The Dreams & Nightmares of Ian Whates

We’re delighted to announce that British author and anthologist IAN WHATES is the latest signing to Angry Robot.

He will be writing a series of novels set in one of the most extraordinary fantasy settings since Gormenghast – the vertical city of Thaiburley. From its towering palatial heights to the dregs who dwell in The City Below, it’s an incredible creation. When Tom, a teenage street thief from the depths, ventures into the uppermost levels to impress a girl, the last thing he expects to do is witness a murder. Accused of the crime, he must use all of his knowledge of the ancient city to flee certain death.

The first novel, City of Dreams & Nightmare, will appear from the new HarperCollins imprint in March 2010, with a sequel City of Hope & Despair to follow in late autumn of the same year. The deal was arranged with Marc Gascoigne, publishing director of Angry Robot.

Ian Whates is currently the chairman of the British Science Fiction Society and a director of the Science Fiction Writers of America. In 2006 he launched Newcon Press, publisher of several acclaimed anthologies, and he helps organise the regular Newcon science fiction conventions.

Ian had this to say: “I’m delighted to be involved with Angry Robot – a vigorous new voice in genre publishing which is already having quite an impact. It’s a pleasure to work with people who combine knowledge and experience with such a clear vision of where publishing is going, and I can’t wait to progress and develop my books with them. Should be quite a ride!”