-
Monthly Archive
-
Departments
-
Site Admin
Site Search
Top 50 Tags
Networks
View UKSFBN's Authority
Date Archive: August 2007
Aug
29
Zack Snyder to direct new adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s ‘Illustrated Man’
Posted in: Press Room on 29th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The Reporter also says: "Alex Tse, who wrote Snyder's upcoming directorial effort Watchmen, is adapting the screenplay."
More Info: Hollywood Reporter
Source: Hollywood Reporter, via the FPI Blog Log
Aug
29
BBC announces new historical mystery series: ‘Bone Kickers’
Posted in: Press Room on 29th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
One of the lead characters is engaged in "the hunt for the greatest treasure in the history of Man, a hunt that drove her brilliant mother insane..." What do you reckon? The Holy Grail, with a quick trip down the road to Glastonbury on the cards at some point? On that plot point hinges the question: will Bone Kickers turn out to be an intriguing new take on the Mythology of Britain, or just a thinly-veiled Da Vinci Code pastiche? Only time will tell...
Casting is as yet unannounced but filming is due to start in October / November for screening in Spring 2008.
More Info: BBC Press Office
Source: BBC press release
Aug
28
Stephen R Donaldson signing, FP London, October 27th
Posted in: What's On on 28th August 2007 by Sandy Auden
FP says: "Stephen Donaldson’s influence goes back 30 years since the release in 1977 of his first book, Lord Foul’s Bane. He has helped shaped fantasy writing ever since and won many accolades including the British Fantasy Society Best Novel award and the World Fantasy Award. Best known for his series books The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever and The Gap Cycle, his books continue to be epic and groundbreaking. Fatal Revenant is the second in the Final Chronicles of Thomas Convenant series."
More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com / www.stephenrdonaldson.com.
Source: Forbidden Planet press release
Aug
28
Subterranean press to publish debut prose novel by Warren Ellis
Posted in: Press Room on 28th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The Subterranean edition will be published in two limited states: 500 signed numbered hardcover copies priced at $75 and 26 lettered, signed, specially bound copies, housed in a custom traycase at $400. The regular hardcover edition of Crooked Little Vein [Amazon] will be published by William Morrow in the US on September 3rd.
More Info: Subterranean Press
Source: Subterranean Press e-bulletin
Aug
27
Books Received August 17th - August 27th 2007
Posted in: Books Received on 27th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Here's the latest batch of books that we've seen here at UKSFBN, which means we're now bang up-to-date. As always, many thanks indeed to the publishers concerned for bringing these titles to our attention.
Aug
24
Graham Masterton auctions new novel ‘The Painted Man’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To, What's On on 24th August 2007 by Sandy Auden
Detail: News in from horror writer Graham Masterton. He says: "Charity blind auction time... I have the first printout of The Painted Man, which is not likely to be published at the very earliest until November this year and will not be paperbacked in the USA until 2009. Personally signed and authenticated. Proceeds will go to the Children's Trust in Tadworth, Surrey, for children with severe disabilities. The highest bid that I receive by midnight August 31 gets it."
More info: Contact the webmaster at Graham Masterton's website for bidding details
Source: Matt Williams, GM Site Webmaster
Aug
23
Paul Kearney on his deal with Solaris for new novel ‘The Ten Thousand’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 23rd August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
BL Publishing's Solaris Books imprint has announced a new deal for a brand new novel by Northern Ireland based fantasy writer Paul Kearney, author of the acclaimed Monarchies of God and Sea Beggars books.
Kearney's new novel will not be a continuation of the Sea Beggars series, publication of which has stalled ever since both the UK and US publisher failed to agree a contract for a new volume with Kearney; despite strong enthusiasm for the series from both his UK and US editors. Instead his new Solaris title, The Ten Thousand, will be set in a new milieu and is planned - at present - as a stand-alone volume.
Aug
23
Adam Roberts on new novel ‘Splinter’ and re-translating Jules Verne
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 23rd August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Science Fiction author, critic and academic Adam Roberts' new novel, Splinter, will be published next month by UK genre imprint Solaris Books. In a freely acknowledged nod to one of the past-masters of the genre, Splinter has inspired by a classic Jules Verne novel, one which hasn't seen a fresh translation into English in over 130 years, until now: Solaris are also publishing a two-volume slipcased edition that includes Roberts' re-translation of the Verne in question, which will be exclusivley available from Waterstone's in the UK.
We dropped Adam a line to ask him a few questions about Splinter and about the inspirational monsieur Verne.
