For Immediate Release

May 18, 2010


Stephen Zimmer's The Storm Guardians to Launch at Hypericon in June



For Immediate Release

May 18, 2010


Stephen Zimmer’s The Storm Guardians, Book Two of the Rising Dawn Saga,

Set For Launch at Hypericon


Seventh Star Press will be launching Stephen Zimmer’s second Rising Dawn Saga novel, The Storm Guardians, at the Hypericon science fiction and fantasy convention in Nashville, TN, taking place from June 4-6, 2010.

  

Book two in the epic urban fantasy series, the release reflects the commitment of Seventh Star Press to have a new title out each year in the Rising Dawn Saga.  The Storm Guardians follows the events and characters introduced in The Exodus Gate, and is an installment full of action and intrigue set in a parallel world very similar to Earth.  


With a multi-threaded style that focuses on a diverse range of characters, the novel appeals to readers of epic and urban fantasy alike. The danger rises and the stakes grow throughout all of the story threads in The Storm Guardians:  A massive battle looms in the spirit realms, as the Fallen Avatar Beleth's legions pour into the Middle Lands.   Babylon Technologies prepares to unveil its greatest invention, a technology that will impact every living being on the face of the world.  The shape-shifting An-Ki find themselves in grave peril, as the Night Hunt resumes once again.  A small group of high school students make an incredible discovery, even as tensions swirl in a small town over a law enforcement deadlock that causes a sheriff to question his own part in the course of events.  The Convergence continues its steadfast march towards a global legal and economic order, using all means at its disposal.  The question is: Who will be the guardians against the storm?


The Rising Dawn Saga is just one of two active fantasy series by Stephen Zimmer, whose epic medieval Fires in Eden series was set in motion with the release of Crown of Vengeance, in November of 2009.  The second book in the Fires in Eden series is slated for winter of 2010.


Amanda DeBord, chief editor at Seventh Star Press, and who was the editor for Zimmer’s The Exodus Gate and Crown of Vengeance novels, said about the new book, “I'm so excited for the release of The Storm Guardians, and happy to be one of the first to tell readers that they're going to love the developments in this second installment of Zimmer's Rising Dawn Saga.  Fans of The Exodus Gate will be happy to see the return of familiar faces, and some real heroes arising from the action.  However, Stephen has taken care to ensure that new readers to the series will be able to jump right in to the story.”


The Storm Guardians also continues the artistic collaboration between fantasy artist Matthew Perry and Stephen Zimmer, featuring no less than thirteen brand new, full page illustrations, as well as the cover art.   Along with The Exodus Gate and Crown of Vengeance, Matthew has now done more than 40 full page illustrations and three covers in his association with Stephen’s literary works.  “Stephen's narratives cover the gamut of deep introspectiveness to epic, world-changing events. To have that range, and to be to able to go in and out of those possibilities, makes it an adventure for me to see what emerges from the empty canvas,” said Matthew.


One of the most active fantasy authors in productivity and appearances, Stephen will be visiting numerous conventions and bookstores throughout 2010 in support of The Storm Guardians and his other literary works and film projects.

  

The Hypericon visit from June 4-6th in Nashville kicks off the support of The Storm Guardians, along with a June 7th appearance at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis, TN.   “I am really honored to be launching the new book at Hypericon, which has always been a wonderful event, with many special friends, readers, and amazing guests, like this year’s guest of honor, a living literary legend, Ramsey Campbell.  I’m very thankful to Fred Grimm for this opportunity.  I can’t wait to find out what readers think of The Storm Guardians, as I believe it shows how I build upon my foundations in a series. Expect loads of action, and many surprises!” Stephen said.


A special collector’s edition hardcover, limited to 75 copies, is now being offered with a full package of collectibles, with trade paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and eBook editions to follow.


Updates and additional information can be obtained at the official site for Seventh Star Press, at www.seventhstarpress.com , or at the author's site at www.stephenzimmer.com


Hypericon’s official website can be found at: www.hypericononline.com


Contact:  C.C. James

Public Relations, Seventh Star Press

ccjames@seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press Mailing Address:

3801 Dylan Place Suite 116, #7

Lexington, Ky. 40514-1062


Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky.



Here are a few of the illustrations featured in The Storm Guardians.  (cover art and illustrations by Matthew Perry)







For Immediate Release

May 6, 2010


Seventh Star Press Announces New Steven L. Shrewsbury Novel


Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the addition of Fantasy/Horror writer Steven L. Shrewsbury to its family of authors, with the forthcoming release of the dark-edged fantasy novel Thrall.


Thrall tells the tale of Gorias La Gaul, an aging warrior who is thrust into a maelstrom involving warring factions, demonic forces from his past, and a grandson who is in the shadow of necromancy. Set in an antediluvian world, around the mythical city of Khabnur, Thrall brings to life a tale of adventure, adversity, and courage.  From Nephilums to undead dragons, the world revealed in Thrall is as dangerous and unpredictable as much as it delivers resoundingly to those who love well-crafted, hard hitting fantasy in the vein of Robert E. Howard and David Gemmell.


Shrewsbury is no stranger to fantasy and horror fans, with a great number of novels and short stories published.  Some of his recent, well-received works include the novels Tormentor (Lachesis Publishing), Hawg (Graveside Tales) and Stronger Than Death (Snuff Books).  He also had a short story recently published in the anthology Harlan County Horrors (Apex Publications)


Amanda DeBord, editor-in-chief at Seventh Star Press, commented on the acquisition of Thrall: "I'm so excited to add Steven Shrewsbury to the Seventh Star label. Steven's a prolific writer, and he's got a ton of fans already, but I hope we're able to introduce him to some new readers. From the first few paragraphs of Thrall, I knew the story was in very capable hands. Gorias, the main character, is the fantasy-lovers' John Wayne, though with a harder edge. All of the characters are real and engaging, and Shrewsbury tells their story as if he were there to watch it all happen. This is going to be a hit."


Thrall will reunite Shrewsbury with editor Louise Bohmer, who worked with him on his novel Tormentor (Lachesis Publishing).  Bohmer is also a familiar figure in the publishing world, with a host of editing credits spanning novels to short fiction and anthologies.   The chemistry and previous history between the author and editor forecasts an outstanding first edition of the book.


“"It's a pleasure to edit for Steven Shrewsbury. A walk through one of his novels is a thrilling adventure, often with a breathless pace that makes you feel as if you've lived a part of the story with its hero,” said Bohmer, in regards to working with Shrewsbury again.


The book will feature cover art and additional artwork from fantasy artist Matthew Perry, whose illustrations and cover art are featured in both The Rising Dawn Saga and the Fires in Eden series from author Stephen Zimmer (Seventh Star Press).


The projected release date window for Thrall is October/November of 2010.  A special, short-run limited edition hardcover will be offered with a package of collectibles, with trade paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and eBook editions to follow.


Updates and additional information can be obtained at the official site for Seventh Star Press, at www.seventhstarpress.com , or at the author's site at www.stevenshrewsbury.com


Contact:  C.C. James

Public Relations, Seventh Star Press

ccjames@seventhstarpress.com

Seventh Star Press Mailing Address:

3801 Dylan Place Suite 116, #7

Lexington, Ky. 40514-1062


Seventh Star Press is a small press publisher of speculative fiction located in Lexington Kentucky.