Author Archive

Meet Alex Marshall: author of the spectacular A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER

A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER (US | UK |AUS) is a particularly special new epic fantasy, and we’re thrilled to be releasing it today in hardcover, e-book and audio formats. NPR Books published a glowing review this morning, saying “It’s a vibrant book, and a generously lush one…A Crown for Cold Silver drags epic fantasy through the mud — but it does so with wit, wonder, and wisdom.”

A Crown for Cold Silver will grab you from its first bloody pages and surprise you many times over as unconventional hero and supreme badass Cold Zosia embarks on her quest to destroy those who have taken everything from her.  To celebrate the release of this spectacular story, we’d like you to meet the author, Alex Marshall!

How did the idea for A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER form – was it a particular scene or character that occurred to you, or was there a particular moment when you knew that this was the book you were going to write?

I work in a very linear fashion, so the first things that came to me became the first scenes in the book: the classic fantasy set-up of a bloodthirsty horde descending on a tranquil hamlet, but with an older woman as the sole survivor of the assault, instead of a young hero.

Is that something that appeals to you, subverting the tropes of the genre?

I’d say my chief concern is always to create interesting characters and present them with interesting problems. I do my best to let the characters determine the plot, whether that means subverting the conventions of the genre or playing along with them. That said, I’m trying to tell new stories here instead of just retelling old ones, so Crom help any innocent tropes that might get in the way.

There are so many formidable and fantastic characters in this book – a barbarian addicted to intoxicating insects, a shaman who eats demons for breakfast, a retired warrior queen who faked her own death – do you have favourites?

My favourite may be Zosia, the former warrior queen with the devilish canine companion, Choplicker – she’s the lynchpin to the whole novel, a very conflicted character, and writing her scenes was always intense and illuminating.

Read the full interview here.

Launching into Orbit this month: APRIL 2015

The High Druid's Blade by Terry Brooks

THE HIGH DRUID’S BLADE by Terry Brooks

Secrets revealed. Powers unleashed. Discover a Shannara you’ve never seen before.

Buy it now: UK | AUS

Read An Extract

The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey

THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M.R. Carey

A terrifying, heartbreaking, genre-defying thriller about hope and humanity and a little girl who wants to save the world, now in trade paperback

Buy it now: US | UK | AUS

Read An Extract

BULLS RUSH IN by Elliott James

BULLS RUSH IN by Elliott James

A fascinating twist on the Prince Charming fairy tale with a modern twist and a hunt for monsters — both within and supernatural.

Buy it now: USUK 

Read An Extract

A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER by M.R. Carey

A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER by Alex Marshall

Introducing legendary general Cold Zosia and her five villains in a fearless, wildly exuberant, and brilliantly imagined tale of revenge.

Buy it now: US | UK | AUS

Listen to an audio extract. 

Read an extract

WAR OF SHADOWS by Gail Z. Martin

WAR OF SHADOWS by Gail Z. Martin

The newest novel in Gail Z. Martin’s breathtaking Ascendant Kingdoms saga — a tale of unpredictable magic, battling warlords, and the lust for vengeance.

Buy it now: US | UK | UK

Read An Extract

GARDEN OF DREAMS AND DESIRES by Kristen Painter

GARDEN OF DREAMS AND DESIRES by Kristen Painter

Magic and mystery collide in this thrilling conclusion to the new urban fantasy series by House of Comarre author Kristen Painter.

Buy it now: US | UK | AUS

Read An Extract

JINN AND JUICE by Nicole Peeler

JINN AND JUICE by Nicole Peeler

MaryJanice Davidson meets Charlaine Harris in this fabulous new urban fantasy from Jane True author Nicole Peeler.

Buy it now: US | UK | AUS

Listen to an audio extract

Read An Extract

CLASH OF IRON by Angus Watson

THE RHESUS CHART by Charles Stross

The fifth Laundry Files, The Rhesus Chart sees hacker and supernatural spy Bob Howard take on the (literal) bloodsuckers running London’s financial district.

