The Gist Hunter & Other Stories chronicles nine unique stories set in
the Dying Earth-esque planet that expands the universe of Matthew
Hughes's Archonate novels. This series of stories best introduces and
plays companion pieces to Black Brillion, Fool Me Twice, and Fools
Errant.
The tales of Henghis Hapthorn, Old Earth's "foremost freelance
discriminator," combines the best of mystery and science fantasy while
recalling the excellence of Gene Wolfe's arch irony and the witty
mannerisms of Jack Vance. Though fantastical, something is true-to-life
in Hapthorn's amusing and bewildered set of conversations and
circumstances. It's a futuristic pull with just the right quirk.
The stories of lowly student Guth Bandar and his slightly off-beat and
unconventional studies slowly reveal the complexities and wonder of the
amazing noösphere. As Banter roams through life and studies, the
incredibly vital noösphere acts as the Archonate's collective
unconsciousness. Bandar's rise from his student status to veteran
noönaut will have him quickly realize that a little learning is
dangerous learning when spread too thin.
The Gist Hunter & Other Stories is a perfect introduction to the great
work by Matthew Hughes, and one that admirers of science fiction and
fantasy will respect and enjoy.
Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud
to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science
fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future
dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban
fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires,
and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title
we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller, a national bestseller,
or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality
books from a diverse group of authors.