Aug
23
Website launch: Science Fiction Awards Watch
Posted in: Press Room on 23rd August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Morgan and Standlee hope that in time the site will grow into an information resource along the lines of the long-running Locus SF Awards Index and provide commentary, criticism and a forum for public debate. They also hope to expand the content of the site beyond the scope of book-based sf, fantasy and horror awards into other media, including film, TV and comics.
More Info: www.sfawardswatch.com/
Source: Cheryl Morgan, Science Fiction Awards Watch
Aug
22
Michael Marshall (Smith) guest blogging at Powells.com
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: www.powells.com / www.michaelmarshallsmith.com
Source: Michael Marshall Smith, via Ed Ashby
Aug
21
Second Edition of Bram Stoker Graphic Novel Released
Posted in: Press Room on 21st August 2007 by Sandy Auden
This edition features an all-new 47-page comics adaptation of Dracula" by Rich Rainey and Joe Ollmann. Returning from the first edition are The Judge's House by Gerry Alanguilan; Torture Tower by Onsmith Jeremi; The Lair of the White Worm by South African artist Rico Schacherl; The Bridal of Death, an excerpt from The Jewel of Seven Stars by J.B. Bonivert, and The Wondrous Child illustrated by Evert Geradts.
More info: www.GraphicClassics.com
Source: Eureka Productions
Aug
21
New Hugo Awards website launched at www.thehugoawards.org
Posted in: Press Room on 21st August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
"Past winners of Hugo Awards include authors such as Isaac Asimov, Sir Arthur C. Clarke, Robert A. Heinlein, Philip K. Dick, Anne McCaffrey, William Gibson and Neil Gaiman. Hugo Awards have also been given to movies such as Star Wars, Blade Runner and The Lord of the Rings, and TV shows such as Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who.
"The 2007 Hugo Awards will be presented on September 1, 2007, in Yokohama, Japan, at the 65th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as 'Nippon 2007'. The Hugo Awards website currently lists this year's nominees and will list the winners shortly after the conclusion of this year's Hugo Awards Ceremony."
More Info: www.thehugoawards.org
Source: The Hugo Awards
Aug
21
Jupiter Magazine’s ‘Science of Doctor Who’ competition
Posted in: Press Room on 21st August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: www.jupitersf.co.uk
Source: Ian Redman, Jupiter magazine
Aug
20
Steve Aylett-inspired animation online at PlaystationSeason.com
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 20th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The notes on the website explain: "'The Man whose Head Expanded' by Steve Aylett was reinterpreted by Yuko Kondo in collaboration with Studioplum. Applying Yuko's bold illustrative style and wacky characters worked perfectly with Studioplum's offbeat animation style, blending hand drawn and 3D elements into an exciting visual feast."
More Info: www.playstationseason.com / www.steveaylett.com
Source: Steve Aylett
Aug
20
Steph Swainston guesting at BSFA meeting, London, August 22nd
Posted in: What's On on 20th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Detail:Fantasy author Steph Swainston has been in touch to tell us about the following imminent appearance: "I am the guest writer at the next BSFA (British Science Fiction Association) meeting on Wednesday 22nd August in London. I will be reading from The Modern World and John Berlyne (of SFRevu fame) will be interviewing me.
"The event is at The Star Tavern, 6 Belgrave Mews West, London, SW1X 8HT. Meet downstairs from 5:30, upstairs from 6, interview starts around 7pm. These events are good fun and you'll have plenty of chance to chat to me after the interview finishes. Entrance is free and all welcome. So, if you're in the area, please come along!
"For those who can't make it, I am hoping to be make an MP3 of the interview available on my website after the event."
More Info: www.stephswainston.co.uk / BSFA
Source: Steph Swainston
Aug
19
Books Received July 21st - August 16th 2007
Posted in: Books Received on 19th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Following a titanic effort today, we've now caught up with all the books and 'zines that have been received here at the UKSFBN offices up to the end of Thursday August 16th. Another batch will follow shortly, but in the meantime, do check out the following to see what's new and interesting.
Aug
16
Doctor Who and Classic Radio Sci-Fi audiobooks from the BBC
Posted in: Press Room on 16th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Emma Finlay from the audio books department of BBC Publishing has been in touch to tell us about a raft of new audiobook releases. Four of them (Doctor Who: The War Machines, The Kraken Wakes, Childhood's End and The Slide) are available now, with a further three (Doctor Who and the Doomsday Weapon, Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters and Doctor Who at the BBC: The Tenth Doctor) due for publication in early September.
