Glasgow 2024 Worldcon is fast approaching (NEXT WEEK!) and the schedules can now be shared. So this is where I can be found and what I will be up to.
So please come and say hello (especially at the signing because I think I’ll be sitting there – I’m not sure there’s going to have books there to be signed, but hey, I can sign anything).
The full programme (and what a programme!) can be found here.
Really looking forward it all.
Hope to see you there!
I’m so excited today because I have not one but TWO cover reveals to share.
First of all the cover of The Book of Gold, which is out from Hodderscape on the 28th November this year, has just been revealed. It’s by the Hugo nominated Micaela Alcaino and captures so many hints of the story, nods to 16th century bookbinding and glimpses of the city of Amberes that I have basically lost my mind.
OBSESSED – it’s available for pre-order now
I can’t wait for everyone to meet Lyta and the gang.
Also revealed today is the cover for A Kiss of Flame (by Jessica Thorne) from Second Sky designed by the talented Mary Luna who also designed the cover for A Touch of Shadows. And the other surprise is this, Book 2 of the Lost Queen, will be out on the 5th September, the same day as book 1 so no waiting around at all!
So excited to finally be able to share the cover of A Touch of ShadowsA Touch of Shadows (Book 1 of The Lost Queen), the first in a new trilogy called The Lost Queen by my alter ego, Jessica Thorne.
It’s available for pre-order now
I’m so delighted to finally share this news because I’ve had to sit on it for a while. Anyone who has seen me talk about rare books knows it’s an absolute passion of mine, especially when I get onto the subject of the wonderful Plantin Bible and all the stories of the wild west that was early western printing.
Well, that went somewhere. 🙂
From Bookbrunch:
Hodderscape signs Ruth France Long’s ‘brilliant’ historical fantasy trilogy, which kicks off with The Book of Gold, set in an alternate-Renaissance fantasy world
Hodderscape has signed a historical fantasy trilogy from rare-books librarian Ruth Frances Long after Publishing Director Molly Powell acquired World English rights from Sallyanne Sweeney of MMB Creative. The first, The Book of Gold, will be published this November.
Long (pictured) said: “Inspired by the wild and dangerous world of early western printing, my love of rare books, and a city at the turning point of modernity, all of which had been simmering away in the back of my brain for so long, writing The Book of Gold has felt like my own quest, alongside characters who are forever part of me, and I am delighted this book of my heart has found its home with Hodderscape.”
Powell said: “Trapped gods, found family, a magical book, a second-chance romance, and a royal heist for the ages – what isn’t to love? I’m so excited to be bringing Ruth’s brilliant historical fantasy trilogy to Hodderscape.”
Sweeney said: “The Book of Gold is the series Ruth was born to write. I’m thrilled to have the perfect publishing home for it in Hodderscape and can’t wait for readers to discover Amberes.”
According to the acquisition statement: ‘The Book of Gold is a part-historical, part-fantastical heist novel set in an alternate-Renaissance fantasy world and inspired by the early days of printing in Europe. When thief Lyta’s brother is arrested for sedition, she strikes a bargain with the king to steal the Book of Gold, a manuscript reputed to hold vast magical power, from his rival.
‘Ruth Frances Long writes young adult romance and fantasy from the heart which often strays into weird and wonderful liminal places. She works in a specialised library of rare books. In 2015, she won the European Science Fiction Society Spirit of Dedication Award for Best Author of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy for A Crack in Everything.
‘As Jessica Thorne, she also writes adult fantasy which wanders from space opera to time travel to epic fantasy, including The Water Witch, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Stone’s Heart and more. The Stone’s Heart was nominated for the RNA Romantic Fantasy novel of the year in 2020.’
So I have been very quiet here of late, but there has been a huge amount going on in the background which I haven’t been able to share as yet.
But now I can share the first really exciting bit of news for 2024. I’m deeply honoured to have been asked to be a Guest of Honour along with Glyn Dillon, at my beloved Octocon this year.
