BOOKS
The Patchwork Prince
Stumbling Stoned - Book I
State-sponsored drugs in the megaton range. More rice pudding than I could shake a spork at. And a little padded terrarium of my very own.
If you’d told me yesterday that, come morning, I’d be hunted by the police, the mob, the supernatural (and a cat), I’d have laughed in your face. Granted, I’d have laughed in your face regardless (Clozapine gives me the giggles).
Then I’d have gone looking for your flying DeLorean in the nuthouse parking lot.
EDITORIALS
The term “utterly original” is too weak for this book. While there are existing novels about insane asylums, including ones from the point of view of patients or doctors, this book's additional elements of magic, gangsters, and superpowers gained through pharmaceutical drugs make this feel exceptionally fresh.
Semi-finalist 2018
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A Clatter of Chains
The Waking Worlds - Book I (Revised Second Edition)
A well-meaning priest performs unsanctioned magic to cure a wild boy's madness. What he suppresses instead is a dark creature from the distant past.
Despite his blessed life at Temple, novice Marco is prone to bad luck. When the tides of Imperial politics sweep him off on a diplomatic mission, he finds himself far out of his depth.
Jiminy, a sneak thief, is hounded from his desert home by preternatural pursuers. Ending up in the empire was not the plan. But it seems the priests may have a career-making commission for him.
As ancient magic slowly seeps back into the world, long-forgotten threats worm through the cracks.
A Fray of Furies
The Waking Worlds - Book II
Looking for lost lambs is no job for an assassin. Cold coin keeps Nin scouring the glens and gullies of the Renali Kingdom for Marco's corpse.
She's never had ambitions beyond the Hunt. Now Herald of the Hillmen, Kassika Blackwater must brave the elements to bring dire warnings - and her monstrous charge - to the capital.
Turn and turn-about is fair play when burning a witch. No-one, Peat included, suspected what nightmares might arise from the ashes of her village's folly.
Newly infirm, retirement is not as much fun as Jiminy had hoped. When the Temple offers him the means to resume his thievery, he views the golden opportunity with a jaded eye.
Doors that have long been closed are creaking open. Magic and other malign forces are seeping through the cracks...
EDITORIALS
Van Wyck's evocative descriptions, multifaceted settings, complex characters, and ability to inject wry humor sets A Fray of Furies apart from staid, predictable stories. This multifarious creation is a sterling example of high(est) fantasy. Very highly recommended for mature teens and adult fantasy fans..
D. Donovan (Snr Reviewer)