholly unlike us – and about how we live alongside each other. I’m beyond delighted that Aliya agreed to make Solaris its home.”

Agent Max Edwards:

“Aliya is one of the most incredible voices in British SFF, and Skyward Inn showcases her astonishing talent. From the first paragraph I read of this hauntingly beautiful book, I knew, like all Aliya’s work, it was something special. I’m thrilled David and Rebellion will be publishing Aliya’s book.”

About the author:

Aliya Whiteley is one of the most exciting talents in the UK. The author of four books of speculative fiction, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award shortlisted The Loosening Skin. Her novels have been shortlisted for many awards, including the Clarke Award, the Shirley Jackson Award and the James Tiptree Jr. Award. She lives in Sussex with her husband and teenage daughter.

For review copies of Skyward Inn and interviews please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Rebellion acquires Whitaker’s Almanack

Rebellion is delighted to announce the acquisition of Whitaker’s Almanack from Bloomsbury, launching the UK’s leading graphic novel and genre fiction publisher into non-fiction.

Rebellion is already well known for rescuing British Comics heritage with its acquisitions of the Fleetway and IPC Comics catalogues, which it followed with the successful launch of its Treasury of British Comics imprint and reboots of classic comics including the bestselling Roy of the Rovers series and forthcoming crime fiction behemoth Sexton Blake. A proud custodian of British popular culture and heritage, Rebellion is thrilled to bring the venerated Whitaker’s Almanack and its 150 years of publishing history onto its list. Rebellion CEO and co-founder Jason Kingsley is already well established in popular history circles with his breakout Youtube channel Modern History and has been driving Rebellion’s expansion into non-fiction.

Jason Kingsley, Rebellion CEO says: “Whitaker’s Almanack has been a trusted resource to academics, libraries and editors for a century and a half. Now more than ever responsible and informed providers of fact are essential. I am delighted that Rebellion is able to acquire Whitaker’s and take it forward into the twenty-first century, building on Rebellion’s reputation for innovation and recognition of Britain’s incredible publishing heritage.”

Sarah Broadway, Head of Special Interest Publishing at Bloomsbury says: “I am thrilled that Whitaker’s has found such a great new home. The Rebellion team have strong vision for the brand and I’m delighted that this historic publication will continue to provide us all with the facts that we so clearly need in this era of ‘fake news’.”

Rebellion have appointed Senior Commissioning Editor Michael Rowley to run Whitaker’s and the non-fiction list.

For press enquiries please contact Hanna Waigh, hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk 01865 792201.

ABOUT REBELLION

Rebellion is one of Europe’s largest independent cross media companies, releasing bestselling books, comics, video games, film and television. Based in Oxford, Rebellion was founded by Chris and Jason Kingsley in 1992, and has been creating awe-inspiring action, iconic heroes and incredible stories ever since. Rebellion Publishing is home to award-winning science fiction, fantasy, horror and crime and is proud to deliver genre fiction that pushes the boundaries. In 2020 Rebellion Publishing has grown yet further to incorporate the classic Whitaker’s non-fiction brand.

ABOUT BLOOMSBURY

Bloomsbury is a leading independent publishing house, established in 1986, with authors who have won the Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker Prizes, and is the originating publisher and custodian of the Harry Potter series.

First published in 1868 by Joseph Whitaker, founder and editor of The Bookseller, Whitaker’s Almanack has been published by Bloomsbury Publishing since 2002.  

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Solaris to publish new Alex de Campi novel, Heartbreak Incorporated

Solaris are thrilled to announce the publication of Heartbreak Incorporated by acclaimed comic’s writer Alex de Campi.

Heartbreak Incorporated will be released in summer 2021.

Editor Kate Coe acquired World English rights in the novel from Nephele Tempest of The Knight Agency.

Heartbreak Incorporated is sexy, playful, and pure fun.

Evie Cross had big dreams of becoming an investigative journalist but at 25 and struggling to make it in New York City, she’s finally starting to admit that her dream is her side hustle and her day job is actually…her job. That is, until she signs on as a temp for a small consultancy whose principal, Misha Meserov, specializes in breaking up relationships. Misha is tall, infuriatingly handsome, and effortlessly charismatic—he can make almost anyone, man or woman, fall into bed with him. And he often does.

But the more Evie is exposed to Misha’s scandalous world, the more she becomes convinced that he’s hiding something…when a wealthy San Francisco CEO with a dissolving marriage starts delving into the occult and turns up dead, Evie has to decide between her journalistic desire for the truth and her growing desire for Misha.

Acquiring Editor Kate Coe on the book:

“Alex sent me Heartbreak, Inc. as part of our #ShootYourShot submissions, and I immediately fell in love. Misha’s brand of nonchalance and sexiness is perfectly offset by Evie’s curiosity and drive, and the story is perfectly positioned between save-the-world, detective and (hot!) character interaction; seeing everything through Evie’s eyes really highlights the tension and danger that she plunges into – and how infuriating Misha can be! I’m really looking forward to bringing this one to readers.”

