Upcoming: THE BLACK COAST and THE SPLINTER KING by Mike Brooks (Orbit/Solaris)

March 1, 2021 Civilian Reader Upcoming Black Coast, Fantasy, God-King Chronicles, Mike Brooks, Most Anticipated 2021, Orbit Books, Solaris, Splinter King, Upcoming 2021

Mike Brooks‘s first foray into epic fantasy, the God-King Chronicles series, arrives this year! The first novel, The Black Coast, is already out now in the UK (published by Orbit), and is due out in mid-March in North America. Fans of the first novel won’t have to wait long for the sequel, though, as The Splinter King is due out in July! The series has an intriguing premise, and I’m looking forward to reading the novels. For readers in North America, here’s the synopsis for book one…

WAR DRAGONS.
FEARSOME RAIDERS.
A DAEMONIC WARLORD ON THE RISE.

When the citizens of Black Keep see ships on the horizon, terror takes them because they know who is coming: for generations, the keep has been raided by the fearsome clanspeople of Tjakorsha. Saddling their war dragons, Black Keep’s warriors rush to defend their home only to discover that the clanspeople have not come to pillage at all. Driven from their own land by a daemonic despot who prophesises the end of the world, the raiders come in search of a new home…

Meanwhile the wider continent of Narida is lurching toward war. Black Keep is about to be caught in the crossfire – if only its new mismatched society can survive.

And, for those who have already had the chance to read the first novel, here’s the synopsis for The Splinter King…

THE WORLD FRACTURES AS A DEAD GOD RISES…

Darel, dragon knight and the new leader of Black Keep, must travel to the palace of the God-King to beg for the lives of his people. But in the capital of Narida, Marin and his warrior husband will be drawn into a palace coup, and Princess Tila will resort to murder to keep her hold on power.

In the far reaches of the kingdom an heir in exile is hunted by assassins, rumours of a rival God-King abound, and daemonic forces from across the seas draw ever nearer…

Mike Brooks’s The Splinter King is due to be published by Orbit in the UK (July 7th) and Solaris Books in North America (September 7th). The two covers above are for the UK editions — I’ll update the post when I find the North American cover. In the meantime, the North American cover for The Black Coast is below. Brooks has also written a number of short stories and novels for Black Library, and is the author of the Keiko sci-fi trilogy (Del Rey in UK; Saga Press in North America).

Also on CR: Interview with Mike Brooks (2015)

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads, Twitter Continue reading →

New Books (December)

December 22, 2020December 21, 2020 Civilian Reader New Books A.E. Osworth, Adrian Selby, Andrew Williams, Daryl Gregory, Devin Madson, Edward Rutherfurd, Emma Brodie, Jeff Blue, KB Wagers, Maggie Shipstead, Matthew Reilly, Mike Brooks, Mike Shackle, Shelley Parker-Chan, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Taylor Jenkins Reid

A final New Books post for 2020. What a strange, frustrating year it’s been. Hopefully you were able to find some comfort in books, family, and other pastimes. Perhaps some of the below-mentioned books will catch your eye, and give you something to look forward to in the new year.

Featuring: Jeff Blue, Emma Brodie, Mike Brooks, Daryl Gregory, Devin Madson, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, A.E. Osworth, Shelley Parker-Chan, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Matthew Reilly, Edward Rutherford, Adrian Selby, Mike Shackle, Maggie Shipstead, Gavin G. Smith, Adrian Tchaikovsky, K.B. Wagers, Andrew Williams

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New Books (April)

April 19, 2020 Civilian Reader New Books Age of Sigmar, Alex Pavesi, Breanna Teintze, Chris Wraight, Dan Drezner, Daniel W Drezner, Dinah Lenney, Don Winslow, Elissa R. Sloan, Gardner Dozois, Grady Hendrix, Hari Kunzru, John Niven, Jonathan Strahan, Karen Osborne, Lindsay Ellis, Marc Freeman, Michael Swanwick, Mike Brooks, Nicole Krauss, Peter Swanson, Richard Kadrey, Robert Jackson Bennett, Ross Payton, Ryan Gattis, Sam J Miller, Scott Eyman, Stark Holborn, Tamsyn Muir, Tom Bissell, Warhammer Horror, Wayne Santos, WH40k

In these uncertain times, books are perhaps more important than ever (at least, they are in my opinion). To that end, I am going to try to publish more content on CR than normal (I know — I’ve “closed” it down a number of times, I just can’t stay away). Below is a list of books I’ve bought or received for review (and one I’m pre-approved for but haven’t downloaded because I know I won’t be able to read the format, but wanted to flag anyway because I’m really looking forward to reading it). As you’ll notice, a few of these aren’t out for some time, but I guess publishers have decided to send them out sooner to give people plenty of time to read them.

