Book Trailer: David Moody - "Hater"

One of the novels I am looking forward to read this year is David Moody’s “Hater”. But until I can buy the novel or get a review copy I will take delight in this viral video promoting the release of David Moody’s novel.

DAVID MOODY self - published Hater online in 2006. Without an agent, he succeeded in selling the film rights to Guillermo del Toro (director, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy 1 & 2, and the upcoming Hobbit series) and Mark Johnson (producer, The Chronicles of Narnia). With the official publication of Hater (2/17/2009), David is poised to make a significant mark as a writer of “farther out” fiction of all varieties.

REMAIN CALM DO NOT PANIC TAKE SHELTER WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS THE SITUATION IS UNDER CONTROL Society is rocked by a sudden increase in the number of violent assaults on individuals. Christened 'Haters' by the media, the attackers strike without warning, killing all who cross their path. The assaults are brutal, remorseless and extreme: within seconds, normally rational, self-controlled people become frenzied, vicious killers. There are no apparent links as a hundred random attacks become a thousand, then hundreds of thousands. Everyone, irrespective of gender, age, race or any other difference, has the potential to become a victim - or a Hater. People are afraid to go to work, afraid to leave their homes and, increasingly, afraid that at any moment their friends, even their closest family, could turn on them with ultra violent intent. Waking up each morning, no matter how well defended, everyone must now consider the fact that by the end of the day, they might be dead. Or perhaps worse, become a killer themselves. As the status quo shifts, ATTACK FIRST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER becomes the order of the day... only, the answers might be much different than what you expect....

In the tradition of H. G. Wells and Richard Matheson, Hater is one man’s story of his place in a world gone mad— a world infected with fear, violence, and HATE.

You can find additional information here.

Cover art - "The Dog of the North" by Tim Stretton

One of my future reads will be Tim Stretton’s “The Dog of the North”. The novel was released on July last year by MacMillan New Writing in Hardback format and its Paperback edition will be released this year on 5th of June by another imprint of Pan MacMillan, TOR.

Winter on the lawless plains of the Emmenrule. En route to her wedding in the fortified city of Croad, the beautiful Lady Isola is kidnapped. What is worse, her captor is the infamous Beauceron. But, ruthless as he may be, Beauceron is no ordinary brigand: it is his life's ambition to capture Croad itself – and he will stop at nothing to achieve it.
Mondia, though, is a continent of many stories, and in Croad, a young man named Arren has been taken under the wing of the city's ruler, Lord Thaume. Although of low birth, Arren is destined to become a knight of valour and renown. But as his fortunes rise, so those of his childhood friend Eilla fall.

Beauceron has returned with his human plunder to his home – the exquisite frozen city of Mettingloom. There, the imperious Isola finds herself reassessing her former loyalties as she struggles to adapt to her new life. Beauceron, meanwhile, is manoeuvring to raise an army. He is determined to defeat his enemies, both inside and outside Mettingloom – and to capture the city he loathes.

But what is the source of Beauceron’s obsession with Croad? Can Arren reconcile his youthful ambitions with his growing feelings for Eilla? And just who is the Dog of the North?

Tim Stretton’s debut novel is a spellbinding tale of loyalty and betrayal, homeland and exile, set in a brilliantly imagined world of political intrigue, sorcery, and warfare on an epic scale.

I personally have the hardback edition, but I cannot admire the new cover of “The Dog of the North”, one realized by Steve Stone if I am not mistaken (seen at the beginning of the post). I also cannot notice the real improvement realized compared with the hardback edition. The new cover keeps the elements of the first cover art but adding something extra to its general aspect and dynamics. I really like the new cover and in my opinion it speaks a little more about the novel. However, I eagerly wait to explore a little more between its covers, but like I said not much to wait until then.

In the mailbox

Here are the books I received this week, with my thanks to their senders:

- "The Secret War" by M.F.W. Curran (through the courtesy of Pan MacMillan);

- "The Hoard of Mhorrer" by M.F.W. Curran (through the courtesy of Pan MacMillan);

- "The Red Wolf Conspiracy" by Robert V.S. Redick (through the courtesy of Del Rey Books);

- "The Steel Remains" by Richard K. Morgan (through the courtesy of Del Rey Books);

- "The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror 19" edited by Stephen Jones (through the courtesy of Constable & Robinson).

Thank you all very much once again!

On the blogosphere

The blogosphere is such a wonderful place and a great source for information, articles, reviews and chances of winning free books (how I love free books :)). Here are some links of last week posts that really caught my eye:

Joe Abercrombie follows the reactions created by the US cover of his upcoming novel, “Best Served Cold”, with an wonderful and interesting post on his blog.

Theresa from Fantasy & Sci-Fi Lovin’ Blog points us to an interesting reaction of Stephen King regarding Stephenie Meyer and her “Twilight” series. I have to be honest and say that I didn’t read any of the series books, but I find Stephen King’s reaction very interesting. Also she has another of her short story collection contests, this time the prize includes: “Crime Spells” edited by Loren L. Coleman & Martin H. Greenberg, “Catopolis” edited by Janet Deaver-Pack & Martin H. Greenberg and “Unusual Suspects” edited by Dana Stabenow (US participants only).

