The Copper Cat has a face

For many years, one of Fantasy-Faction’s most beloved authors, Jen Williams, has had her books stranded here on our little island. Despite us Brits raving about Jen’s sword & sorcery adventures until we’re blue in the face, Americans have been without word on when/if they’d be able to follow the tales of sellswords Wydrin and Sebastian, and their vengeful employer Lord Frith…

Well, the good folks at Angry Robot USA have shook some hands, signed some scrolls and handed over a gold coin or two in order to ensure American readers will FINALLY be able to follow the trio as they get into trouble investigating the mysteries of the Citadel too.

This blog post isn’t just a selfless public service announcement to Americans though, there’s something cool results of the American deal for us British fans to share too: the most notable being that the covers commissioned by Angry Robot have given a face to Wydrin, A.K.A. The Copper Cat, and Sebastian as well. Check them out:

The first thing that strikes me is how different they are to the British covers (not a negative, I love them both!). The second is that Sebastian is a little leaner than I imagined him to be and a bit more roguish too. I always imagined him to be quit bulky and a little more… Don Quixote-like I guess *grin*. The Copper Cat is pretty close to how I imagined  her (way prettier though!). Short, slender, carroty hair, athletic, a face capable of switching from mischievous to dangerous rather quickly. I’m impressed and sure they will gain lots of attention – good work Gene Mollica!

We were able to catch up with Jen and ask her thoughts on the books getting an American release date and the snazzy duo of covers. She said: “I’m so excited for my books to finally cross the pond! And thanks to Angry Robot, they will be making the trip featuring covers oozing with pure sword and sorcery attitude!”

The Copper Promise will hit US shelves on 7th July 2016 and The Iron Ghost will follow on 7th January 2017.  Here’s the full blurb for that first book to really whet your appetite!

The Copper Promise

There are some tall stories about the caverns beneath the Citadel—about magic and mages and monsters and gods.

Wydrin of Crosshaven has heard them all, but she’s spent long enough trawling caverns and taverns with her companion Sir Sebastian to learn that there’s no money to be made in chasing rumours.

But then a crippled nobleman with a dead man’s name offers them a job: exploring the Citadel’s darkest depths. It sounds like just another quest with gold and adventure…if they’re lucky, they might even have a tale of their own to tell once it’s over.

These reckless adventurers will soon learn that sometimes there is truth in rumour. Sometimes a story can save your life.

Oh, and if that’s not enough, here’s an interview with Jen with a focus on The Copper Promise and an article by Jen on keeping fantasy fun!

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