Featuring: Robert Jackson Bennett, Tom Bissell, Tom Bradby, Mike Brooks, K.A. Doore, Gardner Dozois, Dan Drezner, Lindsay Ellis, Scott Eyman, Marc Freeman, Ryan Gattis, Grady Hendrix, Stark Holborn, Richard Kadrey, Nicole Krauss, Hari Kunzru, Dinah Lenney, Sam J. Miller, Tamsyn Muir, John Niven, Karen Osborne, Alex Pavesi, Ross Payton, Wayne Santos, Elissa R. Sloan, Jonathan Strahan, Peter Swanson, Michael Swanwick, Breanna Teintze, Don Winslow, Chris Wraight

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Quick Review: LORDS AND TYRANTS by Various (Black Library)

October 21, 2019 Civilian Reader Review Alec Worley, Ben Counter, Black Library, Cavan Scott, Chris Wraight, Gav Thorpe, Ian St Martin, Josh Reynolds, Justin D Hill, LJ Goulding, Lords and Tyrants, Mike Brooks, Peter Fehervari, Rob Sanders, Robbie MacNiven, Sci-Fi, Short Stories, Steve Lyons, WH40k

A substantial, engaging collection of WH40k short fiction — perfect for long-time fans and newcomers

Many are the horrors of the 41st Millennium, from alien tyrants to dark lords in the grip of Chaos. But arrayed against them are champions of humanity, who fight to defend all that is good in the galaxy.

Wracked by the ravages of war, the galaxy has known no peace for untold millennia. To exist is to fight. To thrive is to conquer. Once-proud worlds lie in ruins at the hands of traitorous warlords and vile alien despots. Cowed by the unstoppable march of the Ruinous Powers, humanity stands on the precipice of oblivion. All hope is banished. Yet, there are many who take up arms against these horrors. Noble heroes of the Imperium sally forth to do battle while enigmatic Inquisitors explore the shadowy secrets of this benighted era. In the terror of the 41st Millennium, righteous lords and iron-willed tyrants clash to decide who is worthy of inheriting the galaxy.

Contents:
Argent by Chris Wraight
Lucius: Pride and Fall by Ian St Martin
Whispers by Alec Worley
The Battle for Hive Markgraaf by Justin D Hill
A Brother’s Confession by Robbie MacNiven
Rise by Ben Counter
Flayed by Cavan Scott
A Memory of Tharsis by Josh Reynolds
Left for Dead by Steve Lyons
Unearthed by Rob Sanders
The Aegidan Oath by L J Goulding
Hidden Treasures by Cavan Scott
Carcharodons: The Reaping Time by Robbie MacNiven
The Greater Evil by Peter Fehervari
The Path Unclear by Mike Brooks
Shadows of Heaven by Gav Thorpe

This is a pretty substantial collection of short fiction set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Sixteen stories, drawing together some fan-favourite characters and some new, I think it would serve very well as an introduction for anyone who has not yet delved into the extensive body of WH40k fiction, while also satisfying long-time fans of the IP looking for some quick-hits of sci-fi action and adventure. Continue reading →

New Books (August)

September 14, 2019September 13, 2019 Civilian Reader New Books Becky Chambers, Christopher Brown, Darius Hinks, David Annandale, David Wragg, Doug Cooper, Edward Cox, Evan Currie, Felicia Day, Jonathan Greenberg, Jonathan Maberry, Joseph Schneider, Justin D Hill, Mary Adkins, Matt Ruff, Matthew Quirk, Mike Brooks, Mo Rocca, Nathan Makaryk, Rachel Harrison, Seanan McGuire, Téa Obreht

