We here at Fantasy-Faction do like to dip our toes into a bit of Science-Fiction from time-to-time, so we were excited when Gollancz books announced earlier today that they have obtained World Rights to a two-book Space Opera from one of our favourite fantasy authors, John W. Campbell and Hugo-Award-winner, Elizabeth Bear.
The series is described as combining a unique concept with a compelling plot, ‘they will focus on the invention of The White Drive: an easy, nonrelativistic means of travel across unimaginable distances. The story will follow salvage operators, Haimey Dz and her partner Connla Kurucz, as they pilot their tiny ship into the scars left by unsuccessful White Transitions, searching for the relics of lost human – and alien – vessels.’
Simon Spanton, Gollancz Associate Publisher, sais of the acquisition: “We’re always looking for exciting new voices in SF; sometimes that voice is already there but hasn’t broken through in a particular market. Elizabeth’s novels have always fizzed with ideas, passion and character. The chance to publish a new SF novel from her and welcome her to Gollancz is one I absolutely relish.”
Elizabeth Bear added: “I’m incredibly excited to work with Simon and Gollancz on the kind of sweeping big-idea project that’s so dear to my heart. This is going to be fun!”
Elizabeth’s partner, Scott Lynch, has done incredibly well with Gollancz – he was also signed up by Simon Spanton – and when you add that to Gollancz’s track-record with Science-Fiction novels (such as Alastair Reynolds’s series) we have little doubt that Simon and Elizabeth’s work together will be just as successful and enjoyable. Actually, our only complaint is that we’ve got a while to wait… the first book, ANCESTRAL NIGHT, will not be be published until late 2016!
That said, if you can’t wait until then we encourage you to pick up some of Elizabeth’s earlier published works… There are plenty of them! Range of Ghosts would be my preference if you are looking for a place to start though 🙂
Jennie Ivins