FANTASY REVIEW: The Copper Promise - Jen Williams

Release Date: 13/02/14
Publisher:  Headline

SYNOPSIS:

I'm stranded on Mars. I have no way to communicate with Earth. I'm in a Habitat designed to last 31 days. If the Oxygenator breaks down, I'll suffocate. If the Water Reclaimer breaks down, I'll die of thirst. If the Hab breaches, I'll just kind of explode. If none of those things happen, I'll eventually run out of food and starve to death. So yeah. I'm screwed.


REVIEW:

If like me, you have a yearning to return to the old days of fantasy for that lustre of ancient gold as well as an epic story of heroics then you have to pick up this debut novel by Jen Williams that will scratch that itch. Within is a tale that has great characters, some wonderful turns of phrase and more than fulfils the desires of the reader within the pages for a return to the old days of Forgotten Realms that still not only hold a place in my heart but on my bookshelves.

Throw into the mix characters that have their own motives, some wonderful dialogue and of course a whole set of problems that will leave them questioning their abilities and all round I was a more than happy reader. Great stuff.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Sacred 3 Official Gameplay Trailer - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Deep Silver have sent the latest trailer for Sacred 3 featuring gameplay.

As a huge fan of old school games like Gauntlet, the chance to play something to take me back then, alongside newer graphics, is often too good to miss.  

Here's what the press release says:
"Sacred 3 Features classic arcade Hack ‘n’ Slash action centered around drop in, drop out cooperative multiplayer for both offline (2 players) and online (4 players) play. The game features diverse characters such as the Seraphim, Ancarian, Khukuri and the Safiri, as well as introduces a new character, Malakhim. Each character class features its own unique skills and weapons which can be upgraded to match the player’s very own combat style. As they master the art of war, players will fight their way through enemy hordes and try to outshine their fellow companions on their way to become the greatest hero of all. The inclusion of mission stats and online leaderboards will continue to drive competition both locally and online. Victory Is Ours. Glory is Mine."


Hopefully you'll like the look of this and with the multiplayer, we'll see you on the battlefield,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

DVD NEWS: Danny Trejo has a Softer side.

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our Hollywood friends have let us know about big action star Danny Trejo and his passions.  Yes he likes Machete's, knives and of course big bad ass guns, however, he also has a softer side.  

Yes believe it or not, international action star, acting titan and Latin icon Danny Trejo revealed a secret new hobby in a really funny new online video, Breadanimals.
 

View his clip:

Danny's latest film, Bullet is out now, available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: The Martian - Andy Weir

Release Date: 13/02/14
Publisher:  Del Rey

SYNOPSIS:

I'm stranded on Mars. I have no way to communicate with Earth. I'm in a Habitat designed to last 31 days. If the Oxygenator breaks down, I'll suffocate. If the Water Reclaimer breaks down, I'll die of thirst. If the Hab breaches, I'll just kind of explode. If none of those things happen, I'll eventually run out of food and starve to death. So yeah. I'm screwed.


REVIEW:

OK, this book is something that you’ll either love or hate. If you like Science then this is a book that you’ll really get behind, if not, well it’s a book that will leave you feeling rather flat. It is definitely hard sci-fi, and whilst many readers will be left in disbelief at what occurs within, just think of it as Robinson Crusoe on Mars with the lead character Mark Watney bringing the whole thing together as he fights to not only survive against the elements but mentally.

All round it’s an OK book and for me it’s one that I did have some trouble finishing as the science got a little bit too much for me. That said it is impressive and whilst it’s a debut I think we’ll be hearing from Andy again.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Shambling Guides 2: The Ghost Train to New Orleans - Mur Lafferty

Release Date: 04/03/14
Publisher:  Orbit

SYNOPSIS:

COULD YOU FIND A MUSEUM FOR A MONSTER? OR A JAZZ BAR FOR A JABBERWOCK? Zoe writes travel guides for the undead. And she's good at it too - her new-found ability to talk to cities seems to help. After the success of The Shambling Guide to New York City, Zoe and her team are sent to New Orleans to write the sequel. Her career isn't all that brings her to New Orleans. The only person who can save Zoe's boyfriend from zombism is rumoured to live in the city's swamps, but she's out of her element in the wilderness. With her supernatural colleagues waiting to see her fail, and rumours of a new threat hunting citytalkers, can Zoe stay alive long enough to finish her next book?