Dragonmount shows us sample covers of the graphic novels adaptation of Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time” planned by Dabel Brothers.

John from Grasping for the Wind reached his 100,000 hits with his interesting blog. Congratulations John!

Robert from Fantasy Book Critic reviews “Hatter” by David Moody and “Lamentation” by Ken Scholes, two titles I am looking forward to read this year. Also he has another two great contests: 5 copies of Stephen Hunt’s “The Rise of the Iron Moon” (open worldwide) and 3 signed copies of Jonathan Maberry’s “Patient Zero” (open to North American residents).

Book Spot Central offers the possibility of winning 3 signed copies of Kit Redd’s “Enclave” and 5 copies of Carlos J. Cortes’ “Perfect Circle”.

Ken from Neth Space offers us his review of “Lamentation” by Ken Scholes.

Mulluane from Dragons, Heroes and Wizards reviews the first two books in Glen Cook’s “Chronicles of the Black Company”, “The Black Company” and “Shadows Linger”.

Graeme from Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review reviews M.F.W. Curran’s “The Secret War”. This is one of my future reads as well.

Gav from Next Read shows a promo of second book in Chris Ewan’s “Charlie Howard” series, “The Good Thief’s Guide to Paris”, and his review of the first book, “The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam”.

Rob from Rob’s Blog o’ Stuff points us to his review of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind” posted on SFF World. Another high recommendation for this amazing novel.

Doug from SciFi Guy reviews “Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells.

Ben from Speculative Fiction Junkie reviews “The Infinite Instant” by Danielle L. Parker.

Adam from The Wertzone reviews “Look to Windward” by Iain M. Banks.

Well, I am off signing for the contests where I qualify :)

Cover art article

Following the reveal of Joe Abercrombie’s “Best Served Cold” cover for the US edition and the reactions started by it, the art department of Orbit US made a wonderful article about their cover.

I love the article, especially because I have a huge interest in cover art and because most probably I would have tried to defend my work as well. Like I said yesterday I find the US cover interesting and taken on itself it catches the eye and interest, although I would not know the author. But I believe that I am not the only one making the comparison with the UK cover. Still the article written by Lauren Panepinto makes some light on the process of making the cover and the goal of the Orbit US Art Department.

And one of the publisher goals is reaching for a brand new audience of readers. I certainly can understand that, after all an author doesn’t write just for the love of art and a publisher doesn’t release titles just for fun, making a profit is part of the process. Also I understand that the publisher tries to keep a general line on the presentation and its books to be easily recognized on the library shelves. But I believe that small changes are only benefic and can take way the stereotypical sensation.

I am perfectly aware that the important part is always between the covers, but the cover art plays a definite role in my opinion. When I walk in a library and looking through the shelves my first encounter is with the cover art and a great or interesting one will play in favor of an unknown author or title to me and it will made me pick the book up and read its blurb and look between the covers. So I have to admit once again that although I would have picked this book with both of its covers if the books will stand together I will pick the UK edition.

But it is very nice that Orbit shows us the insights of its Art Department and of the process of making a cover. I am looking forward to read more such captivating articles.

Cover art - "Best Served Cold" by Joe Abercrombie (US edition)

Pat from Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist revealed in one of his posts the future cover of the US edition of the upcoming Joe Abercrombie’s novel, “Best Served Cold”. Now, I have to say that the cover art isn’t bad and taken independently it catches the eye. However, I can’t help myself and not notice that it pales in comparison with the UK cover of the novel. With all the honesty I have to say that the image of the girl added on the right side of the cover ruins the effect and the savor of the map seen in its entire beauty. It is not for the first time when a book has different covers for the UK and US editions and I don’t know the demands on this two book markets, but I personally I would have liked the same cover on the both editions (the UK one, seen below).

And speaking of Joe Abercrombie if you go to his website you can find that he is having a great competition with a few Advance Reader Copies of “Best Served Cold” as prize. The contest is opened worldwide and if you are interested you can find the full details of the competition on Joe Abercrombie’s blog.

"Voices" edited by Mark S. Deniz & Amanda Pillar

"Voices"

edited by Mark S. Deniz & Amanda Pillar

Format: Paperback, 180 pages

Publisher: Morrigan Books

In my whole life I have been in several hotel or motel rooms, but I have to admit that I never thought of the previous guests who passed through that particular room. And if the hotel building doesn’t have a historical importance I might pass over its history as well. The anthology edited by Mark S. Deniz and Amanda Pillar, “Voices”, propose such a foray, raising a question what if the new guest is affected by his room past.

“Voices” is structured in four sections, named “Illusions”, “By the Hand”, “Possessions” and “Epiphanies”, each one opened with a short story written by Robert Hood. And Robert Hood’s stories take the reader in a journey through time and building structure, beginning from the lobby to the 4th floor and with a 20 year gap between them, starting from 1928 up to 2008.