Join us in the Gibson Hotel, 5th-6th October. There will be shenanigans.
Next weekend is Octocon, the Irish National Science Fiction Convention , at the Gibson hotel in Dublin – Guest of Honour the Amazing Sarah Rees Brennan. I’ll be interviewing her on the Saturday and no doubt Chaos will ABOUND. Here’s the other things I will be doing…
Full programme and all other details
If you’re there, say hello!
At last I can share details of the super top secret project I’ve been working on. I’m so excited to be part of the team bringing the worlds of Tomorrowland to life.
Lots more news still to come.
Tomorrowland announces Limited Edition festival novel for 2023
For the first time ever, Tomorrowland is releasing the complete origin story of its new festival theme with a fantasy adventure novel. THE RISE OF ADSCENDO is the key to unlock a festival experience for 2023 that has never been encountered before.
In 2023, the People of Tomorrow can discover the complete origin story of the new fantasy theme Adscendo, before being immersed into the narrative at the festival grounds. Unlike previous years where the People of Tomorrow could discover themes such as Reflection of Love or The Story of Planaxis through the legendary mainstage and a trailer, this year Tomorrowland is revealing the story to the theme Adscendo in novel form.
Attendees will have the chance to recognise elements and imagery from the book at the festival, creating a unique connection never experienced before. Fantasy fans around the world will have the opportunity to delve into the rich world of Tomorrowland and explore the diverse and magical tale within the book, regardless of attendance.
Readers will discover a story of love, unity, and magic within the enchanting Tomorrowland universe:
The islands of Arcadiana are sinking, and the Soaring Isles, suspended in the air like floating mountains far out of reach, will soon fall, destroying the whole city – if the water doesn’t swallow them first.
As a Windrider, all Ro has ever wanted to do is to fly like the other members of her family. Thanks to her love of all the birds of her world, she has an idea on how to improve the day-to-day life of her crumbling society. But while out testing her new flying contraption, danger strikes and she finds herself rescued by the most noble and most rare of all the birds. The Golden Auric.
Up in the clouds, she will make a discovery that will set her on a path to salvation. But unbeknownst to her, there are forces at play that wish to see a different future, one in which four of the Guilds that make up her homeland will perish. It is a fight for survival, and Ro will need all the help she can get if she is to save her home, and maybe, create the ultimate paradise…
Pre-order now to ensure a first edition copy of this Limited-Edition hardback with festival artwork and sprayed edges. Each copy of this 300+ page book is numbered, creating a truly bespoke collector’s item.
Publishing in Spring 2023, the Limited Edition THE RISE OF ADSCENDO will be available in English and Dutch. Pre-orders for this exclusive release are open from 20th December 2022 and can be made via adscendo.tomorrowland.com and store.tomorrowland.com. Shipping follows in June 2023. Publishing partner for the Dutch version, available via the Tomorrowland channels, is Standaard Uitgeverij.
THE RISE OF ADSCENDO offers a sneak peek into the Tomorrowland fictional universe which is currently in development by diverse talent with the support of an international editorial team. The Tomorrowland stories deliver inspiring tales set in new magical worlds for adult readers to enjoy.
‘THE RISE OF ADSCENDO’
About Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland, first held in 2005, is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, located in Boom, Belgium. Organized and owned by the original founders, the brothers Beers. It takes place every summer and stretches over 2 weekends, welcoming 400,000 People of Tomorrow from around the world. Year after year, Tomorrowland sells out in minutes. Over the past 17 years, Tomorrowland has become a true global phenomenon that connects people from every corner of the world. Tomorrowland has evolved into a global entertainment brand and media powerhouse thanks to its numerous activities such as new festivals like Tomorrowland Winter in the French Alps, the apparel & accessories label TML by Tomorrowland, the radio station One World Radio, the Tomorrowland Foundation, the Tomorrowland Academy (DJ & producer school), the record label Tomorrowland Music and Tomorrowland Fiction. The latter being a companywide priority to spread Tomorrowland’s unique stories full of magic and passion to a global audience.
