Jennifer Jackson – Literary Agent

Requiem by Ken Scholes

The battle of the Named Lands is in full swing, and seems to have been dominating the lives of Winters, Rudolfo, Jin Li Tam, Petronus and Neb for much longer than the mere 18 months it has been roaring on. The Y’Zirites have a much more firm foothold on the world the previously expected, and young Jakob is being stalked by forces of a most shocking origin. Scholes’ worldbuilding in the Psalms of Isaak series is unparalleled, and the intricate details that make up this novel only add to its complexity. Scholes’ fantastic characterization is on full display here, especially in the characters of Jin Li Tam, Rudolfo and Winters… the ending is absorbing and wrenching, with a decided cliffhanger. Be prepared to throw a book, a cat or an errant spouse when you turn the last page. — Romantic Times, 4 Stars

Congratulations to clients in the following categories…

Fantasy Novel:
Glamour in Glass, Mary Robinette Kowal (Tor)

First Novel:
Throne of the Crescent Moon, Saladin Ahmed (DAW; Gollancz ’13)

Novella:
“In the House of Aryaman, a Lonely Signal Burns”, Elizabeth Bear (Asimov’s 1/12)
“The Stars Do Not Lie”, Jay Lake (Asimov’s 10-11/12)

Novelette:
“Faster Gun”, Elizabeth Bear (Tor.com 8/12)
“The Lady Astronaut of Mars”, Mary Robinette Kowal (Rip-Off!)

Short Story:
“The Deeps of the Sky”, Elizabeth Bear (Edge of Infinity)

Collection:
Shoggoths in Bloom, Elizabeth Bear (Prime)

Full list of nominations here.

Requiem by Ken Scholes

After three books (Lamentation, Canticle, and Antiphon) and a three-year break, Scholes resumes the Psalms of Isaak series with this intricate adventure. Rudolfo, the Gypsy King, deals with political intrigue, treachery, and the constant threat of the Y’Zirite armies. Isaak, the wayward mechoservitor, is found by the farmgirl Marta. Pope Petronus delves into ancient secrets, laying bare the layers of myth stretching over the centuries. Rumors and prophecies suggest that soon the long-broken world will be healed at last. Fitting with the frequent incorporation of dreams into the story, the narrative has a removed, almost hallucinatory feel; even when things happen, they happen in nebulous ways. Science fiction and fantasy elements overlap seamlessly, bringing Scholes’s far-future post-apocalyptic world to life in captivating detail. While new readers will be lost in the myriad plotlines, characters, and alien concepts, fans will undoubtedly enjoy this continuation of the saga. — Publishers Weekly

Emilie and the Hollow World by Martha Wells

Running away from home never sounded so good, especially when it involves stowing away on a ritzy, cloaked-in-magic ship. Under the conservative tyranny of guardians who are convinced she’ll become a harlot, 16-year-old Emilie decides it’s time to run away. Inspired by her cherished serial adventure books, she delights in the romance of escape—until she forms blisters, gets hungry and, after spending too much on snacks, can’t afford the ferry ticket to reach her cousin’s home. There’s only one logical thing to do: jump off the docks, swim to the nearest boat and hope for the best. After boarding what she hopes is the right ship, she witnesses a pirate attack, saves a scaled man and watches as a merging of magic and science transports the ship to a legendary world within a world. Competing explorers, a cunning mer-queen regnant, more than one dirigible and plenty of well-aimed punches make for an adventure that would titillate Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Though Emilie’s homeland of Menea is fictional, it has all the makings of Victorian England. As in the Victorian era, sexism is prevalent, but that doesn’t stop a roster of ripsnorting female characters (first among them Emilie) from wielding pistols, captaining ships and slyly defeating enemies. At one point, after escaping a prison cell, Emilie thinks, “If I’d known it was going to be that hard, I’d never have tried,” a phrase that embodies the honesty and humor that make this read worthwhile. A swashbuckling escape for avid readers that trades buttoned-up boundaries for unbridled adventure. –Kirkus, Starred Review

Over the Easter weekend, the 2013 ballot for the Hugo Awards was announced. The award ceremony will be hosted by LoneStarCon 3.

* Congratulations to Saladin Ahmed for Throne of the Crescent Moon in the novel category!

* Congratulations to Jay Lake for “The Stars Do Not Lie” (Asimov’s, Oct-Nov 2012) in the novella category!

* Congratulations to Mary Robinette Kowal as part of the Writing Excuses team for Writing Excuses Season Seven in the Best Related Work category!

* Congratulations to Jason Heller as part of the editorial team for Clarkesworld in the Best Semiprozine category!

More details here. Congratulations to all the finalists.