Featuring: Mary Adkins, David Annandale, Mike Brooks, Christopher Brown, Becky Chambers, Doug Cooper, Edward Cox, Evan Currie, Felicia Day, Rachel Harrison, Justin D Hill, Darius Hinks, Jonathan Maberry, Nathan Makaryk, Seanan McGuire, Téa Obreht, Matthew Quirk, Mo Rocca, Matt Ruff, Joseph Schneider, David Wragg

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Upcoming 2017… Saga Press

January 25, 2017January 25, 2017 Civilian Reader Upcoming Annie Wu, Catherynne M Valente, Joe Zieja, Kat Howard, Michael Moorcock, Mike Brooks, Mishell Baker, Most Anticipated 2017, R.E. Stearns, Saga Press, Simon & Schuster, Stina Leicht, Witch Who Came in From the Cold, Zachary Brown

I still have a few more of these Upcoming 2017 posts to do. While browsing Edelweiss catalogues, I was reminded of Saga Press novels I was looking forward to, so here are just a few that caught my eye.

Featuring: Mishell Baker, Mike Brooks, Zachary Brown, Kat Howard (x2), Stina Leicht, Michael Moorcock, R.E. Stearns, Catherynne M. Valente, Annie Wu, Joe Zieja

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New Books (October-November)

November 7, 2015August 23, 2018 Civilian Reader New Books Alexander Freed, Angry Robot Books, Century, Christopher Fowler, Claire North, Clay Griffith, Crown Publishing, David Dalglish, Del Rey UK, Drew Karpyshyn, Dystopia, Fiona Barton, Ian Tregillis, Jane Smiley, Jo Fletcher Books, Jordanna Max Brodsky, Julia Knight, Kate Elliott, Lee Bermejo, Mark Hodder, Matthew Dunn, Megan O'Keefe, Mike Brooks, Nate Crowley, Nick Cole, Orbit, Orbit Books, Paul Starkey, Peter Liney, Peter McLean, Robert Jackson Bennett, Sci-Fi, Star Wars, Steve Coogan, Susan Griffith, Teresa Frohock, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, Tom Toner, Tor.com, Vertigo, Victor LaValle

Featuring: Fiona Barton, Robert Jackson Bennett, Lee Bermejo, Mike Brooks, Nick Cole, Steve Coogan, Nate Crowley, David Dalglish, Matthew Dunn, Kate Elliott, Christopher Fowler, Alexander Freed, Teresa Frohock, Christopher Golden, Charlaine Harris, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, Mark Hodder, Drew Karpyshyn, Julia Knight, Victor Lavalle, Peter Liney, Peter McLean, Claire North, Megan O’Keefe, Steven Rowley, Jane Smiley, Paul Starkey, Tom Toner, Ian Tregillis

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Interview with MIKE BROOKS

June 2, 2015May 28, 2015 Civilian Reader Interview Action, Adventure, Dark Run, Dark Sky, Del Rey UK, Mike Brooks, Random House, Sci-Fi, Space

Let’s start with an introduction: Who is Mike Brooks?

Starting with a hard one, eh?

I’m currently thirty-three, but I tend to change my age every year. I’m British. I enjoy a select few video games, a select few Games Workshop games, walking in the countryside, watching football (soccer), MMA and nature/science documentaries, and playing guitar and singing in a punk band called Interplanetary Trash Talk. I also DJ occasionally, usually at the request/tolerance of the Rock Society of Nottingham Trent University, from which I graduated in 2003. I am, as you might expect, a massive fan of fantasy and science-fiction in various media.

I’m politically left-leaning, and it’s arguable whether that’s cause or effect of me working with the homeless for over ten years. I have little fear of public speaking or performance, but can struggle to make conversation one-to-one. I have difficulty in recognising or recalling faces, and would be much more comfortable in the world if everyone walked around with their name floating next to their head. I’ve been married for eight years. I go out of my way to say hello to cats.

Your debut novel, Dark Run, will be published by Del Rey this week in the UK. How would you introduce it to a potential reader? Is it part of a series?

I would introduce it as a science-fiction adventure featuring interplanetary smugglers, intrigue, revenge and an awful lot of treachery. You don’t need a physics degree to understand the science, it’s not so grimdark that you can’t see the walls, but there’s a lot of action and hopefully a fair bit of humour. People keep describing it as ‘fun’, and I’ll take that.

