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Date Archive: March 2008
Mar
31
Books Received March 17th - 31st 2008
Posted in: Books Received on 31st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Our latest round-up of the books that have been sent in to UKSFBN in the past fortnight. As always, many thanks indeed to the publishers concerned for bringing these titles to our attention.
Click on any of the book covers for ordering information from either Amazon.co.uk or the book's publisher.
Mar
31
Raymond E Feist on ‘Wrath Of A Mad God’, ‘Darkwar’ Book Three
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 31st March 2008 by Sandy Auden
Raymond E Feist's Darkwar trilogy has now concluded with the release of Wrath Of A Mad God.
Magician Pug has travelled with his son Magnus, the mysterious Nakor and a god-touched soldier called Bek to the world of the militaristic Dasati. The Dasati, misled by an insane God and driven by the evil magician Leso Varen, are preparing to invade the Tsurani planet.
Meanwhile, Pug's wife, Miranda, desperately tries to muster the troops on the home worlds but a clever and bloody first strike by the Dasati might have already tipped the invasion's outcome too far in the wrong direction...
Mar
31
Indy Magazine ‘Crikey!’ takes a close look at the British comics scene
Posted in: Press Room on 31st March 2008 by Sandy Auden
Did you grow up on British comics? Want to take a trip down Memory Lane and revisit some of your favourites? Remember TV21? Eagle? Sparky? Maybe Wham! Or Judy? Or the extremely spooky Misty?
If you're answering yes to any of the above then you should be getting the new Crikey! Magazine. Brought to us by Editor Brian M Clarke and Designer Glenn Fleming, Crikey! looks at a huge range of comics, their development, their artwork and their story content; and they even a look at how the comics influenced kids in France.
Mar
30
Stage version of Iain Banks’ ‘The Wasp Factory’ touring Scotland, April - June
Posted in: What's On on 30th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The Cumbernauld Theatre Company will be touring Malcolm Sutherland's stage adaptation of the classic Iain Banks novel The Wasp Factory from mid-April to mid-June.
The tour begins with a ten-day run at Glasgow's Tron Theatre and Tron's Press and Marketing Officer Douglas Martin has sent through the following information on the production.
Mar
30
Sebastian Peake, Talk & Signing, Oxford Lit Fest, April 3rd
Posted in: What's On on 30th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Sebastian Peake, son of the late, great Mervyn Peake, will be giving a talk as part of the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival at 2.30 p.m. on April 3rd in Festival Room 2, Christ Church (tickets £7.50) on the subject of Boy in Darkness and Other Stories, the collection of his father's short fiction that he edited and had published last year.
Mar
29
Titan Books unveils ‘Icons: The DC Comics and WildStorm Art of Jim Lee’
Posted in: Press Room on 29th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
A recent Titan Books press release has announced the publication of "A stunning collection of the work of Comics Superstar Jim Lee."
Titan tells us: "Over the last two decades, the name 'Jim Lee' has come to be synonymous with all that is élite in the world of comics. One of the most successful and popular artists to work in comics, Jim Lee is acclaimed by critics and revered by fans worldwide thanks to his hyper-dynamic artwork and innovative character and costume designs.
Mar
29
Out Now: horror anthology ‘Beneath the Surface’ [Shroud Publishing, US]
Posted in: Press Room on 29th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Shroud Publishing press release:
"Brand new publisher of suspense, horror, and dark fantasy, Shroud Publishing LLC, has announced the release of its first compilation of modern horror stories: Beneath the Surface, 13 Shocking Tales of Terror (ISBN 978-0980187007, Trade Paperback), which features more than 13 original horror stories written by award-winning authors hailing from across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Mar
29
Titan Books to publish official ‘Iron Man’ movie novelisation, April 25th
Posted in: Press Room on 29th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
"Comics and movies collide with unrivalled anticipation in Marvel Studios' blockbuster movie to be released on 2nd May 2008 – Iron Man.
"Starring Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr. (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Zodiac) as billionaire Tony Stark – and his eponymous Super Hero alter-ego – and directed by Jon Favreau (Swingers, Elf), this is the long-awaited film portrayal of one of Marvel's most popular comic book characters.
