About the book
A thrilling debut that spans thousands of years.
In the twilight days of Pharaoh Mentuhotep IV, a slave stumbles into the path of a vizier's imperial ambitions. And, in the near future, a brilliant scientist and her ruthless companions edge closer to completing an impossible experiment: the revivification of an ancient mummy.
The two stories weave together in a tale that combines science and myth, anticipation and horror...
The Good Shabti is an original publication, published with the assistance of the Egypt Exploration Society.
The Jurassic London edition is limited to 100 signed and numbered copies, with a wrap-around dust jacket by award-winning illustrator Jeffrey Alan Love and an afterword by John J Johnston, Vice-Chair of the EES.
Contents
Story by Robert Sharp
Art by Jeffrey Alan Love
Afterword by John J. Johnston, Vice-Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society
The Limited Edition
The limited edition of The Good Shabti is 136 pages, including the afterword by the Egypt Exploration Society's John J Johnston. It is printed on 120gsm paper, bound into black buckram and (rather striking) red endpapers. The front cover has been stamped in gold gilt with the cartouche of the Pharaoh Mentuhotep IV.
The wrap-around dust jacket is by award-winning artist Jeffrey Alan Love and has already been selected for this year's annual by the Society of Illustrators, and is part of their travelling exhibition. Every copy has been hand-numbered (by antique stamps, of course) and signed by the author.
Details
Hardcover (edition of 100): (Sold Out)
ISBN: 978-0-9928172-8-2
eBook: Kindle (UK) / Kindle (US) (through Sabrina Press)
Reviews
Finalist for the 2014 Shirley Jackson Awards.
Artwork selected for the Spectrum annual, as well as the Society of Illustrators' annual and accompanying exhibition.
"In the Good Shabti, Robert Sharp spins a frightening tale of the hubris of scientific discovery. The story masterfully mingles science with historical fiction, and updates the mummy story for the digital age. It's a prescient reminder that technology may give us the ability to hack our own biological codes, but we may not like what we'll discover about ourselves or our past." - Deji Bryce Olukotun (Nigerians in Space)
"Michael Crichton meets Wilbur Smith - a short sharp shocker that brings the mummy genre triumphantly back to life in the 21st century. Ancient Egypt, modern science and a climax to make your skin crawl. I want more!" - Tom Harper (The Orpheus Descent)
"If you are looking for something spooky to entertain you through the long December nights, The Good Shabti will certainly fill that desire." - A Fantastical Librarian
"The Good Shabti works wonderfully. The past is equally as alive as the present, two worlds inhabited by characters that are vividly brought to life in few words. It’ll leave you wanting more – that’s the nature of a novella – but it also ensures that no word is wasted. Exciting and enthralling, I’m sure The Good Shabti will give Robert Sharp the wider audience he deserves. It’s his first foray into fiction longer than the short-story form, and I’m looking forward to seeing much more of his talent in the future." - Fantasy Faction
Robert Sharp interviewed by Mahvesh Murad for Midnight in Karachi.