Fantasy 2002

File Updated: 22/03/2004

Tangled Web UK: New Fantasy Titles 2002

Sarah Ash Lord of Snow and Shadows Pbk published January 2004 by Bantam at Ł6.99 ISBN: 0-593-04983 7

Three kingdoms. One man. A destiny written in blood. An epic new fantasy series begins...
Book One of The Tears of Artamon Richly imagined, full of intrigue and dark romance and boasting a cast of superbly drawn players, Lord of Snow and Shadows is the first book in a thrilling new trilogy and marks the return of one of fantasy’s most original and exciting voices.

All Gavril Andar has ever known of life is the sunny clime of his southern home, his beautiful mother, and his love of painting. Until his peace is shattered - and his destiny decreed - by the arrival of a group of fierce clan warriors from the north. The father he has never known is dead. The man who ruled the wintry kingdom of Azhkendir, a man in whose veins ran the burning blood of the Drakhaoul, has been murdered by his enemies. Blood. The liquid that will seal Gavril’s fate. For becoming Drakhaon means not only ascending to the throne of Azhkendir, but also changing - changing, in subtle ways at first, into a being of extraordinary power and might. Becoming a dragon-warrior. One that must be replenished with the blood of innocents in order to survive.
Kidnapped by the warriors, Gavril is incarcerated in Kastel Drakhaon, with no means of escape from the isolated, ice-bound kingdom. Expected to avenge his father’s death, and carefully watched by neighbouring rulers waiting for their chance to move against him, the untested Gavril must fight to retain his human heart and soul in the face of impending war - and the dark instincts that threaten to overpower him ...
Combining the best of fantasy traditions with her own unique vision, Sarah Ash brings to dazzling life a new saga filled with epic adventure and unforgettable characters. Far-reaching in scope and imagination, Lord of Snow and Shadows marks the first step on a journey like no other - into a world teeming with political intrigue, astonishing magic, and passions both dark and light ...
`Ash does it in style ... she has given us a superb interweaving of character - and context, seamless enough to carry us past the threshold of disbelief into a world both magical and firmly, unwaveringly human’ Tom Holt
`Overflowing with page-turning surprises and plot twists... a promising start to a clearly ambitious series’ SFX

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Anselm Audley Inquisition Pbk published April 2003 by Earthlight at Ł6.99 ISBN: 0 7434 1502 7

Book Two of the Aquasilva Trilogy
Only fire-magic can hold back the encroaching darkness . . . but those who wield it, the fanatical priests of the Domain, would rule the entire world of Aquasilva with an iron hand.
After the battle which restored Lepidor to freedom and the rule of its count - father to Cathan, the book’s narrator - Cathan must set off on his travels again, to find an answer to the storm-magic he used so successfully to save his clan. But he soon discovers a new secret, which changes his life forever, and leaves him open to being forced into leadership of the rebellious forces . . .

About The Author
Anselm Audley became the envy of SF and most aspiring writers when he signed the three-book contract at the tender age of 16. Heresy is the first book in this contract and Inquisition is the second. Like his hero, Cathan, Anselm was on a life-altering journey into the choppy waters of publishing. Turning 19 this year, Anselm is reading Ancient and Modern History at St John’s College, Oxford. He is originally from Dorset.

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Anselm Audley Crusade Pbk published September 2003 by Earthlight at Ł10.99 ISBN: 0 7434 6119 3

