Brum Group News The Monthly Newsletter of the BIRMINGHAM GROUP NOVEMBER 2020 Issue 590 Honorary President: CHRISTOPHER PRIEST

Committee: Carol Goodwin (Chair); Pat Brown (Treasurer); Dave Corby (secretary); Theresa Derwin (Publicity Officer); Carol Goodwin (Newsletter Editor); Ian Morley (Membership Secretary); Novacon 50 Chair: Alice Lawson & Tony Berry website: Email: www.birminghamsfgroup.org.uk/ [email protected] Facebook: Twitter: www.facebook.com/groups/BirminghamSFGroup/ @BirminghamSF

Virtual Meeting – Phoenix Alexander November 13th - 7:45 pm

The BSFG Committee are happy to announce that we are starting virtual meetings, initially using Zoom. Our first guest will be Dr Phoenix Alexander. Phoenix is the Science Fiction Collections Librarian at the University of Liverpool Special Collections and Archives, which includes the Science Fiction Foundation archives, and is the largest collection of Science Fiction and related papers in Europe. It includes collections from Brian Aldiss, John Wyndham, John Brunner and Ramsay Campbell to name but a few. In a previous position in the USA,

Phoenix was involved in assessing and acquiring Samuel Delaney’s collection of papers. As well as his academic work he is also an SFF reader, fan and author (both academic and fiction). His SFF short stories have appeared in well-respected magazines such as Black Static, Beneath Ceaseless Skies and (in 2021) will be in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. He is sure to be a fascinating guest and I hope many of you can join us. (Information from www.phoenixalexanderauthor.com/) CG

EDITORIAL – Carol Goodwin This is our first attempt at running a virtual meeting so we hope as many of you as possible can join us. We are on a bit of a learning curve, so please be patient if there are any glitches. We’ll aim to start the talk at 8pm but will “open” earlier at 7:45. For those of you who haven’t used Zoom before, there is no need to download the actual app, although it can make things easier. All you need to join is to click on a link, which for this month at least, we will email to all subscribed members a few days before the meeting. If we need to add more details, they’ll be in the email. PS Some of the eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that we have changed the address for the group email (see Colophon and website). For historical reasons, we did not have full access with the previous one (as Vicky Stock who is no longer with us set up the original account). This has caused a few issues, especially when it came to Zoom etc, so we have a new address ([email protected]). We will keep the old address running in the background for a while, but encourage everyone to use the new email (or my email which is included in the Book Reviews section of the Newsletter). CG

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS – CHANGES At the forthcoming January AGM, the committee members will, as usual, step down from their posts. The 2021 committee will then be elected. The AGM will be held online (details will be emailed to members before the meeting) although members who are not able to 2

“attend” the meeting may email their votes/questions before the event (a final date for receipt will be advised before the meeting). The current committee have all indicated that they intend to re-stand but more help would be appreciated as some are holding more than one role. If anyone feels they might be able to help, please talk to a member of the committee or use the group email. An outline of the various committee members’ duties is given below but if you do consider standing for any of the positions please ask me, without any commitment, for more details. CG

THE COMMITTEE OFFICERS DUTIES The following “Job Descriptions” are outlines of the basic duties of each Officer. However, there is a great deal of interaction and working to common deadlines between the various posts.

GENERAL DUTIES (and a requirement) Help organise BSFG Meetings throughout the year. Attend monthly Committee meetings in the City Centre (online during the coronavirus), usually on the Tuesday evening of the week preceding the week in which the Group Meeting is held. Assist other Committee members in their duties as necessary. Present a report at the AGM. Present a report at the monthly Committee meeting. Communicate with Speakers or other persons/organisations on behalf of the Committee.

OFFICERS’ DUTIES CHAIRMAN Chair Committee meetings, Group Meetings, introduce and thank the Speaker. Negotiate with hotels and other organisations on behalf of the Group. Organise, prepare and supervise the annual Christmas Social. Liaise with the Secretary in arranging the Committee meeting agenda.

