A local science fiction author will be celebrating Halloween with a launch event for his new novel at a Stoke-on-Trent bookshop.

Brendan Nugent will be heading to Vellichor Books in Hanley on Saturday 31 October to launch his latest book, Thanatos Ascendancy, published with Potteries Press.

It comes after the Stoke-on-Trent author, released his debut novel, The Sentient Ones, in November last year.

"I'm delighted to be launching Thanatos Ascendancy at Vellichor Books," Brendan said.

He added: "The novel explores a journey into the near future where humanity faces the ultimate challenge and the boundaries between life, death and technology become increasingly blurred.

"Because as civilisation collapses beneath the rise of artificial superintelligence, cybernetically controlled tech-zombies march alongside Thanatos, the ancient instinct of death and destruction.

"One represents humanity's newest fear. The other represents its oldest."

The launch event will take place from 11am to 3pm, and begin with a short introduction from Brendan.

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There will also be readings from Thanatos Ascendancy, which the author warns are "not for the faint-hearted".

Discounted signed copies of the book will be available to purchase on the day.

Attendees will also be able to browse the shelves at the venue, Vellichor Books, which recently received a nomination in the 'Bookshop of the Year' category at My Local Awards West Midlands 2026.

Shortly after launching Thanatos Ascendancy, Brendan will be launching his third novel with another event at Vellichor Books on Saturday 14 November.

Under Elm Forest is a World War II novel based loosely on the author's late father's childhood memoirs of growing up in Newcastle-under-Lyme during the 1940s.

Brendan said: "While I've changed the family surname to Kelly, much of the story is inspired by real people, real events, and extensive historical research."