Archive for Orbit UK

Cover Launch: The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai

Following up on one of the most exciting fantasy debuts, The Daughters of Izdihar, Hadeer Elsbai concludes her Alamaxa duology, inspired by Egyptian history, with a tale of magic, betrayal and love.

We’re thrilled to launch the gorgeous cover for The Weavers of Alamaxa, publishing in March 2024. The cover was designed by Ella Garrett, and you can read on below for a taste of what’s in store.

Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai. A vibrant orange Arabic geometrical shape takes up the centre of the image, with green swirls and fire in each corner. The design has an intricate border.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magic is no longer banned in Alamaxa, but across the border the Zirani are readying their cannons. They will stop at nothing to end what they perceive is a threat not only to their way of life, but to the world.

But the last time a Weaver fought back, the whole world was shattered.

Two incredible women are all that stands before an entire army. But they’ve stood up to power before, and they won then. This time, though, it’s no longer about rhetoric.

This time it’s about magic and blood.  

Praise for this series:

‘A gorgeous, clever feminist fantasy novel rich with magic, politics, hunger and fire. An absolute must-read’ Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

‘A wondrously rich fantasy that highlights the true struggle to revolutionize a society. . . a debut not to be missed’ 
Shannon Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass

‘Action-packed, magic-filled, and led by two fierce, vividly-rendered women, The Daughters of Izdihar is a compelling and empowering debut’ Ava Reid, author of Juniper and Thorn

‘A thrilling tale of two women’s fight for rights in their patriarchal society, peppered with elemental magic, politics, and a relentless desire for that which is wrongly forbidden.’ Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

‘A powerful fantasy novel filled with clever magic, intriguing politics, and compelling characters who forge a path toward justice, no matter the obstacle’ Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

‘An absolutely enthralling tale of two women striving for a better world’ Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Queen of Blood

‘Magnificent, complex, compelling’ Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer

Cover Launch: THE TRIALS OF EMPIRE by Richard Swan

Cover launch! Take a look at the cover of The Trials of Empire (US | UK) by Richard Swan. You can pick up the final installment in the Empire of the Wolf trilogy in February 2024.

The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Martina Fačková

The third novel in Richard Swan’s acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy triumphantly concludes the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice—a detective, judge and executioner all in one. 

THE TIME OF JUDGEMENT IS AT HAND.

The Empire of the Wolf is on its knees, but there’s life in the great beast yet.

To save it, Sir Konrad Vonvalt and Helena must look beyond its borders for allies—to the wolfmen of the southern plains, and the pagan clans in the north. But old grievances run deep, and both factions would benefit from the fall of Sova.

Even these allies might not be enough. Their enemy, the zealot Bartholomew Claver, wields infernal powers bestowed on him by a mysterious demonic patron. If Vonvalt and Helena are to stand against him, they will need friends on both sides of the mortal plane—but such allegiances carry a heavy price.

As the battlelines are drawn in both Sova and the afterlife, the final reckoning draws close. Here, at the beating heart of the Empire, the two-headed wolf will be reborn in a blaze of justice… or crushed beneath the shadow of tyranny.

The Empire of the Wolf
The Justice of Kings (US | UK)
The Tyranny of Faith (US | UK)

Acquisition Announcement: SORCERY AND SMALL MAGICS by Maiga Doocy

Maiga Doocy
Photo Credit: Dustin Yager

Orbit is delighted to announce that we’ve acquired Sorcery and Small Magics by debut author Maiga Doocy, the first in an enchanting cozy fantasy trilogy filled with troublesome curses, dangerous journeys, and an immensely charming slow burn rivals-to-lovers (queer!) romance that’s sure to melt even the coldest of hearts. This is the perfect read for fans of romantasy like A Marvellous Light and Legends and Lattes.

Desperate to undo the curse binding them to each other, an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell—only to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together. 

Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics.

He can summon butterflies with a song, or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.

That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.

Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To dissolve the curse, they’ll have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.

Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them.

We’re ecstatic to share Sorcery and Small Magics with readers in 2024! Please join us in welcoming Maiga to the Orbit list! She can be found on Instagram @maigadoocy and at www.maigadoocy.com.

 Orbit US executive editor Brit Hvide acquired World rights from Allegra Martschenko at Ladderbird Literary. Senior commissioning editor Emily Byron has acquired UK rights for Orbit UK.

Cover Launch: MISTRESS OF LIES by K.M. Enright

Fate is a cruel mistress. Enter the decadent world of Aeravin, where knowledge is dangerous and blood is power. We’re thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover for Mistress of Lies, publishing in the US and UK in August 2024.

The beautiful cover was designed by Ella Garrett and illustrated by Felix Abel Klaer. Read on for a taste of what’s in store. . .

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright. A woman's bust, wearing a luscious red and gold brocade dress, holds an ornate dagger, she's surrounded by red and white roses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he’s drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he’s worked so hard to avoid – and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Bloodworker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan’s plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.


