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OUT NOW: Frontier by Grace Curtis

A very happy book birthday to Frontier by Grace Curtis—it’s out now in North America!

A stranger must journey across the unwelcome landscape of a ravaged Earth to be reunited with the woman she loves in this sapphic sci-fi western for fans of Becky Chambers and The Mandalorian.

In the distant future most of the human race has fled a ravaged Earth to find new life on other planets. For those who stayed a lawless society remains. Technology has been renounced, and saints and sinners, lawmakers and sheriffs, travelers and gunslingers, abound.

What passes for justice is presided over by the High Sheriff, and carried out by his cruel and ruthless Deputy.

Then a ship falls from the sky, bringing the planet’s first visitor in three hundred years. This Stranger is a crewmember on the first ship in centuries to attempt a return to Earth and save what’s left. But her escape pod crashes hundreds of miles away from the rest of the wreckage.

The Stranger finds herself adrift in a ravaged, unwelcoming landscape, full of people who hate and fear her space-born existence. Scared, alone, and armed, she embarks on a journey across the wasteland to return to her ship, her mission, and the woman she loves.

Fusing the fire and brimstone of the American Old West with sprawling post-apocalyptic science fiction, Frontier is a heartfelt queer romance in a high noon standoff set against the backdrop of our planet’s uncertain future.

“Curtis oozes charm and humour in this pacey debut, which will be devoured by fans of Fallout and Firefly” — Tamsyn Muir, NY Times bestselling author of The Locked Tomb series

“A delightfully inventive sci-fi western” — Kate Dylan, author of Mindwalker

“Full of action and adventure, but never forgets its heart” –– Beth Revis, NY Times bestselling author of Across the Universe and Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel

“I’m officially a member of the Grace Curtis fan club!” — Amie Kaufman, NY Times bestselling author of llluminae

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Romance recommendations from the Rebellion team!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Whether you’re loved up, mourning a relationship that’s ended or just looking forward to tomorrow when all the Valentine’s chocolate will be on sale, we the Rebellion team want to share some of our favourite literary romances with you—just in case you’re looking for something book-shaped to curl up with…

Amanda Rutter, Commissioning Editor | Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

The romance between Phèdre nó Delaunay and Joscelin Verreuil is a slow burn, escapees-to-lovers, forbidden affair, and it took my breath away the first time I read it—indeed, every time I read it! What I found masterful about Carey’s writing was that, no matter Phèdre’s affairs with others or her role as a courtesan, it felt as though she would only fit with Joscelin, that his was the only soul that truly matched hers. And the other romantic element of this novel that bowled me over was the freedom, respect and gentleness of ‘Love As Thou Wilt’, a central concept of the whole series. Love is celebrated in whatever form it comes.

Amy Borsuk, Editor | Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid

Even though it’s a horror novel, there’s a heartfelt romance at the centre of this story. Witch Marlinchen falls in love with the prima ballerina Sevas after sneaking out of her father’s creepy, decrepit home and seeing him at the opera. I’m so used to the gorgeous male love interest turning out to be the monster, the source of the woman protagonist’s downfall, particularly in horror/fantasy novels. So it was refreshing to have the romance be the protagonist’s source of safety and salvation! Their shared bond, and their wild passion, make for an exhilarating read in the midst of a very dark story.

Ben Smith, Head of Film, TV & Publishing | The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal

Good romance is hard to do, and mainstream science fiction spent a long time trying to avoid it. Happily in the present day we’re in a golden age for genre romance. One of my favourite authors writing about relationships now is Mary Robinette Kowal, because she tells stories not of romance being found between two strangers, but romance being an ongoing well-spring for her couples. In both The Calculating Stars and The Spare Man, she has couples who have already gotten together before the book begins, and whose relationships are into the ‘ever after’ part of the story that few care to write. That she makes the romance real and vital is wonderful to read, and is possibly even more inspiring than any meet-cute about the first flush of romance.

Casey Davoren, Senior Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive | Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This book is wonderfully enamoured with hope, love and every other cute, light-hearted feeling one can come up with. But most importantly, it’s a tale about strength and healing, about enduring despite everything that life throws your way. That no matter how many heartbreaks or failures you endure, no matter how many of those moments-that-will-blow-your-composure exist or how many times you’re thrown off balance, they’ll soon evaporate and things will move in a better direction. Love & Gelato has so much charm, heart and romance at its core that I flew through the book.

Jess Gofton, PR and Marketing Manager – Fiction and Non Fiction | Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

As cliché as it is, I’m a sucker for a romance starring someone who has to return to the small town they grew up in. When I’m feeling slumpy or a bit down I can always count on a contemporary romance to cheer me up, and this book is one of so many sapphic romances now available for readers to dive into. I love the relationship between Delilah and Claire, but I also love the wider relationships this novel explores, from Delilah’s prickly interactions with her stepfamily to Claire’s determination to prevent her unreliable ex from breaking their daughter’s heart. Definitely one to consider picking up as we head into spring!

