The Firedrake
Often, after I've talked about my next release, I'm asked what comes after that. It's in our nature to want the scoop and to think about the next new thing. Author David Sedaris is famously known for reading from his next book at live events while promoting his current release. It's a sneak preview, it helps people get excited about the next new thing, and it helps book sales. So I'm always happy to talk about what I'm writing.
For the last three weeks I've been thinking about that new thing, and I've decided on my plans for 2027. First, I can confirm the Clockwork Constellation: Collision of Conscience is slated for release in late 2027. It's been on the schedule for about three years now, as I've been publishing the Clockwork trilogy. This is a continuation of the swashbuckling science fiction of space pirates, robots, mindshredders, and an order of engineers.
Then, in the spring of 2027, I'm excited to share the story of the Firedrake. This is a work of political espionage and intrigue. If I were to do a comp list, think: The Terror — Dan Simmons (2007), Bitter Seeds — Ian Tregillis (2010), The Ministry of Time — Kaliane Bradley (2024), The Devil and the Dark Water — Stuart Turton (2020), and possibly Leviathan — Scott Westerfeld (2009).
The Firedrake
By Paul Michael Peters
Jack Rennick is a newspaperman. Since he crawled out of the trenches of the Great War, London is where he's built a reputation for knowing every back-alley thug, backbencher, and army sub. Among the black-coated army having drinks in a saloon, Jack saves the life of a rough stranger, and the two become fast friends, with Jack putting the man up for the night. Before passing out, the stranger warns Rennick of dangerous times ahead and tells him to "Hold fast — the Firedrake."
The next morning, a gruesome sight unfolds in the guest room: smoke, and the ash of the stranger's remains. Jack Rennick is accused of arson and murder and races north to clear his name and decipher the drunken clues of a hazy night.
Outside the naval yard at Aberdeen, Jack befriends Izzy Fowler, a former flapper, her fast times faded, her spirit fully intact. The two team up to beat the frame-up and uncover the truth behind the Firedrake.
Set in 1937, this story of political espionage and intrigue takes readers from London to Aberdeen and across the British Empire in a race to find the truth about the Firedrake.
The Firedrake a new and exciting novel by Paul Michael Peters arriving spring 2027.