Mar
25
Out Now: ‘Illuminations - the Flash Fiction Anthology’ [Odd Two Out]
Posted in: Press Room on 25th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a press release posted on Paul Raven's Velcro City Tourist Board:
"Illuminations is a new anthology from small press Odd Two Out Publishing that showcases original, cutting edge short fiction from eight up-and-coming young British writers.
Mar
25
Alastair Reynolds signing, FP London, April 12th
Posted in: What's On on 25th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Forbidden Planet press release:
"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Alastair Reynolds. He will be signing his new book, House Of Suns at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday 12th April from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m.
Mar
24
UKSFBN Quick Links Listing for 24.03.08
Posted in: Press Room on 24th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Another bumper round-up of links of interest we've found elsewhere online.
Mar
24
Solaris Books signs debut steampunk novelist Tim Akers
Posted in: Press Room on 24th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Solaris Books press release:
"Solaris is delighted to announce a new acquisition from debut author Tim Akers. Heart of Veridon is the first book in the Burn Cycle. Jacob Burn is a disgraced airship pilot, and a man augmented by strange implants designed to keep him alive in combat conditions.
"An exiled son of nobility, he now makes his own way in the criminal underworld of Veridon, the City of Cog. But soon Jacob finds himself caught in a conspiracy of sabotage and murder between the government and the church, a mystery that stretches back into the roots of the city of Veridon itself."
Mar
24
Neal Asher signing, FP London, April 5th
Posted in: What's On on 24th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Forbidden Planet press release:
"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a signing by Neal Asher. He will be signing his new book, Line War, at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Saturday 5th April from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m.
Mar
24
Contemporary Horror Cinema Conference, Manchester, April 3rd-4th 2008
Posted in: What's On on 24th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Manchester Metropolitan University is holding a two-day conference entitled 'New Nightmares: Issues and Themes in Contemporary Horror Cinema and Horror Film Criticism' on the 3rd and 4th of April 2008.
Confirmed keynote speakers are Jay McRoy, Associate Professor of English and Film Studies at the University of Wisconsin and editor of Monstrous Adaptations: Generic and Thematic Mutations in Horror Film (Manchester University Press), and Julian Petley, Professor of Film and Television Studies at Brunel University and co-editor of British Horror Cinema (Routledge).
Mar
23
Coming soon: ‘Night of Knives’ by Ian C. Esslemont, UK pb edition
Posted in: Press Room on 23rd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
May 5th sees the publication of the UK paperback edition of Ian Cameron Esslemont's debut novel, Night of Knives, set in same world as Steven Erikson's Malazan Books of the Fallen.
From a Transworld UK press release:
"It gave the Empire its name, but the tiny island and city of Malaz is now a sleepy, seedy back-water port. However, tonight things are a little different. Tonight its residents are bustling about, barring doors and shuttering windows. Because tonight a once-in-a-generation Shadow Moon is due and threatens the good citizens of Malaz with demon hounds and other, darker, beings...
Mar
23
Out Now: ‘Indiana Jones Omnibus Vol #1′ [Titan Books, UK]
Posted in: Press Room on 23rd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
"To welcome the return of adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones to the big screen this May, his classic comics adventures are collected in an all-new omnibus edition – Indiana Jones Omnibus (vol.1), published in paperback and priced at £19.99.
Mar
23
Ken MacLeod shortlisted for 2008 Prometheus Award
Posted in: What's On on 23rd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The Execution Channel by UK author Ken MacLeod has been nominated for this year's Prometheus Award, which will be given by the Libertarian Futurist Society for the best libertarian science fiction novel first published in 2007.
Mar
23
McDonald, MacLeod, Bigwood, Aldiss win 2007 British Science Fiction Awards
Posted in: What's On on 23rd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The winners of this year's British Science Fiction Awards, for work first published in the UK during 2007, were announced yesterday at the annual British Science Fiction Convention, Eastercon, in London.
Mar
22
Out Now: ‘The Second Black Book of Horror’ [Mortbury Press, UK]
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Mortbury Press press release
"The Second Black Book of Horror is now available from UK publisher Mortbury Press, in paperback, priced £7 plus £1.50 p&p within the UK."
