Photo: Kate Eshelby |
Alan Campbell
In this stunning follow-up to his epic fantasy debut, Scar Night, Alan Campbell propels readers into a captivating city battling for its own survival—and that of humankind—in a world of deities and demons, fallen angels and killers.
After a destructive battle, the ancient swaying city of Deepgate has been overtaken. Most of the chains that suspend it have given way, toxic fumes are emanating from blazing structures, and the temple once inhabited by the ruling Presbyter now dangles upside down above the once-uncharted abyss. The victorious Spine have initiated martial law and are ruthlessly pursuing all who attempt to leave. Amid the turmoil, two captives are returned.
Arriving by ship are the young angel Dill, now toughened by war, and traitor assassin Rachel Hael. Incarcerated in the slowly crumbling temple, the two await their fate, while from the abyss beneath them ghosts rise—for the death of the god Ulcis has left open the gates to Hell.
“Entrancing . . . very dark fantasy.” —Booklist
“Flavorsome, original and leavened with a fierce sense of humor.” —Kirkus Reviews
Read Chapter One here
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Spectra Pulse recently asked Alan Campbell, author of Iron Angel, to give us an inside look at his writing life and his novel. Here’s what he shared:
ABOUT THE WRITING PROCESS:
Moment you knew you’d become a writer?
When I first got paid.
Main disadvantage/advantage of writing:
On the downside, it's a lonely profession. You can't chat with the guy at the next desk. But the upside is that you can eat lunch whenever you want, and you don't have to wear trousers to go to work. Actually, I'm writing this in my pajamas now.
Main motivations for writing:
I want the reader to enjoy the story, but other motivations are now creeping in, since I need to pay my mortgage like everyone else.
What challenges you the most about writing:
A blank screen.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Favorite scene/bit in the book:
My favorite scene is probably when the god Hasp battles a pursuing army in Hell using a castle as an improvised weapon.
Favorite character in the book:
Iron Angel is told almost exclusively from the viewpoints of the five main characters: Rachel Hael, Dill, Alice Harper, Jack Caulker and Hasp. I most enjoyed writing about Dill because his particular journey is the longest and toughest of them all. Between the first chapter and the final scene he undergoes the most profound changes, both physically and psychologically. But I also had fun with John Anchor. He's an amiable tourist dragging his master's airship through a hostile foreign land, ripe to be scammed at every opportunity, and so persistently good-humored that even his own guide plots to kill him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Primary occupation:
Writer
Previous occupations:
Software Engineer/Computer Assembly Technician/Call Centre Grunt/Vendageur/Shelf Stacker/Double Glazing Salesman/Youth Hostel Runner.
Usual breakfast:
Noodles.
Favorite self-indulgences/activities:
Snowboarding. Camping.
Favorite historical time period:
Victorian England.
Book currently on nightstand:
Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian
Books you wish you’d written:
The Heart of the Matter. The Road. The Da Vinci Code.
Place you’d most like to visit (real or fictional):
Antarctica. Some of those cool Culture planets.
Favorite furniture:
A big old leather Chesterfield settee. I don't own one, but I'd like one. Dark green, please.
Favorite food:
Thai Noodle Soup.
Favorite band/musical group:
Even after all this time, it's still the Pixies. I'm stuck in the past.
Favorite weird fact:
Recently I learned that the largest living organism is a fungus found under a forest in Oregon. It covers 2200 acres and could be up to 8000 years old.
What's on your to-do list of dreams?
To learn stone masonry and build a house on the banks of a river.
Click here to learn more about Alan Campbell at his web blog
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What’s Been Happening on Facebook and MySpace for Spectra Pulse?
Barth Anderson Guest Blogs and an Original Piece from Scott Lynch
If you haven’t been checking in at our Spectra Pulse Facebook and MySpace fan pages, you’ve missed award-winning author Barth Anderson’s stint as our guest blogger for April and an original piece from Scott Lynch, author of Red Seas Under Red Skies and The Lies of Locke Lamora. Click on the links below to read Barth’s posts and download the free short story. And don’t forget to become a fan or friend of Spectra Pulse so you don’t miss any exclusive content.
Become a friend of Spectra on Facebook and
MySpace
The Launch of the new magazine: SpectraPulse!
Bantam Spectra is proud to announce the launch of a limited-edition magazine for science fiction and fantasy fans. This unique collectible features exclusive articles, excerpts, and interviews from Spectra authors, including:
- Never-before-published excerpt of George R. R. Martin’s forthcoming novel, A Dance With Dragons.
- Original short fiction from Catherynne M. Valente.
- An exclusive interview with Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden about the upcoming Baltimore movie.
The magazine also includes specially-commissioned art, the latest Spectra news, staff picks, and wacky games and puzzles.
Copies of the inaugural issue can be found at the Bantam Dell booth at select conventions throughout the year, including Comic-Con, WisCon and World Fantasy.
Select content available on our Facebook and MySpace pages
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Upcoming Spectra Author Appearances:
Elizabeth Bear
- 6/13-15/08 | DucKon | Naperville, IL
- 6/20-22/08 | Fourth Street Fantasy Convention | Minneapolis, MN
Patricia Bray
- 5/23-26/08 | Balticon | Baltimore, MD
Lynn Flewelling
- 6/28/08 | Mysterious Galaxy | San Diego, CA
WisCon 32
- 5/23-26/08 | Attending Authors include: Barth Anderson, Christopher Barzak, Greg van Eekhout, Kameron Hurley, John Klima, T.A. Pratt, & Catherynne M. Valente
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