Want to put your love to the test? The Buzzfeed test, that is.

Yeah ok so we all know Adele and Gareth are an amazing couple, and if you didn't already then...surprise!  And just when our hearts were finally healing after being separated so long, Clay and Susan brought back the deadly duo in the newest Vampire Empire book The Geomancer!

Are you and yours like Adele and Gareth?  Or are you a bit more at odds like, say, Katniss and Peeta?  Are you ready to test your love? Well it's not that kind of test, exactly.  It's less intense than a test, makes up much less of your GPA, so let's call it a quiz.

Want to know which crossed couple best matches your relationship?

Take the Buzzfeed Quiz now!

Smash 'em together

We love playing by the rules.

Yeah...sure. That's why some of our favorite books have been mash-ups of different genres, a little of this and a little of that.  A square peg that might be able to squeeze itself into the round hole but throws up it's arms in triumph yelling "You can't make me do it!" Here's what we're talking about:

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Vampires + steampunk + pulp adventure + romance + politics + alternate history

The original Vampire Empire trilogy introduced a fresh approach to vampire mythology while also starting an epic romance. Cue fangirl squee: The story of Gareth and Adele will continue with a new ongoing, character-based series that will start with The Geomancer this fall!

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Science fiction + legal drama + quantum physics + murder mystery 

Next month, David Walton seamlessly blends hard science fiction and particle physics with a crime so twisted, it'll keep you guessing until the end. It will be followed by a book, Supersymmetry, in September.

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Wild west + steampunk

Few stories are stranger than Mike Resnick's Weird West tales. Join Doc Holliday, Thomas Edison, Billy the Kid, and Geronimo in

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Portal story + flintlock fantasy 

A 21st-century man walks into a world of magic and mayhem.  Luckily, his enemies have never seen what weapons the modern world can create. the second book, Gold Throne in Shadow, comes in this fall!

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Steampunk + sword and planet

Ever wonder what Victorian London would look like on another planet? With aliens dressed to the nines? Wonder no more!

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It's time for this week's giveaway!  To celebrate our 10th anniversary we're once again offering up one copy of any book mentioned in this post! Yep, that even applies to the books coming out this fall. So to enter, comment below or send an e-mail with the subject "Week two giveaway" (making sure to include which book you'd like to win) to publicity@prometheusbooks.com.  This contest ends on Friday, the 20th.

5 Questions to a Great Story

As part of Wake County Public Libraries' Write On @ Your Library series, Vampire Empire authors Clay and Susan Griffith discuss five questions to create a great story.

RT Book Reviews Nominations for Clay and Susan Griffiith

RT Book Reviews have announced their 2012 Reviewers' Choice Awards and Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith's The Kingmakers (Vampire Empire, Book 3) is on the shortlist for Steampunk Novel!

The Blueprint for the Future of Genre Fiction

Yesterday,  Explorations, The BN SciFi and Fantasy blog called the Vampire Empire trilogy "nothing short of the blueprint for the future of genre fiction." Reviewer Paul Goat Allen went on to say that, "And as extraordinary as The Greyfriar and The Rift Walker were, The Kingmakers was arguably the strongest installment of them all: a terrifyingly believable – and brilliantly described –  apocalyptic setting; unforgettable, no, iconic characters; nonstop action and adventure; and, at the heart of it all, one of the most powerful love stories ever written. Clay and Susan Griffith's Vampire Empire trilogy will forever alter the way in which you perceive genre fiction."

Clay and Susan Griffith on USAToday's Happily Ever After

Clay and Susan Griffith, authors of the Vampire Empire trilogy, joined the USAToday's Romance Blog, Happily Ever After, for a video interview. Check it out:






The third book in the trilogy, The Kingmakers, is coming this fall. The Greyfriar and The Rift Walker are available now.

Two Very Nice Reviews

The Library Journal has reviewed two forthcoming Pyr tites.

Of K.V. Johansen's Blackdog they say:

"When caravan guard Holla-Sayan comes to the aid of a little girl and her dying dog, he unwittingly becomes the protector of the goddess Attalissa and the vessel for the spirit of her Blackdog guardian. In a world where gods and devils walk the land, a wizard-warrior who was once one of the seven devils and the young goddess find themselves embroiled in a web of necromancy, rebellions, and the inevitable shedding of blood. The author of the YA fantasy “Warlocks of Talverdin” series creates a larger-than-life story of gods and demons at play in the world of humans. Despite their divinity, or lack thereof, Johansen’s characters project believability, and her world is full of rich and vivid detail. VERDICT High fantasy for lovers of mythology and of powerful beings in human form, this adult fantasy debut should appeal to fans of Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” series."

