The website and blog of fantasy author James Barclay
Right, for those leading the digital reading revolution, or whatever the Kindle represents (my wife haas one and they are really very good. Brilliant for holiday reading if you want to avoid excess baggage), The Raven books are making their way onto this downloadable format. So far, Dawnthief and Noonshade are available, clicke either title for the link to amazon. Nightchid should follow shortly and I’ll post the link when it does.
Happy downloading folks!
Just when you thought it was safe, I’ve been interviewed again. This one has a distinct gaming angle, you’ll find. If you’ve got a few minutes, whyt not give it a shot…click here.
Well, as you can possibly guess, the latest review for Noonshade is rather lovely so I thought I’d link it from here for you. But first, a wee quote:
Multiple plots are detailed and woven together in an incredible fashion. The story yanked us along and we loved every minute of it–all the way up to, and including, the satisfying conclusion. At this time we would like to remind you all that this is, in fact, the second book of a trilogy. So let us repeat this. There is a satisfying conclusion. Let there be much rejoicing in the land!
Told you these boys knew exactly what they are talking about. Go read the whole thing here.
And if you haven’t done so, it really is worth bookmarking the site. Not just for me (though clearly that is reason in itself) but because they are delivering fine interviews from good authors and reviewing a healthy number of books and doing it really well.
Like I say. Love them.
OK folks, another. And another goodie. Find Cindy Hannikman’s full review for Fantasy Book Critic here but in the meantime, here’s a quote…
“Dawnthief is everything a fan of epic sword and sorcery fantasy could want. It has great battle scenes, realistic characters, and a great plot line that keeps readers wanting to read on until the end.”
Love that sort of stuff.
So far so good… excellent fantasy book reviewer, Jeff C, had this to say:
“First off, I thought Dawnthief was fan-freaking-tastic! If you don’t count the KJ Parker novella, this is my second top 5 of 2009 caliber book in a row.”
But you really need to read the whole review. It can be found here.
It’s the sort of review that makes you blush. There’s a mention for that Abercrombie fella in there too. Apparently, I am like him, only cleaner. I can but agree. Joe doesn’t shave nearly enough.
With Dawnthief just on the shelves, the reviews are starting to come in.
RT Book Reviews gave Dawnthief Four Stars, rating it a ‘compelling page turner’
“Barclay writes an action-driven story that draws the reader along. The dialogue is witty and modern. You can’t help but get caught up in this fast-paced and humor-leavened tale; it’s a thoroughly fun read from beginning to end.”
And the excellent Elitist Book Reviews blog said:
“We want you to picture a collaborative dream in which Gemmell and George R.R. Martin worked together. You have the intense, fast-paced, heroic action of Gemmell mixed with the brutal tone that Martin is famous for. Sound awesome? It should, and that is exactly the type of novel Barclay gives us with DAWNTHIEF.”
Read the whole review here and then bookmark them for future reference because they clearly know EXACTLY what they are talking about.
More reviews as they happen but in the meantime, tell all your US domiciled friends and family to go buy, buy, BUY!
Well, it’s finally happened. Courtesy of Lou Anders and Pyr Books, The Raven are finally available in their own US edition. Dawnthief is out now (on Amazon at least), Noonshade will follow in October and Nightchild in November.
Marvellous.
Friday 19th June, Magic Circle HQ, London. And a result that surprised many. The award was won by Andrzej Sapkowski for Blood Of Elves ahead of the favourite, Joe Abercrombie. As Joe himself said, not too big a surprise when you see Mr S’s popularity and sales figures.
Even so, I think it was a result that set the stall for the DGLA as a truly international award and that can only be good. Joe will undoubtedly win one of these years and I might even make the shortlist sometime.
The event itself was a terrific occasion. Ideal venue, relaxed atmosphere and style and many a glass raised to the memory of David Gemmell.
I did my bit, opening the event with the call to arms speech of Druss on the walls of Dros Delnoch and then, later, running the auction. Got to say I had GREAT fun doing the auction. And people were very kind to say they’d enjoyed it too. I left with my ego suitably buffed and I hope I’m invited back to do it again next year. David Devereux and I are threatening to show up in white tie which I think would be rather splendid.
The search has begun for an opening speech for next time as I think doing the same one each time would get tired very quickly. i was very pleased with my delivery of the speech and again, would welcome the chance to do another next year. Or perhaps a two-hander…
All in all, a great event and gorgeous prizes for winner and nominees made by the Raven Armoury. Thanks to all, particularly Debbie Miller, for making it a night to remember.
Oh, and finally a massive big-up to Bragelonne for their magnificent support. As always, gentlemen, you are close to perfect.
My first foray into the graphic story genre has now been published in the anthology ‘Flinch’ from Gestalt Comics. It’s a fine piece of publishing. Great stories, fabulous artwork. My contribution, ‘Twain’ is a dip into a concept I’m fleching out a little more for a BFS story coming out later this year in a new anthology.
Click here for the Flinch trailer.
You can buy the anthology from amazon.com
For all the inside track on the book, check out the Flinch website.
Am I missing something?
Never mind that the row over their programme is STILL going on. Unbelievably.
We are told that Brand and Ross are brilliant and edgy and take risks and sometimes this means they get it wrong. OK. Can someone help me with what is risky or edgy about leaving puerile and immature schoolboy messages on Andrew Sach’s answerphone?
Wow. Clever stuff. Certainly not something that 13 year old boys might do. Takes a sharp and smart mind to dream up such genius.
No point in sacking them. They’ll both be in other jobs before they’ve left the BBC. Why not take them to a quiet room and explain what being funny entails. It might take a while in Brand’s case. I must be old because I have never so much as lifted a lip molecule to one of his gags. Ross just should know better.
