Review, Blurb, etc.

Civilian Reader got to grips with Nights of Villjamur. And they liked it:

Villjamur is a dark, hard place, populated by a cast of characters so varied and colourful it is almost impossible not to be drawn in. Newton is adept at conveying his characters’ emotions and states-of-mind through his prose. Battle or action scenes (particularly in the beginning) are written in a way to convey the chaos and confusion his characters are likely to feel, making the novel all the more immersive. His characters are equally strong and flawed, and one finds oneself caring about their plight and struggles, rooting for them throughout. There are plenty of surprises along the way, as the author slowly reveals more and more about his characters – some true shocks, and some pleasant or interesting surprises…

Filled with strange and bizarre creatures (the “garudas”, for example), Nights of Villjamur is an excellent book indeed, standing out with the author’s considerable imagination and inventiveness and attention to detail.

A recommended, very good start to a new series.

And a blurb, from star SF and Fantasy editor Lou Anders:

“Mark Newton is poised to be a power in the new fantasy”

Which is lovely.

I’m heading off to my cousin’s wedding at the weekend; it’s an Indian ceremony, which means… posh curry. I wonder if they’ll have Cobra?. One can only hope.