Title spotlight - "Mañana todavía" (Still Tomorrow) edited by Ricard Ruiz Garzón

I love post-apocalyptic fiction with passion and I am trying to devour almost everything this genre throws my way. However, that doesn’t prevent me from finding the subject a bit limited sometimes, not necessarily because of the execution or imagination of the writers, but rather because of the fewer areas where such scenarios take place. It is natural, on the English publishing market, for United States and United Kingdom, occasionally Australia (the main reason for my love for the genre), to be main settings for visions of apocalyptic futures, but wouldn’t be nice to see other regions of the world featured on more stories? After all, in the unfortunate case of an apocalyptic event that brings to an end the world as we know it, the entire Earth is affected and not only certain areas. Wouldn’t be interesting to see such stories taking places in Nicaragua, Romania, Gambia or Mongolia, for example, with the particularities and characteristics of each different location playing a role? I do have hope though that, sooner rather than later, my wish will be granted. After all, I did see some encouraging signs in the recent years, “Grants Pass”, an anthology edited by Jennifer Brozek and Amanda Pillar, takes the readers throughout the world, while Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s anthology “Fractured”, due to be released on August, brings us tales of the Canadian post-apocalypse. Another such point of attraction for me is an anthology edited by Ricard Ruiz Garzón, “Mañana todavía” (Still Tomorrow), published this month in Spain by Fantascy and for which I am keeping my fingers crossed to see it translated into English as well. Some of premises mentioned in the synopsis of this collection might seem familiar, but I am certain that the stories, settings and writers will compensate in the fullest the recognizable aspects. And how can I not be optimistic when the table of contents stars some heavy names of modern Spanish genre literature. Laura Gallego is a prolific author of young adult literature with successes such as “The Idhún’s Memories” or “The Legend of the Wandering King”, Elia Barceló, one of the most important figures of Spanish science fiction, with translated works such as “Heart of Tango” and “The Goldsmith’s Secret”, Rosa Montero, important author of contemporary fiction, with translated works such as “Beautiful and Dark” and “Tears in Rain”, Susana Vallejo, award winning author of the “Porta Coeli” series or “El espíritu del último verano”, Félix J. Palma, familiar to the English readers for “The Map of Time” and “The Map of the Sky”, Marc Pastor who published “Barcelona Shadows” in English this year, José María Merino, multiple award winning writer of novels, short stories and poetry, Rodolfo Martínez, prolific author of science fiction, with “The Queen’s Adept” available in English, Juan Jacinto Muñoz Rengel, considered one of the greatest Spanish short story writers of his generation, Javier Negrete, award winning writer of fantasy and historical fiction, Juan Miguel Aguilera, renowned for his collaborative with Javier Redal that brought to life the Akasa-Puspa universe and Emilio Bueso, multiple award winning writer, one of the most promising voices of Spanish genre fiction. 12 important Spanish writers who present their dark, bleak vision of the world’s future, in Spanish for the moment, but like I’ve already said, let’s hope that “Mañana todavía” (Still Tomorrow) would be available someday in English as well.

Twelve prominent Spanish writers face to face with a fashionable genre subject: the dystopias or anti-utopias. Like the classics of the genre (“1984” by George Orwell, “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley, “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury) and like the recent published titles (above all “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins), “Mañana todavía” features twelve stories that are as many ways of literary imagining what could possible go wrong in our future: the dependency of mobile phones and internet, the dangers of social networks, the natural disasters, the problem of natural resources, the radical political visions or the risks of scientific progress in the matters of reproduction, genetics and health are only some of the major themes of this collection, related by prestigious authors from within and outside the genre.

“WeKids” (WeKids) by Laura Gallego

“Al garete” (Adrift) by Emilio Bueso

“2084. Después de la revolución” (2084. After the Revolution) by Elia Barceló

“Instrucciones para cambiar el mundo” (Instructions for Changing the World) by Félix J. Palma

“El error” (The Error) by Rosa Montero

“Limpieza de sangre” (Blood Cleaning) by Juan Miguel Aguilera

“Camp Century” (Camp Century) by Marc Pastor

“En el ático” (In the Attic) by Rodolfo Martínez

“La inteligencia definitiva” (The Supreme Intelligence) by José María Merino

“Gracia” (Grace) by Susana Vallejo

“Colapso” (Collapse) by Juan Jacinto Muñoz Rengel

“Los centinelas del tiempo” (The Time Guardians) by Javier Negrete

Cover art - "The Slow Regard of Silent Things" by Patrick Rothfuss (Brazilian edition)

