In the follow-up novel, George-Étienne and his children have formed The House of Styx, after finding a mysterious artefact on the surface of Venus herself. But with the discovery comes great risk, not only from a planet that kills with its very touch but also from the banks and powers of old Earth, who will stop at nothing to claim this new technology for themselves.

We sat down with Künsken to discover his process of building such epic worlds, how this duology differs from his Quantum Magician saga and what he has coming up next…

How does it feel to have concluded the story, there’s such emotion in the book, do you find yourself caught up in it at all?

First of all, thank you! Yes, I’m definitely caught up in the sweep of it. professional risk, maybe? That makes it hard to see the whole at once. I’ve noticed that I often am not able to say how I feel until I get to listen to the audiobook without any further responsibility for making changes. But as I was editing and polishing in early 2023, there were certainly moments and scenes and bits of dialogue that got to me and had me pausing to just feel, which doesn’t always happen with every story.

Knowing the story was a duology, did you approach House of Saints and House of Styx different to the Quantum Magician saga?

I totally approached it differently, but not because of the number of novels. Quantum Magician was a heist in space in the far future, so it has specific concerns and fun beats that have to happen to make it work. I approached House of Styx and House of Saints from the characters and their conflicts with each other, the government, and bank because a family saga works for different reasons and with different ingredients. The two books of the duology are a single story really, a bit like the Godfather and Godfather II are a single story. I think that the Quantum Evolution books are almost independently readable in a way that the Venus books are not.

No one in the book is safe and there are some pretty pivotal deaths, without spoilers, what’s it like having to kill off characters that you’ve spent so long creating?

I think I felt a bit of sadness though, with each death. This is why I don’t kill characters very often. To portray a character well, I think that I have to be able to imagine what it’s like being them, and what it’s like being around them. That does take time and energy and an ability to see their possibilities, and their futures, including  white picket fence endings. When they don’t get those futures, there’s a feeling of loss. I had some push back from my writers’ group, my agent, and my editor, and eventually I changed the fate of one character (they lived).

The House Of Saints takes us on an enormous journey both in terms of plot and emotional arcs, how do you approach tackling something so epic? Do you know the ending before you start? Or do things evolve naturally as you write?

Thank you for calling it epic! I actually don’t write anything without knowing the ending – novel, novella, short story, comic book. Early on, I used to pants it (the term some writers use for the process of “writing by the seat of your pants”), but I failed so often that I started writing less because I worried the effort and words were just going to be wasted. Knowing the ending gets me through moments of shaky confidence. For this two-book story, I knew where Saints had to end for Venus the colony to become Venus the capital of the Congregate by the time of the Quantum Evolution series. Who survived to the end of Saints and how they got there was a lot of puzzling and pondering with flip chart paper over days and weeks before I started writing. I usually get impatient at the outlining stage, so by the time I have a 75% complete outline, I just start writing. I trust that I’ll figure out the rest as I go.

Part of the plot revolves around building a base on the surface of Venus. What was the biggest challenge for you in anchoring such a technical process in reality while also keeping it an engaging read?

To write the two Venus books, I needed to know some chemistry, some meteorology, some naval engineering, some aerodynamics, but the rest was a lot of mechanical elements. How to drop something through the atmosphere and land it in a certain place is more of an engineering problem than a scientific one, for example. You’re right that keeping it an engaging read is the challenge – there’s not a lot of emotion in welding. I found, in pure writer trick terms, that just cutting a lot of the detail helped, as did focusing on the “man vs nature” essence of the conflict. But it didn’t hurt that the characters who built the base on the surface were also going through a difficult emotional moment too.

In The House of Saints, the political landscape created in The House of Styx becomes far more prevalent with corrupt governments, false imprisonment, murder and rebellion playing key roles. How important was it to weave these concepts into a story that could have typically just been about the exploration of Venus?

