It looks like we’ve got no topics this week, so I thought I’d do a giveaway! If you’d like a chance to win one of two hardcover copies of No Return, simply leave a comment below by Saturday, February 2nd!
Note: If you’re outside the US or Canada and you’re drawn, you’ll get an e-copy and other fun email stuff instead of a hardcover. In that instance, I’ll redraw for another hardcover winner from the US or Canada.
This is the full wraparound design!
Synopsis:
Staring into the night sky, an inhabitant of the planet Jeroun sees a glittering string of objects stretching before the moon. The Needle, in all actuality a collection of iron spheres large enough to affect the tides, is the god Adrash’s ultimatum to the people on the planet below:
Prove yourselves worthy, or be destroyed.
Vedas is a member of the Black Suits, an order of men and women who show their opposition to Adrash by staging battles in the streets. Having witnessed the death of a child in his care, knowing himself to be responsible, he sets off on a journey across Knoori, the planet’s one inhabitable continent. His destination: the decennial fighting tournament in Danoor.
Traveling with him are Churls, a mercenary haunted by the ghost of her daughter, and Berun, a constructed man possessed by the soul of his creator. Both come to understand what Vedas’s victory in Danoor will mean: an all-out religious war. Battling their own inner demons, they are in no place to convince Vedas to turn back from his fate.
Unbeknownst to these three travelers, the powerful outbound mages (astronauts who use alchemy to reach orbit) Ebn and Pol are engaging in actions that will call the god Adrash’s wrath down upon the world…
Combining the mythic inventiveness of science fiction authors Roger Zelazny and Samuel R. Delany, the dark weirdness of China Mieville, and the epic scope of George R. R. Martin, No Return is my first novel. It takes place in the same universe as my Spectrum Award-shortlisted story, “The Succession of Knoorikios Khnum.”
Words of Praise:
“A visionary, violent, sexually charged, mystical novel – No Return challenges classification. Clearly, Zachary Jernigan has no respect for genre confines. His tale of gods hanging in the sky and a “constructed man” with glowing blue coals for his eyes and a motley band of fighters navigating a harsh landscape peopled by savage creatures and religious zealots… Well, it’s pure genius. Here’s hoping it’s just the first of many such works from this guy.” – David Anthony Durham, Campbell Award-winning author of the Acacia Trilogy
“Zachary Jernigan’s genre-defying epic raises the bar for literary speculative fiction. It has the sweep of Frank Herbert’sDune and the intoxicatingly strange grandeur of Gene Wolfe’sBook of the New Sun, with a decadent, beautifully rendered vision all its own. One of the most impressive debuts of recent years.” – Elizabeth Hand, Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning author of Available Dark and Radiant Days
“Be careful picking this one up, because once you join with the adventurers in this strange and stunning debut novel, there will be no going back to familiar precincts of heroic fantasy. Zachary Jernigan starts at the very edge of the map and plunges deep into uncharted territory. Mages in space, do-it-yourself gods, merciless killers in love and a mechanical warrior with a heart of bronze await your reading pleasure. For thinking readers who like swashbuckling with an edge, NO RETURN delivers.” - James Patrick Kelly, winner of the Hugo, Nebula and Locus Awards
“No Return is a rich, diverse, inventive fantasy, in a style that reminds me in some ways of Tanith Lee’s Tales from the Flat Earth books. Zachary Jernigan has created a stunningly original world and I can’t wait to see where he takes it next.” – Martha Wells, author of The Books of the Raksura
“Jernigan’s fiction is luminous and hallucinatory with its world-building, while still grounding readers into strong characters fully human. He scribes the future as an alien landscape with only just enough familiarity to unsettle us from our familiar, comfortable tropes. I highly recommend this gorgeous debut novel to all fans of strange fiction.” – J. M. McDermott, author of the Dogsland Trilogy
Mackslappy on January 27, 2013
Sounds intriguing, would love to win one!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Thanks! You’re officially in the running!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
And also, Mackslappy: I changed the eligibility to the US and Canada AFTER you commented, so, rest assured, if you win and you’re outside the US, I’ll still honor what I said previously, and you’ll get the physical book. This only applies to you, you special person!