Praise for Mistress of Lies:

‘A dark, delicate, beauty of a novel, with all the edges of sharpened steel’ K.S. Villoso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro

Mistress of Lies is a honey trap of romance and royaltycore that leaves no corroded stone unturned when delving into the corruption at the heart of monarchy’ Ladz, author of The Fealty of Monsters

‘A cunning and clawed fantasy romance. Whether manoeuvring cutthroat society parties or scorching bedroom alliances, Enright’s characters crackle with chemistry, pitting loyalty against clashing ideals in a twisting murder mystery that will leave you breathless to the very end’ 
S. A. MacLean, author of The Phoenix Keeper

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE LAST VIGILANT by Mark A. Latham

Mark A. LathamCorruption plagues the land. Children are disappearing from their homes. These are dark times. Only the legendary Vigilants can bring salvation, and they haven’t been seen in decades. But when a soldier investigating dead ends in a backwater town finds himself face-to-face with the last member of the ancient order, he realizes that she could be the answer he’s looking for. If only he can convince her to help…

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Last Vigilant by Mark A. Latham, the first book in a gripping new epic fantasy trilogy. Perfect for fans of The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan and The Pariah by Anthony Ryan, this fantasy mystery is packed with ancient magic, intricate conspiracies, and unforgettable characters. We can’t wait to bring you The Last Vigilant in early 2025—in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Mark A. Latham to Orbit!

Read on for a taste of what’s in store:

 

Shunned by the soldiers he commands, haunted by past tragedies, Sargent Holt Hawley is a broken man. But the child of a powerful ally has gone missing, and war between once peaceful nations is on the horizon. So, he and his squad have been sent to find a myth: the Vigilant. They are a rumored last survivor of an ancient order capable of performing acts of magic, and they’ve been lost to the world for decades. No one truly expects Hawley to succeed.

When he is forced to abandon his men, he stumbles upon a woman who claims to be the Last Vigilant. Enelda Drake is wizened and out of practice, and she seems a far cry from the heroes of legend. But they will need her powers, and each other, to survive. For nothing in the town of Scarfell is as it seems. Corrupt soldiers and calculating politicians thwart their efforts at every turn.

And there are dark whispers on the wind threatening the arrival of an ancient and powerful enemy. The Last Vigilant is not the only myth returning from the dead.

 

Mark A. Latham is a writer, editor, history nerd, proud dogfather, frustrated grunge singer and amateur baker from Staffordshire, UK. An immigrant to rural Nottinghamshire, he lives in a very old house (sadly not haunted), and is still regarded in the village as a foreigner. 

Formerly the editor of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf magazine, Mark is now a full-time writer and narrative consultant, and still dabbles in tabletop games design while writing strange, fantastical and macabre tales. 

Visit Mark’s website at mark-latham.com.

Jennie Goloboy at the Donald Maass Literary Agency sold World rights to Orbit US Senior Editor Bradley Englert for The Last Vigilant plus two additional novels in the series. Senior Commissioning Editor James Long acquired for Orbit UK.

Cover Launch: THE SLAIN DIVINE by David Dalglish

Cover launch! Take a look at the cover of The Slain Divine (US | UK) by David Dalglish. You can pick up the final installment in The Vagrant Gods trilogy in January 2024.

The Slain Divine by David Dalglish

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Chase Stone

In the thrilling conclusion to USA Today bestselling author David Dalglish’s new epic fantasy trilogy, a usurped prince must master the magic of shadows in order to reclaim his kingdom and his people.

The Everlorn Empire’s grip on Thanet is tighter than ever. The God-Incarnate himself has arrived on its shores to crush the struggling rebellion and carry out his final, sinister plan: he will sacrifice the entire island in order to rise, reincarnated from its ashes.

The rebellion is struggling to separate allies from enemies, and to figure out a way to stop the slow destruction of everything and everyone they care for. Meanwhile, Cyrus is disappearing deeper beneath the vicious mask of the “Vagrant”. Under the mantle of the legendary assassin, he may be strong enough to take down the Empire, but at what cost?

The Vagrant Gods
The Bladed Faith (US | UK)
The Sapphire Altar
(US | UK)

Cover Launch: GODDESS OF THE RIVER by Vaishnavi Patel

Cover launch! Take your first look at the cover of Goddess of the River (US | UK) by Vaishnavi Patel. You can pick up this standalone novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi (US | UK) in Summer 2024.

Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

A powerful reimagining of the story of Ganga, goddess of the river, and her doomed mortal son, from Vaishnavi Patel, author of the instant New York Times bestseller Kaikeyi.

A mother and a son. A goddess and a prince. A curse and an oath. A river whose course will change the fate of the world.

