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Articles by Matt Ruff
60 - bymattruff.com
I am sixty years old today. It’s been a wild decade. On this day in 2015, I’d finished copyediting Lovecraft Country and was waiting on the first-pass galleys. The book was due to be published in February and I was hopeful that it would do well, but I had no idea what was waiting for me just a few months down the road. It must have been April when I got a call from Matthew Snyder at CAA saying that Jordan Peele wanted to talk to me.
In two weeks - bymattruff.com
A reminder that the 2024 Harper Perennial Olive Editions series will be in bookstores on August 27. I just got my author copies of the Olive Edition , and they look great.
Destroyer of Worlds (preorder)
(preorder—to be published in June 2024) Dust jacket and interior illustrations by David Palumbo. In his novel Lovecraft Country, the basis for the celebrated HBO series, Matt Ruff introduced us to the Turners, a black family living in 1950s Chicago, and their twin struggles against the occult Order of the Ancient Dawn and the more mundane terrors of Jim Crow-era racism.
In which an AI hallucinates the content of my novels
My wife recently got a Google alert about a website/app called Bookey, a sort of digital Cliff Notes that offers summaries and analyses of more than a thousand books. including my novel Lovecraft Country. There’s a feature that lists the “30 Best Quotes” from a book, along with explanations of each quote’s significance. Very handy for anyone looking to cut-and-paste their English homework.
Now in paperback
The paperback edition of The Destroyer of Worlds is being published today. You can pick it up at your local indie bookstore or use one of the online order links below (the book is still available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook editions as well). If you’d like a signed or custom inscribed copy of this or any of my other novels, you can contact Secret Garden Bookshop (206-789-5006 / bookshop@secretgardenbooks.com), who ship worldwide.
Reading and signing at the Darby Winery in Woodinville next Saturday
The paperback edition of The Destroyer of Worlds will be published on Tuesday, and to help celebrate, I’ll be appearing at a special event at the Woodinville Tasting Room of the Darby Winery in Woodinville, WA next Saturday, February 24, starting at 2 PM. Tickets are $45, which includes a signed copy of the novel and your first glass of wine. You can RSVP using the link on this page. I will also be reading and signing at Queen Anne Book Company on March 13 starting at 6 PM.
In two weeks - bymattruff.com
The paperback edition of The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country drops in two weeks, on February 20. As always, signed and inscribed copies of the novel will be available from Secret Garden Bookshop (206-789-5006 / bookshop@secretgardenbooks.com), who happily ship anywhere in the world.
Stay Up All Night Thanks to These New Horror Novels
3 Minute Read Need an escape that will give you nightmares? Check out these new horror novels from some amazing, award winning authors. This suburban horror has the Stephen King seal of approval. It’s Halloween 1984, and the lives of two families in Coventry, Massachusetts are becoming tangled in a curse. Mysterious children are hiding among the trick-or-treaters of all ages – children dressed in vintage costumes with faded, eerie makeup.
Another MCU? Really?
As you may have heard, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, which was released a week ago, has already grossed more than half a billion dollars. Over breakfast, my wife remarked that Hollywood executives should take the hint and start making more smart, original movies aimed at women.
The Destroyer of Podcasts
On this episode of the podcast, Blake and I talk about Misha Green’s adaptation of Lovecraft Country, which aired on HBO in 2020. We discuss some of the key differences in the way the TV series and the novel approached the story, and I share my thoughts on one of the show’s most controversial moments. We also touch on my favorite of the series’ innovations, Kevin Lau’s “Meet Me in Daegu” episode. Podcast (thedestroyerofpodcasts): Play in new window | Download
A 12 Story Asylum
Narrated by: Carl V. Dupre Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins 5.0 out of 5 stars 5.0 (2 ratings) Pick 1 title (2 titles for Prime members) from our collection of bestsellers and new releases. Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts. Your Premium Plus plan will continue for $14.95 a month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.
Stay Up All Night Thanks to These New Horror Novels
Need an escape that will give you nightmares? Check out these new horror novels from some amazing, award winning authors. AllHallowsby Christopher Golden This suburban horror has the Stephen King seal of approval. It’s Halloween 1984, and the lives of two families in Coventry, Massachusetts are becoming tangled in a curse. Mysterious children are hiding among the trick-or-treaters of all ages – children dressed in vintage costumes with faded, eerie makeup.