SECRETARY Take and circulate ASAP Records of Committee meetings. Take and circulate the minutes of the AGM meeting.

TREASURER Maintain the current BSFG Bank Account. 3

Attend Group Meetings, arriving early and ensuring that the Meeting room is prepared for Group use. Collect admission money etc at Group Meetings. Liaise with the Membership Secretary in collection of membership fees etc. Present a detailed current Financial Report at Committee meetings. Present an Annual Financial Report at the AGM.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Maintain BSFG Membership records. Organise the collection of membership subscriptions, renewals etc. Liaise with the Treasurer as necessary. To report on current membership numbers at Committee meetings.

PUBLICITY OFFICER Advertise the BSFG by all means possible.

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Maintain contact with sources of potential information for the Group Newsletter. Edit and produce master copy ready for printing. Organise printing of the Newsletter, and to distribute it, to a specific timescale. Liaise with book publishers for review copies.

ORDINARY MEMBERS – one of whom will be…. WEBSITE MANAGER Maintain and update the BSFG Website to an agreed format. ORDINARY MEMBER To contribute to the efficient functioning of the Committee.

WORLD FANTASY AWARD WINNERS The World Fantasy Awards winners were announced on November 1st during the virtual . Novel: QUEEN OF THE CONQUERED by Kacen Callender (Orbit US). Best Novella: SILVER IN THE WIND by Emily Tesh (Tor.com Publishing) Best Short Fiction: “Read After Burning” by Maria Dahvana Headley (A PEOPLE’S FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES) 4

Anthology: NEW SUNS: ORIGINAL SPECULATIVE FICTION BY PEOPLE OF COLOR edited by Nisi Shawl (Solaris) Best Collection: SONG FOR THE UNRAVELING OF THE WORLD by Brian Evenson (Coffee House) Artist: Kathleen Jennings Special Award Professional: Ebony Elizabeth Thomas for THE DARK FANTASTIC: RACE AND THE IMAGINATION FROM HARRY POTTER TO THE HUNGER GAMES (New York University Press) Special Award Non-Professional: Bodhisattva Chattopadhyay, Laura E Goodin & Esko Suoranta for Fafnir – Nordic Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Lifetime Achievement Winners: Rowena Morrill & .

BRITISH FANTASY AWARDS SHORTLIST The shortlists for the British Fantasy awards have been announced. The nominees for Best Fantasy Novel and Best Horror Novel are given below. Nominees in other categories are available at www.britishfantasysociety.org: Best Fantasy Novel (the Robert Holdstock Award) THE BONE SHIPS by R J Barker (Orbit) THE POISON SONG by Jen Williams (Headline) THE MIGRATION by Helen Marshall (Titan) THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY by Alix E Harrow (Orbit)

Best Horror Novel (the August Derleth Award) MISTLETOE by Alison Littlewood (Jo Fletcher Books) THE INSTITUTE by (Hodder & Stoughton) THE MIGRATION by Helen Marshall (Titan) THE PLAGUE STONES by James Brogden (Titan) THE REDDENING by Adam Nevill (Ritual Ltd) THE TWISTED ONES by T Kingfisher (Titan)

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RED FLAME PUZZLE TWO Having several hours to spare Red visited a local fair to pass the time. He bought a small carving for 6 milns then sold it for 9 milns. A little later he returned, bought it back for 11 milns and resold it for 14 milns. How much profit did he make? (Answer on last page) VB

FORTHCOMING BOOKS (NB Prices given are Recommended Retail Price and may be available at cheaper prices). At the moment, given the situation, many publishers are changing the release dates on new books at short notice. The publication dates given below are correct to the best of my knowledge, but may change.

RHYTHM OF WAR (Stormlight Archive 2) by Brandon Sanderson / Gollancz / 1232 pgs / £25 hardback / ISBN 978-0575093386 / November 17th. After a year’s stalemate, new technological discoveries begin to change the face of a war.

CALL OF THE BONE SHIPS (Tide Child 2) by R J Barker / Orbit / 512 pgs / £9.99 paperback / ISBN 978-0356511849 / November 26th. Dragons have returned but they herald war and destruction.

