December 1, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

World Fantasy Award Novella Published in Long-Awaited Original Novel Form

Charleston , SC - What would life in England look like in 1940 had the British lost World War I, replacing Germany 's role in history? 

A powerfully gripping story of a closeted homosexual trying to survive in an alternate history London, Hugo finalist Ian R. MacLeod's novella The Summer Isles took readers by storm in 1998.  First published in Asimov's Science Fiction, the novella explored what might happen had England become the equivalent of Nazi Germany.  The novella went on to become a finalist for the 1999 Hugo Award and took home the 1999 World Fantasy Award.

Fans hoped to see a long-rumored novel edition of the novella.  In an exclusive chat on the SciFi Channel's web site, Asimov's editor Gardner Dozois queried MacLeod:  "Any chance we'll be seeing the novel version of The Summer Isles? "    

Readers whose interest was piqued by the novella can soon look forward to an expanded storyline and additional detail.  Aio Publishing Company, a small press devoted to revealing the humanity in science fiction, will publish the full-length novel version of The Summer Isles in the United States in a special limited edition of only 500 copies.  Each copy will be signed and numbered by Ian R. MacLeod.

"Knowing the longstanding interest in a novel-length version of The Summer Isles, we're delighted to provide it to fans of thought-provoking science fiction in the United States ," said Tiffany Jonas, editorial director at Aio Publishing.  "Ian has surrounded, in his signature style, a remarkably real character with heartache and hard choices." 

Science fiction reviewer Rich Horton predicted the novella version of the story would compete as a 1999 Hugo finalist and called The Summer Isles "an involving character study." 

"The way the story unfolds, through the memories of an aging second rate gay academic, is wonderfully well done, and the resolution has enough surprises to make things worthwhile," Horton wrote.  "And as always, MacLeod's style, quiet and graceful, is a joy in itself."

The limited edition of The Summer Isles will be available in the United States in June 2005.  The sale was made through MacLeod's literary agent, Susan Ann Protter. 

For more information, contact:

Linda Pranger, Marketing Director
Aio Publishing Company, LLC
P.O. Box 30788
Charleston, SC 29417
lpranger@aiopublishing.com
877.756.5429 / 843.225.3698 fax