Buy it now: UK | AUS

Read An Extract

CLASH OF IRON by Angus Watson

CLASH OF IRON by Angus Watson

Bloodthirsty druids and battle-hardened Iron Age warriors collide in the second volume of this action-packed historical fantasy trilogy

Buy it now: US | UK | AUS

Read An Extract

Fall 2015 – Winter 2016 US Cover Launch

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Mondays can be pretty dull sometimes. The weekend is over and everything seems a little grey and colorless…but not this Monday! To brighten your day with a splash of color and a full serving of awesomeness, here is a collection of our upcoming Fall 2015 and Winter 2016 titles.

Click on the images below to see a larger version and appreciate each cover in its full glory. Pin, tweet, and comment away with reckless abandon! We’d love to hear which books have already piqued your interest!

Grant_Chimera-HC Elliott_BlackWolves-TP Leckie_AncillaryMercy-TP

Carriger_Imprudence-HC Watson_ReignofIron-TP  Sykes_MortalTally-TP

Abraham_SpidersWar_TP Carriger_Prudence-TP Grant_Symbiont-TP 

Marshall_CrownColdSilver-TP McClellan_AutumnRepublic-TP McClellan_AutumnRepublic-TP

CHIMERA: Design by Lauren Panepinto; ANCILLARY MERCY: Art by John Harris, Design by Kirk Benshoff; BLACK WOLVES: Art by Larry Rostant, Tattoo Design by Stephanie Tamez, Design by Lauren Panepinto; IMPRUDENCE:Photo by Shirley Green, Illustration by Don Sipley, Type by Chad Roberts, Design by Lauren Panepinto; REIGN OF IRON: Art by Larry Rostant, Design by Ceara Elliot; THE MORTAL TALLY: Design by Lauren Panepinto, Images Arcangel; THE SPIDER’S WAR: Design by Kirk Benshoff; PRUDENCE: Photo by Shirley Green, Illustration by Don Sipley, Type by Chad Roberts, Design by Lauren Panepinto; SYMBIONT: Design by Lauren Panepinto A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER: Design by Lauren Panepinto, Map by Tim Paul; THE AUTUMN REPUBLIC: Art by Gene Mollica and Michael Frost, Design by Lauren Panepinto; RADIANT STATE: Design by Lauren Panepinto, Images Trevillion

Cover Launch: IMPRUDENCE by Gail Carriger

We’re thrilled to launch the cover for IMPRUDENCE (see below), the sequel to PRUDENCE (US | UK | AUS), the greatly anticipated new novel by New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger!

Readers will love this terrific new series starring Prudence, the daughter of Alexia Maccon from the Parasol Protectorate series. The Custard Protocol has got it all: vampires, werewolves, dirigibles, and Gail Carriger’s sharp wit and absorbing prose.

The action and adventure kicks off on March 17th when Prudence travels to India on behalf of Queen, country…and the perfect pot of tea.

Pre-order your copy of PRUDENCE today, and head on over to Facebook to see if Gail Carriger will be stopping by your hometown for a visit.

Carriger_Imprudence-HC

 

Photo by Shirley Green, Illustration by Don Sipley, Type by Chad Roberts, Design by Lauren Panepinto
IMPRUDENCE releases March 2016.

 

Cover Launch: CHIMERA by Mira Grant

One book. Two books. Red book. New book!?! Heck yeah!

Mira Grant visited us at the Orbit offices this afternoon to help us launch the cover of CHIMERA – book three of the Parasitology series! Check out the fabulous cover designed by Orbit’s own Lauren Panepinto!

The exciting conclusion to Mira Grant’s pulse-pounding SF thriller will be available worldwide from Orbit in hardcover, e-book, and audio formats this November. Stay tuned and most importantly…stay alive.

CHIMERA-verticle-rectangle Grant_Chimera-HC

 

Want start reading the Parasitology series? Here is an excerpt from PARASITE!