Aug
15
disLOCATIONS antho out now from Newcon Press
Posted in: Press Room on 15th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The anthology features work by Pat Cadigan, Chaz Brenchley, Hal Duncan, Brian Stableford, Andrew Hook, Adam Roberts, Amanda Hemingway, Andy West and Ken MacLeod, and is available to order now for £10.99 from the Newcon Press website or via Amazon.co.uk.
More info: www.newconpress.com
Source: Newcon Press press release
Aug
15
Solaris announce UK & US deal for David Louis Edelman’s ‘Infoquake’
Posted in: Press Room on 15th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Infoquake, part one of the Jump 225 trilogy, is described as: "a stunning trip through the trenches of a technological war fought with product demos, press releases and sales pitches... science fiction for the twenty-first century." It's currently available in a trade edition, published by Pyr Books in the US, who will be publishing the trade edition of the sequel, Multireal to coincide with the Solaris edition of Infoquake.
More Info: www.solarisbooks.com / www.infoquake.net
Source: George Mann, Solaris Books
Aug
14
New quarterly anthology, Murky Depths, launching September
Posted in: Press Room on 14th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The first issue of brand new genre 'zine Murky Depths is due out in September. The mag offers a blend of comics and prose fiction as well as poetry and issue #1 features the first part of a graphic story written and illustrated by Richard Calder.
Murky Depths editor-in-chief Terry Martin says: "For those familiar with Calder's work the title 'Death and the Maiden' will hold no surprises, but perhaps his illustrating will. This is to be a continuing story with five-page episodes and heads up a total of four graphic tales to appear in this hybrid magazine that bylines with 'The Quarterly Anthology of Graphically Dark Speculative Fiction.'"
Aug
14
New antho ‘The Black Book of Horror’ out now from Mortbury Press
Posted in: Press Room on 14th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Detail: The Black Book of Horror from Mortbury Press is described by the publisher as an "anthology in the grand tradition of British horror anthologies" and is on sale now. Editor Charles Black says: "In the '60s, '70s and '80s, Pan and Fontana both published long-running series of horror anthologies. Inspired by these books and the many anthologies, The Black Book of Horror is a ghoulish celebration of the macabre."
The anthology contains 18 tales ranging from the supernatural to the gruesome: "black magic, the dead, monstrous beasts, and things from beyond. There are tales that witness madness, and the evil that man is capable of." A full list of contributors can be found on the Mortbury Press website.
More info: Mortbury Press
Source: Charles Black, Mortbury Press
Aug
14
Joe Abercrombie announces new two-book deal with Gollancz
Posted in: Press Room on 14th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
"The first is going to be called Best Served Cold, is set in the warring city-states of Styria, and, in case you hadn't guessed, is about revenge. It's largely planned out and the first couple of chapters drafted. If forced to sum it up I'd probably call it a fantasy thriller, light on the magic and heavy on the blood, treachery and poison, with the usual hefty portions of dark grey characters and black humour."
More Info: www.joeabercrombie.com
Source: Joe Abercrombie
Aug
13
Rian Hughes signing, Forbidden Planet London, August 23rd
Posted in: What's On on 13th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Yesterday's Tomorrows is a book of Rian's collected comics. It includes his take on Dan Dare and the adaptation of Raymond Chandler's Goldfish, his work for 2000AD, along with pages from Rian's own sketchbook.
More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com
Source: Forbidden Planet press release
Aug
13
HarperCollins to publish 70th Anniversary ‘Hobbit’
Posted in: Press Room on 13th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
In addition, Voyager are also releasing a hardback boxed set containing The Hobbit plus the new two-volume The History of the Hobbit (Vol #1 Mr Baggins and Vol #2 Return to Bag-End), which includes Tolkien's previously unpublished draft manuscript version of The Hobbit.
More info: www.tolkien.co.uk / www.voyager-books.co.uk
Source: HarperCollins Voyager
Aug
13
BBC Four to air ‘Comics Britannia’ documentary series in September
Posted in: Press Room on 13th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: BBC press office
Source: Big Dumb Object
Aug
13
2007 World Fantasy Award nominees announced
Posted in: What's On on 13th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: Locus Online
Source: Locus Online, via Antick Musings
Aug
11
Chris Roberson talks about new novel, Set The Seas on Fire
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 11th August 2007 by Sandy Auden
Chris Roberson's name is already on the grapevine as a rising genre star and his career certainly seems to be gathering momentum. The last twelve months has seen the release of The Voyage Of Night Shining White from PS Publishing and Paragaea: A Planetary Romance from Prometheus Books; with The Dragon's Nine Sons coming out from Solaris in 2008.
But that's not all. His current novel was released this month and is called Set The Seas on Fire. It's a historical fantasy, a nautical adventure set during the Napoleonic wars, full of all manner of ship-to-ship combat, muskets and sabers. But at its heart it's really a love story. With zombies.