REVIEW:

Mur is an author that I came across with her original Shamblers Guide novel and one that not only appealed to me with the character but brought together a mismatched myriad crew that circumstances, alongside modern living, has created not only a wonderful mixing pot but one that demonstrates in an almost comical way how alternate states of being need help in finding their way in a modern world.

The Guide Books are wonderfully fresh and when added to various cities alongside misadventures for all within, generate a tale that not only entertains but one that will have the reader clamouring for more.

Having lost some old friends in the previous outing, this title more than makes up for their loss with a whole host of additional cast members that the reader will come to love and whilst some are highly misunderstood, they all have their place on the team. Back this up with an author who’s cracking sense of humour works its delightful charms throughout the title alongside a principle character that you’ll just love and all round it’s a book that I couldn’t put down until I’d turned the final page. Magic.

DYSTOPIAN SCIENCE FICTION: The Osiris Project 2: Cataveiro - E J Swift

Release Date: 20/02/14
Publisher:  Del Rey

SYNOPSIS:

A shipwreck. And one lone survivor. For political exile Taeo Ybanez, this could be his ticket home. Relations between the Antarcticans and the Patagonians are worse than ever, and to be caught on the wrong side could prove deadly. For pilot and cartographer Ramona Callejas, the presence of the mysterious stranger is one more thing in the way of her saving her mother from a deadly disease. All roads lead to Cataveiro, the city of fate and fortune, where their destinies will become intertwined and their futures cemented for ever...


REVIEW:

Del-Rey UK is definitely a publisher that likes to bring different things to the reader’s attention and this series by EJ Swift is something that will more than hit the spot if you’re a fan of Dystopian Science Fiction. The characters within as fully rounded, have some wonderful little quirks and when added to the arc really generate a caring response within the reader.

Back this up with great prose, solid pace work and of course some magical twists which when backed with the authors own identifiable writing style all round makes this a book that hit the spot for me as a reader. Top notch.

VIDEO GAME AND VIDEO GAME TIE IN REVIEW: Thief and The Art of Thief - Square Enix and Titan

Release Date: 28/02/14
Publisher:  Square Enix

SYNOPSIS:

Garrett, the Master Thief, steps out of the shadows into the City. In this treacherous place, where the Baron's Watch spreads a rising tide of fear and oppression, his skills are the only things he can trust. Even the most cautious citizens and their best- guarded possessions are not safe from his reach.

As an uprising emerges, Garrett finds himself entangled in growing layers of conflict. Lead by Orion, the voice of the people, the tyrannized citizens will do everything they can to claim back the City from the Baron's grasp. The revolution is inevitable. If Garrett doesn't get involved, the streets will run red with blood and the City will tear itself apart.


REVIEW:

OK, yes I know that this review is running a little late, I know that the games been out for a couple of weeks and whilst I could have technically reviewed it a little earlier, I refused as not only was I lost to the dark back streets of The City where a terrible plague is holding the inhabitants at its mercy, but the sheer diversity of playing styles that are designed to please players who tackle this with their favoured play style.

This game has a lot of offer players and whilst there will be a lot of people who will just dive in, massacring their way through the City, for me, it’s a game about ghosting and when forced none lethal takedowns. I love the idea about not killing anyone and whilst this increased the difficulty factor, for me allowed the game to not only develop naturally but played to my strengths as a stealth player. I love the way that you have various arrows for different purposes and whilst they are limited they do force the player to consider multiple options before embarking upon a course of action.

That’s not to say that it is easy, far from it, but once you get the hang of where to hide, how to manipulate the City’s nooks and crannies to your own advantage it’s a game that really takes you to another level.

