As you may have heard, Strange Chemistry, the little sister and young adult publishing arm of Angry Robot Books, has closed its doors. It makes me sad to think of all the books that won’t be published by Strange Chemistry, but I’m very happy to say that in the past year and a half, I have read and reviewed ten of their titles. Some I liked more than others, and some I downright loved (and I’m bemoaning the fact that their unpublished sequels are now at the mercy of the Publishing Gods), but they all pushed young adult science fiction and fantasy to new levels.
I’m also sad that people who worked for Strange Chemistry have lost their jobs, and I wish them all well and good luck in securing other employment. I’m relieved that Angry Robot isn’t going anywhere, because I have had some amazing reading experiences with many of their books, and again, that sequel thing. When you fall in love with a series and there is a chance that the entire thing might never be published, it’s depressing, to say the least. And that’s me speaking as a reader, of course.
Here are the Strange Chemistry books I’ve had the pleasure of reading:
There are a bunch more that I didn’t have a chance to read, and you can see the entire list at this link. Rather than linking them all up, you can actually find all the buy links on the Strange Chemistry website (above link), as well as detailed author information, including author websites, Twitter links, etc. If you have ever thought about reading a Strange Chemistry book, now is your chance to show some support. There’s a lot of talent in this bunch of writers, and I wish them all good luck in finding new publishing homes.
Finally, I want to give a special shout-out to Caroline Lambe, the publicity manager for both Strange Chemistry and Angry Robot. She’s been the most friendly, upbeat and charming publicist I’ve had the pleasure of working with as a blogger. Caroline always approved my requests for ARCs and invited me to participate in blog tours and other bookish internet events. Luckily, she will continue on in her post at Angry Robot (thank goodness!).
Have you read any Strange Chemistry titles? Let me know in the comments!
So sad about this! I’ve discovered some solid favourites through Strange Chemistry – Laura Lam’s Pantomime novels are on my huggable book list. I’ve also read and loved “The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare”, “Some Fine Day” and “Stolen Songbird”, and I’ve got a few more still on my TBR… Though I’m a little reluctant to actually get to them because I know (at least for now) there may not be any more…
But, all my support has gone and will go to those authors, published and unpublished. They’re awesome, and deserve it.
They are awesome, and I wish I’d had time to read more of them. Hopefully we’ll see them all pop up in other places!
Woah, seriously? I was under the impression that SC was just getting started. What happened?
I read Zenn Scarlett not so long ago (loved it) and am reading its sequel right now. I’m hoping the series finds another publisher, because it certainly deserves to.
There is a short explanation of why they are closing down on the SC website (I didn’t want to get into it here). But I’m sure the authors will thrive in other places.
I’ve only read 5 of those – but attempted 6. I can’t remember if I’ve read more – wait yes – Weight of Souls and I forget the other ones titles…Rabble is the title of book two but I forget the name of the book one.
It’s so sad what’s happened to the authors and employees. I hope they all find homes elsewhere soon!
I need to ask Caroline how it works with those books that are already out there. Are the existing copies the last ones??
That’s a good question I don’t know if they know yet how they are going to handle it.
Thanks so much Tammy! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with you and thank you for all the support you gave Strange Chemistry!
PS: Tabitha, you’re thinking of Skulk 🙂
I’m glad we’ll still get to work together, Caroline!
Hi Tammy & well done. Great post. Book-loving bloggers like you are a big part of why it’s such a privilege to be an author these days. Much appreciated. (oh, and Zenn sez: thanks to the Parasite Guy.)
I know you’ll find another home, Christian. Good luck and make sure to let me know when you do:-)
And, for any who want to know a bit more about the Strange Chem situation, here’s a post I did over at SF Signal a few days ago….
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2014/06/guest-post-christian-schoon-on-the-shutting-down-of-strange-chemistry/
Really great article, Christian, with lots of good info. Thanks for posting the link!
Just Lam and Wells. But I really did want to read Cracked.
Cracked was a blast!
Well done Tammy. I was so sad when the news broke about Strange Chemistry – I grabbed a bunch of their books after just to do my little bit in supporting, so I foresee a lot of my future YA Weekends will be SC books. Still bummed about the future of some of these series – I really liked a lot of them, and so disappointed I can’t pick up Some Fine Day now, was really looking forward to that one.
Yeah, it is disappointing for many reasons. There are many titles I wanted to read but just didn’t have time for.
I just finished Stolen Songbird and loved it with all my heart! 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare is also a Strange Chemistry book, and I really liked that one as well!!! I’m starting to love Strange Chemistry!
Amanda @ Of Spectacles and Books
Me too, Stolen Songbird is among my favorites:-)
Tis sad. 🙁 Really hope the authors can find a way to complete their series. I know Some Night Shade authors ran into problems after they had their problems.
It happens, and this isn’t the first time. I think most authors tend to land on their feet, hopefully!
I was so upset to learn that Strange Chem was closing down! I think it was a great print, focussed on awesome and unique YA books. I’ve read about three of their books, and When the World Was Flat (and we were in love) is one of my favourite books. I absolutely loved it.
I have gone on and bought all the other titles I am interested in, and I cannot wait to read them.
I’m so sad that there are series that may never be finished now, but most of the authors have been saying that if they can’t find a traditional route to publish the endings, they will most likely self publish. I’m glad because I am sure there are readers (me likely in that boat once I read my books that are arriving soon) who want to know how these series finish.
Hopefully Angry Robot will publish at least some of them – maybe the concluding books.
I didn’t get to read When the World was Flat, but I’ve read nothing but glowing reviews, so I’ll make a point of buying that one. I think it’s good that there is the option of self publishing, so hopefully we’ll see some of those sequels!
This is terrible! I absolutely loved Stolen Songbird, and if that series doesn’t continue I am going to be seriously depressed.
Right there with you:-( I’m particularly devastated that SONGBIRD is now facing this. I loved it too, but Danielle is so talented, I’m not too worried, I’m sure she’ll find a way to get those other books out to her loyal readers!
Wow, this is so informative