THE AUTUMN REPUBLIC – the exciting conclusion to the Powder Mage trilogy is out now!

It has been quite the journey for Tamas and the many other wonderful (and/or despotic) characters inhabiting Brian McClellan’s Powder Mage trilogy. This week brings it all to a final, dynamic end, but before that…woah. Tamas and his allies are in for the the fight of their lives!

On February 24th, we’ll be hosting Brian McClellan and Sam Sykes on our Google+ to discuss their new books  – one which concludes a trilogy, and the other that is the start of something new! Shots will be fired. Epic fantasy will be discussed. RSVP on Google+ today, and start following Brian and Sam on Twitter for a preview of the main event.

But if you just can’t wait that long to ask Brian your burning questions, check out his AMA on Reddit today.

Praise for the Powder Mage trilogy:

“A slam-bang conclusion to an outstanding trilogy.”—Kirkus on The Autumn Republic

Promise of Blood is a hugely promising debut. Guns, swords, and magic together? What more could you want? How about tense action, memorable characters, rising stakes, and cool, cool magic? Not only the finest flintlock fantasy I’ve read, but also the most fun. Brian McClellan is the real thing.”—New York Times bestseller Brent Weeks on Promise of Blood

“This book is just plain awesome. I found myself enjoying every moment of it. Innovative magic, quick-paced plot, interesting world. I had a blast.”—Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author on Promise of Blood

“Gunpowder and magic. An explosive combination. Promise of Blood is the best debut I’ve read in ages.”—Peter V. Brett

“I love the world Brian McClellan builds, Powder Mages with flintlock pistols against white-gloved Privileged for the fate of a nation and more. Promise of Blood feels like the start of something amazing.”—Django Wexler

“Brings a welcome breath of gunpowder-tinged air to epic fantasy.”—Anthony Ryan on Promise of Blood

THE CITY STAINED RED — available now!

How many adventurers to does it take to bring a corrupt city to its knees? Read THE CITY STAINED RED by Sam Sykes and you’ll find out!  This action-packed adventure fantasy is the kind of story that once you start, it’s impossible to put down. So whether you’re buried under a few feet of snow right now or just craving a new book to sink your teeth into, check it out in print and e-book!

More about the story: 

After years in the wilds, Lenk and his companions have come to the city that serves as the world’s beating heart.

The great charnel house where men die surer than any wilderness.

They’ve come to claim payment for creatures slain, blood spilled at the behest of a powerful holy man.

And Lenk has come to lay down his sword for good.

But this is no place to escape demons.

Praise for THE CITY STAINED RED: 

“Action fantasy with soul-albeit a small, dirty, funny soul.”—Brent Weeks

“Insouciant, unrepentant and irrepressible adventurers in a powder keg of a city. And that’s just how the story begins.”—Robin Hobb

“Sykes has put the fun back in fantasy with fantastical creatures and a lovable crew of malcontents. The City Stained Red is like David Eddings meets Conan the Barbarian.”—Brian McClellan, author of Promise of Blood

“Sam Sykes continues to reinvent the fantasy adventuring party in a vibrant world of rude magic and good intentions gone bad. Bold and exuberant, never cynical, Sykes fights the good fight on behalf of rich fantasy that nonetheless refuses to apologize for being kick-ass fun.”—Scott Lynch

“Excitement, vivacity, and sly wit… simply impossible not to enjoy.”—RT Book Reviews (4.5 Stars)

Pre-order THE AUTUMN REPUBLIC and receive a signed bookplate!

It’s hard to believe its been two years already since Field Marshal Tamas overthrew the corrupt monarchy of Adopest in Brian McClellan’s debut, PROMISE OF BLOOD (US | UK | AUS). Lives were lost, terrible powers were awoken, and kingdoms were laid to ruin. Now this exciting epic fantasy trilogy concludes with the release of THE AUTUMN REPUBLIC (US | UK | AUS)! Look for it online and in stores next month!