I think “man vs nature” conflicts are cool (and my first foray into Venus in the novelette Persephone Descending was very much that) but ultimately there’s only so much you can do with man vs nature. I’d always envisioned the creation of a state to be messy, and the way the Venusian state is born will determine some of its destiny in the later centuries. People on Venus want different things. Some of them are willing to go to great lengths to achieve them, sometimes down the wrong path, but for the right reasons. That’s humanity, and ultimately science fiction is about using the future to talk about our humanity in the present.

For The House of Styx, you cite Kim Stanley Robinson’s Red Mars as a source of inspiration, what books were touchstones for you in concluding the story?

It’s weird. I often have books in mind for loose inspiration, but I don’t know if any particular book helped frame my thinking in Saints. I do think that the Godfather movies informed some of the feel and the family dynamics I wanted to dig into. Maybe it’s just that to me Styx and Saints are a single story?

Last we spoke you were re-reading all of X-Men and blogging about it. What are you reading now?

I have a new baby, so time is at a premium. I listen to a lot of podcasts about comic books (as always). Some great ones are Marvel by the Month, Bronze Age Monsters, Graymalkin Lane, Cerebro, X-Men Unraveled, Voice of Latveria, Oh Gosh Oh Golly Oh Wow, and some others. I tend to start at episode one and listen to the whole podcast corpus, and on some of them, I’ve stalled on because I haven’t caught up on the Krakoa X-Men (I want to read all of it), and I’m avoiding spoilers. On novels, I listen to a number at once and pick them up depending on mood. I’m reading Revenant Gun by Yoon Ha Lee, Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks, House of Chains by Steven Erikson, rereading A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, Comfort Me With Apples by Cat Valente, and Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tasmyn Muir. Obviously, it takes me some time to finish a book…

The House of Styx and The House of Saints both fall into the same world as the Quantum Evolution series (with a very helpful timeline in the back of the book). Do you have plans to fill out the entire timeline? Or are you looking to step away from this universe for your next adventure?

I want to write The Quantum Temple—I’m outlining it right now. Temple will conclude the Quantum Evolution series. I’m not sure what to do afterwards. I’ve got a couple of novels in editing phase – an epic fantasy and a horror novel. I have ideas for other things like novellas, but I think it will take some time for me to figure out what will be best. And, somewhere in there, I’d like to write comics as well. I’m done some comic work for small press, but comic books are a deep and abiding love since I was ten years old.

The House Of Saints by Derek Künsken is out now. Order your copy here.

The post The House Of Saints: Derek Künsken discusses his epic space sequel appeared first on Sci-Fi Tips.

From the follow up to one of the most epic space operas we’ve read with The House of Saints, through to a bit of comic book adventure with Mockingbird and man-shark romance with Shark Heart, there’s plenty on offer to sink your teeth into. So if you’re a science fiction buff, a fantasy fan or even a horror nerd, we’ve got a little bit of everything this month.

(Psst, ff you think we’ve overlooked your most anticipated book then why not drop us a message on our social channels?)

Honey Watson

8 August – Angry Robot

Lessons in Bird Watching takes readers on a mesmerizing sci-fi journey set in the dystopian world of Apech, ravaged by a time-plague. Elite students of the Crysthian empire, led by the enigmatic Wilhelmina Ming, grapple with the harrowing violence they encounter, seeking solace in psychedelic antidepressants and uninhibited group encounters.

After a night of debauchery, the students awaken to a grim warning—a corpse impaled outside their residence. Determined to unravel the mystery, they embark on a perilous investigation, uncovering a web of intrigue and treachery within their diplomatic ranks.

Amidst a brewing civil war, they must face betrayal and deception while a fanatical zealot awakens a forgotten deity and its lethal temporal virus, threatening to engulf Apech in chaos.

This intelligent and immersive sci-fi epic delivers a thrilling exploration of power, morality, and the unyielding pursuit of truth in a world consumed by time. Brace yourself for a gripping narrative of survival, sacrifice, and the intertwining forces of destiny and free will.

James Kennedy

22 August – Quirk Books

In a small Midwestern town, a teenage girl discovers the chilling truth behind ‘Tornado Day’ – a plague of sentient tornadoes that strikes the town every generation, threatening total annihilation. The town’s only hope lies in a mysterious boy known as the Tornado Killer. But the adults guard a terrifying secret about the origins of the tornadoes and the true nature of the Tornado Killer and soon finds that she must escape before the primordial power that binds them all consumes her.