The Destroyer of Worlds is in bookstores today
I’ve been a published author for thirty-five years now, and one thing that never gets old is the excitement of bringing a new book into the world. My eighth novel, The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country, goes on sale today. You’ll find order links for the book on its main page here, a preliminary FAQ about the novel here, and a schedule of my in-person appearances to promote the book here.
In one week! - bymattruff.com
My eighth novel, The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country, debuts a week from today. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to preorder Destroyer before it drops on February 21. And if you’ve got questions about the book, I have a preliminary FAQ posted here. My updated itinerary of in-person appearances to promote the novel can be found here.
The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country|Hardcover
“Another virtuoso blend of horror, action, and humor. . . . Fans will find this a worthy sequel.”—Publishers Weekly In this thrilling adventure, a blend of enthralling historical fiction and fantastical horror, Matt Ruff returns to the world of Lovecraft Country and explores the meaning of death, the hold of the past on the present, and the power of hope in the face of uncertainty. Summer, 1957.
A Return to Lovecraft Country: Matt Ruff: Hardcover: 9780063256897: Powell's Books
by Matt Ruff Release Date: 4/18/2023 Upcoming Event Summer, 1957. Atticus Turner and his father, Montrose, travel to North Carolina, where they plan to mark the centennial of their ancestor’s escape from slavery by retracing the route he took into the Great Dismal Swamp. But an encounter with an old nemesis turns their historical reenactment into a real life-and-death pursuit. Back in Chicago, George Berry fights for his own life.
My next novel will be The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country
In interviews over the past couple of years, I’ve been teasing the possibility of a sequel to my 2016 novel Lovecraft Country. I’m happy to announce that earlier this week I delivered the edited manuscript for the book to HarperCollins. The new novel is called The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country, and it’s scheduled to be published early next year.
THE FACTORY WITCHES OF LOWELL
Moreno-Garcia offers a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror, set in 1950s Mexico.
THE ABSOLUTE BOOK
A tale of hidden secrets, hidden worlds, and the price we pay for our hidden desires. Taryn Cornick’s sister, Beatrice, was killed in a random attack when Taryn was 19. When the murderer turns up dead, the police question Taryn, mainly as a formality—though young detective Jacob Berger remains convinced she had something to do with it. Years later, after having written a book about all kinds of threats to books and libraries—bears, mold, silverfish, budget cuts—Taryn starts losing time.
Q&A: Matt Ruff, Author of 'Lovecraft Country'
With seven wildly creative, incisive books under his belt, it was only surprising that Matt Ruff didn’t get an HBO show sooner. But Lovecraft Country has been worth the wait, especially since it gave me the perfect excuse to re-read the book in anticipation.
THE MIDNIGHT BARGAIN
Moreno-Garcia offers a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror, set in 1950s Mexico.
A UNIVERSE LESS TRAVELED
In the 20th century, citizens of St. Louis discover that a parallel-universe effect exists, allowing them to periodically cross over to a different, more ideal city. Von Schrader’s debut novel should especially captivate readers familiar with St. Louis, but even those unacquainted with the city will find this parallel-worlds yarn worth a visit.
MASTER OF POISONS
by Max Brooks ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020 Are we not men? We are—well, ask Bigfoot, as Brooks does in this delightful yarn, following on his bestseller World War Z (2006). A zombie apocalypse is one thing.
The California Towns Where Blacks Feared Sundown
However, racial animosity still exists as shown by the multiple Black Lives Matter protests that have occurred in the state since May. In a time of civil unrest and calls for revolution, history is revealing and asserting itself. In the Aug. 16 premiere of the HBO show “Lovecraft Country,”created by Misha Greenandbased on the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, the main characters drive past a sign that reads “[N-word]s, don’t let the sun set on you here.
SPELLBREAKER | Kirkus Reviews
Moreno-Garcia offers a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror, set in 1950s Mexico.
Book Review: Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
Author: Matt Ruff Format: Audiobook From Re-Animator to Color Out of Space, author H.P. Lovecraft’s singular, unique works of horror have been adapted for the big screen time and time again. You can see non-literal translations in the works of directors like Guillermo del Toro and author/filmmaker Clive Barker. Themes of ancient overlords, sentient squids, and just plain weirdness pervade the Lovecraftian universes. He is a celebrated story-spinner—and he was an appalling racist.
GOBLIN KING | Kirkus Reviews
From the Permafrost series , Vol. 2 A young woman goes to Hel and back to stop Ragnarök in this sequel to White Stag (2019). Having survived the Hunt, goblin Soren rules as Erlking while once-human Janneke grapples with her role as the stag. Once master and servant, now lovers, both are struggling to take on their new responsibilities and overcome their many, many traumas.
THE BIG BOOK OF MODERN FANTASY
The celebrated author of Between the World and Me (2015) and We Were Eight Years in Power (2017) merges magic, adventure, and antebellum intrigue in his first novel.
A BEAUTIFULLY FOOLISH ENDEAVOR
The celebrated author of Between the World and Me (2015) and We Were Eight Years in Power (2017) merges magic, adventure, and antebellum intrigue in his first novel.
Lovecraft Country teaser trailer
In a series of tweets this week, Misha Green, Jordan Peele, and J.J. Abrams hinted that HBO was about to drop a trailer for Lovecraft Country. Sure enough, it’s here! I know people are going to have a ton of questions about this, so here’s a quick Q&A: What is this? An HBO series based on my 2016 novel of the same name. You can read more about the book here. Are you excited? I’m bouncing off the walls with excitement. Can’t you tell? Have you seen the show yet?
Review | In Matt Ruff’s ‘88 Names,’ virtual reality dangers bleed into the real world
Since his 1988 debut, “Fool on the Hill,” Matt Ruff has continued to surprise readers. Anyone who picks up his latest novel, “88 Names,” expecting any thematic similarities to his most recent book, the fantastical Jim Crow-era “Lovecraft Country” — Ruff’s gateway to a deservedly larger audience that is soon to be adapted into an HBO series — will find themselves whiplashed by a plunge into the near-future world of virtual reality gaming.
Win A Copy Of '88 Names: A Novel' By Matt Ruff
Home > Free Books > Free Giveways > Win A Copy Of ’88 Names: A Novel’ By Matt Ruff RedCarpetCrash March 15, 20202020-03-15T01:13:54-05:002020-03-15T02:10:34-05:00 John Chu is a “sherpa”—a paid guide to online role-playing games like the popular Call to Wizardry.
A Pale Light in the Black
The Expanse meets the Battle Room in Ender's Game as K. B. Wagers brings us the rollicking first entry in a unique science fiction series that introduces the Near-Earth Orbital Guard—NeoG—a military force patrolling and protecting space inspired by the real-life mission of the U.S. Coast Guard. For the past year, their close loss in the annual Boarding Games has haunted Interceptor Team: Zuma’s Ghost.
The Rift Uprising
“High emotional stakes and an intriguing premise make this first entry in Foster’s new trilogy a solid next read for those who enjoyed Pierce Brown’s Red Rising or Veronica Roth’s Divergent." -- Library Journal An alternate reality that feels all-too-real, The Rift Uprising is the explosive start to a new trilogy that blurs the line between parallel universes—not to mention YA and adult science fiction—from acclaimed lyricist and storyteller Amy S. Foster.
88 Names - Matt Ruff - Hardcover
The critically acclaimed author of Lovecraft Country returns with a thrilling and immersive virtual reality epic—part cyberthriller, part twisted romantic comedy—that transports you to a world where identity is fluid and nothing can be taken at face value. John Chu is a “sherpa”—a paid guide to online role-playing games like the popular Call to Wizardry.
6 Haunting Horror Novels Featuring Protagonists of Color
We all know the, unfortunately overused, trope in horror tales that the person of color dies first, regardless of whether the monster is human or supernatural. It’s so prevalent that movies and books now use it as a point of meta-reference: white heroes making it to the end while their non-white friends fall. So, let’s flip the script and look at books that focus on tales of people of color from across the world.
The Man in the Dark - Jonathan Whitelaw;
Synopsis The Devil's back - and he's STILL not had a holiday. There's another mystery to solve - a woman kidnapped by terrorists and the world trying to find her. While he hates doing God's bidding, The Devil can't resist trying to put one over on Him. But nothing is EVER that simple. While The Devil helps the London cops crack the case, there's trouble in the Underworld. And two of humanity's greatest backstabbers - Brutus and Cassius - are sharpening their knives with an eye on stealing his crown.
Lovecraft Country
Reviewed by Robert Goodman. By Matt Ruff, Picador, $18.99. The fantasy and science fiction world has a bit of a love-hate relationship with the works of HP Lovecraft. Prolific during the pulp era, Lovecraft has been incredibly influential in the development of modern fantasy, horror and science fiction. But it is also now widely acknowledged that Lovecraft’s work was informed by his own white supremist, racist and anti-Semitic attitudes.
I’m coming to Brooklyn on April 16
by Matt Ruff on April 2, 2019 In two weeks, on Tuesday, April 16, I will be appearing on stage with Victor LaValle (author of The Ballad of Black Tom) and Ruthanna Emrys (Winter Tide) at the Film Noir Cinema in Brooklyn, NY. We’ll be doing a town hall-style discussion hosted by the Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies entitled “The Shadow Over Lovecraft: Interrogating H.P. Lovecraft’s Racism.” The event starts at 7 PM; author Rodney Perkins (Cosmic Suicide) will moderate.
Lovecraft Country
The critically acclaimed cult novelist makes visceral the terrors of life in Jim Crow America and its lingering effects in this brilliant and wondrous work of the imagination that melds historical fiction, pulp noir, and Lovecraftian horror and fantasy. Chicago, 1954.
Lovecraft Country
A chimerical blend of magic, power, hope, and freedom that stretches across time, touching diverse members of two black families, Lovecraft Country is a devastating kaleidoscopic portrait of racism—the terrifying specter that continues to haunt us today. At the manor, Atticus discovers his father in chains, held prisoner by a secret cabal named the Order of the Ancient Dawn—led by Samuel Braithwhite and his son Caleb—which has gathered to orchestrate a ritual that shockingly centers on Atticus.
What they're reading: Daryl Gregory
In his captivating new novel, Spoonbenders, Daryl Gregory presents the eccentric Telemachus family—patriarch Maureen, a psychic so powerful she was tapped to aid the CIA, her con man husband Teddy and their three children, each with supposed psychic powers of their own.
Real-world and mythical terrors get equal billing in Lovecraft Country
Early on in Lovecraft Country, a story is told about a black man journeying alone in Jim Crow-era America. The man is stopped by a white police officer, who tells him he’s traveling through a “sundown country”: “If I’d caught you here after dark, it’d be my sworn duty to hang you from one of these trees.” He then notes that sunset is seven minutes hence, but that the man probably can’t make the border unless he speeds or makes an illegal U-turn, both of which would carry their own repercussions.
Matt Ruff: The Mirage
It isn’t hard to believe The Mirage, the newest novel from Bad Monkeys author Matt Ruff, started out as a TV-series pitch. At its best moments, the story could be a mix of Homeland and State Of Play, set in the Middle East with science-fiction elements stirred in. As with Lost or Alcatraz, though, readers are supposed to go along for the ride, not asking too many questions about the foundation. Any pulled thread might unravel the expertly balanced setup.
Lovecraft Country on sale today
It’s hard to believe, but publication day is finally here! Some quick notes: * The book should be available at your local indie bookstore, but you can also order online using one of the links on the Lovecraft Country main page. For fans outside the U.S., Book Depository is a good bet; or if you want a signed copy, drop an email to Secret Garden Bookshop. * In addition to the hardcover and ebook editions, there’s also an unabridged audiobook, read by Kevin Kenerly.
Lovecraft Country PREVIEW
Three weeks to publication! For the impatient and the curious, here’s a preview to whet your appetite: a PDF of the first 23 pages of the novel. And for the still-curious, here’s a post-preview FAQ: Are there fantasy or supernatural aspects to the story? Yes. The fantastical elements ramp up slowly, but part of the conceit of Lovecraft Country is that Atticus and George get to star in real-life versions of their favorite weird tales.
76 days and counting
Shortly before Thanksgiving I signed off on the final version of the Lovecraft Country cover, so the novel is now locked and on its way to the printers. In the meantime, the book tour is starting to come together. The launch event will be at Elliott Bay Book Company on February 16, starting at 7 PM. Paul Constant of the Seattle Review of Books has graciously agreed to come interview me onstage; I’ll also be reading, taking questions from the audience, and of course signing books.
Gospel by Wilton Barnhardt
This novel is one of those "special" stories written in obscure and confusing way, but in a way that the author feels is scholarly and enlightening. This novel, "Gospel", is an adventure novel set against the background of the quest for an early Christian writing, the Gospel of St. Matthias. Barnhardt actually opens up each section of the novel with excerpts from this fictional document, complete with effusive footnotes and explanations.
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