Has anyone else noticed that the raised eyebrow has truly become one of the staples of science fiction and fantasy entertainment?

The Spirit Thief (UK/US /ANZ) by Rachel Aaron is out this month – and since its protagonst is a scheming, devious and devastatingly charming rogue, we felt that only the most superb demonstration of singular suspension of the supercilium (yes, that’s ‘eyebrow’ in Latin) would do . . .

By being represented in this way, Eli Monpress is truly joining the ranks of heroes from science fiction and fantasy history who have excelled at exhibiting this particular brand of facial gymnastics. See the following examples for reference:

Exhibit A – Spock (though we must admit, he has a natural advantage over his human counterparts owing to his Vulcan genes)

Exhibit B – Wolverine (the classic ‘Don’t mess with me, even if my hair is a bit silly‘ eyebrow)

Exhibit C – David Tennant as Doctor Who (In fact, no one is allowed to play Doctor Who unless they can display an ability to get some impressive eyebrow height)

And Exhibit D – The Rock (only vaguely fantastical – for The Scorpion King perhaps? – but there was no way we weren’t including this picture)

So Eli Monpress is evidently in good company – and we’ve been getting some fantastic reviews so far (see below), showing that he is certainly earning his place in fantasy entertainment history. And you can get a piece of the action with a free extract of the book right here.

Don’t forget that books 2 and 3 in the Eli Monpress series, The Spirit Rebellion (UK/US/ANZ) and The Spirit Eater (UK/ US/ ANZ), are following hot on its heels this coming November and December.

Praise for The Spirit Thief:

‘A romp of a lighthearted fantasy starring an absolutely darling rogue’ Publishers Weekly

‘Witty, smart, snappy, sassy, fast, furious and let’s not forget fun . . . Rachel Aaron isn’t so much knocking at the door as kicking it down’ Tom Holt

‘Wry humour, engaging characters and full-tilt action’ Gail Z. Martin

‘The Spirit Thief is a delightfully giddy romp of a novel’ Karen Miller

‘A very enjoyable read . . . I’m hooked on for this series and will be following it eagerly’ Fantasy Book Critic

‘Full of humour and suspense, this action-packed fantasy adventure is highly enjoyable . . . Fantasy fans will love this extraordinary new series’ SciFi Chick

‘It is a thrill ride of a novel, delightfully amusing . . . I loved it’ Grasping For The Wind

‘Lighthearted throughout, fans who appreciate a jocular satire loaded with charm and irony will want read The Spirit Thief and look forward to more capers by Eli with the serious Miranda in pursuit.’ Genre Go Round Reviews

‘A fantasy series with entertainment at its heart . . . and it works on every level. With wry humour, interesting characters, realistic dialogue and a fast-moving and fun plot, The Spirit Thief was exactly what I needed’ Civilian Reader