There are however, in my opinion, quite a few flaws within the title. My first and main bugbear was the combat system as every player will embark upon it at least once within the game. It’s pretty slow for the gamer, can be frustrating and I feel that it could have been tightened up for a more natural flow. Yes I understand that the guards are better trained with weaponry than you are, however when each strike from the blackjack feels like it takes an age to connect as well as leaving you wondering how he could be so good in so many area’s but ridiculously outclassed in others, really left a sour taste in my mouth. Likewise, I was more than a little upset that when you were above potential enemies, you couldn’t do a multiple takedowns. It just seemed a little ridiculous that he never had to do that in the past. For me, it’s something that should have been considered and figured out rather than what I feel largely ignored.

Finally add to the mix the limitations of the arrow numbers (and yes, you are heavily limited with them) each choice has to be carefully considered before embarking upon and whilst you do have some blunt arrows, I would have liked to have been able to knock enemies out with them rather than them having little to no effect.

All that considered though, it is a game that will have you on the edge of your seat as you discover what has occurred within the year that Garret has lost. It’s dark, it’s a major discovery and all round, it will leave you clamouring for more. I can’t wait to see what improvements they’ll make in the future and with the opportunity to play through a good few times, will give you something different each time you play. 

Release Date: 25/02/14
Publisher:  Titan

SYNOPSIS:

The THIEF franchise is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers that defined the stealth genre and since the first release of Thief: The Dark Project in 1998 has influenced a wealth of titles. After years of silence, Garrett is coming out of the shadows. Developed by Eidos-Montréal , the studio behind the critically and commercially acclaimed Deus Ex: Human Revolution, THIEF will be released on February the 25th in North America and on February the 28th in Europe and rest of the world.

Titan Books’ The Art of Thief will give fans and in-depth look at Square Enix’s enormously anticipated new game, featuring exclusive concept and development art, as well as detailed creator insights and commentary throughout. This book will showcase Garrett’s underworld in beautiful detail and truly show the art of the Master Thief.


REVIEW:

In the gaming industry perhaps there is no greater truth than “a picture is worth a thousand words.” It helps bring a flavour to the concept, it helps everyone get on the same page and it sparks not only an identity but also generates discussion on the various elements. This is one of the reasons that I love the Art of books from Titan.

The pieces within are not only breath-taking but allows the reader to see the development through from original concept to final process in glorious glossy images that really help bring not only the principle protagonist to life but also helps the reader get to grips with the world.

Within this title are studies of various elements from the principle character through to the practicality of his tools/weapons taking design changes throughout that helps bring it to life. Add to the mix a whole host of supporting cast members, each with their own individual look, multiple points of view alongside options of world points of view all round gives you something pretty unique.

Back this up with script that helps explaint he world in greater detail and all round I was a more than happy reader. Great stuff.

FILM TIE IN: 300: Rise of an Empire: The Art of the Film - Peter Aperlo

Release Date: 04/02/14
Publisher:  Titan

SYNOPSIS:

The action adventure "300: Rise of an Empire" is the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2007 international blockbuster 300. Based on Frank Miller's latest graphic novel "Xerxes," "300: Rise of an Empire" is produced by Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Bernie Goldmann, and directed by Noam Murro from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad. Told in the breathtaking visual style of "300" this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield--on the sea--as Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. 300: Rise of an Empire pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemisia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy. "300: Rise of an Empire" also stars Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, and David Wenham.


REVIEW:

A film tie in novel that not only gives the reader the chance to get to know the cast but be enveloped with the whole scenario of an epic point in Western history. It’s beautifully put together, has some top notch explanations as well as allowing the reader to delve into how some of the effects were achieved. Back this all up with a friendly writing style that invites you to see the process and all round I was a more than happy reader. Great stuff.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Bel Dame Apocrypha 1: God's War - Kameron Hurley

Release Date: 16/01/14
Publisher:  Del Rey

SYNOPSIS:

Nyx is a bel dame, a bounty hunter paid to collect the heads of deserters - by almost any means necessary. 'Almost' proved to be the problem. Cast out and imprisoned for breaking one rule too many, Nyx and her crew of mercenaries are all about the money. But when a dubious government deal with an alien emissary goes awry, her name is at the top of the list for a covert recovery. While the centuries-long war rages on only one thing is certain: the world's best chance for peace rests in the hands of its most ruthless killers...