Andrew Coltrin on January 27, 2013
Ooh! Ooh! Pick me! Pick me! I want to read a visionary, violent, sexually charged and mystical novel!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
You’re entered!
Philip Thorogood on January 27, 2013
I’d sure like to win – sign me up!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
You’re signed up! Thanks, Philip!
Zachary on February 3, 2013
You won the hardcover, Philip! Yay! I just sent out a mass email to you and everyone who entered, with details and all!
Yay! Thanks so much for entering! And winning!
KJ Mulder on January 27, 2013
Pick me! Pick me! Although I’ll be one of those “outsiders” contending for the e-copy.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Ah! An outsider! I like outsiders! You are herein entered into the running!
Zachary on February 3, 2013
Amazingly enough, KJ, you were picked to win the e-book! I just sent a mass email to all the entrants. There are details within! Yay!
Wesley Miller on January 27, 2013
GIVE AWAY? FROM A BOOK that NICK SHRAPNEL SHARPS RECOMMENDS? It’s like an early birthday. Fuck yeah.
Deja vu…
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Yeah. I almost think I read that before!
You are entered into the drawing, sir! Thanks!
Marti McKenna on January 27, 2013
So, this is one of those “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here” things, right? I’m in!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Yes! Exactly! Noooooooo hooooooope!
…okay, maybe some hope.
Serenpidity Lane on January 27, 2013
OOoooooh, does the comment has to be cuttingly witty and brilliantly incisive? No? Oh, good.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
That’s far wittier than I usually manage, Serendipity!
S R Manev on January 27, 2013
I just saw the Martha Wells blurb! Respect!! Seriously.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Thanks, Svetozar!
Redhead on January 27, 2013
Combining the mythic inventiveness of science fiction authors Roger Zelazny and Samuel R. Delany, the dark weirdness of China Mieville, and the epic scope of George R. R. Martin,
well hot damn, sign me up!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Well hot damn, you are signed up! And thanks so much for the interest, Redhead!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Also, awesome reviews! And a CHEERS reference! Wow! Coolness!
David Anthony Durham on January 27, 2013
Zach, the book looks great. I know that what’s in it is pretty terrific, but… that’s a nice looking package.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Thanks, David! I’m really, rally happy with the way it turned out.
This, by the way, enters you into the drawing. Of course, you’ll be getting a copy free as a blurber. If you win another copy, maybe you can find an interested party to give it to!
Carl on January 27, 2013
Hi Zachary, that’s an excellent looking cover and the book sounds very interesting. I’d love to enter to win a copy. Thanks.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Thanks, Carl! I’m glad it caught your eye. You are hereby entered into the drawing!
isnothingsacred on January 27, 2013
Prove yourself worthy or be destroyed….is that some kind of pick up line? I have to say, I’m intimidated already!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
It is DEFINITELY a pick up line, whoever you are!
Micah Baker on January 27, 2013
This looks incredible! I’d love to win a copy.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Thanks, Micah! You too are in the running!
Paul (@princejvstin) on January 27, 2013
In like flynn! Definitely interested
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Hey, Paul! You’re in the running!
Also, please email me at jerniganzachary@gmail.com if you would.
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Never mind! I am such a genius that I was able to find your very conspicuous email on your blog! I’ll email ya.
*Hylah* on January 27, 2013
WINNER!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Hopefully! Thanks, Hylah!
Geoff Davis on January 27, 2013
I’ll try my luck!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
You’re in the running, Geoff! Thanks!
Roger (@Master_Pastry) on January 27, 2013
Hey, this contest needs more entries… To the twitter mobile!
Zachary on January 27, 2013
Much appreciated, Roger!
Gregory on January 27, 2013
I will gladly give one of those No Return s a good home…. Please…
Zachary on January 27, 2013
I’ll see what I can do, Gregory! Thanks for playing!
Rich on January 28, 2013
Another outsider here. Have put it on my Amazon wishlist in case my luck works like usual.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Thanks, Rich! I have luck like that too, generally. The most I ever one was a play set at a church auction when I was 8.
Wishing you luck, though!
Michael on January 28, 2013
This sounds pretty cool.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Hey, kind words appreciated, Michael. You’re in the drawing!
Richard Auffrey on January 28, 2013
Sounds very intriguing and a more unique novel.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Intriguing? Unique?
