Courtesy of James over at Speculative Horizons, we have cover art and a synopsis for Mark Charan Newton’s debut novel, Nights of Villjamur.

Nights of Villjamur by Mark Charan Newton

Political intrigue and dark violence converge in a superb new action series of enthralling fantasy. An ice age strikes a chain of islands, and thousands come to seek sanctuary at the gates of Villjamur: a city of ancient spires and bridges, a place where banshees wail the deceased, cultists use forgotten technology for their own gain and where, further out, the dead have been seen walking across the tundra.

When the Emperor commits suicide, his elder daughter, Rika, is brought home to lead the Jamur Empire, but the sinister Chancellor plans to get rid of her and claim the throne for himself. Meanwhile a senior investigator in the city inquisition must solve the high-profile and savage murder of a city politician, whilst battling evils within his own life, and a handsome and serial womanizer manipulates his way into the imperial residence with a hidden agenda. When reports are received that tens of thousands of citizens are dying in a bizarre genocide on the northern islands of the Empire, members of the elite Night Guard are sent to investigate. It seems that, in this land under a red sun, the long winter is bringing more than just snow.

Mark’s a good friend of this blog and I expect big things from him and Nights of Villjamur!

Discussion
  • Mark January 23, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    “I expect big things from him and Nights of Villjamur!” – No pressure then… :)

    Thanks for the post!

  • Al January 24, 2009 at 11:10 am

    Looks cool. Heard some good things about this.

  • aidan January 24, 2009 at 11:20 am

    That’s right, Mark. No pressure at all!

  • edifanob January 24, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    The book is on my list. Wait for release of paperback. But I’m sure that sooner or later you will post a review……

  • aidan January 24, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    I certainly hope to review it.

  • Ben January 26, 2009 at 7:20 am

    What’s the release date?

  • aidan January 26, 2009 at 9:12 am

    June, 2009 in the UK (and Canada?). No word on a US release yet.

  • Mark January 26, 2009 at 9:35 am

    I think it’s just the UK so far – it’s only just been made available for licensing, so it’s in the lap of the gods for now…

  • Robert Thompson January 26, 2009 at 10:44 am

    I guess you must not be reading my blog anymore Aidan :( I featured this title, and many others a while back:

    http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2008/08/upcoming-2009-releases-part-one.html

    http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2008/11/upcoming-2009-releases-part-two.html

  • aidan January 26, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Robert, I’m still following. Don’t worry! Google Reader means I never miss a post.

    I had just arrived back home from Europe when you posted that second list! Must’ve missed it the first time around. Taking a look at those novels reminded me how much I like the cover art for Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker. Think I’ll post that one on the blog!

  • Jeff C January 26, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    No US date yet? Dangit. I like the sound of this one.

  • Robert Thompson January 27, 2009 at 9:40 am

    No worries Aidan :D I was just kidding anyways :) I don’t know how the Google Reader works, but I had heard that some of my longer posts weren’t showing up on feeds…

    Yeah, I’m very jealous about your trip ;) Been stuck here in Washington and this crappy weather!

  • aidan January 27, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Funny you mention that. Google Reader’s been giving me all sorts of problems with my feed lately. :S

    I live just up the road from you, on Vancouver Island, so I know how you feel about the weather! Sure has been one hell of a winter.

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