I’ve barely finished talking about Marc Simonetti’s art book, “Coverama”, dedicated mainly to his amazing book covers, that another of Marc’s gorgeous pieces of art complementing a book surfaced. And since Marc Simonetti already did some excellent covers for Patrick Rothfuss’ “The Name of the Wind” and “The Wise Man’s Fear” it is the turn of his upcoming novella, “The Slow Regard of Silent Things”, to suffer the same treatment, at least on the Brazilian edition of Patrick Rothfuss’ novella. Editora Arqueiro, the Brazilian publisher, used Marc Simonetti’s covers for their editions of “The Name of the Wind” and “The Wise Man’s Fear” and followed the line with “The Slow Regard of Silent Things” too, as we can see, in the most delightful of ways. I have to say that I find Marc Simonetti’s artwork far more attractive than the US cover of the same novella. Although nowadays, with the easy access to information facilitated by the internet, it is more likely to form an opinion about a book cover long before I could see it in a bookshop, I try to consider what would happen with certain books if I see them lined on the bookshelves of a shop. In this instance, and not only, Marc Simonetti does wonders, I would be extremely tempted to pick the book from the shelves because of such a cover. It holds that particular magic of telling a story from one single image, the attractive wink that would make me wish to learn more about the book in question. Which I cannot say the same for the US book cover, as much as it seems to match the synopsis, I am afraid I find it rather bland. It remains to be seen what Gollancz’s choice for the cover of Patrick Rothfuss’ “The Slow Regard of Silent Things” would be, but I must admit that I am keeping my fingers crossed to see Marc Simonetti’s extraordinary artwork on that edition as well.

Deep below the University, there is a dark place. Few people know of it: a broken web of ancient passageways and abandoned rooms. A young woman lives there, tucked among the sprawling tunnels of the Underthing, snug in the heart of this forgotten place.

Her name is Auri, and she is full of mysteries.

The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a brief, bittersweet glimpse of Auri’s life, a small adventure all her own. At once joyous and haunting, this story offers a chance to see the world through Auri’s eyes. And it gives the reader a chance to learn things that only Auri knows....

In this book, Patrick Rothfuss brings us into the world of one of The Kingkiller Chronicle’s most enigmatic characters. Full of secrets and mysteries, The Slow Regard of Silent Things is the story of a broken girl trying to live in a broken world.

2014 Ditmar Awards

The past week-end, in a ceremony held during Continuum X, the 53^rd Australian National Science Fiction Convention, at the InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto, Melbourne, the winners of the 2014 Ditmar Awards have been announced.

BEST NOVEL

“Fragments of a Broken Land: Valarl Undead” by Robert Hood (Wildside Press)

BEST NOVELLA OR NOVELETTE

“The Home for Broken Dolls” by Kirstyn McDermott (Caution: Contains Small Parts, Twelfth Planet Press)

BEST SHORT STORY

“Scarp” by Cat Sparks (The Bride Price, Ticonderoga Publications)

BEST COLLECTED WORK

“The Bride Price” by Cat Sparks (Ticonderoga Publications)

BEST ARTWORK

“Rules of Summer” by Shaun Tan (Hachette Australia)

BEST FAN WRITER

Sean Wallace, for body of work, including reviews in Adventures of a Bookonaut

BEST FAN ARTIST

Kathleen Jennings, for body of work, including “Illustration Friday”

BEST FAN PUBLICATION IN ANY MEDIUM

Galactic Chat Podcast, Sean Wright, Alex Pierce, Helen Stubbs, David McDonald and Mark Webb

BEST NEW TALENT

Zena Shapter

WILLIAM ATHELING JR. AWARD FOR CRITICISM OR REVIEW

Galactic Suburbia Episode 87: Saga Spoilerific Book Club, Alisa Krasnostein, Alex Pierce and Tansy Rayner Roberts

The Reviewing New Who series, David McDonald, Tansy Rayner Roberts and Tehani Wessely

Congratulations to all the winners!