Mar
22
Out Now: ‘Smallville: The Official Companion Season 6′ [Titan Books, UK]
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
"Smallville, the TV show featuring the early adult years of Clark Kent, the man who is Superman, continues to be one of the hottest shows on TV today, airing on Channel 4 and E4.
Mar
22
Coming Soon: ‘The Next Fix’ by Matt Wallace from Apex Publications
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From and Apex Publications press release:
"If there is a party at the end of the universe, Matt Wallace's The Next Fix will be the drug of choice. If you like a chaser of tech with your horror, humor with your darkness, and beauty with your grit, The Next Fix is your next high.
Mar
22
Titan Books acquires licence to publish British Comics Classics from Egmont
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
"In an extensive deal for worldwide book publishing rights, Titan Books has acquired a licence to publish an exciting range of classic comic strip collections from Egmont UK Ltd, in what promises to be the beginning of a winning range of title series, revelling in nostalgia.
Mar
22
M. John Harrison wins 2008 Philip K. Dick Award
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
This year's Philip K. Dick Award for "the distinguished original science fiction paperback published for the first time during 2007 in the U.S.A." has gone to Nova Swing by M. John Harrison.
The results were announced on Friday evening at evening at Norwescon in SeaTac, Washington. Harrison was one of two UK authors on this year's shortlist, the other being Adam Roberts for Gradisil.
Mar
21
Coming Soon: James Patterson’s ‘Maximum Ride IV: The Final Warning’
Posted in: Press Room on 21st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Random House Childrens Books press release:
"James Patterson's fourth Maximum Ride title for younger readers will be published in the UK by Doubleday on April 10th in hardback, priced £12.99.
Mar
21
2008 Hugo Awards nominees announced; several UK authors shortlisted
Posted in: Press Room on 21st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The nominees for this year's Hugo Awards have been posted to the 2008 Worldcon website.
Mar
21
Two new anthos from Newcon Press - ‘Celebration’ and ‘Myth-Understandings’
Posted in: Press Room on 21st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Ian Whates, publisher and editor-in-chief of UK independent Newcon Press has been in touch to tell us about two titles that he'll be launching at this weekend's Eastercon at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel at London Heathrow.
Mar
21
Out Now: ‘Tank Girl: Armadillo and a Bushel of Other Stories’ [Titan, UK]
Posted in: Press Room on 21st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
"For Tank Girl's 20th Anniversary, co-creator Alan Martin has decided to give her something very special... her very first novel!
Mar
21
Out Now: Steven Savile’s ‘Primeval: Shadow of the Jaguar’ [Titan, UK]
Posted in: Press Room on 21st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
Mar
20
Out Now: ‘Demon Prince: Children of Gaia’ Vol #1 [Dimensional Manga, UK]
Posted in: Press Room on 20th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The end of February saw the launch of brand new Manga series Demon Prince: Children of Gaia from UK-based independent publisher Dimensional Manga. They sent us the following press release to introduce us to the series:
"New graphic novel publisher Dimensional Manga is proud to announce their first release Demon Prince: Children of Gaia, Volume #1. Dimensional Manga will release the entire series in 14 volumes with vols. #1 to #5 released this year.
Mar
20
Official ‘Star Wars: The Force Unleashed’ tie-ins due from Titan Books in June
Posted in: Press Room on 20th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Titan Books press release:
"The Star Wars Saga continues this summer in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Set between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed delves into the previously unexplored period with Darth Vader at the height of his power.
Mar
20
Coming Soon: Harry Shannon’s new novel, ‘Daemon’ is creeping closer…
Posted in: Press Room on 20th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Author Harry Shannon has been in touch to tell us that his next book will soon be unleashed upon an unsuspecting horror-reading public:
"The final book in my Night trilogy will be released in trade paperback format by Delirium Books on March 25th, 2008.
Mar
19
Robert Earl and Richard Williams signing, FP London, March 29th
Posted in: What's On on 19th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Forbidden Planet press release:
"Forbidden Planet is pleased to announce a joint signing by Robert Earl and Richard Williams.
The news was announced late last night of the passing of one of the great legends of British science fiction.
The BBC website made the announcement and has posted an obituary and has begun posting tributes to the writer of classics of the genre including Childhood's End, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rendezvous With Rama.