I hope it is, Richard! I’m glad that it least sounds that way. Thanks for the kind words. I’ve signed you up for the drawing!
Alexander on January 28, 2013
Awesome, the plot sounds really interesting. Outside the US and Canada, unfortunately, but would still love to read the e-book! Will you get a UK publisher, so people on the other side of the ocean can buy it too?
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Thanks, Alexander! I’ll put you down for the drawing on the ebook, which I may now do separately from the hardcover for people outside the US.
As to a UK publisher… I was just thinking about this today, actually. I have no agent, so I’m left doing most of that stuff on my own. I’m looking into it as we speak.
Alexander on January 28, 2013
Great
I’ll be keeping an eye out for it, then.
J.M. Martin on January 28, 2013
Oh, hell yeah, let’s do this. Please sign me up! Thanks.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
You are signed up! You’re welcome and thank you, J.M.!
J.M. Martin on January 28, 2013
The only thing I ever won? Well, it’d be two things, both from being the right caller on the radio: 1) a case of RC Cola when I was around 12 years old, and 2) movie passes to an advance screening of Love Actually. How awesome, eh? Winning.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
yaaaaa-aaaaayy…
Actually, I love RC Cola. And Love Actually, I actually kind of like. Still, those are crappy prizes compared to my book!
I hope, anyway.
J.M. Martin on January 28, 2013
Your book looks to be the polar opposite of crappy. It’s anti-crappy! And would be a great prize indeed.
Cole on January 28, 2013
Sounds like something I want to add to my bookshelf.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
You’re signed up, Cole! I hope it does end up on your bookshelf!
Fiona Impala on January 28, 2013
Well-well-well, I would love to read this, although without the smell of a fresh new paper book!!!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
No paper! You’re crazy! But I hear ya. Clutters up the house and invites moths.
You’re in the drawing for an ebook, Fiona! Thanks!
Fiona Impala on January 28, 2013
Cool, thank you! And I don’t want to be left behind… sign me up for the unicorn as well. In order not to burden you I need just the miniUnicorn package. Thanx a bunch, have fun with those orders now
Zachary on February 3, 2013
Well, you did not win the randomly selected hardcover or ebook contest, but… you and two others used the magic words “space unicorn,” and so will be receiving a free space unicorn drawing in the mail! Of your own! Space! Unicorn! Wooooo-hoooooo! I just sent an email out with deets. Thanks!
John on January 28, 2013
Sounds like a book I want to read!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Awesome! Thanks, John!
Reddit Nate on January 28, 2013
If I win can I have an autographed Space Unicorn with the Book??
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Are you serious, Nate? You throw that out there and expect NO ONE ELSE to want a space unicorn as a result? Now everyone is gonna want one! You’ve pretty much committed me to drawing a space unicorn for every gd person in the world! I’m gonna be drawing space unicorns until I die from an early, space unicorn drawing-related death!
But sure, what the hell.
Reddit Nate on January 28, 2013
But on the bright side of things, you now have Unicorn Job Security! Oh and btw, I will want a violent, sexually charged, mystical Crowd Pleasing Space Unicorn*.
*The Unicorn disclaimer act of 2011 requires me to inform you that said depiction of this unicorn may require heavy drinking and/or possible use of psychedelic drugs to accurately portray the awesomeness that is the Space Unicorn.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Hey! What kind of fool you think I am? I’m aware of the disclosure! I LIVE the disclosure!
Besides, like I’d ever draw a space unicorn without heavily drinking and using psychedelic drugs!
And I got your description, and I love it. That’s my favorite kind of space unicorn to draw.
Zachary on February 3, 2013
Well, you did not win the randomly selected hardcover contest, but… you and two others used the magic words “space unicorn,” and so will be receiving a free space unicorn drawing in the mail! Of your own! Space! Unicorn! Wooooo-hoooooo! I just sent an email out with deets. Thanks!
Kevin on January 28, 2013
Sounds interesting, sign me up!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
You are hereby in the running, sir! Thanks!
J McNally on January 28, 2013
This is my entry – good luck, all!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
What a polite comment! Good luck to you, J!
Alex C. on January 28, 2013
This sounds great! Always looking for something new!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
I’m happy it looks good to you, Alex — you are in the running!