Ganga, joyful goddess of the river, serves as caretaker to the mischievous godlings who roam her banks. But when their antics incur the wrath of a powerful sage, Ganga is cursed to become mortal, bound to her human form until she fulfills the obligations of the curse.

Though she knows nothing of mortal life, Ganga weds King Shantanu and becomes a queen, determined to regain her freedom no matter the cost. But in a cruel turn of fate, just as she is freed of her binding, she is forced to leave her infant son behind.

Her son, prince Devavrata, unwittingly carries the legacy of Ganga’s curse. And when he makes an oath that he will never claim his father’s throne, he sets in motion a chain of events that will end in a terrible and tragic war.

As the years unfold, Ganga and Devavrata are drawn together again and again, each confluence another step on a path that has been written in the stars, in this deeply moving and masterful tale of duty, destiny, and the unwavering bond between mother and son.

Cover Launch: LAKE OF SOULS by Ann Leckie

Cover launch! Take your first look at the cover of Lake of Souls (US | UK) by Ann Leckie! You can pick up this collection of short fiction featuring a brand new novelette in Winter 2024.

Lake of Souls by Ann Leckie

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto

Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke award-winner Ann Leckie is a modern master of the SFF genre, forever changing its landscape with her groundbreaking ideas and powerful voice. Now, available for the first time comes the complete collection of Leckie’s short fiction, including a brand new novelette, Lake of Souls.

Journey across the stars of the Imperial Radch universe.

Listen to the words of the Old Gods that ruled The Raven Tower.

Learn the secrets of the mysterious Lake of Souls.

And so much more, in this masterfully wide-ranging and immersive short fiction collection from award-winning author Ann Leckie.

Acquisition Announcement: GREENTEETH by Molly O’Neill

Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of GREENTEETH, a heartwarming fantasy novel of fae, folklore and found family by debut author Molly O’Neill. It tells the story of Jenny Greenteeth – a lake-dwelling monster from British myth – and the magical quest she goes on after her peaceful existence is shattered by a witch being thrown into her lake. Packed full of adventure, magic and heart, this utterly charming debut is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Megan Bannen and Olivia Atwater.

Read on for a taste of what’s in store:

‘The witch looked surprised to see me, her eyes blinking furiously at me through murky waters. I don’t know why she was so astonished. It was my lake she’d been thrown into; she should have expected I’d come and see if there was anyone worth eating.’

Beneath the still surface of a lake lurks a monster with needle-sharp teeth. Hungry and ready to pounce. Jenny Greenteeth has never spoken to a human before, but when a witch is thrown into her lake, something makes Jenny decide she’s worth saving.

Temperance doesn’t know why her village has suddenly turned against her, only that it has something to do with the malevolent new pastor. Though they have nothing in common, these two must band together on a magical quest to defeat the evil that threatens Jenny’s lake and Temperance’s family – as well as the very soul of Britain.

Molly O’Neill is a fantasy author and engineering geologist. She was born and raised in the Cotswolds and moved to Australia in 2019. She now lives in Sydney, on the land of the Gadigal People. Molly writes fantasy books inspired by the beautiful landscapes of her two countries, and by the folklore of the British Isles. She particularly loves the darker Arthurian legends and the Welsh myths of the Mabinogion and often uses them as a foundation for her stories. When not furiously scribbling ideas into a notebook Molly can be found looking intensely at rocks, paddling on the Sydney beaches, or searching for the perfect taco. Greenteeth is her debut novel.

We can’t wait to share Greenteeth with readers in 2025! In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Molly to Orbit. She can be found on Twitter @MollyONeill21

Orbit UK senior commissioning editor Emily Byron acquired World English rights from Sam Edenborough at Greyhound Literary.

Cover launch: BREAKS, an enemies-to-lovers comic by Emma Vieceli and Malin Rydén

As launched today at Bleeding Cool News, we’re excited to share the cover of upcoming Orbit graphic novel, Breaks: Volume One!

With millions of views and thousands of subscribers on webcomic platforms, Breaks is ‘a high school love story, but a little bit broken’.

In 2024, Orbit UK are proud to be bringing the complete three volumes from Emma Vieceli and Malin Rydén into print for the first time. Look out for vol. 1 in February, and the others to follow later in the year.

Before Heartstopper, there was Breaks . . . the enemies-to-lovers queer comic book sensation.
Cortland Hunt has made some dangerous mistakes. Now he’s waiting quietly for those mistakes to catch up with him. Ian Tanner coasts through life denying the spark of anger beneath his laid back exterior. When school politics and personal lives become a battleground, the pair find that what they share may just be their only safe haven. Breaks is the story of two young men discovering who they were, who they are, and who they will become.

This gorgeous cover is drawn by Breaks artist Emma Vieceli, with art direction by Ella Garrett (Little, Brown Book Group).


The cover for the romance comic BREAKS: Volume One