REVIEW:

Del Rey is a publisher that’s never been afraid to bring something not only a little different but something outside of a lot of readers comfort zones to the fore and whilst the UK arm is fairly new on the block, its one that has suck to the ideal’s of its American Counterpart in bringing this title to the readers attention.

Part Science Fiction, part fantasy and all wrapped up with a fascinating principle character, the book takes the reader on one hell of a adrenaline fuelled high octane adventure that captures your imagination within its pages. The prose is sharp, the dialogue something that works very well with the almost alien aspect of the title which when blended with an authorly writing style that the reader will find appealing all round makes this a book that deserves success. A great read.

Guest Blog: Worldbuilding for the Erebus Sequence - Den Patrick

With his first full length novel out today (previously we reviewed Den Patrick's Elves and Orc's War Fighting Manual, we thought it was time for readers to get to know the author. So without further ado, here is Den with how he constructed the epic world for "The Boy with the Porcelain Sword."
________________________

Creating new worlds for Fantasy novels can be a double edged sword, pun intended. At one extreme you need to have a clear idea of what the world contains and how those different elements interact with each other. The other end of the spectrum means you can leave things so vague the reader never really feels immersed in the setting. What’s the use of Fantasy if you can’t indulge in the ‘Wow!’ factor every so often?

Once created the temptation is write large sections of text telling the reader just how amazing it all is, demonstrating how much work you’ve done. No one loves an info dumper, unless you’re reading a source book for a Dungeons and Dragons setting, or War-Fighting Manual. Far better to explain the world as the protagonist experiences it, skewing it with their opinions and bias.

The world building for The Erebus Sequence was very light initially. The vast castle of Demesne is arranged like maltese cross, each spoke home to one of the major families, Fontein, Contadino and Prospero. The exception to the rule is House Erudito who are a gathering of scholars, rather than a hereditary family. At the center of this cross is the vast circular keep where the king resides in seclusion. Each House and keep of Demesne is seven lofty stories of gothic architecture, with courtyards thrown into the mix. Labyrinthine corridors connect the many apartments, kitchens, pantries, great halls, practice chambers and classrooms. Some corridors lead only to cobwebby dead ends and few if any are sufficiently lit else Demesne bankrupt itself buying candles.

The great Houses also shelter minor Houses under their roof, forming alliances with other estates, scattered across the island of Landfall. I wouldn’t ‘discover’ these estates until I’d written book 2. There wasn’t any need for this information, and so it remained uninvented. I’d written a good deal of book two before the final edits of The Boy with the Porcelain Blade were turned in, so I was able to go back and seed this new worldbuilding into descriptions and conversations. I ret-conned my own world in a minor way, but only the handful of test readers, my agent, and my editor could tell the difference.

Possibly the greatest part of worldbuilding is not the world itself, but the traditions of Landfall. The Orfano are misshapen foundlings, discovered on the steps of the great Houses every few years. So why aren’t they killed or left to the elements? No one wants an extra mouth to feed, and physical difference has ever been barrier to acceptance. On Landfall, and specifically in Demesne, the king has passed an edict declaring that Orfano must be cared for by a great House until their sixteenth birthday where they may apply to be adopted by another House. This is an important distinction as the Houses are divided by function. Contadino, the famers. Fontein, the soldiers. Prospero, the merchants and artisans. Erudito, the seat of learning. But why has the king set the edict at all? It’s good to set up mysteries, questions that will receive answers over the course of the novel.

I’ve always loved creating and interacting with fictional worlds. From Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay to the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, from Greyhawk to Forgotten Realms, and the city of Corvis in the Iron Kingdoms will always have a place in my heart. It’s by studying these fictional worlds (and not discounting our own) that we can become inspired to try and play God ourselves. And there are the worlds in books. The Erebus Sequence owes a debt to Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast, but also to the culture and mood of Florence and Sienna (I visited these long before the first coders started on Assassin’s Creed). The Houses of Landfall were inspired in part by the feuding Atreides and Harkonnens of Dune, but quickly took on their own personalities and histories.

