A Trio of Unmissable New Book Releases
For readers seeking an escape into richly imagined worlds, this week brings a spectacular selection of new fiction. Three major releases from leading publishers are now available, offering journeys into vampire-infested empires, a frozen alternate history, and the vast, political intrigues of deep space. Each promises to be a defining read for fans of their respective genres.
Empire of the Dawn: A Bloody and Brilliant Return
Jay Kristoff returns with the highly anticipated third instalment in his dark fantasy series, Empire of the Dawn. Published by HarperVoyager at £22 for 800 pages, the narrative plunges readers back into the sunless empire of Elidean. Here, armies of vampires and shapeshifters wage a brutal war for blood and dominance across the land.
At the heart of the chaos is the indestructible, demi-vampiric hero, Gabriel de Leon. His mission is perilously straightforward: he must prevent the monstrous Fabien Voss and his legions of the dead from capturing Augustin, the capital city that represents the last hope for the future. The path is littered with foes requiring every ounce of his skill in slashing, gouging, and cleaving. This is a gorgeously gory epic, packed with swearing, drinking, and a glimmer of hope, making it another bloodily brilliant entry from Kristoff.
Ice: A Glacial Masterpiece of Alternate History
From the acclaimed Polish author Jacek Dukaj comes Ice, a monumental work of science fiction published by Head of Zeus. Priced at £25 and spanning an impressive 1,200 pages, the novel presents a chilling alternate reality. Mysterious ice formations known as Gleissen are slowly advancing from Siberia, engulfing cities and altering history itself—preventing events like the First World War and the Russian Revolution.
The story follows Benedykt, an eternal student, who is sent on a secret mission aboard the Trans-Siberian express into the frozen East. He is quickly drawn into a complex web of plots and counterplots, surrounded by spies, cranks, and scientists, all fascinated by the enigmatic ice. Described as mighty, relentless, and unhurried, this extraordinary book is glacial in the best sense, dazzling readers as it carves out a new world from science, history, and pure imagination.
Slow Gods: A Cosmic Tale of Love and Quantum Revenge
Claire North delivers a vast and tragi-comedic space opera with her new novel, Slow Gods. Released by Orbit for £20 (432pp), the story unfolds as a mysterious civilisation warns the galaxy of an impending supernova disaster. While some galactic powers focus on the monumental task of evacuating billions, others engage in familiar political manoeuvring against their rivals.
The events are primarily witnessed through the eyes of Mawukana na-Vdnaze, a uniquely gifted space pilot whose journeys through the void have fundamentally changed him. On one level, the book charts his metamorphosis from a humble debt-slave into a vengeful, mystical, quantum revenger. On another, it is a masterpiece that explores themes of love, loss, and the persistence of good manners even when faced with certain death, solidifying North's reputation for intelligent and imaginative science fiction.
All three of these exceptional novels are available for purchase now from the Mail Bookshop, offering perfect escapism for the discerning reader.
