And the gods will play... | Is-Sitt Ahwa

John A. Bonello's debut novel It-Tielet Qamar, the first in a trilogy called Il-Logħba tal-Allat, was self-published by the author in 2008. A slew of positive reviews later, it became an underground hit, and by the time the second volume, L-Aħħar Ħolma, was published by Merlin Publishers in 2010, the series was a word-of-mouth success.

Next Thursday, the final instalment in the trilogy - Is-Sitt Aħwa - is being launched by Merlin. Long-awaited by science fiction, fantasy and adventure fans, but also by readers appreciative of quality Maltese writing and a tale that appeals both to young adults and 'older' adults, Is-Sitt Aħwa answers the many questions remaining after the first two books.

The trilogy is set in a Malta where the ancient ruins of Ħaġar Qim are a portal to five parallel universes, in each of which the laws of nature and life function slightly differently. One universe is the world (and Malta) we know, another is a peaceful slow-moving land with none of the technological advances we are surrounded by. Yet another universe is highly advanced and inhabited by an evolved society... or so it seems. And of course, in this last book we travel to the mysterious sixth universe, and meet the centrepiece of the trilogy: the six gods - mostly forgotten in many of the parallel realities, but still very much playing their game with the remnants of their powers. A game it is now time to end.

Merlin is launching Is-Sitt Aħwa in one of its popular Niltaqgħu events: informal get-togethers where the new book is welcomed with wine, music and pastizzi. It is being held next Thursday at Coach & Horses, Msida, from 20:00 onwards, and purchase of any book in the trilogy will include free tokens for wine and the cult pastizzi of Pastizzi Gourmet.

In a first for Merlin, and fittingly with the theme of the book, the launch is happening simultaneously in two parallel dimensions: at Coach & Horses, and online via twitter. Guests are invited to live-tweet the event - with text or photos - and join in the fun even if they're not physically at the launch, using the hashtag #6ahwa. Merlin is offering one lucky twitterer, chosen among all who use the hashtag, a free year's subscription to Merlin publications. Conditions can be found on www.merlinpublishers.com.

In the same evening, book one of the trilogy - It-Tielet Qamar - is being relaunched in its second edition, the first one having sold out a few months back. The hypnotic cover artwork for Is-Sitt Aħwa - and indeed for the entire trilogy - is the work of artist Matthew Grima Connell.