Author Archive

Acquisition Announcement: THE THIRD RULE OF TIME TRAVEL by Philip Fracassi

Philip Fracassi (Photo Credit: Stephanie Simard)
Photo Credit: Stephanie Simard

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Third Rule of Time Travel, a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller from the mind of Bram Stoker-nominated author Philip Fracassi coming in Winter 2025. At once a propulsive near-future mystery and a poignant meditation on grief, The Third Rule of Time Travel is perfect for fans of Here and Now and Then and Severance. You won’t want to miss this meticulously researched stunner—read on for a glimpse at what’s to come! 

Scientist Beth Darlow has discovered the unimaginable. She’s built a machine that allows human consciousness to travel through time—to any point in the traveler’s lifetime—and relive moments of their life. An impossible breakthrough, but it’s not perfect: the traveler has no way to alter or control the outcome. They can only observe.

After Beth’s husband, Colson, the co-creator of the machine, dies in a tragic car accident, Beth is left to raise Isabella—their only daughter—and continue the work they started. Mired in grief and threatened by her unscrupulous funder, Beth pushes herself to the limit to prove the value of her technology.

With each new observation she makes, her own timeline begins to warp. The changes are small at first. Then they become horrifying.

With her reality constantly shifting, Beth is on the clock to reverse altered history. But once the dominoes have been tipped, can they ever be reset?

Orbit US Senior Editor Bradley Englert has acquired World English rights from Elizabeth Copps at Copps Literary Services, with Commissioning Editor Nadia Saward acquiring for Orbit UK.

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.

Acquisition announcement: The Combat Codes

We are ecstatic to announce that we’ve acquired debut author Alexander Darwin’s action-packed, science fiction trilogy, The Combat Codes. The first book in the trilogy, The Combat Codes, is set in a world where the fate of nations is determined by battle-hardened warriors who are trained to represent their nations’ interests in brutal hand-to-hand single combat.

 

Murray Pearson was once a famed warrior until he suffered a loss that crippled his nation — but now he’s on the hunt to find and train the next champion.

In underground and ruthless combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes Cego has what it takes to make it in the world’s most prestigious combat academy – but Cego must fight his way out of the underground first.

If you’re a fan of martial arts, school stories, redemption arcs, and incredibly immersive science fiction, we can promise that you’re going to find a lot to love in The Combat Codes.

 

Here are a few words from Alexander about what inspired him to write his debut trilogy:

I’ve practiced and taught martial arts for most of my life, and I’ve also always been a massive sci-fi / fantasy fan; I wrote the Combat Codes to blend these two passions. At its heart though, the Combat Codes is the story of finding one’s light and path in a world that can be bleak and brutal, the clash of new and old cultures, and how friends are a necessity even when standing alone in the ring. 

The Combat Codes certainly is centered around fighting, but not just the action itself. I wanted to create a world where the society and politics are organized around single combat, and the fighters are constantly caught between duty and honor. I’m so excited to get this story and its cast of characters out to readers around the world!

 

Look out for The Combat Codes in 2023. In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Alexander! You can find him on Twitter or Instagram as @combatcodes.

Alexander Darwin is a second generation Vietnamese-Jewish-American author living in Boston with his wife and three daughters. Outside of writing, he teaches and trains martial arts (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). He’s inspired by old-school Hong Kong action flicks, jRPGs, underdog stories and bibimbap bowls.

Assistant editor Hillary Sames acquired while at Orbit US, with Orbit US senior editor Bradley Englert editing, World English rights from Ed Wilson at Johnson and Alcock Literary Agency. Editorial Director Jenni Hill at Orbit UK has secured UK rights.

Cover launch: It Rides a Pale Horse

From Andy Marino, a new star in horror fiction, comes IT RIDES A PALE HORSE: a terrifying novel of obsession, creation, and the shocking actions we’ll take to protect those we love, all set in a small town filled with dark secrets.