Of Clay & Susan Griffith's The Rift Walker (Vampire Empire Book Two) they write:

"An arranged marriage to the boorish, militaristic Senator Clark of the American Republic proves more than Princess Adele of the Equatorian Empire can stand. As Clark’s plan for victory over the British vampire clan that rules most of the Northern Hemisphere evolves into a genocidal campaign, Adele flees her husband and returns to her true love, the enigmatic Greyfriar. With its steampunk setting, enhanced by the mysteries of geomancy and ley lines, this title advances the Griffiths’ chronicle of an alternate Earth forever changed by the ­emergence of a clan of vampires bent on conquest. VERDICT Pulp adventure, steam­punk, and gothic romance meet in this luscious tale of intrigue and derring-do, the sequel to The Greyfriar."

Announcing a special Vampire Empire event with actor James Marsters

Actor James Marsters joins Vampire Empire authors for DragonCon reading and panel event

Amherst, NY—Actor James Marsters—best known for his iconic role as “Spike” in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and familiar to genre fans for his roles in Torchwood and Smallville, among others—has signed on to narrate the Vampire Empire trilogy for the unabridged audio books being produced by Buzzy Multimedia for release in spring 2012. In support of this new collaboration, Marsters has announced a very special reading event for fans at DragonCon in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday, September 4th at 7:00 pm (ET).

This ticketed, limited-seating event will open with authors Clay and Susan Griffith introducing the Vampire Empire series—providing an overview of the characters, the setting, and the themes. For the bulk of the event, Marsters will read from The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire, Book One). After his reading, Marsters will join the Griffiths for a conversation with the audience. There will be a book-signing and autographing session to close the event, at which copies of The Greyfriar and the newly published book two, The Rift Walker, will be available.

Marsters, acclaimed for audio work that includes being the voice of Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, is ideal casting for The Greyfriar, called “so much more than a vampire novel,” by BN.com and “phenomenal . . . from start to finish” with “amazing vampire mythology, a chilling alternate history, and a poignant romance that grips your whole heart and refuses to let go,” by All Things Urban Fantasy.

Tickets for the DragonCon event go on sale next week. Check the James Marsters Facebook page for more details and to order tickets.


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For a limited time!

For a very limited time, Ian McDonald's Hugo-nominated novel The Dervish House is available on Kindle for just $1.99 and Clay & Susan Griffith's acclaimed The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire Book One) is $2.99. Get 'em while the sale last. Sorry but this is US only.

Signing at BEA

Clay and Susan Griffith, signing The Greyfriar this morning at Book Expo America.

Clay and Susan signing.

The line.

Getting Ready for Book Expo America

Look at those gorgeous covers? Couch facing wrong way?

Tomorrow is Book Expo America and the team at Prometheus Books is getting ready. Although I (Lou Anders) won't be there, Pyr will be represented at Book Expo America in the Prometheus Books booth, #4566.

They'll be a huge stack of comp copies of Ian McDonald's Hugo-nominated science fiction novel, The Dervish House in the booth, and, n the BEA autographing area, Clay and Susan Griffith, co-authors of the Vampire Empire trilogy, will be on hand signing copies of book one, The Greyfriar , as well as giving away bookmarks for book two, The Rift Walker (forthcoming in September). BEA attendees, get your signed copy at Table #25 on Tuesday, May 24, 10:30 - 11:30 am EST.

Did the stack of Hugo-nominated freebies of The Dervish House

Additionally, the Pyr Fall-Winter 2011-2012 catalog will be available at booth #4566, as will publisher staff in marketing, publicity, ebooks, and sales. If you're a book reviewer or blogger interested in Pyr and are attending BEA, feel free to email publicity@prometheusbooks.com and let us know you'll be stopping by.

Visit Us at BEA May 24-26

Pyr will be represented at Book Expo America in the Prometheus Books booth, #4566.

Book Expo America is a trade only event that delivers the largest gathering of booksellers, librarians, retailers, and industry professionals anywhere in North America. It takes place at the Javits Center in New York City.

In the BEA autographing area, Clay and Susan Griffith, co-authors of the Vampire Empire trilogy, will be signing copies of book one, The Greyfriar , as well as giving away bookmarks for book two, The Rift Walker, which will be published in September. BEA attendees, get your signed copy at Table #25 on Tuesday, May 24, 10:30 - 11:30 am EST.

The Pyr Fall-Winter 2011-2012 catalog will be available at booth #4566, as will publisher staff in marketing, publicity, ebooks, and sales. Pyr Editorial Director Lou Anders will NOT be at BEA this year, but please do say hello to the rest of us! If you're a book reviewer or blogger interested in Pyr and are attending BEA, feel free to email publicity@prometheusbooks.com and let us know you'll be stopping by.

B&N's Explorations Blog names The Greyfrair and Twelve as among "The Best Vampire Releases of 2010"

Barnes and Noble's Explorations blog, run by Paul Goat Allen, has named Clay and Susan Griffith's The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire Book 1) as the #2 book in "The Best Vampire Releases of 2010" and Jasper Kent's Twelve as #10.

Babel Clash: Jasper Kent and Clay & Susan Griffith

Starting tomorrow, join Jasper Kent (whose Twelve is called "great example of how vampire tales should be told") and Clay & Susan Griffith (whose mix mix of vampires and steampunk in The Greyfriar is "masterful") guest blogging at Borders' Babel Clash.