If you pre-order the book now, you could be eligible to receive a free signed bookplate while supplies last! Fill out this form to enter. Afterwards, check out the first chapter of The Autumn Republic.

If you’ve haven’t started reading this explosive trilogy yet, now is the time to catch up. Read an excerpt here from the first novel.

OFFER GOOD UNTIL 2/24/2015. ALLOW EIGHT TO TEN WEEKS FOR DELIVERY. To receive a THE AUTUMN REPUBLIC signed bookplate, complete the entry form on https://www.orbitbooks.net/autumn-republic/ including your name, mailing address, and proof of pre-order. Offer limited to residents of the fifty (50) United States and D.C., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, aged 18 or older. Limit one (1) per person and per household. Duplicate requests will constitute fraud. You must have a valid home street address. Theft, diversion, reproduction, transfer, sale or purchase of this offer is prohibited and constitutes fraud. Offer good in the fifty (50) United States and DC and the United Kingdom only. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Requests from clubs or organizations will not be honored. Not redeemable in any manner other than provided herein. Not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, postage due, or misdirected requests. Requests not complying with all offer requirements will not be honored. Any fraudulent submission will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsored by: Orbit Books, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. Privacy Policy: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/privacy-policy/

New Short Fiction for the New Year!

Happy New Years everyone! We hope 2015 is already off to a smashing start for each and every one of you. To kick off another great year of publishing, let us tell you about two brand new novellas that are available now in the US and UK! If you made a resolution to read more this year, there is no time like the present to get started!

FireWater_JayeWellsFIRE WATER by Jaye Wells

Rookie cop Kate Prospero only has one more training assignment to pass before she’s officially sworn in to Babylon Police Department. But the veteran cop in charge of the river patrol boat is a salty old guy isn’t happy about playing tour guide to a rookie and seems even less interested in real police work. But while on patrol, they stumble on to what appears to be a floating dirty magic lab. This highly combustible situation might finally be the key to these two unlikely partners finding common ground.

For more adventures of Kate Prospero, check out DIRTY MAGIC (US | UK | AUS).

ReturnToHonorRETURN TO HONOR by Brian McClellan

Captain Vlora is a powder mage in the Adran army. Once the favored, adopted daughter of the field marshal, she is now a pariah amongst those she called her family. Her superior officers would like nothing more than to send her to a far off posting and forget about her, but no one is exempt when there is a war – and powder mages are desperately needed.

When a traitorous guard captain goes on the run with information that could harm the war effort, Vlora is sent on his trail. She has three days to find him; she will have to make new friends and test the limits of her skills. Fail, and good soldiers will die. Succeed and maybe, just maybe, she can begin to work her way back into the field marshal’s good graces.

A new story set in the world of the Powder Mage trilogy, the most acclaimed and action-packed new epic fantasy series in recent years. RETURN TO HONOR takes place directly following the events of book one, PROMISE OF BLOOD (US | UK | AUS).

Get THE INHERITANCE TRILOGY in one volume!

Today we celebrate the US publication of The Inheritance Trilogy omnibus, which includes the novels THE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS (US | UK | AUS), THE BROKEN KINGDOMS (US | UK | AUS), and THE KINGDOM OF THE GODS (US | UK | AUS). Since their first publication, these books have received critical acclaim and many award nominations, including the Nebula and Hugo Award. They are an absolute must-read for fantasy fans, containing the excellent world building and superb characters that every one of N.K. Jemisin’s books is known for. As a special treat, this omnibus also includes a brand-new novella  in the Inheritance Trilogy world,  THE AWAKENED KINGDOM! You can also purchase the novella by itself wherever e-books are sold.

Last night, we hosted our latest Google+ Hangout: The New Classics of SFFF with N.K. Jemisin and Ann Leckie. If you missed it, you can watch a video of it on Youtube. It’s a fascinating discussion of the evolution of language, the SFF genre, and much more. Enjoy!