Cover art - "The House of War and Witness" by Mike, Linda & Louise Carey (Chizine Publications edition)

I’ve talked extensively of my regret in failing to properly review the little gem of a novel written by Mike, Linda and Louise Carey, “The Steel Seraglio”, or “The City of Steel and Silk” as it was published in the UK by Gollancz. I also promised myself a couple of times, without the desired outcome, at least one more re-reading session, not only for reviewing purposes but also for enjoying again a novel that I consider to be one of the best examples of how fantasy can bring something fresh and original to the table. I will do my best however to review the upcoming novel of this wonderful trio, “The House of War and Witness”, there is not a single doubt that it will end up not being read. If not by the time it is released in the UK, June 19^th, then until November, when Chizine Publications’ edition is out, for certain. Plenty of time until then though to admire the cover Erik Mohr, one of Chizine Publications’ prolific artists, put together. And we certainly have another of the moody and intriguing covers Chizine Publications used us with. I admit that since the synopsis hints of a haunted house I would have liked to see that represented somehow on the cover, but although personally I don’t consider it perfect because of this, it’s still a very good one. Erik Mohr’s artwork suggests a whiff of the epoch when the story takes place, it refers successfully to the haunting part in a subtle and unsettling way, while that look from the corner of the eye that character sends our way is certain to rip any comfortable feeling I might have left. I also like that Chizine Publications kept the same line and design for the both covers of Mike, Linda and Louise Carey’s novels, as Gollancz did in its turn. By the looks of them I am very tempted by the thought of having all four editions of “The Steel Seraglio”/“The City of Steel and Silk” and “The House of War and Witness” on my bookshelves.

Battle-hardened soldiers, a village with secrets and the lost souls of a timeless house collide in this stunning historical fantasy from the acclaimed authors of THE CITY OF SILK AND STEEL.

When a company of Austrian soldiers is sent to the village of Narutsin to defend the border, they find the previous garrison gone, the great house of Pokoj a dilapidated ruin, and the villagers sullen, secretive and belligerent. Convinced the villagers are keeping secrets - and possibly consorting with the Prussians - the commanding officer orders his junior lieutenant, Klaes, to investigate.

While Klaes sifts through the villagers' truths, half-truths and lies, Drozde, the quartermaster's woman, is making uncomfortable discoveries of her own - about her protector, about Pokoj and about herself. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Drozde is popular throughout the camp for her salacious and entertaining puppet shows. All her life, she has been in control, but as Narutsin gives up its secrets, it becomes clear to Drozde that she dances on Fate's strings as helplessly as anyone else.

The Soldiers of the empress and the villagers of Narutsin are about to find themselves actors in a story that has been unfolding for centuries. It will end in blood - that much is written - but how much blood will depend on Klaes' honour, Drozde's skill and courage, and the fact that the great house of Pokoj is not nearly as empty as it seems...

2013 Australian Shadows Awards nominees

The nominees for the 2013 Australian Shadows Awards, the award presented annually by the Australian Horror Writers Association and recognizing the excellence in horror fiction written or edited by an Australian, have been announced. The winners will be announced next Thursday.

NOVEL:

“Undead Kelly” by Timothy Bowden (Severed Press)

“Topsiders” by Scott Tyson (Legume Man Books)

“809 Jacob Street” by Marty Young (Black Beacon Books)

PAUL HAINES SHADOWS AWARD FOR LONG FICTION:

“Soul Killer” by Robert Hood (Zombies vs Robots: Diplomacy, IDW Publishing)

“The Home for Broken Dolls” by Kirstyn McDermott (Caution: Contains Small Parts, Twelfth Planet Press)

“The Unwanted Women of Surrey” by Kaaron Warren (Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells, Tor Books)

SHORT FICTION:

“Nip, Tuck, Zip, Pluck” by John Paul Fitch (Diabolique)

“Fence Lines” by Joanne Anderton (The Bone Chime Song and Other Stories, FableCroft Publishing)

“The Nest” by C.S. McMullen (Nightmare Magazine, September 2013)

“Caterpillars” by Debbie Cowens (Baby Teeth – Bite Sized Tales of Terror, Paper Road Press)

“The Dead Way” by J.C. Hart (Baby Teeth – Bite Sized Tales of Terror, Paper Road Press)

COLLECTED WORKS:

There is no shortlist, but there is a winner which will be announced together with the other awards’ recipients.

EDITED PUBLICATION:

“Midnight Echo 9” edited by Geoff Brown (Australian Writers Horror Association)

“A Killer Among Demons” edited by Craig Bezant (Dark Prints Press)

“Baby Teeth – Bite Sized Tales of Terror” edited by Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray (Paper Road Press)

“Star Quake 1” edited by Sophie Yorkston (IFWG Publishing Australia)

Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees!