UKSFBN tracked Mr Roberson down to pop him a few pertinent questions...
Aug
10
Robert Neilson’s ‘That’s Entertainment’ out now from Elastic Press
Posted in: Press Room on 10th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Andrew Hook describes the book: "In these fourteen short stories entertainment is explored in all its forms, subtly twisted into alternate realities where music, boxing, film, and television distort history to sometimes comic, sometimes tragic effect. In Neilson’s science fiction, fantasy lives just around the corner from reality."
More info: www.elasticpress.com
Source: Elastic Press e-bulletin
Aug
10
Abaddon Books seeks writers for new shared-world series
Posted in: Press Room on 10th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
For submission guidelines and the World Bible please write to: Jonathan Oliver, Abaddon Books, Rebellion, The Studio, Brewer Street, Oxford, OX1 1QN, UK, or contact Abaddon via their website. Submissions will close on 20th September 2007.
More info: Abaddon Books
Source: Abaddon Books e-bulletin
Aug
9
Sci-Fi Week at XFire.com - August 13th - 17th
Posted in: What's On on 9th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More info: www.xfire.com
Source: Regina Buenaobra, XFire Inc
Aug
9
Books Received June 15th - July 20th 2007
Posted in: Books Received on 9th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Unfortunately, we've fallen a bit behind just recently with listing the books that we've received here at UKSFBN. Sincere apologies to all concerned for that, and please rest assured that a concerted effort is being made to catch up.
Here, then, is the first installment: books that came in between June 15th and July 20th this year. Do check through, just in case you missed a gem or two...
Aug
9
Terry Pratchett signing, Forbidden Planet London, October 13th
Posted in: What's On on 9th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
FP says: "Terry Pratchett is quite possibly the most famous fantasy writer in the UK. His new book, Making Money, tells the story of former con man Moist von Lipwig who is now in charge of Ankh-Morpork’s Royal Mint. While doing this job he comes across a vampire, something nameless in the cellar, a 300-year-old wizard and The Assassin’s Guild who are trying to kill him! All Moist wants to do is spend his life making money, but things keep getting in the way."
More Info: www.forbiddenplanet.com
Source: Forbidden Planet press release
Aug
9
New Iain M. Banks novel, ‘Matter’ - cover and blurb on show
Posted in: Press Room on 9th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: Peripheral Vision / Little, Brown
Source: Ed Ashby
Aug
8
Philip Palmer’s radio drama ‘Breaking Point’, BBC Radio 4, August 10th
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To, What's On on 8th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
'Breaking Point' will be broadcast on Friday, August 10th on Radio 4, at 9 p.m. and will be available for a week afterwards via the BBC website's 'Listen Again' facility.
More Info: www.philippalmer.net
Source: Philip Palmer
Aug
8
Daleks wanted! Manchester MoSI seeks enthusiasts for World Record attempt
Posted in: What's On on 8th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: www.mosi.org.uk [site under re-construction but contact details available via old site]
Source: BBC Manchester
Aug
8
William Gibson signing, London, August 28th
Posted in: What's On on 8th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
This is Gibson’s only London reading event, so Blackwell advises that you book tickets early to avoid disappointment. The event will take place at the Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London [Google], from 7.00 p.m. Tickets are £7, concessions £5, with at least £2 off the author's new publication on the evening of the event and 10% off your next purchase at Blackwell, Charing Cross Road.
More info: Blackwell Online
Source: Blackwell UK
Aug
8
Peter F. Hamilton signing, London, August 23rd
Posted in: What's On on 8th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The event takes place at the Vanbrugh Theatre, RADA, Malet Street, London [Google], from 7.00 p.m. Tickets are £7, concessions £5, with at least £2 off the author's new publication on the evening of the event and 10% off your next purchase at Blackwell, Charing Cross Road.
More info: Blackwell Online
Source: Blackwell UK
Aug
7
Derek Lawrence signings: Evesham Aug 23rd, Pershore Aug 27th
Posted in: What's On on 7th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
- Evesham Book Centre on Thursday 23rd August at 2.00 p.m. [Google]
- Arcade Bookshop, Pershore on Monday 27th August at 11.00 a.m. [Google]
More info: Soft Editions
Source: John Barrratt, Soft Editions
Aug
7
Orbit announces UK distribution deal for Yen Press manga titles
Posted in: Press Room on 7th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
George Walkley, business manager at Orbit Books UK has been in touch to tell us about a brand new UK distribution deal: "Little, Brown Book Group [Orbit UK's parent company] is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with US sister company Hachette Book Group USA to distribute their Yen Press manga list in the UK."