About Standaard Uitgeverij
Standaard Uitgeverij is an independent publishing company. Its various publishing houses (o.a. Standaard Uitgeverij Strips, Manteau, Davidsfonds, Ballon, Oogappel) and other activities (Art Stories) make up the largest Flemish publishing group.
The Water Witch, my beloved Brittany book, is finally out in the world. I have wanted to tell this story for so long that it doesn’t seem quite real just yet. I’m so excited.
So if you’re ready to be swept away on an adventure, check out The Water Witch, available now in ebook, print and audio.
I’m so excited to share the cover for my new book The Water Witch. Set in Brittany, this tale of magic, adventure and romance is one I’ve wanted to write for a very long time. As many of you will know Brittany is a place very dear to my heart and it’s wonderful legends have always fascinated me, especially the legend of the lost city of Ys. I’ve visited the area so many times and hope I’ve captured some of the beauty and wonder I find anew here every time
Sitting side by side on the clifftop, he turns to her solemnly and says, ‘The water witch is real.’ She rolls her eyes and grins, teasing him. ‘Sure. A psycho mermaid. Got it.’ But now he’s gone forever… will she find the truth beneath the waves?
Brittany, France. Ariadne Walker’s fiancé Simon drowned in the stormy Atlantic Ocean doing what he loved: searching for the lost underwater city of Ys. Local legend says it was destroyed centuries ago when the princess of Ys became a water witch, cursing the name of the man who betrayed her.
Ari never believed these tall tales. And the letter Simon sent before he died finishing their relationship is a devastating secret she’ll take to the grave. But arriving in Brittany, Ari encounters a man emerging from the sea in a rocky cove, saltwater dripping from his dark hair. Rafael swears the legends are true: and his ancestor was cursed by the water witch. Now, his own life is in terrible danger. And the secret to breaking the curse lies hidden in the lost city.
When Ari finds a strange engraved mask on the sea bed, and a cryptic map amongst Simon’s things, she has no choice but to believe Rafael’s plea. Can they follow the trail and save Rafael’s life? Poring over the map by candlelight, the flickering flames only add to the heat between them… but will Ari’s fragile heart soon be shattered all over again? And will they ever find Ys and break the curse – or will the water witch demand another sacrifice?
An absolutely addictive romantic fantasy read filled with passion and mystery, that will sweep you away to the wild coast of northern France. Inspired by real myths and legends from this magical place, The Water Witch is perfect for fans of Luanne G. Smith, River of Shadows and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
It’s hard to believe it has been ten years since The Treachery of Beautiful Things first came out.
Unfortunately it has been out of print for some time now, but I’m delighted to announce that on the 5th July it will be available again.
It comes to you complete with a fabulous new cover by the supremely talented Rhoda Baxter who is perhaps better known for her gorgeous rom coms (go to her website, sign up for her newsletter, get a free book!). I couldn’t believe how beautiful the image is and how it captures the magic and the danger of the Realm so clearly.
The trees had swallowed Tom whole.
Seven years ago Jenny’s brother vanished in Branley Copse. She returns one last time to say goodbye, but the sound of music draws her into the shade of the trees and onto the twisted pathways of the Realm, the place where fairy-tales, and nightmares, are born.
Determined to find and free Tom, Jenny must navigate a strange and frightening world of wonders. Her only guides are the hobgoblin known as Puck, and Jack of the Forest, the Guardian of the Edge, a strange green-eyed man who is duty bound to protect her. And she desperately needs protection.
Hunted by Queen Titania and her servants, with time running out, Jenny and Jack find themselves caught up in an older magic, one bound in rituals of love and death. As it awakens to the presence of a new May Queen, the Realm demands a sacrifice.
The tenth anniversary edition of the much loved fairy-tale fantasy.