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

Peter Larkin—Lark to his friends—is a local hero in the small town of Wofford Falls. The one who went to the big city, became a famous sculptor, then returned home to settle down. He’s the kind of guy who becomes fast friends with almost anyone. His sister, Betsy, is even more gifted. And eccentric. Unlike Lark, she keeps to herself.

When Lark delivers his latest piece to a fabulously rich buyer, it seems like a regular transaction. Even being met at the gate of the sprawling, secluded estate by an intimidating security guard seems normal. Until the guard plays him a live feed: Betsy being abducted in real time.

Lark is informed that she’s safe for now, but her well‑being is entirely in his hands. He’s given a book. Do what the book says, and Betsy will go free.

It seems simple enough—an instruction manual for a sculpture. But as Lark begins to work he realizes: the book’s writer is unhinged. The sculpture is impossible. And his sister’s captors are not what they seem.

All the while, his town and those within it are changing. And the only way out is through.

Cover launch: Drive, and The Sins of Our Fathers by James S. A. Corey!

In November, we launched the phenomenal final novel in the Expanse, Leviathan Falls. In March, James S. A. Corey has one more Expanse story for you . . .  The Sins of Our Fathers (US | UK). This novella will be included in the story collection, Memory’s Legion, but it will also be available as a digital novella. We’re thrilled to be sharing the cover of that digital edition with you today:

Cover design by Lauren Panepinto

Along with that, we’ll be re-releasing another short story set in the universe of the Expanse, Drive (US | UK). This short story is included in Memory’s Legion. And we’re also sharing the fantastic cover for that edition today!

Cover design by Lauren Panepinto

Mark your calendars because both of these stories, and the collection of all of the stories set in the Expanse, Memory’s Legion (US | UK), hit shelves on March 15th, 2022!

Cover design by Lauren Panepinto

Acquisition Announcement: Empire of Exiles

Photo credit: Kevin Goodier

Enter a world where the history of a broken empire is sealed inside the mysterious Imperial Archives, where mages and librarians unearth the secrets of magical artifacts, historic tomes, and powerful relics. And what they uncover just may be the key to revealing a conspiracy that could topple the empire once and for all.

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of EMPIRE OF EXILES by Erin M. Evans. EMPIRE OF EXILES has everything you’re looking for in your next epic fantasy read – a stunning tale of revolution, wonderfully unique fantasy races and cultures, wise-cracking apprentices and fierce librarian-sorcerers, and a mystery around every corner of the lush world.

We can’t wait to bring you EMPIRE OF EXILES next year—in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Erin M. Evans to Orbit! Follow along for updates on Twitter at @erinmevans.

Twenty-seven years ago, a Duke with a grudge led a ruthless coup against the empire of Semilla, killing thousands. He failed. The Duke was executed, a terrifyingly powerful sorcerer was imprisoned, and an unwilling princess disappeared.

The empire moved on.

Now, when Quill, an apprentice scribe, arrives in the capital city, he believes he’s on a simple errand for another pompous noble: fetch ancient artifacts from the magical Imperial Archives. He’s always found his apprenticeship to be dull work. But these aren’t just any artifacts — these are the instruments of revolution, the banners under which the Duke lead his coup.

Just as the artifacts are unearthed, the city is shaken by a brutal murder that seems to have been caused by a weapon not seen since the days of rebellion.

Since Quill is the only reliable witness to the murder, and no one in power believes his story, he must join with a young mage, a seasoned archivist, and a disillusioned detective to find the truth of the attack. And what they uncover will be the key to saving the empire – or destroying it for good.

 

Orbit US editor Bradley Englert acquired North American rights from Bridget Smith of JABberwocky Literary Agency.

Acquisition Announcement: The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft

Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a brand new series from author Josiah Bancroft, the brilliant mind behind Senlin Ascends and The Books of Babel, the phenomenon fantasy series described as “future classics” (Los Angeles Times).

The Hexologists introduces us to a new world and the dynamic duo of Hexologists Iz and Warren Wilby: two private investigators who solve magical problems with magical solutions. While their usual quests are never more alarming than the occasional incubi infestation or mournful ghost haunting, their latest mission has given them an impossible task: save the king himself.