Crowdfunding campaign - "Coverama", art book by Marc Simonetti

The following crowdfunding project is already a dream come true, it is fully funded and with 40 days left of the campaign it only pushes for stretched goals. For me this is the best of news, as a long time admirer of Marc Simonetti’s artwork an art book project dedicated to his paintings is more than welcomed, ever since I discovered Marc Simonetti’s works I enjoyed every new illustration he made, I was thrilled to see every new cover enriched by Marc Simonetti’s artwork. The covers Marc made for the French editions of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, Patrick Rothfuss’ “The Name of the Wind” and “The Wise Man’s Fear”, Ken Scholes’ “Lamentation” or Jeff Salyards’ “Scourge of the Betrayer”, to give a few examples, made me wish I could hold these books in my hands and fully admire the artworks from up close. No wonder then that I am so excited by “Coverama”, Marc Simonetti’s art book, even more so when this project is a certainty already. Marc Simonetti’s “Coverama” will have 256 pages printed on high quality paper, text in both English and French and will be filled with illustrations covering subjects such as “A Song of Ice and Fire” books, the Discworld, Lovecraft’s worlds, Fantasy and Science Fiction books, video games and advertisements, personal works, “making of” processes and some unseen before sketches. But mainly “Coverama” is a book about covers and cover art, so those will be main feature, with an extensive look behind the full process of creating book covers, including the relationship and interaction with the writers and publishers together with links to online video content showing the process of creation. And since the funding of this project will condition the number of books printed and the higher it climbs over its goal the more goodies and art prints will be available I’ll make sure to offer my support and enjoy Marc Simonetti’s art book when I’ll receive my copy of his “Coverama”.

2014 Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire

Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire is the oldest, still running award dedicated to the French speculative fiction. The first of the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire was awarded in 1974 and initially it was named “Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction Française”, but in 1992 they were baptized with the current name to include fantasy and horror titles and to better reflect the genre works on the French market. On May 30^th the winners of the 2014 Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire have been announced:

FRENCH NOVEL:

“Anamnèse de Lady Star” (Lady Star’s Anamnesis) by L.L. Kloetzer (Denoël, Lunes d’Encre)

FOREIGN NOVEL:

“L’Homme qui savait la langue des serpents” (The Man Who Knew the Language of Snakes) by Andrus Kivirähk (Le Tripode)

FRENCH SHORT FICTION:

“7 secondes pour devenir un aigle” (7 Seconds to Become an Eagle) collection by Thomas Day (Bélial)

FOREIGN SHORT FICTION:

“Complications” (The Silver Wind) collection by Nina Allan (Tristram)

YOUNG ADULT FRENCH NOVEL:

“Animale. La Malédiction de Boucle d’or” (Animal. The Curse of Golidlocks) by Victor Dixen (Gallimard Jeunesse)

YOUNG ADULT FOREIGN NOVEL:

“Une Planète dans la tête” (Maggot Moon) by Sally Gardner (Galimard Jeunesse)

JACQUES CHAMBON AWARD FOR TRANSLATION:

Bernard Sigaud for “Complications” (The Silver Wind) collection by Nina Allan (Tristram)

WOJTEK SIUDMAK AWARD FOR GRAPHICS:

Didier Graffet for “Steampunk – De vapeur et d’acier” (Steampunk – Steam and Steel) with Xavier Mauméjean (Le Pré aux clercs)

COMICS:

“Souvenirs de l’empire de l’atome” (Memories of the Atom Empire) by Alexandre Clerisse and Thierry Smolderen (Dargaud)

MANGA:

“The Arms Peddler” (Volumes 1 to 6) by Kyoichi Nanatsuki and Night Owl (Ki-oon)

ESSAY:

“Souvenirs de futur. Les Miroirs de la Maison d’Ailleurs” (Memories of the Future. The Mirrors of Maison d’Ailleurs) edited by Marc Atallah, Frédéric Jaccaud and Francis Valéry (Presses Polytechniques et Universitaires Romandes)

SPECIAL AWARD:

“L’Intégrale Stefan Wul” (The Complete Stefan Wul) published by Bragelonne and “Univers de Stefan Wul” (The Universe of Stefan Wul) published by Ankama, for adaptations of the novels to comics by D. Cassegrain, M. Hawthorne, D. Lapiere, J.-D. Morvan, M. Reynes, O.Vatine, Yann…

Congratulations to all the winners!