Archive for News

New Acquisition: the Bloodsworn epic fantasy series from John Gwynne

As announced in both the Bookseller and Bookbrunch this morning, we’re delighted to have acquired an exciting new epic fantasy series from British author John Gwynne.

The deal for three books was concluded by Orbit UK editor James Long with literary agent Julie Crisp. Orbit US editor Priyanka Krishnan has secured North American rights. The first book will be launched in Spring 2021.

The Bloodsworn series (working title!) is set in a brand-new world inspired by Norse myths and Sagas. It is a fractured, war-torn land of feuding kingdoms and vicious rivalries, where the gods are dead but their bones and relics hold great power for those brave – or desperate – enough to seek them out. Mercenary bands compete for the best spoils, but power often carries a deadly price . . .

Here’s a few words from the man himself:

“I’m deeply excited about writing this new series. 

My first inspiration for this story is Beowulf; a band of Norse monster-hunting mercenaries – though the bands of warriors in this tale will be grittier and less heroic than Beowulf and his heroes, because the greatest monsters do not always fight with claw and fang. 

I’ve delved deep into Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore to build this new world; a world of ice-blue fjords, of snow-peaked mountains and dark, mist-shrouded forests, a world where Dragon-ships prowl the seas and creatures walk the land.

But most of all this tale is built around the characters. I hope that they will be the heart of the story, and that they will carry the reader into a world of danger, into a world of oaths and betrayal, of love and friendship. Into the world of the Bloodsworn.”

We’re thrilled to be publishing John’s new series – roll on 2021!

Cover Launch: THE WOLF’S CALL by Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan’s epic blockbuster BLOOD SONG (UK /ANZ) set the fantasy world alight in 2013, with its incredible mix of razor-sharp action and shadowy intrigue. The adventure continued in TOWER LORD (UK /ANZ) and was brought to a spectacular conclusion in QUEEN OF FIRE (UK /ANZ) , both New York Times bestsellers.

Now – having completed his superb Draconis Memoria trilogy – Anthony Ryan is returning to the world of his Raven’s Shadow series with his brilliant new novel THE WOLF’S CALL (UK /ANZ). Here’s the amazing cover . . .

Photography by Nik Keevil, design by Duncan Spilling

 

. . . and here’s what you can expect from THE WOLF’S CALL!

Vaelin Al Sorna is a living legend. It was his leadership that overthrew empires, his sacrifice that saved the Unified Realm from destruction. Now he lives a quiet life, his days of warfare behind him.

Yet whispers have spread across the sea of an army called the Steel Horde, led by a man who believes himself a god. When Vaelin learns that Sherin, the woman he lost long ago, has fallen into the Horde’s grasp, he resolves to confront this powerful new threat.

This vow leads him to the realms of the Merchant Kings – a dangerous land ruled by honour and intrigue. And as the drums of war echo across kingdoms riven by conflict, Vaelin learns that there are some battles even he cannot hope to win.

We publish THE WOLF’S CALL in July in hardback, trade paperback, ebook and audio.

Follow Anthony Ryan on Twitter and at his website.

Praise for Anthony Ryan

‘A master storyteller’ – Mark Lawrence

‘Fabulous . . . Sure to be another fantasy classic’Huffington Post UK

‘Memorable characters and great action’ – Django Wexler

‘The world Ryan has created for his dragon adventure is a joy to visualise’SciFiNow

‘Excellent epic fantasy’BookBag

Where can I find more information about the Expanse?

TIAMAT’S WRATH is on-sale this week in hardcover, e-book, and audio formats.

tiamats wrath

Purchase in the US: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Play | iBooks | Indiebound | Kobo | Chapters

Purchase in the UK: Amazon | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo | Waterstones | More Stores

We’re sure you’ll have questions after reading the eighth and penultimate novel of the Expanse series. Chiefly, “When is the next book, Orbit!?” Well, we can’t tell you that yet, but we can tell you about the new Expanse FAQ we created to answer all your frequently asked questions. Check it out and bookmark the page while you’re there. The explosive ending of the bestselling Expanse series is one you’re NOT going to want to miss.

Acquisition Announcement: A WITCH IN TIME by Constance Sayers

Orbit’s sibling imprint, Redhook, has acquired World English rights to a beautiful debut novel by Atlantic Media executive Constance Sayers from Roz Foster at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. In A Witch in Time, a young woman in Belle Epoque France is cursed to relive a doomed love affair through many lifetimes, as both troubled muse and frustrated artist. If you loved A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHES (US | UK), Outlander, and The Time Traveler’s Wife, this is your next magical read.

Look out for A Witch in Time in January 2020, and meanwhile, please give a warm welcome to Constance on Twitter @constancesayers and check out her website!

New Acquisition: LEGACY OF ASH by Matthew Ward

As announced in Bookbrunch, we’re thrilled to have acquired LEGACY OF ASH, a superb epic fantasy debut from British author Matthew Ward.