Symon on January 28, 2013
Wait so all I have to do to be entered is this?
)
wow… anyways, sounds intense, religious war is always fun!
good luck to all (as long as you aren’t me… jk
Zachary on January 28, 2013
This is indeed all it takes, Symon! I considered making people post pictures of their NO RETURN tattoos, but since I don’t even have one I thought it’d kinda fail. I’m not George R. R. Martin.
But thanks for the interest! You’re logged in as a contestant!
Stephanie Martin on January 28, 2013
ME! ME! I really want to read it!!
… and my daughter loves the space unicorns 
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Oh, Stephanie… Flattery gets you everywhere. And a little kid liking space unicorns is the whole point of space unicorns. And kids!
Zachary on February 3, 2013
Well, Stephanie, you did not win the randomly selected hardcover contest, but… you and two others used the magic words “space unicorn,” and so will be receiving a free space unicorn drawing in the mail! Of your own! Space! Unicorn! Wooooo-hoooooo! I just sent an email out with deets. Thanks!
Jason on January 28, 2013
My body is ready.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
My goodness! Well, okay then. Radical.
Michael C on January 28, 2013
comment
Zachary on January 28, 2013
comment back
Matt on January 28, 2013
Free book? I’m there.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Thanks, Matt!
DeliriumTrigger on January 28, 2013
Would love to give it a read- thanks!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
You’re in the running then, person with awesome name!
Periklis Begzos on January 28, 2013
I wasn’t aware there was ashort story (“The Succession of Knoorikios Khnum”) set in the same universe. Is it available in a digital format?
Zachary on January 28, 2013
It WILL be, Periklis! And thanks for asking. It’ll be putting it in a free-for-everyone ebook around the time the book is released. But I can send you a copy of the story now if you want one! I share all my stories for free, unless a contract says I can’t.
Aksel Altalef on January 28, 2013
I would love to win a copy of this. I love debut novels.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
I hope you love this one, Aksel! Thanks for entering the running!
Chris on January 28, 2013
Sounds intriguing! Would love to win a copy!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Thanks, Chris! You’re on the ballot!
Morghulis on January 28, 2013
Not much more to say that hasn’t been said, this looks really cool. Your Johncock…er…John Hancock better be on it!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Nope. You said it and can’t take it back! My Johncock will be on it.
Adrianne on January 28, 2013
Your book looks like a winner! I’d love to give it a read.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
My books does not look like a wiener, Adrianne! I’m tired of people saying it does. it looks nothing li–
Oh. W.i.n.n.e.r.
Finally, someone understands! Thanks. You are now signed up in the drawing!
(Yes. I’m 8 years old.)
Chris on January 28, 2013
Please count me in! Thanks!
Zachary on January 28, 2013
You are counted in! And thank YOU, Chris!
Michael on January 28, 2013
I’m in! Thanks.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
You’re definitely in. I appreciate it, Michael!
Brandon Z on January 28, 2013
I’m in, your book looks interesting.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
I surely hope it’s interesting, Brandon! You’re in!
Zachary on February 3, 2013
Brandon! You won an e-copy! I just sent out an email, in which there is an option in case you can’t use an e-copy! Yay!
Ilidsor on January 28, 2013
Sounds interesting I’m in
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Thanks, Ilidsor! Awesome name you have!
Stanktater on January 28, 2013
I promise that once I read the book that I will recycle it. I will hide a bottle of scotch in it and save it for a rainy day.
Zachary on January 28, 2013
Wow. I don’t know if you’re gonna win the book, but you may very well have just won the comments, Stanktater!
Chike Ume on January 28, 2013
I would love to win one! Definitely looks cool.
Zachary on January 29, 2013
Thanks for saying so, Chike! You’re entered into the contest!
Jijin John on January 29, 2013
>(astronauts who use alchemy to reach orbit)
That sounds rather intriguing! I hope I’m not too late to enter!
Zachary on January 29, 2013
Thanks, Jijin! No, you’re not late at all!
Dave on January 29, 2013
Alright I’ll sign up too!
Zachary on January 29, 2013
Thanks, Dave! I appreciate it!
jay on January 29, 2013
super stoked for this!
Zachary on January 29, 2013
Your are?! Well, I’m super stoked that you’re super stoked! Thanks, jay!