Olivia Hicks, Graphic Novel Editor | Jem and The Holograms by Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell

An oldie but a goldie. One of the greatest comics gems and possibly the greatest comic book adaptation ever? If you’re into romance comics, then Jem and the Holograms is a landmark series. This is the editorial team that launched Kelly Thompson as a mainstream name, gave us gag-worthy visuals from Sophie Campbell, and provided early comics work for the now legendary Jen Bartel and Yoshi Yoshitani, among others. Alongside all of the truly outrageous fashions, songs and high stakes drama that is familiar to fans of the original 1980s tv show, this comic had a truly delightful queer romance develop between Stormer and Kimber (they’re members of rival bands! They couldn’t possibly!), just for those of us who have shipped those two since the “Kimber Goes Solo” episode. It’s just a nonstop super sweet ride, coloured perfectly by Victoria M. Robado, and you can find it all in the first two volumes of the series.

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Solaris to publish The Immortality Thief sequel, The Unkillable Princess

Solaris is thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Unkillable Princess by Taran Hunt, sequel to the much-loved The Immortality Thief.

Linguist Sean Wren and his found family of misfits return to salvage data in another sci-fi adventure when someone from Sean’s past unexpectedly returns, seeking aid. The Unkillable Princess will be released in 2025.

World All Languages Rights were acquired by Amy Borsuk from Hannah Bowman at Liza Dawson Associates.

Author Taran Hunt on the acquisition:

“I’m delighted to work with the wonderful team at Solaris on the sequel to The Immortality Thief. Sean Wren is a character very dear to my heart, and I look forward to continuing his story and the story of those closest to him!”

Acquiring Editor Amy Borsuk:

“I’m so excited to work with Taran on the next stage of her thrilling Kystrom Chronicles! The Unkillable Princess promises to be as fun and suspenseful as The Immortality Thief, with a good helping of new challenges for Sean and probably more puns.”

Taran Hunt is the author of The Immortality Thief. She studied physics in college and loves languages. If she could have a swordfight aboard a spaceship, she would. She works in theatre in New York, where she lives with her partner and their increasingly round cat.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk

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Six Solaris authors longlisted for the BSFA Awards!

We’re beyond delighted that six Solaris authors have been longlisted for this year’s British Science Fiction Association Awards!

Presented annually since 1970, the awards are voted on by members of the BSFA and members of the national science fiction convention, Eastercon. The winners will be announced at this year’s Eastercon, held at the Birmingham Metropole from 7 – 10 April 2023.

Best Short Fiction

Best Novel

The vote for the shortlists is now open until 19 February! For more information about the awards and how you can take part, click here.

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Solaris books for the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is upon us! The days are chilly, the nights are dark and the books, thankfully, are endless.

If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys sinking into fictional winters during the coldest months of the year, here are three books we’d recommend!

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

“He was called the Winter Emperor, for his reign was brought in with early snow and its first month was characterized by bitter cold; the Istandaärtha froze solid below Ezho for the first time in living memory.”

Maia, the youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir. Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment. Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favour with the naive new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the spectre of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor.

Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold Holdt

“Blood dripped from Einer’s fingertips onto the crisp snow.”

The bond between men and the gods is weakening.

A dead man walks between the worlds and foresees Odin’s doom.

The only survivor of a slaughter unleashes a monster from fiery Muspelheim.

Long hidden among mortals, a giantess sighs and takes up her magics once again.

A chief’s son must overcome war and treason to become the leader his people need.

And the final battle is coming…

Book Cover of Mickey7 featuring 7 astronauts behind the number 7

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

“I’ve never frozen to death before. I’ve definitely thought about it, though. It’s been hard not to since we made landfall on this godforsaken ball of ice.”

Dying isn’t any fun…but at least it’s a living.

Mickey7 is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous—even suicidal— the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. Mickey signed on to escape from both bad debts and boredom on Midgard.

After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it.

When he goes missing and is presumed dead at the hands of deadly indigenous creatures, Mickey8 reports for duty, and their troubles really begin.

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OUT NOW: Flight From the Ages & Other Stories by Derek Künsken

We’re thrilled to be wishing Flight From the Ages & Other Stories by Derek Künsken a very happy book birthday!

Enter the world of The Quantum Evolution in this glittering collection of short science fiction…

From the clouds of Venus to the origins of the time gates, this collection of novellas and short fiction visits many favourite worlds of the Quantum Evolution universe, as well as some new to the series. With two 20,000-plus-word novellas and four long short stories, this collection is a stunning showcase of talent.

