Synopsis for possibly interesting debuts from the UK:
So deep a malice-John Gwynne- published in March by Tor UK.
Quote:
With echoes of Celtic myth, wonderfully realised characters, dark magic, and a deeply engaging storyline, John Gwynne’s debut announces the arrival of a major new talent.
With one foot in Celtic myth and the other loosely straddling the imagined beginning of the Roman empire, this fresh and original fantasy takes two worlds, old and new, and demonstrates the clash that will occur when the modern tries to overthrow established traditions.
Set on a continent called the Banished Lands, populated by men and giants, dark forests, dreadwolves and draigs; this debut fantasy follows the story of Corban, a young man who just wants to become a warrior, but whose path will lead him to so much more. Populated with original and engaging characters, set in a primal, feral world, soon to become the battleground of angels and demons, this is a tale of love and betrayal, truth and courage, friendship and loyalty.
An epic and intimate coming-of-age tale filled with mystery, Machiavellian politics, adventure, joy and tragedy, So Deep a Malice will have instant appeal to readers of George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan.
Empire of the Saviours by AJ Dalton, May, Gollancz:
Quote:
An exciting new voice in fantasy, with a new world, a new mythology, and a new hero...
In the Empire of the Saviours, the People are forced to live in fortified towns. Their walls are guarded by an army of Heroes, whose task is to keep marauding pagans out as much as it is to keep the People inside. Several times a year, living Saints visit the towns to exact the Saviours' tithe from all those coming of age - a tithe often paid in blood.
When a young boy, Jillan, unleashes pagan magicks in an accident, his whole town turns against him. He goes on the run, but what hope can there be when the Saviours and the entire Empire decide he must be caught?
Jillan is initially hunted by just the soldiers of the Saint of his region, but others soon begin to hear of his increasing power and seek to use him for their own ends. Some want Jillan to join the fight against the Empire, others wish to steal his power for themselves and others still want Jillan to lead them to the Geas, the source of all life and power in the world.
There are very few Jillan can trust, except for a ragtag group of outcasts. His parents threatened, his life in tatters, his beliefs shaken to the core, Jillan must decide what side he is on, and whether to fight or run...
The Traitor Son by Miles Cameron, June, Gollancz:
Quote:
First in an epic fantasy trilogy by a stunning debut fantasy novelist.
The Traitor’s Son is the story of a mercenary knight and his men in a world full of trials, battles and danger. Accepting a commission to protect a small community against the savage creatures besieging them, the knight is quick to realise he and his men need help.
The King is the only one who can provide it. But why should the King answer the call, when he has his own battles to fight? And why is the wayward knight so reluctant to request his aid in the first place?
Dark, violent, and brilliantly observed and written, this will be an ideal series for fans of Joe Abercrombie, George R.R. Martin and A-list epic fantasy fiction.
