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Welcome to the Sci-Fi Fantasy section


Since opening the science fiction/fantasy section has been an area of specialty for Red Lion Books. Driven by the keen interest of Peter Donaldson the sci-fi/fantasy section has flourished. We stock a wide selection of science fiction/fantasy, from the classics to a comprehensive selection of new books. We are dedicated to stocking and promoting exciting new sci-fi and fantasy and attempt to highlight interesting new books through recommendations and reviews. You will be able to find some of these below! For those that appreciate work from across the pond we stock a selection of the best American imports!

George R R Martin's 'A Dance with Dragons' finally in store!


It has been a tremendously long wait for the thousands of fans following George R R Martin's complex but gripping fantasy sequence. HBO's fantasic small screen adaption of the start of the 'Song of Ice and Fire' sequence has further raised the profile of the books.  George R R Martin was actually here at Red Lion Books for a signing session on the publication of his last book (a few years ago now). This time we couldn't persuade him over but we have managed to get hold of some signed copies. There were a limited number of signed copies shipped to the UK  and we grabbed as many as we could. They won't last, though, so if you want one let us know quickly.
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'A Dance with Dragon', as you would expect from this author is an epic monster of a book over a 1000 pages long! Published in Hardback at a recommended price of £25.00 . We are selling through the shop at a  price of £17.00, a saving of £8.00..
Signed copies are at the RRP of £25.00.
 
Drop into the shop or call to reserve your copy.

K. J. Bishop - The Etched City


This is the debut novel from Bishop. It is a very adventurous book managing to create a completely immersive world whilst tackling issues of morality in an interesting and non-conventional manner. The book departs from the generic mainstays of much fantasy writing. This observation goes beyond eschewing heroic fantasy and a mediaeval style setting to an impressively unique style of writing and story telling. For instance Bishop can seamlessly move into surreal writing which has more in common with the work of Lewis Carrol than it does Tolkien. What is truly impressive is that these surreal elements are totally engaging and are integral to the story rather than feeling like a detraction from the plot. The story is based around two characters: the healer and the killer. They are by no means simply the good guy and the bad guy and it is partly Bishop's ambiguous dealing in morality which makes this such a brilliant book.
 
The story begins with the two protagonists fighting for their life in the ruined Copper County but the book really comes into its own when the two characters part ways in Ashamoil - the Etched City. Raule, the healer, becomes a nurse whilst Gwynn, the killer becomes a powerful slave dealer. The Etched City doesn't lack excitement and it is refreshing to find that the most exciting sections of this book aren't those of action but are found in flights of imagination and the relationships of the characters.
 
For instance perhaps the most exhilirating section of novel is found in a hallucinogenic trip that occurs which is madly surreal and utterly moving, based around a string of red thread. As i mentioned the relationships portrayed in this book are one of its best features. two of the most interesting of these are the relationships that Gwynn has with an alcoholic priest and his lover.
 
Both of these characters ground him in a way whilst also drawing him further into the world of the mind and blurring the lines between real and imaginary, moral and wrong. Ultimately this book is a complete triumph. Highly original, thoughtful and yet a brilliant page turner. The Etched City can be held up as an example of what fantasy can be. It doesn't conform to any generic mainstays which plague the fantasy genre whilst pushing into new territory which could perhaps only be explored in fantasy. It is rare that a book manages to deal with issues of morality and imagination with such gripping skill and for this The Etched City should be recognised as a classic of the modern writing.

Dune by Frank Herbert


Dune
By Frank Herbert

 
First written and published in 1966, this Sci-fi classic has gained somewhat of a cult following-and for good reason! Set on the desert planet of Arrakis, this novel tells the epic tale of Paul Aterides, and of his struggle against the tyrannical Harkonnens. But to do so, he must work with the mysterious native tribesmen of the desert, and deadly secrets lurk below the sands…
From the vast sand dunes of the desert, to the grand steel spaceships above, Dune is impossible to put down, and has earned its place among the classics. Readers might also enjoy the rest of the series, including Dune Messiah and Heretics of Dune.
 

Infected by Scott Sigler


Infected
By Scott Sigler

 
An alternative take on the alien invasion trope, this chilling and disturbing book pits office worker Perry Dawsey in a race against time, as deadly parasites start to take over his body. But soon, he finds that there is more to these parasites than a simple disease, as the infection, quite literally, starts to take a mind of its own. With a fast pace and lots of action, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
 

Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett


Unseen academicals
By Terry Pratchett
 
 
The latest in the vast Discworld series, Unseen academicals is a satirical, hilarious and often outright bizarre parody of the sporting phenomenon that is football. Set in ever-expanding Discworld universe, it follows a group of wizards as they are swept into the beautiful game, with unexpected and far-reaching consequences. The book is a barrel of laughs from start to finish, with humour inserted at every twist and turn of the plot, all while subtly mimicking the world of football. Fast-paced and exciting, this book will not disappoint.

Salem Brownstone:All Along the Watchtower By John Harris Dunning & Nikhil Singh


Salem Brownstone: All Along the Watchtowers
By John Harris Dunning and Nikhil Singh
 
   ‘Salem Brownstone’ is a gothic tour de force. Highly stylised and densely drawn it is Singh’s pictures that take centre stage. Dunning’s story and script provide a loose framework in which Singh’s images are allowed to flourish.
 The environments of ‘Salem Brownstone’ are set equally and firmly in the haunted buildings of Edgar Allen Poe, the twisted carnival and a classic dystopian future. Although the comic book may rely on known motifs a little too much the story is fast paced and the pictures engrossing.