Cat Sparks is a multi-award-winning Australian author, editor, and artist whose former employment has included: media monitor, political and archaeological photographer, graphic designer and manager of Agog! Press amongst other (much less interesting) things. She’s currently fiction editor of Cosmos Magazine while simultaneously grappling with a PhD on YA climate fiction.
Shortlisted for the 2017 Aurealis Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Ditmar Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Compton Crook Award
“Imaginative and richly rendered . . . Sparks frames all of this in
haunting, near-poetic detail, such that the readers can smell the
toxic red sand and perhaps taste the blood. Recommended for people
who crave fresh post-apocalypse chaos—because Sparks’s
post-apocalyptic chaos is pretty fresh, at that.”—NK Jemisin, The
New York Times
“A worthy mashup of Mad Max and Blade Runner . . . both richly
atmospheric and incredibly engaging . . . more than just an action
novel; there are mysteries to unpack and full-blooded characters
who will keep you turning pages.”—B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog
(also included on the Blog's "The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
Books of 2017 So Far" list)
“Australian author Sparks’ first foray into full-length fiction is
an unforgettable ride into dystopian, post-apocalyptic sci-fi
storytelling. Her rich, hauntingly familiar yet desolate alien
landscapes are filled with eons-old mutant soldiers, ancient war
machines and extraordinarily scrappy and resilient characters. But
it’s her perfect weaving of the different plot threads into one
fantastic read that rocks this debut sci-fi offering.”—RT Book
Reviews
“In the spirit of the Mad Max films, Australian author Spark’s
debut takes reader on a journey of the intersection of human and
machine. Strong characters and a vivid desert landscape bring this
postapocalyptic story to life.” —Library Journal
“While there may be much that seems familiar in [Lotus Blue], with
echoes not only of the Mad Max films but of Robocops, Terminators,
and doomsday machines, there's also a good deal that's original . .
. While this exuberance of invention is what initially draws us in
to Sparks's world, her narrative energy builds admirably as we
learn more about the characters' true identities and secrets . . .
[A] fine first novel.”—Gary K. Wolfe, Locus
"Filled with effortless worldbuilding that will have you shaking
the sand out of your shoes after each chapter, this
post-apocalyptic thrill ride is not to be missed.”—B&N Sci-Fi
Blog, “The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of February
2017”
“Sparks creates an uneasy and painfully suspenseful atmosphere with
this sudden technological awakening, sweeping Star up in the
burgeoning chaos as a long-dormant power from the Lotus Wars stirs,
bringing with it only death.”—Booklist
“A wonderfully inventive story . . . It’s a great read, but it is
also a fine first literary attempt which calls to mind the world of
J.G. Ballard—the dystopian modernity and the somewhat pessimistic
take on humanity’s inherent failings.” —Cosmos magazine
“It’s a monumental feat of imagination and the details build
through the early chapters until you can see the ruin around you
and understand the misery that created it. . . . an impressive
piece of imaginative writing, and one you’ll enjoy from start to
finish.”—Newtown Review of Books
“Lotus Blue is [Sparks’] first novel, and what an entertaining ride
it is. A striking adventure story in a world of nuked cities,
killer hi-tech storms and cybernetic wizardry.” —Herald Sun
(Melbourne)
Forget the Mad Max comparisons: Sparks is far more ambitious than
that. Lotus Blue is A Canticle for Leibowitz by way of
Neuromancer.”
Peter Watts, author of Blindsight
"A mythic, far-future outback populated by superhuman soldiers,
house-sized reptiles, and half-crazed armored vehicles: If that
doesn't sound incredible to you, you have no heart. Lotus Blue is
the year's most compelling science fiction novel."
Zachary Jernigan, author of Jeroun: The Collected Omnibus
Astonishingly rich in ideas and concepts and the world building is
truly breathtaking in its breadth and originality. Lotus Blue is a
revelation.”
Isobelle Carmody, author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles
Lotus Blue is sci-fi author Cat Sparks’s debut novel, and for a
first journey it’s a hell of a ride. As intelligent and
thought-provoking as it is exciting . . . From the opening
paragraphs you can feel the desert heat and the sand whipping your
face.”
Starburst magazine
Lotus Blue is SF adventure on steroids. A dystopian vision worthy
of H. Rider Haggard and the Mad Max film franchise.”
Jack Dann
Vivid, compelling, and relentless, Cat Sparks makes you care about
the soul of a mecha future as you hang onto the edge, feeling the
sandy grit between your teeth.”
Tina LeCount Myers, author of The Song of All
Strong-minded women to root for, self-driven, sentient war mech,
and a broken, raw world make Lotus Blue the latest and greatest of
recent post-apocalyptic stories. An imagined future that leaves you
discomfited, but an engaging read that leaves you satisfied.”