Mark on January 29, 2013
I never win anything, but just maybe this time…this time will be my time to win and read.
Zachary on January 30, 2013
Win and read! Don’t tell the others, but I’m rooting for you!
Jen Miller on January 30, 2013
Me! Me! Would love to win a copy! Well, not a copy… The actual book!
Zachary on January 30, 2013
You! You! I’d love for you to win it, too! You’re in the running as of NOW, Jen!
Zachary on February 3, 2013
You won the hardcover, Jen! Yay! I just sent out a mass email to you and everyone who entered, with details and all!
Yay! Thanks so much for entering! And winning!
Bob Wilkins on January 30, 2013
Being compared to the works of Herbert, Wolfe and Lee is never a bad thing. Plus, Jeremy and crew have yet to steer me wrong. Win or not, I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Zachary on January 30, 2013
Well then, Bob, why would I even consider you? You’re a lock for a sale, man!
Nah. Just kidding. You’re still in the running, and I appreciate the interest! (Between you and me, though, the comparisons are so awesome I feel entirely unsuited for them! Herbert, Wolfe and Lee! Oh, my goodness I nearly fainted when I read those names!)
Thanks!
Bob Wilkins on January 30, 2013
You think it’s bad now, wait till you’re sitting around, all alone, thinking about whether or not the reviews for your second book will live up to the first.
Zachary on January 30, 2013
Yeah. That’s why I plan on dying soon.
Nah, not really, but you’re right: that’s a scary thought.
Maybe the reviews for the first one will be terrible, and I won’t have that problem! Of course, then I’ll have a different problem…
Santiago Kelley on January 30, 2013
Free books?? Hell yeah!! I´m from Mexico, can I enter too??
Zachary on January 30, 2013
Sure, Santiago! I was dumb and just said US and Canada for the hardcover, but Mexico’s fine, too. You’d think, living in AZ, I woulda remembered my awesome neighbor to the south. Oh, well; as I said, I’m dumb. Thanks for entering!
James Elkins on January 30, 2013
When you say mail do you mean email or snail mail?
Zachary on January 30, 2013
Hey, James! If you’re in the US, Mexico, or Canada and you win, I’ll be sending you a hardcover copy by snail mail. If you’re outside those regions and you win, I’ll be sending an ebook by email.
Amanda on January 30, 2013
Cool!
Zachary on January 30, 2013
Thanks, Amanda! You’re in the running!
Zachary on February 3, 2013
Amanda, you have won an e-copy! I just sent out an email, and there’s an option in there in case you can’t use an e-copy. Yay!
Todd on January 31, 2013
Looks wonderful! Hoping to check this out!
Zachary on January 31, 2013
It does? Thanks, Todd! You’re entered into the giveaway!
Jeff on January 31, 2013
I’m very interested. Wish me luck, and good luck to you with the book.
Zachary on January 31, 2013
Fantastic, Jeff! Luck to you, and thanks for the luck to me!
Ita on January 31, 2013
Martha Wells says it’s good so it must be good!!
Zachary on January 31, 2013
I can’t argue with that reasoning! Thanks, Ita!
Mia on January 31, 2013
Saw your review of ‘No Return’ on goodreads and now I must read it!
Zachary on January 31, 2013
My own review of my own book sold you on it? Wow! Thanks, Mia! You’re officially in the drawing!
Katie on January 31, 2013
Always up for new book recommendations!
Zachary on January 31, 2013
Awesome, Katie! Thanks for entering!
jenn brissett on February 1, 2013
Oh! Pick me! Pick me!
Zachary on February 2, 2013
Oh! I’ll try! I’ll try!
Uzumakidesu on February 1, 2013
Zach, they broke the mold for “cool” when they made you. Now you broke it again for writing a Sci-Fi novel of coolness. And you’re already going for the sequel… I think they need to invent a new word for “cool” in the English language and dedicate it to you. You’re awesome-ness knows no literary bounds. Congrats by the way. Big time.
Oh, and by the way, no, I’m not brown-nosing for a copy. I’m buying one either way!!!! Cause then I’m cool-by association.
Zachary on February 2, 2013
My goodness! I don’t deserve such high praise!
But I’ll take it!