This genre-defying horror-thriller, delves into surreal, mind-bending depths. James Kennedy, author of Dare to Know is back with more mythical madness of bizarre Americana; painting a chilling portrait of small-town living. Fans of eerie, atmospheric horror will be hooked.

Olivie Blake

17 August – Tor

Olivie Blake, bestselling author of The Atlas Six, presents Masters of Death, an urban fantasy brimming with vampires, ghosts, and the godson of Death.

Viola Marek is a vampire struggling as a real estate agent. Her latest challenge: selling a haunted house. The ghost, murdered and trapped, refuses to move on until he unravels the mystery behind his death. Enlisting the help of Fox D’Mora, a supposedly fraudulent medium with a surprising connection to Death, the pair unwittingly entangle themselves in an unexpected and unwanted quest. With the aid of a mischievous poltergeist, a demonic personal trainer, a sharp-voiced angel, and a love-stricken reaper, Vi and Fox soon discover that the line between a lost love and a bothersome corpse is far blurrier than they imagined.

Get ready for a witty and page-turning urban fantasy adventure, that challenges the boundaries of the afterlife with a unique twist on the supernatural.

Shelley Parker-Chan

24 August – Pan Macmillan

Shelley Parker-Chan’s sequel to the brilliant She Who Became the Sun, arrives as a mesmerizing and deeply disquieting continuation.

Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, revels in her recent triumph over the Mongol rulers in southern China. Driven by ambition and the belief in her divine mandate, she is determined to claim the imperial throne for herself. However, she faces a formidable rival in Madam Zhang, whose powerful kingdom poses a threat to Zhu’s ambitions. To outmaneuver Madam Zhang, Zhu forms an unlikely alliance with the traitorous general Ouyang. As Zhu’s ambition propels her forward, she realizes that even her ruthless heart may not be immune to the price she must pay. The consequences of her actions may ultimately break her, testing the limits of her unyielding will.

He Who Drowned the World examines the value of self-acceptance, shedding light on the corrosive impact of self-hate and societal rejection, Parker-Chan deftly portrays the destructive consequences that self-loathing and bigotry can have on individuals and society at large, compelling readers to confront the darker facets of humanity while seeking solace in the profound depths of the characters and storytelling.

J.T. Greathouse

3 August – Gollancz

In the epic conclusion to the Pact and Pattern series, J.T. Greathouse continues on the thrilling journey of the magical warrior, Foolish Cur, who must confront his greatest feat-turned-failure. Seeking to thwart the tyrannical Emperor’s war with the gods, Foolish Cur wields forbidden magic, unknowingly setting the gods free after countless years of imprisonment.

With chaos unleashed, the world is transformed into a nightmarish realm, overrun by terrifying creatures. The Empire, rebellion, and existence itself hanging in the balance.

Fans of the British Fantasy Award-nominated series will love the spellbinding mix of magic, mystery, and political intrigue that Greathouse’s fantasy series has brought us.

Emily Habeck

3 August – Quercus

In her remarkable debut novel Shark Heart, Emily Habek crafts a deeply moving intergenerational love story that tugs at the heartstrings. The tale revolves around Wren and Lewis, a newlywed couple whose journey takes an extraordinary turn when Lewis receives a life-altering diagnosis. A rare condition promises to transform him into a great white shark over the course of nine months while preserving his consciousness and memories. As Lewis grapples with his metamorphosis, Wren is faced with the daunting prospect of a life alongside a shark-human hybrid.

Skillfully interwoven within this narrative is the poignant account of Wren’s mother, Angela, whose past unravels with a teenage pregnancy amid the throes of an abusive relationship. Habek effortlessly connects the past and present, exploring the timeless themes of love, loss, and the essence of identity.