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READY PLAYER TWO by Ernest Cline / Century / 384 pgs / £20 hardback / ISBN 978-1780897431 / November 24th. SF. Days after winning the multi-millionaire games founder’s contest, the winner discovers a new quest.

THE STONE KNIFE by Anna Stephens / HarperVoyager / 608 pgs / £16.99 hardback / ISBN 978-0008404000 / November 26th. In the Ixachipan forest, only two tribes remain free from the Empire of Songs.

THE BURNING GOD (Poppy War 3) by R f Kuang / HarperVoyager / 640 pgs / £16.99 hardback / ISBN 978- 0008339142 / November 26th. Left for dead, Rin rallies the masses to defeat the Dragon Republic and the colonising Hesperians.

THE TALES OF CATT AND FISHER (After the War 3) by Justina Robson, Adrian Tchaikovsky et al. / Solaris / 319 pgs / £5.99 ebook only / ASIN N08L6NZ3VG / December 3rd. Anthology of the adventures of a duo of disreputable shopkeepers & relic-hunters, first seen in REDEMPTION’S BLADE (A Tchaikovsky).

GALLOWGLASS by S J Morden / Gollancz / 384 pgs / £16.99 paperback / ISBN 978-1473228542 / December 10th. SF. In 2069, the space race is back on. Securing an asteroid brings enormous rewards and desperate people willing to do anything to get there first. 7

WE, ROBOTS: Artificial Intelligence in 100 stories edited by Simon Ings / Head of Zeus / 1000 pgs / £30 hardback / ISBN 978- 1789540916 / December 10th. SF. Anthology & literary compendium of robot stories from 1837 to present day. CG

NEWS IN BRIEF .... Actor Sean Connery has died aged 90. Although most famous as the first (and best!) James Bond, he went on to have a long and successful career in other roles, including winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in THE UNTOUCHABLES. He also appeared in many SFF films including ZARDOZ, OUTLAND, TIME BANDITS, HIGHLANDER, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE and THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN …. Author Roxanne Conrad (Rachel Caine) died from cancer. She was a prolific author with 56 published novels starting with her debut novel, STORMRIDERS set in the Shadow World roleplaying game. She is probably most well-known for her Morganville Vampires series …. BSFG Member, Dave Hardy’s artwork will appear on the cover of the November/December issue of Fantasy & SF magazine …. Wendy Aldiss (daughter of Brian Aldiss) has a Kickstarter to raise funds to produce a memorial photobook featuring many of his SF Awards, books, memorabilia etc. Details if interested at https://bit.ly/34O9jvI …. Coronavirus continues to affect British Conventions. ChillerCon (Horror) has been cancelled, and Eastercon is now a “hybrid” (part- online) con …. The winners of the Nommo Awards (for speculative fiction by Africans) have been announced. The winner of Best Novel was Suyi Davies Okungbowa for DAVID MOGO, GODHUNTER. Details for other categories at www.africansfs.com …. The Brave New Words Award was announced at Octocon 2020. The winner was NEW SUNS: ORIGINAL SPECULATIVE FICTION BY PEOPLE OF COLOR edited by Nisi Shawl (Rebellion) …. The winner of the Memorial Award for Best Short SF was “Waterlines” by Suzanne Palmer (Asimov’s #1-8, 2019) …. The 2021 8

TAFF race is cancelled as “it’s not feasible or sensible” due to Covid restrictions …. The World Fantasy Convention had to apologise and revise its programme descriptions, which were criticised as offensive and insensitive …. The first FIYAHCON, centreing BIPOC creators of speculative fiction was held online. The inaugural IGNYTE Awards winners were announced. The winner of the Best Novel went to GODS OF JADE AND SHADOW by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Other categories at https://theconvention.fiyahlitmag.com/the-ignyte-awards/ …. Author N K Jemisin has been awarded a MacArthur Foundation’s “genius" grant, ($625,000) which “encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations” …. The late ’s estate will be managed by Babylon 5 writer, J Michael Straczynski …. NASA’s OsirisREx mission has successfully recovered a rock sample from Bennu Asteroid …. NASA announced they had found water in sunlit regions on the Moon, which may be sufficient to support future Lunar bases …. China’s massive tree-planting programme is reported as having a significant impact on reducing its contribution to atmospheric C02, an important cause of global warming …. The Royal Mail are releasing a set of Star Trek stamps featuring characters from all the series and available from 13th November. CG