Collecting: “Persephone Descending”, “Schools of Clay”, “Beneath Sunlit Shallows”, “Flight From the Ages”, Pollen From a Future Harvest and Tool Use By Humans of Danzhai County, this is a must for all fans of forward-thinking science fiction.

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OUT NOW: Cold Water by Dave Hutchinson

We’re wishing Cold Water by Dave Hutchinson a very happy book birthday!

TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH, YOU MUST RISK EVERYTHING

When Carey Tews retired from Les Coureurs – the clandestine organisation of high-risk smugglers – she swore she’d never go back. Her cover in Hungary was blown, and even if she could have returned, she wouldn’t. That is, until an old friend and lover is found dead in mysterious circumstances.

Back for one last job in a Europe fractured into a hundred tiny principalities, with civil unrest and political instability the norm, she must navigate local authorities, rogue operatives and Russian spies.

What she doesn’t know is that the investigation will take her to places she couldn’t even imagine.

‘A clever, complicated tale of dirty tricks, spies and politics.’ — The Guardian

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Solaris to publish debut novella from Rebecca Fraimow

Solaris is delighted to announce the acquisition of The Iron Children by Rebecca Fraimow, the first of the 2023 Solaris Satellites novellas, to be published in April 2023.

Asher has spent her adolescence preparing to become a Dedicate, one of the telepathically controlled, iron-carapaced soldiers who have kept the Levastani army at bay for decades. When Asher and her party are attacked on a training journey, it’s up to her to lead the unit across a bitterly cold, unstable mountain and discover which of the Dedicates is a traitor.

World English Rights were acquired by Jim Killen, with Amy Borsuk editing, from Bridget Smith at JABberwocky.

Author Rebecca Fraimow on the acquisition:

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to share this story, and really thrilled that this novella will be included among the amazing and thought-provoking work in Solaris’ Satellites line-up!”

Editor Amy Borsuk:

“I’m delighted to be working with Rebecca on this compelling novella for our Satellite series. She sure knows how to make robot-nuns both completely badass and the basis for thought-provoking storytelling about war and faith.”

Rebecca Fraimow is an author and archivist living in Boston whose short fiction has been featured in venues such as Kaleidotrope, PodCastle, and Diabolical Plots, as well as anthologies such as Consolation Songs: Speculative Fiction for a Time of Pandemic and The Long List: More Stories From the Hugo Award Nomination List. For more information about Rebecca’s work, visit rebeccafraimow.com.

For press enquiries please contact Jess Gofton, PR & Marketing Manager: jess.gofton@rebellion.co.uk.

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OUT NOW: The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal

We’re wishing The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal a very happy book birthday!

This sci-fi mystery, from the author of the acclaimed Lady Astronaut series, brings a touch of Agatha Christie to outer space when inventor and heiress Tesla Crane is forced to spend her honeymoon proving her spouse didn’t commit a murder…

Tesla Crane, a brilliant inventor and an heiress, is on her honeymoon on an interplanetary space liner, cruising between the Moon and Mars. She’s travelling incognito and is reveling in her anonymity. Then someone is murdered and the festering chowderheads who run security have the audacity to arrest her spouse.

Armed with banter, martinis and her small service dog, Tesla is determined to solve the crime so that the newlyweds can get back to canoodling and keep the real killer from striking again.

“A vibrant space mystery” – Publishers Weekly

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OUT NOW: The Immortality Thief by Taran Hunt

Happy book birthday to the fantastic The Immortality Thief by Taran Hunt!

Indiana Jones meets Event Horizon in this spooky and adventurous sci-fi tale of linguistics, abandoned spaceships, monsters and found family.

Don’t worry UK readers, you only have to wait until Thursday to get your hands on it!

Far off the edge of human existence, beside a dying star lies a nameless ship abandoned and hidden, lost for a millennium. But there are secrets there, terrible secrets that would change the fate of humanity, and eventually someone will come looking.

Refugee, criminal and linguist Sean Wren is made an offer he knows he can’t refuse: life in prison, “voluntary” military service – or salvaging data in a long-dead language from an abandoned ship filled with traps and monsters, just days before it’s destroyed in a supernova. Data connected to the Philosopher’s Stone experiments, into unlocking the secrets of immortality.

And he’s not the only one looking for the derelict ship. The Ministers, mysterious undying aliens that have ruled over humanity for centuries, want the data – as does The Republic, humanity’s last free government. And time is running out.

In the bowels of the derelict ship, surrounded by horrors and dead men, Sean slowly uncovers the truth of what happened on the ship, in its final days… and the terrible secret it’s hiding.

“Fun, resonant and compulsively readable” — Veronica Roth

“Fun, fast-paced, cutting-edge, and full of epic twists” — Library Journal, starred review