It is indeed part of a series – or at least, that’s the plan. The sequel Dark Sky is coming out in November, and after that… well, I’ve got plans, but the best-laid plans of mice and men seldom coincide. We’ll see what the future brings (hopefully a contract for more books). Continue reading →

New Books (May)

May 24, 2015August 23, 2018 Civilian Reader New Books Adrian Tchaikovsky, Andrew Michael Hurley, Angry Robot Books, Anthony Bozza, Back Bay Books, Bill Flippin, Bill Willingham, Bradley Somer, Chuck Klosterman, Cindy Dees, David Hair, David Mitchell, Django Wexler, Gayle Lynds, Harper, Hodder, James L. Cambias, James SA Corey, John Henry Clay, John Murray, Keith Richards, KM McKinley, Laurell K Hamilton, Michael Arnold, Mick Wall, Mike Brooks, Nalo Hopkinson, NK Jemisin, Orbit, Orion, Redhook, Rob Boffard, Sceptre, Slash, Solaris, St Martin's Press, Tachyon Publications, Tor UK, Vertigo, Wesley Chu

Featuring: Michael Arnold, Rob Boffard, Mike Brooks, James L. Cambias, Wesley Chu, John Henry Clay, James S.A. Corey, Cindy Dees, Bill Flippin, David Hair, Laurell K. Hamilton, Nalo Hopkinson, Andrew Michael Hurley, N.K. Jemisin, Chuck Klosterman, Gayle Lynds, K.M. McKinley, David Mitchell, Keith Richards, Slash, Bradley Somer, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Mick Wall, Django Wexler, Bill Willingham Continue reading →

An Aside: On a Bit of a SF Buying Binge…

April 9, 2015April 22, 2015 Civilian Reader Random, Upcoming Al Robertson, Alex Lamb, Becky Chambers, Del Rey UK, Gollancz, Hodder, Jamie Sawyer, Jason LaPier, JP Smythe, Justina Robson, Kim Stanley Robinson, Mike Brooks, Orbit, Rob Boffard, Sci-Fi, Voyager

I seem to be on an unusual sci-fi purchasing kick at the moment. Or, if not actively purchasing/pre-ordering sci-fi novels, I’m filing them away on my To Buy list, or on my Amazon wishlist. Today, I purchased Becky Chambers’s The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet — which was recently published by Hodder.

This is a little bit strange, because I don’t really read much sci-fi. Sure, I read almost everything set in Black Library’s Horus Heresy series (which is becoming a tad drawn-out), and I used to read every Star Wars novel I could get my hands on (as long as it was set after New Hope). But, over the past couple of years, I’ve cooled on SW novels (mainly because I haven’t really liked any that I’ve tried to read over the past couple of years). This has left a rather gaping SF hole on my shelves. Save for a mere handful of SF novels by Richard Morgan, Rachel Aaron, and … well, actually I think that’s about it… I just don’t read much SF. I read the first book in James S.A. Corey’s Expanse series, Leviathan Wakes (Orbit), which was pretty good.

This fleeting observation made me look at my various lists and TBR pile, and it looks like there are going to be some interesting SF book in the next few months. Alongside Chambers’s novel, above, I recently acquired an ARC of Kim Stanley Robinson’s next novel, Aurora (Orbit, July 9th), which I’m really interested in reading; and also Justina Robson’s The Glorious Angels (Gollancz). I also pre-ordered Jason LaPier’s Unexpected Rain (Voyager, May 7th), and will probably buy Jamie Sawyer’s The Lazarus War: Artefact (Orbit) in the not-too-distant future. Looking a bit further ahead, Rob Boffard’s Tracer looks interesting (Orbit, July 2nd), as do Mike Brooks’s Dark Run (Del Rey UK, June 4th), Alex Lamb’s Roboteer (Gollancz, July 16th – I’ve preordered this, only £1.99!) and Al Robertson’s Crashing Heaven (Gollancz, June 18th). There’s also J.P. Smythe’s Way Down Dark (Hodder, July2nd). And, of course, there’s Ernest Cline’s Armada (Century, July 16th)… [Details for all of these titles after the break.]

So, maybe I have a few months of (uncharacteristic) sci-fi reading coming up?

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