Author Alex de Campi had this to say:

“I’m thrilled that Rebellion have acquired my second novel. HEARTBREAK INCORPORATED began with a very simple question: since the world is full of apps, advice, places and services for getting people together… what if there were an agency to tear people apart? And what happens when a young journalism grad starts temping at Heartbreak Inc. Will she find the story of a lifetime in the unexplained death of a super-wealthy abusive husband? Or will she become the next victim? The book is primarily a suspense thriller with a hint of the supernatural, but it also lets me look at relationships, social status, and the very different worlds of self-made and inherited wealth. Nobody is who they seem, and everyone has an agenda.”

Alex de Campi’s mostly-indie career stretches from her Eisner-nominated debut Smoke (Dark Horse) through recent Eisner nominees Bad Girls (Gallery 13) and Twisted Romance (Image). Plus company work: she’s killed off most of Riverdale, twice, in Archie vs Predator I & II. Her next projects are YA adventure The Backups (Imprint / MacMillan, 2020) and a thriller with director Duncan Jones. Catch her YA adventure Reversal on her Patreon, and action-thriller Bad Karma on Panel Syndicate. She also writes for TV and film (the Blade Runner anime & more).

She is on social media as @alexdecampi and lives in Manhattan.

For review copies of Heartbreak Incorporated and author interviews please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Solaris to publish new epic Viking fantasy, Northern Wrath, by Thilde Kold Holdt

Solaris announce the publication of Northern Wrath, the first instalment in the exciting new trilogy, The Hanged God, by Thilde Kold Holdt.

Northern Wrath will be released in October 2020 worldwide, with book two and three in the series following in 2021 and 2022.

Editor David Thomas Moore acquired World English rights in Holdt’s trilogy from The Ampersand Agency, Oxfordshire.

About the book: 

Following in the steps of Neil Gaiman and Joanne Harris, the author expertly weaves Norse myths and compelling characters into this fierce, magical epic fantasy.

A dead man, walking between the worlds foresees the end of the gods. 

A survivor searching for a weapon releases a demon from fiery Muspelheim. 

A village slaughtered by Christians forces the mourning survivors to seek revenge. 

The bonds between the gods and Midgard are weakening. 

It is up to Hilda, her father Ragnar, their tribesmen Einer and Finn, the chief’s wife Siv and Tyra, her adopted daughter, to fight to save the old ways from dying out, and to save their gods in the process.

Acquiring Editor David Thomas Moore on the book:

“Northern Wrath is a dream, a vision sent by one-eyed Grimnir himself, of an ancient, primal world where the dead walk in darkness, giants walk the earth and gods wage war in flames. This is a profoundly magical, action-packed epic worthy of the great sagas of old, and I’m thrilled and honoured to be presenting it to the world.”

Author Thilde Kold Holdt had this to say:

“Dreams do come true, and books do find their perfect homes. This tale began when I dug into my past to discover who I was and what it means to be a Viking. From that was born an epic tale about Viking warriors with blood tears, giants consumed by rage and cunning gods. With three books ready to decorate the shelves, I am thrilled to sail into the future with the great crew at Rebellion.”

Thilde Kold Holdt is a Viking, traveller and a polygot fluent in Danish, French, English and Korean. As a writer, she is an avid researcher. This is how she first came to row for hours upon hours on a Viking warship. She loved the experience so much that she has sailed with the Viking ship the Sea Stallion ever since. Another research trip brought her to all corners of South Korea where she also learnt the art of traditional Korean archery.  Born in Denmark, Thilde has lived in many places and countries, taking a bit of each culture with her. This is why she regards herself as simply being from planet Earth, as she has yet to set foot on Mars…

Thilde is currently based in Southern France where she writes full-time.

For review copies of Northern Wrath and author interviews please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.

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Our Valentine’s eBook series-to-fall-in-love-with sale

With Valentine’s Day approaching we’ve decided to give our reader’s and book lovers everywhere the ultimate Valentine’s gift… A MEGA-SALE!

We’ve selected some of the best and most-loved ‘first in a series’ books, and dropped them to just 99p for this week only!

So no matter your love life, you can be loved-up this Valentine’s with some of the best science fiction and fantasy series available. 

SHOP THE SALE NOW

The sale includes the titles below for just 99p each. Available exclusively in our eBook store until the end of 17 February 2020 (GMT):

Ack-Ack Macaque – Gareth L. Powell

Blood Ocean – Weston Ochse

Burning Sky – Weston Ochse

Deadly Curiosities – Gail Z. Martin

Engineering Infinity – Jonathan Strahan

Europe in Autumn – Dave Hutchinson

Grunt Life – Weston Ochse

Knight of Shadows: A Guy of Gisburne Novel – Toby Venables

Midnight in The Garden Centre Of Good And Evil – Colin Sinclair

Monstrous Little Voices: New Tales From Shakespeare’s Fantasy World – Adrian Tchaikovsky

Ninefox Gambit – Yoon Ha Lee

One Night in Sixes – Arianne ‘Tex’ Thompson

Shadowmage – Matthew Sprange

The Age of Ra – James Lovegrove

The Calculating Stars – Mary Robinette Kowal

The Good, The Bad And The Infernal – Guy Adams

The Guns of Ivrea – Clifford Beal

The Iron Ship – K. M. Mckinley

The Quantum Magician – Derek Künsken

Unclean Spirits – Chuck Wendig