 B O O K R E V I E W S  (REVIEWERS please note: - all reviews should be emailed direct to me at [email protected] Deadline for each issue is 14 days prior to the date of the monthly meeting) THE EVIDENCE by Christopher Priest Gollancz / 321pgs / £20 hardback / ISBN 978-1473231375 Reviewed by Chris Morgan. This is the latest addition to Priest's Dream Archipelago series that stretches back over forty years through THE AFFIRMATION, THE DREAM ARCHIPELAGO, THE ISLANDERS and THE GRADUAL. But if you haven't read (or can't recall the details of) all of those, don't worry. You can start here with THE EVIDENCE, a stand- alone crime thriller full of surprises, matching or exceeding the quality of the previous volumes.

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The narrator, Todd Fremde, is a crime novelist, never happier than when he's at home with his female partner and the cat on the subtropical island of Salay Raba, writing novels and admiring the sea view. But he's agreed to deliver a lecture on crime novels to an academic audience on the far-off island of Dearth. On Dearth, Fremde is confronted by numerous problems, in particular the wintery conditions (for which special outdoor clothing is necessary) and the fact that the island is subject to mutability -- details of time and space change without warning. Early on in the novel Fremde seems to be a Kafkaesque protagonist persecuted by society and unable to achieve any satisfaction. But after his lecture he meets an older woman who offers him a lift back to the airport (a couple of days away) in her souped- up sports car. It's a seeming stroke of good fortune that gradually pushes Fremde into being at the centre of a real-life crime thriller. Parts of the novel use the device (as old as novels themselves) of a tale or memoir told by a character other than the narrator. There's plenty of subtext here to speculate on. Is Dearth meant to equate to death? Would we have less crime if we called it by another name? The Dream Archipelago islands are amazingly varied, with different cultures, laws and languages. And there are usually odd SF or fantasy elements in the mix, creating a surreal ambience. Are all the islands satirised parts of Britain? Priest may claim that all the details of the archipelago were planned decades ago (not that I've heard him doing so) but with each new book the place seems different––and that's part of the appeal. Just as with dreams themselves, you never know what you're going to get. In this series, all you can be sure of is an entertaining read presented in an immaculate writing style.

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Because this is Priest, he's never content merely to tell a story. Part of this novel is Fremde's analysis of the architecture of the crime novel and its plot clichés such as twins and the locked room murder. He (Fremde) would never write a novel including either of them. But would Priest? And he (Priest) has great fun satirising the non-academic author speaking at an academic conference, though I hope none of his experiences have been as bad as Fremde's. It's another gripping read from Priest. If the plot seems to jerk or jump tracks from time to time, it must be the effects of mutability. (Review copy kindly donated by Orion Gollancz) CM

