It’s been awhile since there’s been something exciting to come out of anywhere really.

Films have all been just the next instalment of the latest franchise, or reboots of old ones. Books similar.

Now there this!

Two new, original novellas—Donaldson’s first publication since finishing the Thomas Covenant series—are a sure cause for celebration among his many fans.

In The King’s Justice, a stranger dressed in black arrives in the village of Settle’s Crossways, following the scent of a terrible crime. He even calls himself “Black,” though almost certainly that is not his name. The people of the village discover that they have a surprising urge to cooperate with this stranger, though the desire of inhabitants of quiet villages to cooperate with strangers is not common in their land, or most lands. But this gift will not save him as he discovers the nature of the evil concealed in Settle’s Crossways.

The “Augur’s Gambit” is a daring plan created by Mayhew Gordian, Hieronomer to the Queen of Indemnie, a plan to save his Queen and his country. Gordian is a reader of entrails. In the bodies of chickens, lambs, piglets, and one stillborn infant he sees the same message: the island nation of Indemnie is doomed. But even in the face of certain destruction a man may fight, and the Hieronomer is utterly loyal to his beautiful Queen–and to her only daughter. The “Augur’s Gambit” is his mad attempt to save a kingdom.

Those who know me know that Stephen R Donaldson is my favourite author., and although I was a little disappointed in his last outing – being the next instalment in his old franchise – this looks a lot better.

Short stories and Novella’s are where he really shines! This looks similar to his Reave the Just tales and that collection was superb! It includes my favourite short story ever “The Killing Stroke”.

So this is going on my Christmas wish list 🙂