Book Two of the Aquasilva Trilogy
Following the events of Inquisition, Cathan has taken refuge from the persecution of the fire-worshipping Domain in the solace of a Thetian library. However, political upheavals outside its walls threaten the very existence of his sanctuary.
With placement of his uncle Aetius VI on the Imperial throne, the Domain has finally achieved the control it has dreamed of for so long. Across Thetia and the Archipelago, Sarhaddon’s sinister Venatic monks now wield power through a compliant Imperial Navy and their mastery of the crowds. Those they consider enemies become penitents - people without rights or future, expendable labour for new Domain projects.
As the reach of the Domain grows longer, Cathan becomes one more anonymous victim of its oppression. But when he and Ravenna attempt to escape Domain captivity, they learn that the fire-priests are not the only fanatics - nor the only enemy...
Crusade concludes the story of religious oppression begun in Heresy and continued in Inquisition. Told with a deep understanding of the complexities of politics and human nature, and set in a brilliantly realised world with strong historical parallels, The Aquasilva Trilogy confirms Anselm Audley as one of the rising stars of epic fantasy.
'A name to watch, now and in the future' Outland
About The Author
Anselm Audley became the envy of SF and most aspiring writers when he signed the three-book contract at the tender age of 16. Heresy is the first book in this contract and Inquisition is the second. Like his hero, Cathan, Anselm was on a life-altering journey into the choppy waters of publishing. Turning 19 this year, Anselm is reading Ancient and Modern History at St John’s College, Oxford. He is originally from Dorset.

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Steve Aylett The Velocity Gospel Pbk published January 2003 by Gollancz at Ł6.99 ISBN: 0575073942

Accomplice Book 2
Accomplice: A casual fairy tale.
A tropic of slack jawed nutters where Justice is as rare as a jelly fossil. Where angel refineries stand like gravestones and rotten hearts are piled in the sabotage yard. A home for the socket faced masses.
And Barny Juno. A man so desperate to get rid of Magenta Blaze, so that he can be with Chloe Low, that he’s willing to go to the shaman Beltane Carom for advice.
Obsessed by Chloe, Juno doesn’t realise that the demonic insect king Sweeney is after him again - sending the demon Skittermite to `aggravate him unto death’.
Using Mayor Rudloe’s latest drive towards a state of constant readiness, his root and branch review and clamour of ear-grinding excuses Skittermite plans to understand the way of things, blend in and imitate. Then the horror . . .
Accomplice: the literary equivalent of digging a shallow hole, doing a headstand in it and claiming you’re wearing the world as a hat.
`Comic-book imagery - like Jim Steranko on steroids - mingles with a noiriste’s worst nightmare . . . Distressingly brilliant’ Guardian
About The Author
Steve Aylett was born in Bromley in the late sixties. He left school at 17, worked in a book warehouse, and later in trade and law publishing - here he invented the concept of `fractal litigation’, whereby the flapping of a butterfly’s wings on one side of the world results in a massive compensation claim on the other.
His first book The Crime Studio, published in 1994, was generally regarded as a `cry for help’. This was followed by Bigot Hall, Slaughtermatic, The Inflatable Volunteer and Atom.
Steve Aylett has built up a massive cult following on both sides of the Atlantic and in 1998 was nominated for a Philip K Dick award.
His toured `Shroud’ show, during which he silently impersonated the Shroud of Turin, caused rage and impatience in clubland. His books and stories, including those appearing in the Disco Biscuits anthologies, have been translated into Spanish, Czech, Italian, French, Japanese, German, Russian and Greek.
Presently he lives in Brighton with his skeleton. If he were any more English he'd be dead.

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Cherith Baldry The Relinquary Ring Pbk published February 2003 by Macmillan at Ł10.99 ISBN: 0-333-98944 9

The glorious fantasy of an alternative Venice, where humiliating and hopeless servitude hides itself under a carnival mask of exuberant luxury

In an ancient maritime city full of beauty and wealth, the people are ruled by an elderly duke - and also by the Church. From the mysterious Empire to the north are imported products of amazing technology, including `genies’ the genetically engineered people coveted by the wealthy as their servants and playthings.
Since the Church refuses to recognize genics as human, they lead an existence of degradation and virtual slavery. Yet, beyond the city itself, sea genics live in freedom on and around the outer islands of the lagoon, placed there by the Council to regulate the city’s water levels. Long ignored and unrecognized, they have come to form among themselves a second republic of the sea.
This is the story of four of the urban genics’ quest for fulfilment: Serafina, who was once a street beggar, and who longs to know why she was made; Alessandro, who pretends to be human; Gabriel, made for pleasure but finding fulfilment in the rediscovery of the lost art of painting; and Hyacinth, created only to make music.
Events come to a head when, in an ancient tomb, is discovered a ring containing a holy relic of immense significance. For when it falls into the possession of a ruthlessly ambitious nobleman, the entire city is put in dreadful danger - and Count Dracone is prepared to draw on demonic powers to further his ends.
As events unfold, it transpires that only an unlikely alliance can secure the citizens’ safety. And finally the downtrodden genics may come into their own.