Best Vamp Novel of 2010

VampChix has chosen Clay and Susan Griffith's The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire Book 1) their "Best Vamp Novel of 2010"

They write, "Just the absolute best vampire novel VampChix has read all year. Simple enough? I've been touting the winner since October..."

Congratulations to Clay and Susan, long live the Vampire Empire!

The Functional Nerds: Clay and Susan Griffith

Clay and Susan Griffith, authors of The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire Book 1), are the guests this week on Episode 37 of The Functional Nerds podcast. They discuss steampunk, the Victorian Era, alternate history, Scotland, Highlander, body snatchers (the real ones, not the made up ones from the movies), comic books, graphic novels, Kolchak The Night Stalker, Alan Quartermain, pulps, collaborating as writers and as a married couple, Pyr books & (a favorite topic of mine) Lou Anders. You can listen at the link above or download from iTunes.

Hey, Nothing Says Christmas like Vampires

But don't let me convince you that The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire Book 1) makes an ideal stocking stuffer. Listen to these folks:

“If you liked Twilight, you will love Clay & Susan Griffith’s The Greyfriar, the first volume of their Vampire Empire series...you will go nuts for this book. And how stunning is that cover art? What’s not to like...The Greyfriar would make an excellent movie.”

-The Little Red Reviewer blog, December 9, 2010 

“This book was awesome! I love everything in it. It was definitely one that brought all kinds of giddiness to my heart. The adventure, the mysterious, and love makes for a great read. This is not your ordinary vampire tale. This is a complete unique reading experience that I can enjoy over and over again...The Greyfriar blew me away! I love every moment in reading it. The plots and the fights were absolutely mind blowing...If you have not read this book you should. The Greyfriar is a must read of 2011!  I can't wait for the next book!! I give it 5 BITES!”

-Books With Bite blog, December 9, 2010 

“I had every reason not to even read The Greyfriar, let alone like it… being more of a scifi guy… Only I couldn’t put the book down. I read it every spare chance I could get. The Greyfriar is one the best books I’ve read this year ; and I highly recommend it, even to the most skeptical of you out there. I personally can’t wait to read book 2.”

-Fantasy and SciFi Lovin' News and Reviews blog, December 10, 2010

“I am so glad I picked up this book...I didn't care what important things I had to do or if I had to go to work the next day - I was glued to the book and I just had to keep on reading through the night. I love the Greyfriar. It's been a while since I've read a character this memorable and so touching, it warms my heart. I seriously can't wait for the next book.”

-A Nocturnal Bookworm blog, December 12, 2010

“What a fantastic adventure!... I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping tale with its well wrought characters and exciting, believable plot.”

-Patricia's Vampire Notes, December 11, 2010

“The story is a mix of swashbuckling and suspense, with the obvious dash of alternate history, and while I approached it with considerable reservations – I don’t usually like mixtures of fantasy and
science fiction – I found this quite engaging and look forward to the two
further volumes projected.”

-Don D'Ammassa's Critical Mass, December 8, 2010

“It crosses so many different genres. It's steampunk/vampire/romance/adventure and it's like nothing I've ever read...The vampire mythology was unique, which is getting harder and harder to do. I'm looking forward to the next installment. “

-Recommended on the forum of bestselling author Karen Marie Moning's fan site

The Steampunk Librarian announces Contest Winners!

In which, bizarrely, a puppet named Sir Reginald Puddingpop the 3rd sasses Clay and Susan Griffith's  The Greyfriar.

Can't Get Better Than This

“I had every reason not to even read The Greyfriar, let alone like it… being more of a scifi guy… Only I couldn’t put the book down. I read it every spare chance I could get. The Greyfriar is one the best books I’ve read this year ; and I highly recommend it, even to the most skeptical of you out there. I personally can’t wait to read book 2.” Fantasy & SciFi Lovin' News & Reviews

The Greyfriar: The Future of Genre Fiction

Paul Goat Allen is the moderator for Barnes & Noble's Explorations: The B&N SciFi and Fantasy Blog, as well as a reviewer with over 6,000 reviews to his credit. So it is fair to say his opinion is an informed one. He just wrote a post at Explorations titled, "The Future of Genre Fiction is Now: Why the Vampire Empire Trilogy is a Landmark Work." He writes, "I absolutely loved The Greyfriar and literally couldn’t put it down. (In all honesty, I hugged this book after finishing it.) It’s simultaneously alternate history, epic adventure fantasy, apocalyptic horror, and heartrending romance. With a storyline powered by steampunk sensibilities and an audacious tone reminiscent of the Golden Age adventure pulps (like Doc Savage and The Spider), this novel was simply a brilliant amalgam of genre elements. ....The Greyfriar is so much more than a vampire novel. It’s an insanely appetizing mélange of genre fiction ingredients. It’s works like this that get me excited about the future of genre fiction – I challenge anyone to read this novel and not feel compelled to hug it like I did after reading it."

His whole article is very much worth reading for the take on the blurring of genre boundaries and the rise of urban fantasy.