“Prologue” by Robert Hood – A married couple comes to the hotel, but their staying will suffer an unexpected twist in the lobby. This short story makes a good introduction for the collection, with an uncomfortable feeling created by Robert Hood. I really liked and enjoyed the dialogue between the husband and wife.

“Sanctuary” by Carole Johnstone – A woman who is on the run seeks a refugee in a hotel room only to find that the needed sanctuary might not be on her liking. The character of this story has difficulties in discerning the reality from the illusion and the reader will find at the end that he has to make his own choosing, how much illusion surrounded the character?

“The Mirror” by K.V. Taylor – Max and Luca are hiding in the hotel room. But Max has trouble sleeping and he hears a music coming from the mirror. This is the first published story of K.V. Taylor and although it might look a little unpolished it made me think of what an obsession could do to the human mind.

“His Only Company, the Walls” by Brad C. Hodson – A man tries to reach his ex-girlfriend at the phone while he waits her in a hotel room. But who is eventually coming might not be on his liking. The story is told through the phone messages left by the character and I really liked how he suffers changes with each call, I almost see his degradation. This is one of my favorite stories from this collection.

“Remainders: 1948” by Robert Hood – Marcus Bryant, a famous explorer and hunter, is desperately trying to find finances for a new expedition to Borneo. But his expedition comes sooner than he thinks. A paranormal story which involves the power of illusion.

“Paris” by Todd C. Edwards – Celine collapses on her room floor after consuming an overdose of alcohol and medicines. Her hope for help lies in her boyfriend, Marcel, but she will be taken by surprise. An interesting story which deals with the human reactions when facing panicked situations.

“Just Us” by Pete Kempshall – Alex Gallagher investigates a murder scene in a hotel room, the criminal being his former chief. This is another story centered on the human nature, about manipulation and ambition. And for a person the things happening in the next room might remain a mystery as much as the thoughts of the person next to him.

“A Picture of Death” by Shane Jiraiya Cummings – The police is investigating a case of hanging. It is a supernatural story, with an example of how different can the things be seen sometimes. I felt on some places that the author is forcing the terror on some of its characters and that is trying a little too much to point the reader to a terrifying situation.

“Remainders: 1968” by Robert Hood – Sarah is looking for her room, but will find a horrifying scene on her floor. This story mixes the horror of a real situation and a supernatural situation.

“Constance Craving” by Gary McMahon – Thomas Usher, a man able to see ghosts, is asked to help Reverend Alex Potter and the parents of a girl who believes that she is a vampire by talking to her. I really liked this story, because it has an interesting dialogue, which sets the protagonist in a conflictual state and also I could see his doubts and fears. I liked a lot too that the story is ambiguous and the author doesn’t point an obvious truth leaving much in the end on the reader’s imagination as well.

“Bedbugs” by Martin Livings – Allison will discover in a strange way the destiny of one of her room’s previous guest. It is an interesting story, with two physical abuses that will superpose in a new disturbing image.

“Faking It” by Siobhan Byford – Celeste and Paul are two supposed mediums who make money from naïve clients. Only this time the money will be harder earned than before. Another supernatural story, made interesting by the way the author only hints the danger threatening the supposed medium.

“Remainders: 1988” by Robert Hood – Gowing leaves his home, unhappy with his wife and son. The story deals with surpassed memories that have a way of coming back unexpected.

“Sentinel” by Sonia Marcon – An Eastern European family visiting the country will find through their young daughter that the next room holds a macabre truth. I have to admit that this story didn’t sit very well with me, because I failed to find the relevance in one character presence and an illogical gap that spoiled my read (I find hard to believe that a killer will leave his bag unattended in an opened door room).

“The Suicide Room” by Paul Kane – Richard Gray comes to the hotel because he believes that this is a perfect place for killing himself. Unfortunately this is another story I didn’t enjoy. First the story looks like a huge list of suicide methods and second the end of the story sounded like a punishment taken from Dante’s “Purgatory” and set in a hotel room.

“The Man Who Wasn’t There” by Rodney J. Smith – A man tired of his job and the long journeys that it necessitates wonders what would be like if he had left his life behind. The story raises an interesting question, but the answer offered can’t be that simple.

“Remainders: 2008” by Robert Hood – Tara comes to the hotel drawn by a distant relative who has his destiny bound to the hotel. This story shows that not only humans can have a terrifying destiny, but a building can have one as well.

“Epilogue” by Robert Hood – It is the outcome of the collection imaginative hotel. It is the shortest story of the anthology that adds one more horror to the building.

Although I would have liked some of the stories to be longer, “Voices” is a nice collection of horror stories that deals more with the supernatural and paranormal aspects of the genre and less or almost not at all with the gory and macabre part. Also the anthology edited by Mark S. Deniz and Amanda Pillar presents new or established authors of the genre and I personally discovered through “Voices” a few names that stirred my interest.