News & Reviews

WORD: Buzz heats up for debut novelist Marcus Sakey's ‘The Blade Itself’

A new novel that’s gotten considerable pre-release buzz The Blade Itself (St. Martin's imprint Minotaur) launches today (Jan. 9) and is available in virtually any bookstore in America, author Marcus Sakey announced. Sakey kicks off a tour this week in support of his debut work, about a former small time hood from Chicago trying to live down a sketchy past.

The Blade Itself is set in the South Side of Chicago, where you’re only as strong as your reputation. Protagonist Danny Carter and his best friend Evan earned theirs knocking over pawnshops and liquor stores, living from score to score until a job went desperately wrong, and in the roar of a gun blast, everything changed. After a prison term, Evan is back and wants revenge.

According to Sakey, some sparkling reviews have been pouring in for his crime thriller, including at CBS Sunday Morning, Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. "It’s been a great month, during which I've been fortunate to receive a lot of generous reviews," said Sakey. "Me, I’m just giddy to see the thing on the shelves."

Sakey will host two launch parties in January with cocktails, snacks and books available for sale in Chicago and Atlanta. Catch him in Chitown at Sheffield’s Tavern on Thursday, January 11, from 8 pm to 10 pm. In Atlanta, he’ll appear at Manuel’s Tavern on Friday, January 26 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Sakey's tour schedule includes stops in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Check out his website for the complete schedule.

< Back to News & Reviews Home