The vast machine-like expanse of the Wanderlands, crafted by long-lost gods, is teetering on the brink of eternal darkness…
Check out the cover of The Failures, the debut novel from Benjamin Liar and the first installment of The Wanderlands trilogy. The Failures will be available July 2024 from DAW Books.
From Betsy Wollheim, Publisher at DAW Books:
The Failures, by Benjamin Liar, is one of the most exciting and brilliant first novels that DAW has ever published.
Because of how special it is, I have been working with the author for over four years, and through four complete drafts, to give this debut novel the perfect launch. With this incredible manuscript in hand and the strength of DAW’s new home with APH and our team, that time is now.
The Failures is a genre-breaking blend of epic fantasy and apocalyptic sci fi. It’s about a diverse and separate group of failed heroes traveling across their broken mechanical planet to stave off eternal darkness. A tightly coiled puzzle and an absolute thrill ride, this debut novel launches The Wanderlands trilogy.
Like David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, this book has a nonlinear structure, with an intricate mystery baked into its core. And like Tad Williams’ Otherland, this story blends fantasy with technology: clockwork creatures and mechanical devices share the page with fantasy archetypes like a sleeping giant and a mythical sword. The scope and potential of this novel are incredible.
I can’t wait for you to delight in The Failures like I have. I’ve never read anything like it.
In an unparalleled blend of apocalyptic science fiction and epic fantasy akin to masterpieces like Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, debut author Benjamin Liar presents the first gripping installment of The Wanderlands trilogy. The vast machine-like expanse of the Wanderlands, crafted by long-lost gods, is teetering on the brink of eternal darkness. Amidst this decaying behemoth, a diverse group of heroes, driven by prophetic dreams, embark on a perilous journey. Their mission? To mend their crumbling world—or witness its irrevocable end.
Benjamin Liar masterfully weaves intricate tales across time and space. With unique world-building, this tale plunges readers into a mechanical planet-sized realm abandoned by its divine creators. It’s a tale of second chances and redemption, for these heroes have once tried—and failed—to salvage their home. Now, they’re presented with another shot at salvation or doom.
What sets The Failures apart is not just its genre-defying narrative but also its ingenious fusion of humor, charm, and profound depth. Liar’s debut, though dark and twisted, sparkles with witty prose, keeping readers riveted and eager for more. As you traverse The Wanderlands, you’ll uncover a multitude of interlinked stories, an intricate puzzle that begs to be pieced together. This is not just a book—it’s a captivating experience.
Benjamin Liar—writer, musician, filmmaker, and game designer—ventures into the literary world with The Failures as his first published novel. With accolades in music and short filmmaking, and a recent foray into virtual reality game design, Liar proves to be a multifaceted talent. Though his pseudonym might hint at deceit, one thing is certain: his storytelling prowess is undeniably genuine. Dive into this compelling epic, and lose yourself in the vastness of The Wanderlands.
Benjamin Liar is a writer, musician, filmmaker and game designer. He has been writing for most of his life, but The Failures is his first published novel. He has performed his music under many names and in many places, has won several local awards for short filmmaking, and recently published a virtual reality game. His name is clearly a pseudonym, but you still shouldn’t trust anything he says.
