Chaz Brenchley crafts compelling narratives that delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche within thrilling, historically-inflected settings. He is equally adept at building expansive fantasy worlds, drawing inspiration from historical periods for his intricate series. Brenchley's prolific career, marked by numerous short stories and works for younger readers, showcases a remarkable versatility. His distinctive approach lies in meticulously detailed world-building and profound character development, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Set on Mars, the story unfolds in a thriving British colony under the Empress Eternal, where commerce and culture thrive along canals and crater lakes. However, the peace is threatened by Russian ambitions and the lurking dangers posed by Martian creatures. The narrative explores the complexities of colonial expansion and the unforeseen perils of a seemingly idyllic world, challenging the notion of safety in this distant outpost of the British Empire.
For more than thirty years, Chaz Brenchley has been one of Great Britain's most distinguished--and uncategorizable--writers of speculative fiction. His award-winning short stories move with deceptive ease from one genre to another, offering an astonishingly varied array of sheer narrative pleasures. While much of his work may be unfamiliar to American readers, the appearance of this generous, career-spanning volume should do much to change all that. The best of Chaz Brenchley contains more than thirty stories from the author's vast fictional archive, and each one of them is a polished, unexpected gem. Together, they encompass an impressive range of themes, subjects and settings
Set in the harsh and barren kingdom of Outremer, the story unfolds in a land steeped in conflict and bloodshed. The narrative explores the struggles of its inhabitants as they navigate a world marked by relentless warfare and survival. Themes of resilience and the harsh realities of life in a war-torn environment are central to the tale, painting a vivid picture of a kingdom constantly at odds with its surroundings.
Rowan Coffey is 19 when one of his friends is murdered. Rowan, who had no alibi and was under suspicion, has been knocked off-balance by the experience and leaves university seeking the comfort and familiarity of his home. But his home is under threat.
Set against the backdrop of Mars' rural hinterlands, the story explores the challenges faced by a farming family with a daughter, Mary Ellen, who is more captivated by books than by agricultural duties. As the Crater School serves the upper and middle classes, Mary Ellen's thirst for knowledge and her inquisitive nature clash with the practical realities of her environment, raising questions about education, class, and the role of women in a demanding society.
Traveling through Outremer, the heroes face treacherous conditions in the desert as they seek to meet the Sharai tribes, following the djinni's orders. The harsh environment poses significant challenges, proving to be a more formidable enemy than any human adversary.
Gottesfürchtige Ritter der letzten Generation haben vor vierzig Jahren die kargen, wüstenreiche Landstriche jenseits des Meeres erobert und dort das Königreich Outremer gegründet. Heute ist das Reich in fünf Provinzen aufgeteilt, und ein mächtiger, mönchischer Ritterorden hält seine schützende, doch oft drückende Hand über Outremer. Erbitterte Kämpfe gegen die einheimischen Stämme sind an der Tagesordnung, und so ist die Reise der jungen Julianne zu ihrem ausersehenen Gemahl, Baron Imber, nicht ohne Risiken. Ein erster Vorbote kommender Gefahren ist die folgenschwere Begegnung mit einem Dschinn, der Julianne ein vertracktes Gelübde abnötigt. Als die Reisegesellschaft kurz darauf Unterkunft in der Grenzfeste Roq de Ran on sucht, verstrickt sich das Mädchen in den Zwist des Ritterordens mit dem benachbarten, abgeschotteten Land Surayon. Ihr wird ein Quartier im 'Turm der Königstochter' zugewiesen, während ein mysteriöser Barde düstere Vorahnungen anklingen lässt. Da kommt es zu der schicksalhaften Begegnung mit Marron, einem jungen Ordensbruder, der auf der Burg zum Knappen ausgebildet wird.
Der junge Ritter Marron und seine Gefährten fliehen aus der Wüstenfestung und werden von den Erlöserrittern verfolgt. Auf der Suche nach Schutz wenden sie sich an die feindlichen Stämme der Scharai.
Der Zauberer, der das geheime Reich Surayon schützte, ist gefallen. Im bevorstehenden Kampf scheint Surayon dem Feind schutzlos ausgeliefert, doch die Scharai und die Elessi-Heere des Baron Imber greifen an.
Der junge Ritter Marron verfolgt eigene Ziele, während die Scharai ihn als Propheten verehren. Er befreit Julianne, die in einem Harem gefangen gehalten wird.