Mar
17
Genre Fandom called on to ‘Match it for Pratchett’
Posted in: Press Room on 17th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Detail: Last December, legendary fantasist and satirist Terry Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Earlier this month, Terry revealed that he had donated around £500,000 to the Alzheimer's Research Trust to fund research into the disease.
As widely reported elsewhere, sci-fi Fandom has now been called on to 'Match it for Pratchett' and raise another £500,000 for Alzheimer's Research charities. Author Pat Cadigan has started a Facebook Group to help spread the word, there's a website - www.matchitforpratchett.org - has been set up to help coordinate donations, and the producers of the Sky One adaptation of The Colour of Magic are auctioning a replica of The Luggage on eBay for the charity as well.
More info: Alzheimer's Research Trust
Source: Various, as per links
Mar
17
Mark Chadbourn on ‘Kingdom of the Serpent’ part two: ‘The Burning Man’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 17th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Mark Chadbourn's new novel, The Burning Man, will be published by Gollancz Books in mid-April. Long-time Chadbourn-fan Lizzy Hill dropped Mark a line on our behalf to ask him a few pertinent questions about the new novel, it's place in his canon of work, and some of the background to his ongoing series.
Lizzy Hill: Jack of Ravens - part one of The Kingdom of the Serpent - followed first Brother of Dragons Jack Churchill's epic journey through time from the Ancient Britons, via the Romans, Elizabethans, Vietnam and Woodstock, finally ending up in the modern day. Where will The Burning Man take us?
Mark Chadbourn: "Where Jack of Ravens was a quest through time, this one is a quest around the world. I won't mention the locations, of which there are several, because I don't want to spoil any surprises, but the starting point is the UK, and from there the group head east.
Mar
16
SFX Magazine invites you to vote for your favourite SF and Fantasy Authors
Posted in: Press Room on 16th March 2008 by Sandy Auden
SFX Magazine has just opened the voting for a major new poll in which you can vote for 'Your Favourite SF and Fantasy Authors of all time'. Voting is open to anybody who wants to join in, and each voter is invited to name their top five SF and Fantasy authors.
Polls and Awards are a regular occurrence in all aspects of media these days so we politely nailed down SFX Magazine's Dave Golder and asked why this poll was important.
Mar
16
Fiona McIntosh on her Percheron series: ‘Odalisque’, ‘Emissary’ and ‘Goddess’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 16th March 2008 by Sandy Auden
Fiona McIntosh's Percheron series is an exotic mix of desert politics, Arabian culture and mythological subtext. Setting up the story in volume one, Odalisque, she introduces Anna – a beautiful country girl chosen by Lazar, the Zar's head of security, to be part of the new king's harem.
Unfortunately for Lazar, Anna captures his heart but he stands by his duty and hands her over to the palace eunuchs, condemning her to a life imprisoned at the palace. But Anna, abused by the vile Grand Master Eunuch and despised by the Zar's mother, has her own head-strong plans…
Mar
16
Books Received March 2nd - 16th 2008
Posted in: Books Received on 16th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Another round-up of the books and magazines that have been sent in to UKSFBN in the past couple of weeks. As always, many thanks indeed to the publishers concerned for bringing these titles to our attention.
Click on any of the book covers for ordering information from either Amazon.co.uk or the book's publisher.
Mar
14
Joe Abercrombie on the conclusion of his debut series ‘The First Law’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 14th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The end of next week brings the official publication date of the final instalment in fantasy author Joe Abercrombie's debut trilogy, The First Law.
Part three, Last Argument of Kings is the culmination of a series that has - for the most part - been extremely well-received amongst fans and critics alike and has turned a legion of fantasy readers into fans of the exploits of Logen Ninefingers, Sand dan Glokta, Jezal dan Luther and the fantastic cast of supporting characters that populates Abercrombie's rich and vivid milieu.
We thought this might be an appropriate time to drop Mr Abercrombie a line and find out a bit more about how he's enjoyed the readers' reaction to the series so far, his distinct writing style, his focus on great dialogue, and what his plans for the future might be.
Mar
13
UKSFBN Quick Links Listing for 13.03.08
Posted in: Press Room on 13th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Another quick round-up of links of interest elsewhere on T'Internets.