Landfall wasn’t created in seven days, or even seven months. I hope I’ll continue unearthing new facts about this fictional world, I hope I leave in plenty of mystery too. I hope you’ll join me in discovering it.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Boy with the Porcelain Blade - Den Patrick

Release Date: 20/03/14
Publisher:  Gollancz

SYNOPSIS:

An ornate yet dark fantasy, with echoes of Mervyn Peake, Robin Hobb and Jon Courtenay Grimwood. An original and beautifully imagined world, populated by unforgettable characters. Lucien de Fontein has grown up different. One of the mysterious and misshapen Orfano who appear around the Kingdom of Landfall, he is a talented fighter yet constantly lonely, tormented by his deformity, and well aware that he is a mere pawn in a political game. Ruled by an insane King and the venomous Majordomo, it is a world where corruption and decay are deeply rooted - but to a degree Lucien never dreams possible when he first discovers the plight of the 'insane' women kept in the haunting Sanatoria. Told in a continuous narrative interspersed with flashbacks we see Lucien grow up under the care of his tutors. We watch him forced through rigorous Testings, and fall in love, set against his yearning to discover where he comes from, and how his fate is tied to that of every one of the deformed Orfano in the Kingdom, and of the eerie Sanatoria itself.


REVIEW:

With this being Den’s first full length novel (his other three releases being the Art of War Manuals for Dwarves, Elves and Orcs) I was really interested to see what he’d bring to the fore and whilst this had aspects of Jon Courtenay Grimwoods Assassini trilogy I found that it stood out upon its own two feet as we’re thrust into a strange new fantasy world that seeks to bring the readers a touch of believable history that will transport you with ease into Den’s world.

The book features a very interesting protagonist who has his illusions thrust to one side as he seeks to find his place with cracking action sequences, some wonderful turns of phrase and all round allows the reader to explore the world at their leisure. Back this up with a solid supporting cast and a few twists as the authors sleight of hand plays away in the background all round generates a tale that left me hanging for more. Great stuff

NEWS: Indie Film Maker Plea's for Funds - Rock and a Hard Place

Hail Mighty Readers,
Long time friend of the blog, and award winning scriptwriter, Ian O'Neill has sent us a film to let us know how his fund raising is going.

Ian, is a Canadian Film Maker who has gone on to show not only how hard it is to get funding but also to strive for your dreams. 

Here's his Plea:
)

If you wish to help fund his dream please visit here and donate.

Thank you,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Empire 7: The Emperor's Knives - Anthony Riches

Release Date: 13/02/14
Publisher:  Hodder

SYNOPSIS:

The seventh novel in Anthony Riches' acclaimed Empire sequence brings Marcus Aquila back to Rome, hunting the men who destroyed his family. But the revenge he craves may cost him and those around him dearly. The young centurion's urge to exact his own brutal justice upon the shadowy cabal of assassins who butchered his family means that he must face them on their own ground, risking his own death at their hands. A senator, a gang boss, a praetorian officer and, deadliest of all, champion gladiator Mortiferum - the Death Bringer - lie in wait. The knives are unsheathed, and ready for blood ...


REVIEW:

The latest outing for Centurion Marius “Two Knives” Corvus who in his quest for vengeance has travelled to Rome. As with Anthony’s other books the tale is full of high octane action, has some magnificent twists and when added to a comraderie that gives the reader a bond with not only the principle player but the unit around him all round generates a book that is not only hard to put down but nigh impossible.

Back this up with some great dialogue, some cracking turns of phrase and of course an authorly style that really works well always moves Anthony to the top of my reading pile. Finally I’d like to add that if you’re a fantasy reader and love David Gemmell’s work, then try Anthony Riches Historical Fiction, it not only has notes of David throughout but also in the latest title has something that you’ll more than appreciate. Great stuff.

