We’re all keen to find out how Guardians of the Galaxy turns out. Some are predicting that it will be new-era Marvel’s first flop, where as others are championing it as proof that Marvel’s future holds more than simply run-of-the-mill superhero movies. For one of writers of the comic book series that the Guardians of the Galaxy movie is based on though, this isn’t even the most exciting thing in his summer 2014 diary.
That’s right, Dan Abnett – who has written an abundance of Warhammer novels, as well as his own fiction – is surely anticipating the release of his latest novel Fiefdom from Abaddon Books far more. Abnett has written this original novel, set in the world of his hit 2000 AD comics series Kingdom, with his writing partner Nik Vincent. Here’s the official blurb:
The last of humanity has taken refuge in hibernation at the poles, hiding from the giant invading insects that have conquered the Earth. Defending these outposts against bug attacks are genetically engineered dog soldiers, loyal and unquestioning to the Masters’ voices in their heads. At least they were, but things have changed on the Earth. The Masters voices have gone and a new peace has arrived in the northern hemisphere. The legend of a masterless rogue soldier from the distant South has spread, and in the new Fiefdoms of old Germany something very dangerous is about to happen.
In a not-too-distant future, amongst ruins in the the ancient city of Berlin the Aux’s live in clans, fighting amongst themselves. Their ancient enemey, Them – giant marauding insects, are a folk memory. Young Evelyn War however will be the first to realise that this quiet is not what it seems, that the Auxs themselves, having been bred for hand-hand combat in a war long-thought to be over, and now idling violently in peace in the subways and collapsing buildings Europe, must set aside their petty hostilities if they are to face the battle to come. Evelyn is the only one to see the oncoming storm, but the clan leaders and her elders do not believe her warnings, and time is running short
Review copies have only just become available, but we are assured that in Fiefdom both Abnett and Vincent are on top form. Their publishers tell readers to expect the pair to ‘effortlessly deploy their linguistic wit throughout the text: from the literary and film based puns of the character names, to the created language of the warring Aux that will delight fans of Burgess’ seminal A Clockwork Orange.’
It is touted that Fiefdom will be remembered as a modern classic of SF that will unite readers of the cult comic, fans of Vincent’s Warhammer fantasy novels, and those approaching both authors’ work for the first time. We at F-F look forward to giving it a read…
Jennie Ivins