UNCONQUERABLE SUN by Kate Elliott Head of Zeus (Ad Astra) / 528 pgs / £18.99 hardback / ISBN 978- 1800243200 Reviewed by Carol Goodwin The Head of Zeus publishing house has published some excellent SF and Fantasy in the past few years. This year they have launched a new imprint, Ad Astra, for “high concept Science Fiction and Fantasy” with up to 30 new titles planned for 2021 release. One of the first titles they released (in October) was this new novel (UNCONQUERABLE SUN) by Nebula and World Fantasy finalist, Kate Elliott. It’s the first volume in a planned space opera series (The Sun Chronicles) based loosely upon the life of Alexander the Great, but gender- flipped, so we here we have the story of Princess Sun, heir to the Queen Marshall of the Republic of Chaonia. Humanity has spread across many stellar systems using a Beacon network built by the now vanished and mysterious Asparas Convergence. However, eight centuries ago the network suddenly and catastrophically collapsed, severing links between systems and leaving 11 only a few functional beacons on the outer edges of the network. Isolated systems fought for control of the remaining beacons and new empires and alliances were formed. Chaonia, the home of Princess Sun was sandwiched between two larger groups, the Yele League and the Phene Empire. As the story starts, Princess Sun’s mother has finally defeated the Yele and now turns towards the Phene Empire. The story begins with the return of Princess Sun from her first command, a successful raid against a Phene garrison. However, her success causes problems: from her proud but jealous mother, the noble family factions who resent her half-Gatoi heritage, and the machinations of the Phene and Yele to destabilise and defeat the “presumptuous” Chaonians. Matters swiftly come to a head when her mother takes a new consort from one of the rival political families, there is a linked assassination attempt, and the distraction is used by the Phene to launch a massive military strike. Sun and her Companions must manoeuvre rapidly to outwit and outrun the various forces ranked against her and to save both her life and the Chaonian Republic. If you like Space Opera, then this is a book which not only ticks all the boxes but makes for a very enjoyable read. There is intrigue, there are space battles, there are rivals who might be allies, and friends who may betray you – the author manages to keep all these different strands running and connected which is both hard to do and exciting to read. The worldbuilding is excellent and there is a fast-paced and engrossing plot. The story is told mainly from three viewpoints: Princess Sun; Persephone Lee, the rebellious daughter of a rival noble house; and Apama, a Phene pilot who is of great interest to the ruling Phene, though why is unknown to her (or the reader). This three-way split works well in allowing a reader to get a more complete grasp of events as they unfold in separate and indeed far-flung locations. If I have a criticism it is that I found the sections by Persephone and Apama more engaging as their characters were personally more appealing. The issue I had with Sun is that as a military genius she is almost too competent so is harder to relate too and occasionally comes across as cold, but to be fair that is consistent for a character with her upbringing and role. All in all, this was a fun and entertaining novel which most fans of space opera should appreciate. The book is the first in a series and

12 while the story reaches a satisfactory endpoint, there is still much to be resolved in a sequel, which I look forward to reading. CG (Review copy kindly donated by Head of Zeus)

SURVIVOR SONG by Paul Tremblay Titan Books / 336 pgs / £ 8.99 paperback / ISBN 978-1785657863 Reviewed by Theresa Derwin It's often been said that writers are almost psychic when it comes to the horrors they imagine, and they have predicted remarkable inventions, wars, discoveries or, in this case, viruses. I'm writing this review amidst lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic 2020. Rather ironic then, that this novel, first talked about by the publisher well over a year ago, brings us on a journey with Paul and Natalie during a virus curfew. Natalie is heavily pregnant and reliant on best friend Ramola, a doctor, to ensure she gets support for the impending birth. When staying inside is the only safety, Ramola embarks on a desperate race to get Natalie and her unborn child to hospital in time to save their lives. Though the people in the journey might change, swap over or start other stories, it is the connections between them and the sense of growth that pervades throughout the novel. Epistolary in nature and set/written in real time - think the Keifer Sutherland show '24' - it includes social media comments, which reflect the innate stupidity of some people, with risqué jokes - if this were real, but in the context of fiction they are actually light relief - anti-vaxxer commentary, real human concerns and a great sense of humanity. Much like now, we are aware of a virus but at first that belongs to other people. The worries start with quiet rumbles. The author’s use of scattered dialogue or comments on social media is very effective in portraying the rapidly evolving situation and some are scarily prescient; 13