Betsy Dornbusch, author of the Books of the Seven Eyes trilogy
A post-apocalyptic vision from Australia. Sparks' debut is
ambitious . . . but patient readers will find it ultimately
rewarding.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Fascinating and grisly . . . gets strong approval for an excellent
idea and a wonderful world.”—Aurealis
Shortlisted for the 2017 Aurealis Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Ditmar Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Compton Crook Award
“Imaginative and richly rendered . . . Sparks frames all of this in
haunting, near-poetic detail, such that the readers can smell the
toxic red sand and perhaps taste the blood. Recommended for people
who crave fresh post-apocalypse chaos—because Sparks’s
post-apocalyptic chaos is pretty fresh, at that.”—NK Jemisin, The
New York Times
“A worthy mashup of Mad Max and Blade Runner . . . both richly
atmospheric and incredibly engaging . . . more than just an action
novel; there are mysteries to unpack and full-blooded characters
who will keep you turning pages.”—B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog
(also included on the Blog's "The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
Books of 2017 So Far" list)
“Australian author Sparks’ first foray into full-length fiction is
an unforgettable ride into dystopian, post-apocalyptic sci-fi
storytelling. Her rich, hauntingly familiar yet desolate alien
landscapes are filled with eons-old mutant soldiers, ancient war
machines and extraordinarily scrappy and resilient characters. But
it’s her perfect weaving of the different plot threads into one
fantastic read that rocks this debut sci-fi offering.”—RT Book
Reviews
“In the spirit of the Mad Max films, Australian author Spark’s
debut takes reader on a journey of the intersection of human and
machine. Strong characters and a vivid desert landscape bring this
postapocalyptic story to life.” —Library Journal
“While there may be much that seems familiar in [Lotus Blue], with
echoes not only of the Mad Max films but of Robocops, Terminators,
and doomsday machines, there's also a good deal that's original . .
. While this exuberance of invention is what initially draws us in
to Sparks's world, her narrative energy builds admirably as we
learn more about the characters' true identities and secrets . . .
[A] fine first novel.”—Gary K. Wolfe, Locus
"Filled with effortless worldbuilding that will have you shaking
the sand out of your shoes after each chapter, this
post-apocalyptic thrill ride is not to be missed.”—B&N Sci-Fi
Blog, “The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of February
2017”
“Sparks creates an uneasy and painfully suspenseful atmosphere with
this sudden technological awakening, sweeping Star up in the
burgeoning chaos as a long-dormant power from the Lotus Wars stirs,
bringing with it only death.”—Booklist
“A wonderfully inventive story . . . It’s a great read, but it is
also a fine first literary attempt which calls to mind the world of
J.G. Ballard—the dystopian modernity and the somewhat pessimistic
take on humanity’s inherent failings.” —Cosmos magazine
“It’s a monumental feat of imagination and the details build
through the early chapters until you can see the ruin around you
and understand the misery that created it. . . . an impressive
piece of imaginative writing, and one you’ll enjoy from start to
finish.”—Newtown Review of Books
“Lotus Blue is [Sparks’] first novel, and what an entertaining ride
it is. A striking adventure story in a world of nuked cities,
killer hi-tech storms and cybernetic wizardry.” —Herald Sun
(Melbourne)
Forget the Mad Max comparisons: Sparks is far more ambitious than
that. Lotus Blue is A Canticle for Leibowitz by way of
Neuromancer.”
Peter Watts, author of Blindsight
"A mythic, far-future outback populated by superhuman soldiers,
house-sized reptiles, and half-crazed armored vehicles: If that
doesn't sound incredible to you, you have no heart. Lotus Blue is
the year's most compelling science fiction novel."
Zachary Jernigan, author of Jeroun: The Collected Omnibus
Astonishingly rich in ideas and concepts and the world building is
truly breathtaking in its breadth and originality. Lotus Blue is a
revelation.”
Isobelle Carmody, author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles
Lotus Blue is sci-fi author Cat Sparks’s debut novel, and for a
first journey it’s a hell of a ride. As intelligent and
thought-provoking as it is exciting . . . From the opening
paragraphs you can feel the desert heat and the sand whipping your
face.”
Starburst magazine
Lotus Blue is SF adventure on steroids. A dystopian vision worthy
of H. Rider Haggard and the Mad Max film franchise.”
Jack Dann
Vivid, compelling, and relentless, Cat Sparks makes you care about
the soul of a mecha future as you hang onto the edge, feeling the
sandy grit between your teeth.”
Tina LeCount Myers, author of The Song of All
Strong-minded women to root for, self-driven, sentient war mech,
and a broken, raw world make Lotus Blue the latest and greatest of
recent post-apocalyptic stories. An imagined future that leaves you
discomfited, but an engaging read that leaves you satisfied.”
Betsy Dornbusch, author of the Books of the Seven Eyes trilogy
A post-apocalyptic vision from Australia. Sparks' debut is
ambitious . . . but patient readers will find it ultimately
rewarding.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Fascinating and grisly . . . gets strong approval for an excellent
idea and a wonderful world.”—Aurealis
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