Venus Ascending signs our first author, Carolyn Hill

[Teresa Edgerton]

I am excited to announce our first acquisition for Venus Ascending. Skin Deep was submitted on request before we set the submissions window. I had seen this manuscript years ago, long before I started editing (Carolyn has a habit of writing amazing stories and then not sending them out to publishers). When we started VA I immediately thought of this book as perfect for the imprint, and asked Carolyn to send me a copy so that I could find out if it was as good as I remembered it.

It was as good as I remembered and more! It has a wonderful plot -- part gritty dystopian SF and part love story -- and terrific characters. What I didn't remember was how beautifully it was written, with unadorned but exquisite prose. We're aiming to publish this in the spring.

Further information and a cover reveal when we have a publication date.

 

[ratsy]

Very exciting. Good news Teresa.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

So I was working on the back cover copy for Skin Deep today, and it occurred to me that even though Carolyn first wrote this book close to 20 years ago, how topical the plot is now.

I'll be working on this more -- and I am not asking for critiques on the blurb -- but I thought I would share the current version (which I know is too long to put on the book or to use on Amazon) as a teaser.


The resources of Earth and other habitable planets have been plundered almost to exhaustion. Those responsible, the ten great families of the “solaratti,” hold such influence that even the galactic government hesitates to act openly against them, a power that has gained them unimaginable riches and placed billions of ordinary humans in economic slavery and abject poverty.

Aleta Graham is a healer and empath, abilities that make her useful indeed to the ruthless Dagarro family who have addicted her to the drug known as Sand, in order to keep her docile and cooperative. But Aleta is determined to be their pawn no longer. Struggling to overcome the influence of the drug, she plans a desperate bid for freedom — even knowing the penalty for disloyalty to the family is death.

Riven is a shapechanger, a spy, a computer wizard, a government agent sent to destroy the power of the Dagarro. But his growing attraction to Aleta becomes a threat to himself and his mission — a threat that may well prove fatal to both.

 

[Juliana]

Sounds exciting!

 

[crystal haven]

I'm really looking forward to reading this book.