The Particle Beast book launch at the Nottingham Writer’s Studio

As a member of the Nottingham Writer’s studio himself, Ian Douglas could not have picked a more personal, or intimate setting for the launch of the third book in his Zeke Hailey series, The Particle Beast. The studio, of which Ian is both teacher and student, pays continuous homage to the community that has helped his series grow throughout the past four years.

Written for young adults, Douglas’ science fiction series follows the adventures of Zeke Hailey, a teen who bluffed his way into Psychic School on Mars, in the hopes of finding his missing father. In his latest book, a lost alien ghost town is discovered, guarded by a hideous and deadly monster with the power to erase atoms. Zeke must find a way to defeat the monster to prevent time and space unravelling forever.

The launch party itself lasted around three hours, and included a couple of readings from The Particle Beast, performed with such vigour by Ian that I swear I could almost feel the red Martian sand beneath my feet. However, instead of fighting primordial demons like Zeke Hailey, the rest of my night was consumed by free wine, snacks, and lots of chat with Ian and the other attendees.

My favourite part of the event however, was listening to Ian speak. Much like the books themselves, the evening was peppered with science that combined fact and fiction in an interesting and accessible way. Ian’s vast knowledge of Mars was equal parts surprising (coming from a man who has an MA in Creative Writing, rather than astronomy) and thrilling. The Q&A provided insight into the painstaking detail Ian has taken in making his fantasy world as real, and scientifically believable, as possible. Every detail, he attests, was put there ‘for a scientific reason’.  A teen book this may be, but it is no frivolously thrown together story.

The evening succeeded in showcasing Ian’s passion for inspiring excitement and engagement in young readers. As well as the Zeke Hailey series, Ian is also the author behind the local bestseller ‘Children’s History of Nottinghamshire’, and he regularly visits schools in the county with his History Road Show. He also teaches creative writing classes, particularly for sci-fi and fantasy at the NWS.

However, if you thought this was it, you’d be sorely mistaken- Ian spent the night tantalising the crowd with hints of books to come. Five, he says, will be the perfect amount to complete Zeke’s story. He challenged the audience to look out for clues: ‘what may seem a throwaway comment will turn out to be grimly significant later on’.

The Particle Beast Book Launch took place at The Nottingham Writer’s Studio, Hockley, on Thursday 22nd June 2017.