Fantasy Book Critic: Official Press Release: Solaris Books announces a new acquisition from British fantasy novelist Mark Chadbourn!

“The Lord of Silence” is a thrilling new epic fantasy. When the great hero of the city of Idriss is murdered, Vidar, the Lord of Silence, must take his place as chief defender against the mysterious terrors lurking in the dense forest beyond the city’s walls. But Vidar is a man tormented—by a lost memory and a vampiric jewel that demands the life energy of others. Now, with a killer loose within Idriss, and the threat from without mounting, Vidar must solve a three thousand year-old religious mystery to unlock the terrifying secrets of his own past.

A two-time winner of the British Fantasy Award, Mark Chadbourn is the author of eleven novels and one non-fiction book. A former journalist, he is now a screenwriter for BBC television drama. His other jobs have included running an independent record company, managing rock bands, working on a production line, and as an engineer’s “mate”.

Mark Chadbourn said, “After several years writing my own particular and peculiar brand of urban fantasy, I wanted to try something completely different. The Lord of Silence is me cutting loose and experimenting way out of my comfort zone—a completely new world, new characters, a twisted take on magic, and a mystery that spans several thousand years. It’s a sword and sorcery, noir, puzzle-cracking, romance, serial killer, adventure-mystery. With mad, dancing magicians.”

Publisher Marc Gascoigne added: “It’s always been puzzling to me why a writer of Mark’s immense talent, and with such a huge British fanbase, has rarely been offered the opportunity to release his books in the US. It’s time to remedy that, with the best book of his career so far.”

“The Lord of Silence will be released in 2009 in the US and UK.” You can read the full press release HERE.

I’m really excited for this! “The Solaris Book of New Fantasy” (Reviewed HERE) was my first exposure to Mark Chadbourn who had one of the better short stories in “Who Slays the Gyant, Wounds the Beast”, and “The Lord of Silence” sounds great! In the meantime, I’m really looking forward to checking out “Jack of Ravens” and “The Burning Man” (Release Date: February 15, 2008) which Mark was kind enough to hook up for me :)

11:03 AM |

Posted by Robert |

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...: That's good news! I hope his backlist gets a US printing.; January 19, 2008 at 2:14 PM
gav(NextRead) said...: I'm really looking forward to seeing Mark stretch his wings!

I'm a great fan (see here). Looking forward to seeing what you think of JoR:D

gav.

NextRead; January 19, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Robert said...: David, I don't think he's found a US publisher yet for his other releases, but hopefully someone will give him a chance.

Gav, thanks for the heads up!; January 21, 2008 at 8:27 AM
Unknown said...: 2009???

I was actually interested in reading it now.

Oh, well. It shows what a good reviewer you are, Robert!

the artist formerly known as write and whine!; January 21, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Robert said...: Aspiemom, thank you :) Yeah, 2009 is a long ways away, but at least there's plenty of other great books to read before then ;); January 23, 2008 at 9:06 AM