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Ashok K. Banker Siege of Mithila Pbk published September 2003 by Orbit at Ł6.99 ISBN: 1-84149-198 5

The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Indian writer Ashok K Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.
The invasion has begun and the bestial demon hordes roar towards Ayodhya. If Ayodhya falls, then all mortal-kind will fall.
But Rama cannot return home to defend his family. He must journey to Mithila - a city lying directly in the path of destruction. There, a small band of heroes plan a valiant stand against the advancing armies of darkness.
It seems a futile quest. Lanka’s forces are near boundless and have swept all before them. Even if Rama can unearth a hidden dev-astra - a powerful artefact of the gods - his chances of victory remain slight. For at the head of the demon tide rides Rama’s nemesis, a terrible and ruthless slayer of souls - the demonlord Ravana.
Praise for Prince of Ayodhya
‘A refreshing change from generic fantasyland’ Starburst
‘In a word, Wow!’ The Alien Online
‘A marvellous landscape of princes, demons, mages, and lovers’ Kate Elliott
About The Author
Ashok K. Banker is a well-known Indian writer. For the past few years, he has been working full-time to realise his childhood dream of retelling the great tales of Indian myth and legend. He has completed the third and fourth books of the Ramayana, Demons of Chitrakut and Armies of Hanuman, and is currently finishing the last three books, Lair of Rakshasas, Lord of Lanka and King of Ayodhya.
Ashok lives in Bombay, India.

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Ashok K. Banker Prince of Ayodhya Pbk published February 2003 by Orbit at Ł6.99 ISBN: 1-84149-186 1

Book One of The Ramayana
The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Indian writer Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.
Ayodhya the Unconquerable: legendary capital of warriors and seers. Never invaded, never defeated, greatest fortress of the civilised world.
Soon it will be a wasteland of ashes and blood.
For Ayodhya lies in the shadow of a demon’s wrath, a demon that even the gods fear, a demon that even now is sending all its dreadful power to ravage the world of mortals.
And only Rama, Prince of Ayodhya, can hope to prevent the onslaught of darkness and halt the demon invasion.
But Rama will not fight alone. The sword of his brother will shield him, the wisdom of a seer will guide him… but in the final battle it will be Rama’s courage alone that will save or damn Ayodhya.

About The Author
Ashok K. Banker is a well-known Indian writer. For the past few years, he has been working full-time to realise his childhood dream of retelling the great tales of Indian myth and legend. He has completed the third and fourth books of the Ramayana, Demons of Chitrakut and Armies of Hanuman, and is currently finishing the last three books, Lair of Rakshasas, Lord of Lanka and King of Ayodhya.
Ashok lives in Bombay, India.

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James Barclay Shadowheart Pbk published July 2003 by Gollancz at Ł10.99 ISBN: 0 575 07331 4

Legends of the Raven
War Has Come...
It has been smouldering for years but now the conflict between Balaia’s four colleges of magic has finally blazed into furious life.
Xetesk, the Dark College, determined to impose its rule, now faces an alliance of Lystern and Dordova. Julatsa is crippled, still struggling to find Elven mages to raise its Heart and remake its link to Balaia’s constant flow of Mana.
And so the armies mass, the people flee and the barons play the lethal game of promise and betrayal.
Caught in the flames of the war are The Raven. Three of the legendary mercenary band are dead. One of them struggles with a burgeoning power that could herald a new world and destroy the old. But the survivors will keep their promises to lost friends, to the enslaved Protectors and to the dragon, Sha-Kaan. To Balaia.
The Raven will keep the faith. They will triumph. It’s what they do ...
'Barclay writes with power, pace and a wonderful sense of humour. Better than that, he created novels you want to read again and again.' David Gemmell
Reviews For James Barclay
‘Quite simply spectacular storytelling’ Amazon.co.uk
‘Action fantasy at its best’ SFX
‘The best modern pulp fantasy of the last few years’ Waterstones Enigma Magazine