While you eagerly await the arrival of this newest arcane mystery series, you can find out more about Josiah Bancroft at his website thebooksofbabel.com.

For an early peek at Iz and Warren’s first adventure, read on!

Iz and Warren Wilby are quite accustomed to helping desperate clients with the bugbears of city life. Aided by hexes and a bag of charmed relics, the Wilbies have recovered children abducted by chimney-wraiths, removed infestations of barb-nosed incubi, and ventured into the Gray Plains of the Unmade to soothe a troubled ghost. Well-acquainted with the weird, the Hexologists never shy away from a challenging case.

But when they are approached by the royal secretary and told the king pleads to be baked into a cake—going so far as to wedge himself inside a lit oven—the Wilbies soon find themselves embroiled in a mystery that could very well see the nation turned on its head. Their effort to expose a royal secret buried under forty years of lies brings them nose to nose with a violent antiroyalist gang, avaricious ghouls, alchemists who draw their power from a hell-like dimension, and a bookish dragon who only occasionally eats people.

Armed with a love toughened by adversity and a stick of chalk that can conjure light from the darkness, hope from the hopeless, Iz and Warren Wilby are ready for whatever springs from the alleys, graves, and shadows next.

 

Orbit US editor Bradley Englert acquired World English rights to the books from Ian Drury of Sheil Land Associates. Orbit UK editor Emily Byron has secured UK rights.

ICYMI: Cover launch for Engines of Empire by R. S. Ford

Last week, Grimdark Magazine revealed the amazing cover for ENGINES OF EMPIRE, the first book in a new epic fantasy series by R. S. Ford that tells the story of clashing Guilds, magic-fueled machines, intrigue and revolution—and the one family that stands between an empire’s salvation or destruction. Feast your eyes on the spectacular cover below, pre-order your copy here and head to Grimdark Magazine to read the first chapter! ENGINES OF EMPIRE is on sale January 2022.

Design and Illustration by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative

“An excellent start to a new series: fast-paced and engaging, with a properly epic setting and a cast of characters I look forward to seeing more of.” –James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

The nation of Torwyn is run on the power of industry, and industry is run by the Guilds. Chief among them are the Hawkspurs, and their responsibility is to keep the gears of the empire turning. It’s exactly why matriarch Rosomon Hawkspur sends each of her heirs to the far reaches of the nation.

Conall, the eldest son, is sent to the distant frontier to earn his stripes in the military. It is here that he faces a threat he could have never seen coming: the first rumblings of revolution.

Tyreta’s sorcerous connection to the magical resource of pyrstone that fuels the empire’s machines makes her a perfect heir–in theory. While Tyreta hopes that she might shirk her responsibilities during her journey one of Torwyn’s most important pyrestone mines, she instead finds the dark horrors of industry that the empire would prefer to keep hidden.

The youngest, Fulren, is a talented artificer, and finds himself acting as consort to a foreign emissary. Soon after, he is framed for a crime he never committed. A crime that could start a war.

As each of the Hawkspurs grapple with the many threats that face the nation within and without, they must finally prove themselves worthy–or their empire will fall apart.

Cover launch: The Martyr by Anthony Ryan

Cover launch for THE MARTYR! With thrilling battles, visceral action, and an indelible lead character, this is the epic sequel to THE PARIAH from New York Times bestseller Anthony Ryan. Out June 2022! Pre-order your copy: US | UK link coming soon. And if you haven’t started this epic fantasy series yet, pick up THE PARIAH (US | UK) now!

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Jaime Jones

 

“A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word.” —John Gwynne on The Pariah

The Martyr is the second novel in The Covenant of Steel, a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful.

Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends.

Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge.

“This makes a rich treat for George R.R. Martin fans.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Pariah

Cover launch: The Justice of Kings

Cover launch! THE JUSTICE OF KINGS is the first in an epic new fantasy trilogy by Richard Swan following the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one. On sale in February 2022! Learn more and pre-order your copy now: US | UK.

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Martina Fačková