The deal for three books was concluded by Orbit UK editor James Long with literary agent John Jarrold. Orbit US editor Priyanka Krishnan has secured North American rights.

As the Tressian Republic crumbles, beset by enemies from without and within, its future rests on the shoulders of three heroes: Viktor, the Republic’s champion, who hides a terrible secret, and Calenne and Josiri Trelan, heirs to a tarnished legacy. Sworn enemies, they must unite if they hope to save their homeland and erase the mistakes of the past.

Yet bad blood is not easily washed away, and as the fires of war spread, they learn that the truth cuts deeper than any sword – and that the brightest light casts the darkest shadow. 

LEGACY OF ASH is epic in every sense of the word, with a large cast of brilliant characters, dangerous intrigue and bone-crunching battles. From magic-fuelled mechanical lions to the sinister Parliament of Crows, there’s just so much to love about the world Matthew has created, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

LEGACY OF ASH will be published in November 2019.

Acquisition Announcement: new Melissa Caruso series

We’re thrilled to announce that we have acquired a new trilogy by Melissa Caruso from Naomi Davis of BookEnds Literary! Melissa returns to Raverra and Vaskandar with the story of Ryx, the granddaughter of a Vaskandran Witch Lord, who is born with magic so lethal as to be unusable. She seeks help in Raverra, only to become embroiled in an international magical conflict that threatens to call up destruction from the very depths of Hell. The first book in this series will be published in 2020.

Did you love THE TETHERED MAGE (US | UK)? Bereft at the thought of leaving Raverra at the end of THE UNBOUND EMPIRE? Melissa has you covered with her new series. If you haven’t read her work and you’re hungry for gorgeous epic fantasy full of deadly magic, twisty intrigue, and dangerously complicated families—pick up the Swords and Fire trilogy now, starting with THE TETHERED MAGE and THE DEFIANT HEIR (US | UK).

  

Don’t forget to pre-order the final book of the Swords and Fire trilogy, THE UNBOUND EMPIRE, now!

Pre-order in the US: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | Chapters

Pre-order in the UK: Amazon | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo | Waterstones | More Stores

Melissa Caruso is the Gemmell Award-nominated author of the Swords and Fire epic fantasy trilogy. Follow her on Twitter @melisscaru and find out more at melissacaruso.net.

Design credit: Lisa Marie Pompilio; Art credit: Crystal Ben & Arcangel

Goodreads Choice Awards 2018: Semifinal Round

The semifinal round for the 10th annual Goodreads Choice Awards has begun. Many Orbit titles are still in the running—plus new write-ins in Fantasy and Horror! Thank you to all who voted.

Want to see your favorite Orbit authors and books make it to the final round? Cast your vote!

Voting for the semifinal round ends November 11th.

Fantasy – VOTE NOW

WRATH OF EMPIRE by Brian McClellan (US | UK)

SENLIN ASCENDS by Josiah Bancroft (US | UK)

BURN BRIGHT by Patricia Briggs (UK)

BLOODY ROSE by Nicholas Eames (US | UK) — new!

 

Science Fiction – VOTE NOW

PERSEPOLIS RISING by James S. A. Corey (US | UK)

ROSEWATER by Tade Thompson (US | UK)

 

Horror – VOTE NOW – new!

THE LABYRINTH INDEX by Charlie Stross (UK)

JADE CITY Wins the 2018 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel!

The winners of the 2018 World Fantasy Awards were announced this weekend and we’re happy to announce JADE CITY by Fonda Lee (US | UK | ANZ) has won the award for Best Novel!

The Best Novel award this year was a tie—JADE CITY shared the accolade with THE CHANGELING, by Victor LaValle. You can view the full list of awards and nominations on the World Fantasy Convention website.

Congratulations to Fonda Lee and the rest of the nominees and winners!

Goodreads Choice Awards 2018: Opening Round

The 10th annual Goodreads Choice Awards have officially begun, and we’re happy to announce Orbit has eight nominees in the first round!

Want to see your favorite Orbit authors and books make it to the second round? Cast your vote!

Voting for the opening round ends November 4th.

Fantasy – VOTE NOW

WRATH OF EMPIRE by Brian McClellan (US | UK)

SENLIN ASCENDS by Josiah Bancroft (US | UK)

BURN BRIGHT by Patricia Briggs (UK)

 

Science Fiction – VOTE NOW

PERSEPOLIS RISING by James S. A. Corey (US | UK)

ROSEWATER by Tade Thompson (US | UK)

 

Best of the Best – VOTE NOW

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Goodreads Choice Awards, Goodreads has debuted a new category where you can pick your favorite winner from the past ten years!

FEED by Mira Grant (US | UK) – Best Science Fiction of 2010

COLD DAYS by Jim Butcher (UK) – Best Paranormal Fantasy of 2013

TOWERS OF MIDNIGHT by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (UK) – Best Fantasy of 2010

 

If your favorite Orbit title of 2018 isn’t listed, you can also enter a write-in vote at the bottom of each genre page.