Orbit Books

The Heir of Night

The Heir of NightHelen Lowe

In the mountains the Wall of Night protects them from an ancient enemy, but who will protect them from each other?
Read a sample


Theft of Swords

Theft of Swords Michael J. Sullivan

They killed a king. They pinned it on two men. They chose poorly.
Read a sample

Archive for December, 2009

  1. Pages:
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. 3

author post

The Trouble with Tribbles

by - December 4th, 2009

Last year, I wrote a short story wherein I made a slightly inappropriate reference to a tribble*.

After I turned in said story, I received an email from someone who had the power to kill the story. She said she wasn’t sure anyone would get the tribble joke.

Now, here’s what went through my head in order of appearance:

1) Who doesn’t know what a tribble is?
2) OMG I hope she doesn’t make me take out that joke. It’s one of the funniest lines in the story.
3) Wait. Seriously? Who’s never heard of a tribble?

I’m fairly certain the majority of Orbit’s readers know exactly what I mean when I mention tribbles. Further, I’d expect anyone out there who doesn’t get the reference would Google it. Those of you who don’t understand both tribble and Google, well, welcome to 2009! We’ve been waiting for you.

Now, to my point. When I write, I tend to expect that most of my readers are reasonably intelligent.** So, if we can assume readers are smart, isn’t it also reasonable to assume that if they don’t know a cultural reference they’ll look it up?  Or at worst, ignore it? Read the rest of this entry »

by •10 Comments • Posted in: Guest Post

On Winter

- - December 4th, 2009

Rather unbelievably, it’s the beginning of December, which means winter is here – for those of us in the northern hemisphere, at least.  But regardless of whether it’s currently hot or cold where you live, if you’re a serious reader of science fiction, ‘winter’ should bring to mind the same much-loved book. Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel. A classic of modern literature. A book set on the planet Gethen – also known as Winter.

I’m delighted to draw your attention to the stunning 40th Anniversary edition of Ursula K. LeGuin‘s magnificent The Left Hand of Darkness, recently published by Orbit in the UK. Including background notes, map sketches and a new 40th anniversary letter from the author, as well as the related story ‘Coming of Age in Karhide’, this is a beautiful celebration of a wonderful book. Ursula K. LeGuin is a giant of modern literature and a tireless champion of our oft-maligned genre, and The Left Hand of Darkness is considered by many to be her finest work. I highly recommend it.

Nothing makes the chill winds of December seem hospitable like taking a trip to Winter.

The Left Hand of Darkness

by • Post a Comment • Posted in: New Titles, Orbit Australia, Orbit UK

2009: A Very Good Year

- - December 3rd, 2009

The first week of December.

The days are getting darker, our in-trays are beginning to empty (we wish), the communal surfaces are beginning to grow fat with baked goods and illicit seasonal beverages . . .

As we hurtle towards the New Year (at FTL travel inducing velocity and with a blood-biscuit level that would make even Alexia Tarabotti proud) the Orbit UK Team has banded together to bring you a retrospective on what made 2009 another great year. The short answer of course is great authors, Global Vision, plenty of awards and um, you.  But humour us, read on below the cut, you’ll like it (or at least learn something) we promise! Read the rest of this entry »

by • Post a Comment • Posted in: All posts, Awards, Orbit UK

Lili Saintcrow – NYT Bestseller!

- - December 1st, 2009

Yeah Lili!

lili_stcrow-betrayalsLili hit the New York Times’ Children’s Paperback Bestseller list at #5, kicking ass with her YA novel, Betrayals.  I am very proud to work with her and I’m SUPER  excited for her.  Now I can introduce her to you as NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, Lili Saintcrow!! Yeah!!!Saintcrow_Flesh Circus (MM)

We also have the newest Jill Kismet from Lili out this week – FLESH CIRCUS.  The Cirque de Charnu has arrived – and they’re ready for fresh meat.  Jill Kismet can’t do anything without destroying a fragile truce that has existed between the hellbreed, the hunters, and the Circus.  But when circus performers start dying grotesquely, it’s all Jill can do to keep her head in the game – and out of the lion’s mouth.

by • 3 Comments • Posted in: All posts, Contents, New Titles, Orbit US

  1. Pages:
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. 3

You are currently browsing the Orbit Books | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy blog archives for December, 2009.

Search
RSS Feeds
Orbit on the Web
Archives
Orbiteers
Author Links

Blogroll

Please note that though we make every effort to ensure the suitability of links, Orbit cannot be held responsible for the content of external sites.