THRILLER REVIEW: To Die For - Phillip Hunter

Release Date: 21/02/14
Publisher:  Head of Zeus

SYNOPSIS:

Massive, glowering, and ugly as death, former soldier and ex-boxer Joe has always invited violence. But now Hackney's most vicious gangs all want to kill him. Why? As he tries to unravel the knot of events that have made him a target, Joe is drawn back into his past, back to the memory of the only woman he ever loved. Brenda was a prostitute who dreamed of something better. Now she's dead, and her murder, unsolved, haunts Joe every night. Then a twelve year old runaway enters his life. Kid is traumatised, mute, and sees Joe as her saviour. Life has made Joe a machine. Can Kid - as Brenda once did - make him human again? This taut thriller about betrayal, vengeance and redemption will grab you by the throat from the very first line.


REVIEW:

This book takes me back to David Gemmell’s (under the pseudonym of Ross Harding) White Knight Black Swan, as London’s darker side pervades the readers perception as one of its tough guys is targeted by gangs for a reason unknown by him. It’s a book that has a high octane pace alongside some twists that the reader won’t see coming. Back this up with a principle character that has a hard time opening up to a world that has put him down time and again alongside a supporting cast that adds extra flavour and all round you’ll be left demanding more. Great stuff.

ART BOOK REVIEW: Art Collab: Collaboration in the Digital Era - Isis Sousa

Release Date: 19/12/14
Publisher:  Mad Artist Publishing

SYNOPSIS:

"Art Collab – Artistic Collaboration in the Digital Era Is a celebration of diversity; diversity of cultures, techniques, styles and creative thinking.” The World Wide Web has changed the ways of the Art Community. Today there are no boundaries for artists from around the globe to interact with each other, exchange experiences and creative juice. The Digital Era has ignited a true creative genesis where the “ordinary” person has the chance to create and present something “extraordinary” to a web audience and where the so-called “artists” can grow, learn and re-invent themselves at a much faster pace within a web of information. This book presents to you a little slice of pie of what happens when one join forces with other creative minds, in person and/or through the means of the internet. You can create something big and innovative, no matter where you are: your imagination is the limit. If you are an art lover, a creative mind, an artist who is curious about what happens around the Art Community, is in search of new ideas for your next big project and/or is willing to grow and stretch your artistic skills, this book is for you. You are invited to take a closer look at this collection of collaborative projects and their makings as well as enjoy the articles and beautiful illustrations we have gathered here for you! Artists included in the book are Adrian Schmetz / Amir hossein Erfani / Ben Ami Scopinho / Dariusz Zawiazalec / Diego de almeida / Fernando ferreiro / Ira Krykun / ISIS SOUSA / Juliana Karina / Kim Edwin Jektvik / Lampros Kalfuntzos / Mario lopez / Markus Schlogl / Stephanie Rose


REVIEW:

A while ago I reviewed a new type of art book by artist Isis Sousa where she went on to not only bring talented friends to the fore but also had explainations about how various effects were achieved within the pieces, so when I heard that she had a new book out all about Collaborating with one or more artists, I couldn’t wait to see what it was all about.

Whilst many would naturally assume it would be a book about various pieces done by one or more artists, it draws not only on the seriously talented but also brings you top notch articles on not only how to create a piece with others but on key things that no other book (to my knowledge) has tackled before. Such as designing a brand logo, how to work with others, how to choose who to work with as well as how to deal with the various mediums such as online working relationships and face to face. Yet one aspect that, to be honest I think we’re all a little worried about is also dealt with here. The art of self-promotion. Come on, there are quite a few of us out there that think that blowing your own trumpet and getting your work out there is a dirty way of doing things, but how else are you going to turn your passion into a living? No one else will do it for you and this article by Mad Artist Publishing founder, Marcin Migdal, is an ideal piece to help you see that it’s a necessary evil.

All in, it’s a cracking piece of work that contains not only prime examples to back up the points of view within but also includes advice on where to go next and that is not only a refreshing change but one that will hopefully take your art to a new level. Great stuff.

NEWS: Gollancz Announce Debut E-Books for £1.99

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Gollancz have let us know about some stunning news.  After all we all know that with budgets getting tighter every day, some of life's pleasures have to suffer.  Yet worry not.

