Orbit have started promoting Heart of the Mirage here. They have also put up the first chapter here in an easy-to-read type. If you are from the UK, you can now pre-order, or look out for the book in your local bookstore in about two weeks time. If you are from the US, you can order it from Amazon.co.uk, or wait until Amazon.com gets their act together and puts it up.

Here are some extracts of reviews of the Australian edition: Scott Moore, The Adelaide Advertiser: “This skilfully written work may be fantasy, but the issues at its heart – political expediency, cultural imperialism and intolerance – are shamefully real.” He ends the review with: “Bring on part two.”

Donna Hanson, Specusphere:
On the writing: …so vivid and solid that at times it leaves me breathless or just plain green with envy.
On the main character: Ligea is fearless, bloodthirsty, vicious, sexy and determined...This character’s conflict and transformation was entirely convincing and satisfying to read.

On the world: … has aspects of Havenstar’s inventiveness, with an interactive landscape that is highly imaginative and entertaining.

Jason Nahrung, Brisbane Courier-Mail.

Glenda Larke…has again managed to add a thoughtful twist to the fantasy genre.
Larke provided a refreshing approach in her previous Isles of Glory trilogy, and her new release, Heart of the Mirage continues to engage.
At the end of the review he adds this:
Larke presents an examination of the ethics of imperialism and disenfranchisement. It is no accident the story is dedicated to Australia’s Stolen Generation and the Disappeared Ones of Argentina.

Mark Timmony, Galaxy specialist bookstore, Sydney:

Larke has granted the reader a near-perfect escape into a breathtaking adventure. Heart of the Mirage is so real, your pulse will race and your breath catch...
The review ends with this: To my mind, Larke’s self-assurance, insight and guts – much in the tradition of Robin Hobb, Carol Berg and even Elizabeth Moon – firmly places her on the list as one of the very best Australian writers of fantasy fiction.

Lucy Sussex, The Melbourne Age
For those jaded with genre fantasy, Larke provides fare that is fresh, strange and intriguing.

So, what are you waiting for? Go order it! (And don’t forget to tell me what you thought afterwards…)