Paperback Release: “Stands A Shadow” by Col Buchanan (Tor)

Just wanted to give a quick heads up about the paperback release of Col Buchanan’s Stands A Shadow, the second in his Heart of the World series.

I really enjoyed both of Buchanan’s novels, and wanted to take this opportunity give it another shout-out on here, in case anyone missed it the first time around. I think I’m right in saying both of the novels have received pretty good press across the board.

Here are a handful of snippets from my review of July 2011, just to give you an idea of just how much I enjoyed it (with hindsight, I still stand by my review 100%):

“With Stands a Shadow, Buchanan has done everything to build and improve on the first novel.”

“One of Buchanan’s greatest strengths is his gift for characterisation – even peripheral, single-scene characters are well-defined and realistic. His main cast are unique characters with recognisable voices and styles of their own, and there is a sense of getting to know them as the novel progresses. This makes the whole book a very enjoyable read as, even if a character is only fleeting, they never feel pointless or overtly a narrative device.”

“On the strength of both Farlander and Stands a Shadow, I can only see Buchanan getting better with each new novel. If you like your fantasy grand in scope but intimate in detail and character-driven, then the Heart of the World series is perfect for you.”

“Engaging and addictive, Stands a Shadow is one of the best novels I’ve read this year, and therefore very highly recommended.”

To celebrate the paperback release, Buchanan’s also got a newly re-vamped website with extra content and features. Check it (and the series!) out if you want to learn more.

Both Farlander and Stands A Shadow are available now in the UK, and Stands A Shadow will be published in paperback on July 31st in the United States.

Also on CR: Farlander & Stands A Shadow [Reviews], Interview with Col Buchanan

“Stands a Shadow” by Col Buchanan (Tor)

Buchanan gets even better…

Still grieving the death of her son, the Holy Matriarch of Mann has ordered her troops to embark on a mission to the Mercian Free Ports. Riding at the head of her army she plans to finally conquer the city of Bar-Khos, whose walls have kept them at bay for ten long years.

Ash has other plans for her. The old Rōshun warrior is determined that he will have vengeance for the crimes she has committed. But such a course of retribution is in direct opposition to everything he has lived for – this isn’t a Rōshun vendetta – it’s personal.

While Ash battles with his conscience, Ché, the Matriarch’s personal Diplomat and assassin, is questioning his own path. Watching as the Mannian army slaughters their way across the world, he questions the beliefs he’s been taught to enforce.

As the battle for Bar-Khos intensifies, more and more lives are affected: Bahn who leaves all he loves in the city to try to protect it from the ravening Mannian empire, Bull the murderer who senses a chance to make things right, and Curl, the young prostitute who is determined to seek her own retribution on the field of battle.

When the two armies clash, all looks set to be decided. It’s not sheer force that will win this battle, but the tormented determination of one man seeking redemption...

Farlander was easily one of my favourite books of last year, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the second instalment of Buchanan’s series ever since. With Stands a Shadow, Buchanan has done everything to build and improve on the first novel. This is a great series.

Some Exciting Artwork for 2011

Just some more artwork for you to enjoy before the next review gets posted, and to further whet your appetite for upcoming 2011 fantasy releases.

First up, Tor UK recently revealed the brilliant artwork for the follow-up to Col Buchanan’s superb Farlander, Stands a Shadow (published in the distant future… well, August 2011):

It’s becoming rather trope-ish to have a single figure posing as the centre-piece of a cover, and while some disapprove, I think Stands A Shadow is very eye-catching, and I like the mellow tones. It also fits nicely with the style of Farlander.

Next up, the (possibly final) UK artwork for Jon Sprunk’s second novel, Shadow’s Lure – it’s in the same style as Shadow’s Son, but this time in a more eye-pleasing blue:

And one final cover, again from Tor UK: Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Heir of the Blades, the seventh in his critically acclaimed, successful Shadows of the Apt series:

This, to me, looks like a fantasy novel designed by someone who is very fond of the Neal Asher re-jacketing (also published by Tor UK). I think it works very well. I really must catch up on this series!