For example, via a group message between paediatrician Ramola and her group she says “I realise it’s an emergency but we should have proper PPE regardless as a safeguard.” Others are “—the quarantine will help get the spread of the illness under control—” “—and it ... dove right at my front tire.” “—everyone will be all right as long as we don’t . . .” I don't know to what extent, if at all, Tremblay edited in aspects of the current pandemic, but it contributes to the escalating horror. Amidst that though, and some very visceral scenes, are the poignant and harrowing moments that are beautifully written. “--After shared, restrained laughter, they drive in silence, passing through this new ghost town, where the ghosts are reflections of what was and projections of what might never be again." This, more than anything, encapsulates the burgeoning tension that Ramola and Natalie experience as they're on their road trip to help Nat give birth safely. Terrifyingly, it also feels very much like 'now'; the now of the pandemic, the feeling of fear mixed with cold shock at the drastic changes to the world we live in. Without spoiling the end, it is a good ending in so far as it can be, in a fictional world of a vicious strain of rabies. It's not always an easy read, but it's timely, poetic and brilliant. TD

FORTHCOMING EVENTS All details are correct to the best of our knowledge, although we advise checking nearer the date. Any information about forthcoming SF/Fantasy/Horror events is always welcome – please send to Carol at [email protected]

LONDON FIRST THURSDAY SFF GROUP, Online. Virtual first Thursday. Details at https://medium.com/@BohemianCoast/first- thursday-london-sf-fan-virtual-drinks-5232021e961f

THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES AT SEVENTY, 10th November. Illustrated lecture by Dr Phil Nichols (Wolverhampton University) on the influence of ’s book on film, radio and TV SF. Free. Register at https://bit.ly/2GjOX3R

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THE VERA RUBIN OBSERVATORY, 11th November. Online lecture. Hosted by Go Space Watch. 7:30 pm. £3. https://bit.ly/3lk9MLh

UNCANNY BODIES Book Launch, 12th November. Online launch with readings from contributors. Free. Register at www.shorelineofinfinity.com

KACEN CALLENDER & R J BARKER, 16th November. Two fantasy authors in conversation with Q&A. 8pm. Free online. Register at www.crowdcast.io/e/callender-barker-nov2020/register

A ZOOM CHAT WITH ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY, 19th November. Hosted by Lindum Books. 8pm. £3 (entry) - £18.99 (with book). At www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-zoom-chat-with-adrian- tchaikovsky-tickets-122223061467

CONVENTIONS and EXHIBITIONS PUNCTUATION CON, 13th -15th November. Online. A “British SF Convention”. Details https://punctuationcon.uk/ £5 Registration.

EDGE-LIT 9, Derby. Literary SF/Fantasy festival. Speakers to be confirmed. Tickets £50 at www.derbyquad.co.uk/whats- on/events/edge-lit-9 CANCELLED

STOKERCON UK (Now Renamed as CHILLERCON), 28th – 31st January, Scarborough. At Grand/Royal Hotels, Scarborough. https://chillercon-uk.com CANCELLED

SATELLITE 7, moved to 19th – 21st February 2021, Glasgow. Guest of Honour Aliette de Bodard, Margaret Walty. At Crowne Plaza, Glasgow. Membership £70. https://seven.satellitex.org.uk

CONFUSION (EASTERCON), 9th – 11th April 2021, Birmingham. Will Now be a Hybrid (part virtual) con. Guests of Honour Dan Abnett, Nik Vincent, Dave Lally. At the Hilton NEC. £70 Full / £50 Online Only. Registration at www.confusion2021.uk

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BRISTOLCON, 30th October 2021, Bristol. Guests of Honour Adrian Tchaikovsky and Anna Smith Spark. Doubletree Hotel. £20. Details at www.bristolcon.org

NOVACON 50, November 2021, Nottingham. Guests of Honour: Chris Baker, Emma Newman, Claire North, Christopher Priest. Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel. Details at www.novacon.org.uk

BRUM GROUP NEWS #590 (November 2020) copyright 2020 for Birmingham SF Group. Articles, artwork and photographs must not be reproduced in whole or part without the consent of the editor and/or the respective authors. This issue produced by Carol Goodwin ([email protected]). Thanks to all the named contributors.

ABOUT US... The Birmingham Science Fiction Group meets on the second Friday of each month. Membership is £25 per year per person (or £35 for two members living at the same address). This includes the 12 issues of the Newsletter plus reduced entrance fee at each meeting. Details of how to join/pay can be obtained at a meeting or by email to [email protected]

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