For Gollancz have announced this:

"The science fiction and fantasy imprint of the Orion Publishing Group has decided to reduce the price of the eBook editions of six stunning debut novels to £1.99 for the week of publication. All pre-orders and purchases for these titles, made up to a week after publication, will cost the reader less than a cup of coffee.

Gollancz has a tradition of discovering new writers in the science-fiction and fantasy genre. Over the years they have been proud to launch the careers of authors including Ben Aaronovitch, Joe Abercrombie, Elspeth Cooper, Elizabeth May, Suzanne McLeod, Hannu Rajaniemi and Alastair Reynolds, and of course the adult fantasy debut of Joanne M. Harris. Gollancz are confident that all of their 2014 debuts are equally exceptional new talents and want to share these remarkable novels with as many readers as possible.

Darren Nash, Digital Publisher at Gollancz, writes:

“When we publish a debut novel, we’re very aware that we’re asking readers to take a chance on something new, rather than spend their money on an established author they know they’ll enjoy. That becomes even more challenging at a time like this, when money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. So, we’ve decided to help.  We're confident that all of our debut authors are wonderful new talents that you should read – so confident, in fact, that we're prepared to put our money where our mouth is and make it possible for you to try these books for less than the price of a Saturday newspaper.”

The Gollancz debuts that will be included in this initiative are The Boy With the Porcelain Blade by Den Patrick, In Dark Service by Stephen Hunt, Barricade by Jon Wallace, The Seventh Miss Hatfield by Anna Caltabiano, The Incorruptibles by John Horner Jacobs and The Relic Guild by Edward Cox.

The Boy with the Porcelain Blade * Den Patrick * March 20 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

In Dark Service * Stephen Hunt * 15 May 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

Barricade * Jon Wallace * 19 June 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

The Seventh Miss Hatfield * Anna Caltabiano * 17 July 2014 * Hardback £12.99 / eBook £6.99

The Incorruptibles * John Honor Jacobs * 14 August 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

The Relic Guild * Edward Cox * 18 September 2014 * Trade Paperback £16.99 / eBook £8.99"

So remember, for the first week of each title's release (mentioned above) readers will only pay £1.99 for the E-Book.  Talk about serious value.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Black Jewel Trilogy 1: Daughter of the Blood - Anne Bishop

Release Date: 06/03/14
Publisher:  Jo Fletcher Books

SYNOPSIS:

The Darkness has had a Prince for a long, long time. Now the Queen is coming. For years the realm of Terreille has been falling into corruption, as the powerful Queens who rule it have turned to cruelty. But there is hope - a prophetic vision has revealed the coming of a Queen more powerful than any other. And once the foundations of her power - father, brother, lover - are in place, she will emerge from the darkness, bringing freedom. For she is the living myth, dreams made flesh; not just any witch, but Witch.


REVIEW:

If you’re looking for something a little different with politics, double dealing and sexual manipulation then this book is going to be the one for you as readers are taken and thrown to the wolves in a dark fantasy story that will haunt you long after the final page is turned. The characters, are mysterious and whilst you always get to see a political face presented to the masses, there is always someone seeking a way to undermine everyone else as double dealing and sexual tension pervades.

Add to this a wonderfully dark delicious plotline, some great twists as a new mage emerges and its setting up for something that will change not only the balance of power but also something that will change the worlds fate and perhaps not for the better. Magic.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Problem with Promises - Leigh Evans

Release Date: 27/02/14
Publisher: Tor

SYNOPSIS:

Never make a promise you can't afford to keep ...Half-fae Hedi has tried to live by this rule, yet however fast she runs, trouble tracks her down. So this time, she's meeting it head on. In the fae realm, a mage has imprisoned her twin brother Lexi, and she swore to set him free. However, to save Lexi she must find him, and her path is blocked by vengeful witches. They must be challenged, but Hedi and her Alpha werewolf mate Trowbridge face a dangerous diversion. They've been framed as prime suspects in an illegal fae drugs trade - and the Council of North American Weres is now on their trail. Hedi must harness her talents to save those she loves. But once she claims her full powers, there will be no going back.