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James Barclay Elfsorrow Pbk published July 2003 by Gollancz at Ł6.99 ISBN: 0 575 07398 5

Legends of the Ravens
The elves are dying…
The rivalry between the four colleges of magic has brought misery to Balaia. The scourge of the wesmen, Civil war, Mana coursing unchecked through the bones of the land. But through it all the elves have lived their ancient, secret lives. Even the deaths of the elven mages in the destruction of Julatsa was seen by the elders as the price paid by a foolish few for meddling in human affairs.
From their homeland in the southern continent of Calaius they have watched human dynasties come and go, aloof and untouched. Until now. Until elves young and old begin dying of a terrifying affliction, struck down at random, in their thousands . . .
Faced with the death of his race, caught up in the web of hatred and intrigue that binds the colleges together, the elven mage llkar is uniquely placed to find out what is happening to the elves and to try and stop it.
For Ilkar is one of The Raven: a tiny mercenary band of warriors and mages, bound by a vow stronger than blood. Over many years their prowess, their sheer lethality, has become legendary. But even heroes, like elves, are mortal…
Reviews for Chronicles of the Raven
‘A page-turning romp with engaging characters and bags of, often brutal, action. It is story telling at its very best: excellent entertainment’ Vector
‘The best modern pulp fantasy of the last few years’ Enigma Magazine
‘Truly excellent heroic fantasy’ sfsite.com

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Carol Berg Restoration Pbk published June 2003 by Orbit at Ł6.99 ISBN: 1841492450

Seyonne, Warden of Souls, once hunted the Rai-Kirah demons that troubled the world. Remorseless in battle, relentless in pursuit, in the seen and unseen realms he tirelessly fought them, though it cost him his homeland, his wife and his hope.
For the demons that Seyonne destroyed were not the enemy he thought. A greater power now threatens both humanity and the demons with destruction, and the only hope for survival lies in an alliance between Seyonne and the Rai-Kirah ...
`Truly remarkable’ Dreamwatch
`Superbly entertaining’ Interzone
About The Author
Carol Berg was born in Fortworth, Texas, in 1948. A graduate of engineering school, with a degree in mathematics, she has since earned a BSc in Computer Science. Carol has taught maths, childbirth preparation and parenting, and currently works as a software engineer. She lives in Colorado with her husband, and has three grown-up children. Transformation is her first novel.

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Ray Bradbury One More for the Road Pbk published April 2003 by Earthlight at Ł6.00 ISBN: 0-7434 4074 9

The `Master of Storytelling’ treats us to eighteen brand-new stories and seven more previously published but never before collected. Tales of abandoned places and betrayed love; of a house where time has no boundaries; of a faraway planet plagued by an epidemic of sorrow; a wheat field that hides a strangely welcome enemy; the ghosts of dear friends, of errant sons and lost fathers. These are but a few of the ingredients that have gone into Bradbury’s savoury cocktail.
One More For The Road is a superb refreshment served with wit, heart and flair by the incomparable Ray Bradbury.
This one’s on Ray...
`The best in his field’ Starburst
`Bradbury enchants and captivates; his tales have all the fear, fascination and wonder of a dark circus heading for town and promising marvels’ SFX
`An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation’ New York Times
`Bradbury is an authentic original’ Time magazine
`Remarkable range and intensity of vision’ Sunday Times
About The Author
Ray Bradbury is one of the most celebrated fiction writers of the 20th century. This year is his 80th birthday and the 50th anniversary of The Martian Chronicles which established his reputation as the most important figure in the development of science fiction as a literary genre. He is the author of over 500 published works, including novels, short stories and screenplays which include Fahrenheit 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes and The Illustrated Man. Bradbury's work evokes the themes of racism, censorship, technology, nuclear war, humanistic values and the importance of imagination. He has won many awards and accolades for his writing; possibly the most unusual was having a crater on the Moon named after his novel, Dandelion Wine.
Ray Bradbury has also written for the theater and cinema - including the screenplay of John Huston's classic adaptation of Moby Dick.
He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife.

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