Mar
13
Joe Abercrombie signing, FP London, March 20th
Posted in: What's On on 13th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
FP says: "Abercrombie is a freelance film editor, who after several knock-backs from literary agents, was eventually signed by Gollancz in 2005. Last Argument Of Kings is the final instalment of his epic fantasy trilogy, The First Law. The first part, The Blade Itself, has now been published in eight countries."
More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com
Source: Forbidden Planet press release
Mar
12
SF Foundation’s Andy Sawyer visiting the Birmingham SF Group, March 14th
Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The BSFG tells us: "In 1993 the Science Fiction Foundation Library found a home in Liverpool. Andy Sawyer will bring us up to date on what's happened since and explain why old paperbacks, lurid magazines, Hugo awards, fanzines and scribbled bits of paper are an essential part of a library of science fiction. Andy Sawyer is the librarian of the Science Fiction Foundation Collection at the University of Liverpool Library, and Course Director of the MA in Science Fiction Studies offered by the School of English as well as teaching an undergraduate module, 'Speculative Fictions'. He is also the Reviews Editor of Foundation: the International Review of Science Fiction."
More info: Birmingham SF Group
Source: Vicky Cook, Birmingham SF Group
Mar
12
‘How Manga Took Over the World’ exhibition opening in Manchester
Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
"The exhibition will explore the art of Manga in its many guises, tracing the journey from its early origins to its many modern day manifestations. The exhibition will be brought to life by live demonstrations from graphic designers and graffiti and makeup artists, as well as the opportunity to role-play your favourite Manga character."
More info: www.urbis.org.uk
Source: Heads up via Joe Gordon, Forbidden Planet Blog
Mar
12
Warhammer authors Abnett & McNeill signing, FP London, March 15th
Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
FP says: "Dan Abnett's Legion[Amazon], the latest instalment in the Horus Heresy series, follows on from the tragic events on Isstvan III where Space Marines turned on their own brothers. The Alpha Legion and the Imperial Army are now put to the test as the traitors launch a series of relentless attacks.
"Graham McNeill's Time Of Legends: Heldenhammer [Amazon] is the start of a major new fantasy series which brings the heroes and legends of the 'Warhammer' world to life. This first book tells the story of Sigmar Heldenhammer and his most famous battle, defending the Black Fire Pass against thousands of orcs."
More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com
Source: Forbidden Planet press release
Mar
12
Line-up for Derby’s 2008 Alt.Fiction day confirmed
Posted in: What's On on 12th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
This year's line-up features a host of top UK genre authors, including the likes of Brian Lumley, Michael Marshall Smith, Mike Carey, Charles Stross, Graham Joyce, Ramsey Campbell and Justina Robson and many, many more. Tickets for the day cost £20 (£16 concessions) and can be booked from the Assembly Rooms Box Office on 01332 255800. Doors open at 11am for a 12.00 p.m. start, with a 9.00 p.m. close. The programme of events for the day is available on the Alt.Fiction blog.
More info: altfictionday.blogspot.com
Source: Alex Davis, Alt.Fiction organiser
Mar
10
BSFA Award-nominated short fiction podcast at StarShipSofa.com
Posted in: Press Room on 10th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
"Starting Monday 10th March - and therefore in plenty of time for you to listen to all five stories well in advance of voting at Eastercon - StarShipSofa will upload one of the narrated stories each day. First off will be Chaz Brenchley narrating his own nominated story, 'Terminal'."
More info: www.starshipsofa.com
Source: Tony Smith, StarShipSofa.com
Mar
10
2008 Arthur C. Clarke Award Shortlist announced
Posted in: Press Room on 10th March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The shortlist for this year's Arthur C. Clarke Award was officially announced today.
Mar
2
UKSFBN Quick Links Listing for 02.03.08
Posted in: Press Room on 2nd March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
A bumper round-up of links to items of potential interest elsewhere on the WWW...
Mar
1
Books Received February 17th - March 1st 2008
Posted in: Books Received on 1st March 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Another quick round-up of the books that have been sent in to UKSFBN in the past couple of weeks. As always, many thanks indeed to the publishers concerned for bringing these titles to our attention.
Click on any of the book covers for ordering information from either Amazon.co.uk or the book's publisher.