Hal Duncan Libri

Il Vellum è lo sconfinato reame dell'eternità, il libro in cui Dio ha scritto il mondo, tutti i mondi. Al suo interno la realtà non è che un minuscolo scarabocchio, uno tra milioni. Nel Vellum gli Unkin si stanno preparando alla guerra, un angelo caduto e un demone ribelle stanno per affrontarsi. La sanguinaria magia scaturita dall'inferno sta per scontrarsi con la nanotecnologia creata in paradiso. Il passato, il presente e il futuro collideranno con altri mondi e antichi miti. E l'intero Vellum brucerà.

The narrative immerses readers in a vibrant world populated by gay pirate deities and immortal rogues, where young men are drawn into villainy. It celebrates the charm of gamin antiheroes amidst a backdrop of supernatural fairies and human fey. With a mix of adventure and whimsy, the tales invite readers to embrace the unconventional and explore the fringes of this imaginative realm, all while enjoying a drink and reveling in the escapades of scruffians and scamps.

Exploring the ERRATA sequence, this collection features four interconnected stories that blend wordplay and imaginative storytelling. It presents a vivid narrative about the struggle for the city of the soul, appealing to both fans of previous works and newcomers. Readers can expect a unique experience that expands on the mythos of The Book of All Hours, characterized as "the Guernica of genre fiction." This chapbook promises a wild journey through a richly crafted world.

In a gritty world where children are subjected to harsh labor, the Scruffians emerge as resilient heroes. Flashjack, Puckerscruff, and their companions, including a dog named Yapper, escape the oppressive Waiftaker General and the Institute. Together, they embody the spirit of rebellion and friendship, showcasing their unique personalities and survival skills. This story invites readers to explore themes of freedom, camaraderie, and the fight against injustice through the eyes of these spirited young characters.

In a provocative exploration of faith and truth, the narrative unfolds across two distinct eras, intertwining the time of King Herod with a contemporary setting. A student embarks on a journey to reconstruct a Gospel that resonates with modern ideals of anarchism, socialism, and revolution. As he challenges traditional beliefs and invites followers to embrace a more compassionate message, the story delves into themes of mercy versus sacrifice, ultimately heralding the end of an empire. The backdrop shifts from a Hebridean fishing village to a politically charged Jerusalem, enhancing the dramatic tension.

Set in a gritty world of poverty and resilience, the story follows the lives of urchins known as Scruffians, who navigate the harsh realities of child labor and survival. These spirited characters, often foundlings sold to the wealthy, embody a defiant attitude, refusing to be subdued by their circumstances. Through their tales and songs, they share lessons on resilience and cunning, inviting readers into their vibrant, albeit harsh, existence. The narrative promises a blend of raw emotion and survival wisdom from the streets.

The Scruffians: street waifs Fixed by the Stamp to provide immortal slave labour. But now they've nicked the Stamp and burned down the Institute that housed it, preventing any more of their number being exploited. Hounded by occultish Nazi spies and demons, they leave the Blitz behind in search of somewhere safe to stow it...

Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. This book celebrates her life and work.

In a gritty setting, the Scruffians, a group of orphaned children from workhouses and the streets, face the grim reality of being taken by the Waiftaker General to a mysterious Institute. Here, they undergo a harrowing process known as the Stamp, which etches their identities into their skin, reflecting their struggles and resilience. The narrative explores themes of survival, identity, and the impact of societal neglect on vulnerable youth.

Hal Duncan offers a sharp critique of the evolution and present landscape of speculative fiction in American and English literature. With his signature wry humor and no-nonsense style, the book serves as both a valuable resource for students and an engaging read for fans of fantastical stories. Readers will find Duncan's insights not only enlightening but also enjoyable, making it a work worth revisiting for anyone interested in the genre.