Habek’s writing displays a deft blend of humor, lyricism, and unfiltered emotion, creating an unforgettable story that delves into the profound questions that life presents, especially in the midst of grief. With unmatched originality, delightful elements of magical realism and an endearing cast of characters, Shark Heart adds an extra layer of depth to the transformations experienced in life, whether they stem from relationships or physical changes.

Emily Habek’s debut marks the arrival of a fresh and talented writer, teaching us to embrace the impossible, seize fleeting moments of joy, and find solace in the embrace of life’s unpredictable journey.

S. Jae-Jones

1 August – Titan

Jin Zhara faces the challenge of concealing her magical abilities in a society that condemns magic. When rumours of monstrous creatures resurface, a chance encounter with Han introduces her to the Guardians of Dawn, a secret magical liberation organisation. As a mysterious plague transforms magicians into abominations, Zhara must embark on a quest to unravel the truth behind the chaos. Embracing her inner elemental warrior becomes crucial in restoring harmony and thwarting the malevolent demon.

S. Jae-Jones kickstarts an enthralling YA Fantasy series with Guardians of Dawn: Zhara. Blending threads of love, magic, and chaos, creating a mesmerising journey of self-discovery and the battle for order and disorder in this richly imagined fantasy tale that will be sure to appeal to fans of Sailor Moon.

Maria Lewis

3 August – Aconyte

Mockingbird: Strike Out soars as a captivating addition to the Aconyte Marvel Heroines series, focusing on Bobbi Morse, alias Mockingbird. Maria Lewis weaves a thrilling tale as the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent seeks distraction from her painful divorce to Hawkeye by delving into a high-stakes espionage and action-packed adventure. Lewis artfully defines Mockingbird’s character, infusing her with humor, snark, and relatable human traits. The story brims with spy work and gadgets, ensuring a fast-paced narrative that enthralls readers.

The novel’s seamless integration into the wider Marvel universe adds depth to the plot and Lewis’ writing showcases the allure and strength of Marvel heroines. Mockingbird: Strike Out will surely please fans looking to go beyond the MCU.

Derek Künsken

31 August – Rebellion

In The House of Saints, the long-awaited sequel to The House of Styx, (read our 5 star review here) Derek Künsken transports readers back to the harsh and captivating world of Venus, continuing the enthralling saga of the D’Aquillon family in a tale of resilience and human determination.

The novel picks up shortly after the conclusion of The House of Styx, exploring the family’s relentless quest for survival amidst the unforgiving conditions of the planet. As they investigate a mysterious wormhole that could hold the key to their colony’s survival, the D’Aquillon family finds themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and danger from rival families and external forces.

Künsken’s skillful narrative weaves together tension, wonder, and emotional depth. The evolving relationships of the complex characters add increasing layers of heartbreak and authenticity in an expert balance of scientific wonder and human drama.

For fans of hard sci-fi and compelling tales of human survival, The House of Saints and its companion, The House of Styx, form an unmissable series. Künsken’s visionary storytelling ensures that readers will be captivated until the very end.

The post Best Sci Fi Books August 2023 appeared first on Sci-Fi Tips.

It’s pretty safe to say we absolutely loved Derek Künsken’s epic sci-fi novel The House of Styx here at SciFiNow, describing it as “a stunning new sci-fi family drama that admirably shoulders the burden of two heavy genres and distills them into an exhilarating and heart-breaking journey of discovery”. Which is why we’re absolutely delighted to reveal the cover for the book’s sequel, The House of Saints.

Here is the official synopsis for The House of Saints…

George-Étienne and his children have formed The House of Styx, after finding a mysterious artefact on the surface of Venus herself. But with the discovery comes great risk, not only from a planet that kills with its very touch but also from the banks and powers of old Earth, who will stop at nothing to claim this new technology for themselves.

From humble origins, The House of Styx is determined to become one of the most powerful families in the known galaxy or die trying.

“I think science fiction and fantasy offer the broadest possible canvasses upon which to paint a story,” said Künsken when we spoke to him back in 2020. “There is no narrative, character or setting element you can’t make into exactly what you need to make the story stronger, more compelling.”

The House of Saints will be released on 22^nd June 2023 from Rebellion.

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