Aug
7
2007 British Fantasy Society Awards shortlist announced
Posted in: Press Room on 7th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The British Fantasy Society has announced the short-listed nominees for this year's BFS Awards, for work published or created during 2006.
The overall winner in each category will be announced at the Sunday banquet of this year's British Fantasy Convention, Fantasycon 2007 on September 23rd, 2007, at the Britannia Hotel, Nottingham, UK.
Aug
6
Write Fantastic authors visiting Birmingham SF Group, September 15th
Posted in: What's On on 6th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Vicky Cook of the Birmingham SF Group writes: "The Write Fantastic is an initiative by a group of fantasy authors to introduce fantasy fiction to readers who have never tried the genre, and to show those who have drifted away the breadth and depth in current fantasy writing. We look forward to welcoming five members of the group on Friday 14th September."
Aug
6
Adam Roberts new novel ‘Splinter’: Waterstone’s Exclusive limited edition
Posted in: Press Room on 6th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: www.waterstones.com / www.solarisbooks.com
Source: Waterstone's science fiction e-bulletin
Aug
6
BookTour.com adds UK authors & readers sign-up
Posted in: What's On on 6th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More Info: www.booktour.com
Source: Adam Goldstein, booktour.com
Aug
6
Macmillan Ltd Edtn of Peter F. Hamilton’s ‘The Dreaming Void’
Posted in: Press Room on 6th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
More info: www.panmacmillan.com
Source: Steven North, Pan Macmillan
Aug
5
New formatting for UKSFBN Newsbite items
Posted in: Site Announcements on 5th August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Dear readers -
Just a quick note to draw your attention to a new way of posting shorter items that we're trialling at the moment. You might have already noticed (unless you read the site on RSS feed only) that some of our recent items have been formatted with a dashed red border:
More info: Links to sources of further information.
Source: The source of the story.
The thinking here is that we'd like to post shorter items as frequently as we possibly can, rather than saving them for the round-up articles that we've run in the past. The major benefits are that we can post more content more quickly, and make it easier for other sites that want to link in to a specific item, rather than having to then direct their readers to search through a round-up for the relevant information.
The red border is to help differentiate newsbites from our longer and more detailed items - such as author interview pieces and press releases or articles with extra commentary or detail that we've added ourselves - which we will will continue to present in the standard format: a paragraph or two of introductory text and then a link to the main item so you can read the whole piece. That way, if you see an item with a red border, you know that it's a newsbite and there's no need to link through to get any more information, unless you want to visit the external websites that we've linked out to.
We hope that this will mean we'll be able to bring you even more UK SF Book News almost as soon as it's announced (well, we'll do our best, anyway...)
If you have a particularly strong opinion on the new formatting, either pro- or anti-, please do feel free to speak your piece in the comments.
Cheers!
Ariel
UKSFBN site editor
Aug
5
Paul A. Green’s new novel, ‘The Qliphoth’ available now
Posted in: Press Room on 5th August 2007 by Sandy Auden
More info: www.libroslibertad.ca
Source: Paul A. Green
Aug
5
Martin Wagner play ‘The Agent’ running in the West End, London
Posted in: What's On on 5th August 2007 by Sandy Auden
More info: www.pinterandmartin.com.
Source: Martin Wagner
Aug
5
William Meikle’s new novel, ‘Generations’ available now
Posted in: Press Room on 5th August 2007 by Sandy Auden
More info: www.librosinternational.com / www.williammeikle.com/
Source: William Meikle
Aug
2
New cover art for UK pb release of Temeraire: Black Powder War
Posted in: Press Room on 2nd August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
The third part of Naomi Novik's highly-regarded (by the likes of Stephen King, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks and Peter Jackson, among others) Temeraire series, Black Powder War [Amazon], is due to be published in paperback in the UK on August 6th, and to mark the occasion the publisher has decided to re-release the entire series to-date with new cover art.
Aug
2
Pendragon Press launching New Writings antho at Fantasycon ‘07
Posted in: What's On on 2nd August 2007 by UKSFBN admin
Chris Teague, of UK independent publisher Pendragon Press, writes to tell us about a new short science fiction / fantasy / horror anthology that he'll be launching at this year's Fantasycon in Nottingham, over the weekend of September 21st to 23rd.
The anthology is called New Writings in the Fantastic, has been compiled by veteran author and editor John Grant (a.k.a. Paul Barnett) and will be: "A mammoth anthology of almost forty pieces of speculative fiction, featuring a wealth of new writing talent from around the world."