REVIEW:

OK, so you’ve read the first two books and were wondering what Leigh was going to bring to the fore in this the third. Well worry no more for within the pages is a tale that is not only tight but one that gets down to the nitty gritty without having any real additional background as the world is pretty well formed. This allows the reader to delve deeper into the characters and boy, what a convoluted plot we have here as love and danger vie for supremacy within these pages.

Its high octane action, has some breath taking moments and readers will hate leaving the book for the night as the one more page syndrome sneaks in. Its addictive, has some wonderful turns of phrase and when added to characters that you want to spend a lot of time around, may well leave you tired but satisfied the following morning.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: John Shakespeare 5 and 6: The Heretics, The Queen's Man - Rory Clements

Release Date: 13/02/14
Publisher: Hodder

SYNOPSIS:

From Rory Clements, winner of the Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award, comes THE HERETICS, the fifth in his acclaimed bestselling John Shakespeare Elizabethan mystery series. 'Does for Elizabeth's reign what CJ Sansom does for Henry VIII's' Sunday Times England may have survived the Armada threat of 1588, but when Spanish galleys land troops in Cornwall on a lightning raid seven years later, is it a dry-run for a new invasion? Revenge for the sacking of Spanish shipping and ports? A warning shot to Drake and Hawkins? Or is there, perhaps, a more sinister motive? The Queen is speechless with rage at Spain's temerity. Sir Robert Cecil demands answers. But as John Shakespeare tries to get a grip on events, England's secret defences begin to unravel as one by one his network of spies is horribly murdered. But what has all this to do with Thomasyn Jade, a girl driven to the edge of madness by the foul rituals of exorcism? And what is the link to a group of priests held prisoner in the bleak confines of Wisbech Castle? From the pain-wracked torture rooms of the Inquisition in Seville to the marshy wastes of fenland, from the wild coasts of Cornwall to the sweat and sawdust of the Elizabethan playhouses, and from the condemned cell at Newgate to the devilish stench of brimstone and fear as demons are driven out by unspeakable means, THE HERETICS builds to a terrifying climax that threatens the life of the Queen herself.


REVIEW:

The latest book in this wonderful Historical Fiction Spy Conspiracy series and one that really does take the reader back to those days of danger, intrigue and action as our principle hero finds himself thrown into the centre of something that can bring the whole system down around its knees. As usual it’s a book that I had a hard time putting down and when added to some cracking dialogue alongside some wonderful twists all round gave me something that I loved.

Back this up with some masterful authorly manipulation of the reader, some great cast members all round will give you an experience that if you haven’t read the others already will have you scurrying to your library to borrow the others. One of the authors finest in my opinion.

Release Date: 27/02/14
Publisher: Hodder

SYNOPSIS:

Will be added when available


REVIEW:

The Sixth outing for Mr John Shakespeare and one that will have him following Sir Francis Walsingham’s orders in a prequel tale of daring, danger and religion as the battle for the throne heats up. It is well written, it has some great prose and yet, to be honest I felt a little flat. Why? Well when you know that it’s a prequel and let us face it, the principle character is not going to die as he has future outings to look forward to.

There’s no real danger for him, it lessens the excitement for the reader and all round leaves you feeling a little flat. That’s not o say that it’s a poor book, far from it, I had a lot of fun reading it but with no real danger to our hero, well I felt that it was missing one of the key elements that has made this series so gripping. A great shame.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Batman Arkham Knight Announced by Rocksteady Games, DC and Warner Brothers Interactive

Hail Might Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Lets just say that with the current announcement in relation to the forthcoming Batman Arkham Knight from Rock Steady Games, DC and Warner Brothers Interactive.

For the look for this first trailer, we really can't wait to get our hands on it.  After all the villains seem to be banding together with Two Face and Harley Quinn each bringing thier own flavour to the trailer.

Add to this some cracking top notch action, beautiful graphics (that has left Lady Eleanor salavating) really leaves us gasping for more.  But why take our word for it, have a look yourself:

Finally add to this, if you preorder you'll also get to play Harley Quinn.  Wow, what a win.
Here however is a word of warning, its being released for PC's and next gen consoles (PS4 and Xbox One).  

All the best,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor