Robert S Malan Joins Luna Novella 2027!
Robert S Malan returns to join the Luna Novella series! Those Who Are Left Behind, the novella adaptation of his 2018 BFS Award shortlisted graphic novel The Prisoner, illustrated by John Cockshaw, takes us back into the depths of Morningstar Prison, in this psychological horror story.
Those Who Are Left Behind will be released in February 2027 and will be novella # 27.
'I never did buy the whole angels and demons thing,’ I say. ‘No way it’s as simple as that.’
‘It never is. But …’ He leans forward, as if he’s about to let me in on a secret: ‘… there are demons, John, though they’re not what you’d expect. And the thing is, you can’t run from them, much as you try. They’re always there, deep inside your soul. And you want to set them free.’
John Andras has debts to pay, whittling his life away as a prison guard. But a fateful encounter with one of the inmates is about to change all that ...
Because the new warden has a special assignment for him, and he’s not the kind of man to take no for an answer. Now John needs a key, and the only one who knows where to find it is a shackled prisoner in a cell that shouldn't be there.
As John's dreams grow darker, each step seems to be pulling him closer to the precipice.
Artwork by John Cockshaw for The Prisoner Artwork by John Cockshaw for The Prisoner Artwork by John Cockshaw for The Prisoner
Robert on the Novella
Those Who Are Left Behind was born from a vivid dream I had, which was like an intoxicating, hypnotic mist seeping into my head before sinking its claws deep into my subconscious. I remember waking at 4 in the morning, jumping out of bed and feverishly laying out the skeleton of this strange beast.
What unfolded from there is an ode of sorts to psychological horror, with Stephen King's novels greatly formative for me.
I was also particularly inspired for this story by William Peter Blatty's Legion (the direct sequel to The Exorcist), and the movies Jacob's Ladder and Angel Heart. I was deeply fascinated by the central themes and conversations embedded in those works. As such, I was interested in having a conversation with the audience through my own work. I hope they'll give themselves over to sharing the journey John Andras is taken on in Those Who Are Left Behind. It is dark and dangerous at times, but it leads ultimately to the hope of a better understanding of our own lives, and what lies beyond them.
About the Author
ROBERT S MALAN is a writer hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa. Though he has lived in Edinburgh, Scotland for much of his life, Africa’s unique spirit remains indelibly etched on his psyche.
From an early age, he was drawn to studying a multitude of philosophies and belief systems, which is reflected in his varied work in both fiction and non fiction.
He has been nominated for the Nommo, British Fantasy Society, and British Science Fiction Awards.
Those Who Are Left Behind will be out this coming February, with a book launch at Eastercon 2027!
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