Archive for Orbit Australia

Cover Reveal: MAGEBANE by Stephen Aryan

Only magic can defeat a god . . .

 

Design by Nico Taylor, cover images by Arcangel and Shutterstock

 

MAGEBANE is the action-packed conclusion to Stephen Aryan’s Age of Dread series – publishing June 2019.

A plague rages in the streets of Perizzi. City guards rally to deal with riots while the young magicians of the Tower pool their healing powers to find a cure.

Elsewhere, new alliances are formed to stem the rising darkness strengthening a deity who feeds on pestilence and decay. Gods, Sorcerers and Battlemages must set aside the past and their vendettas to work together or risk unleashing greater suffering than they can possibly imagine . . . 

Praise for Stephen Aryan

‘A vivid and rousing adventure with the kind of magic that punches you right in the face’ – Jen Williams

‘Epic fantasy for readers who appreciate extra helpings of carnage with their backstabbing’ – Publishers Weekly

‘Stephen Aryan puts the epic into Epic Fantasy. This is a ground-shaking debut, full of fiery promise’ – Den Patrick

‘Aryan’s battle scenes are visceral masterpieces that transport the reader deep into the mêleé’ – Taran Matharu

Hillbilly Television Options M. R. Carey’s New Novel SOMEONE LIKE ME

See below for an exciting press release that has gone out about M. R. Carey’s new novel SOMEONE LIKE ME! (UK|US|ANZ)

 

SOMEONE LIKE ME

 

London-based production company Hillbilly Television has optioned rights for Someone Like Me, the new novel by M. R. Carey, author of the million-copy bestselling The Girl With All the Gifts.

Someone Like Me will be published worldwide in November 2018 by Orbit – an imprint of Little Brown Book Group in the UK and Hachette Book Group in the US. A modern take on the Jekyll and Hyde story, the novel is described by the publisher as “an extraordinary thriller with a twist you won’t see coming.”

Hillbilly Television was co-founded by Polly Leys and Kate Norrish, whose collective credits include The Full Monty and Second Coming, starring Idris Elba.

Leys and Norrish commented “We’re absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to adapt Someone Like Me for television. Mike’s reputation precedes him both as a novelist and screenwriter and it’s an exciting prospect to be working with him on this. Someone Like Me is a surprising and compelling story that will appeal to Mike’s existing fanbase as well as introducing more fans to his incredible work”.

Mike commented, “It’s a real pleasure to be working with Hillbilly. They’re amazing – and inspiring – in their insight, energy and commitment to story. I’m hugely enjoying the process of adapting the novel for a new medium with them.”

Over the past two years, Hillbilly has produced prestigious TV drama series for both UK and international broadcasters. Stand-out titles include ITV’s tense thriller The Level, whose all-star cast includes Phillip Glenister, Karla Crome and Laura Haddock; Debbie Tucker Green’s acclaimed Random for Channel 4, whose slew of awards include a BAFTA for Best Single Drama; and new comedy drama Loaded, co-produced by Keshet UK for Channel 4 and AMC, which has now been acquired by Netflix.

The deal was negotiated by Meg Davis at the Ki Agency Ltd, London.

 

Cover Reveal: FALLEN by Benedict Jacka

We’re thrilled to unveil the fantastic cover for Benedict Jacka’s FALLEN – the tenth magic-filled Alex Verus adventure! We publish in October 2019.

Design by Ronja Rønning.

Praise for the Alex Verus novels: 

‘Filled with tense and compelling writing’ SFX

‘Whoop-ass excitement from the new master of magical London’ – Charles Stross

‘London’s hidden wizardly community spell-blast each other entertainingly in this urban fantasy romp . . . highly enjoyable’ Sun

‘Jacka writes a deft thrill-ride of an urban fantasy – a stay-up-all-night read’ Patricia Briggs

‘Brilliant storytelling . . . masterfully crafted’ Fantasy Faction

 

Cover Launch: A BOY AND HIS DOG AT THE END OF THE WORLD

With a simultaneous launch across all our channels today, we’re proud to share a new cover by Lauren Panepinto and Lisa Marie Pompilio.

My name’s Griz. I’ve never been to school, I’ve never had friends, in my whole life I’ve not met enough people to play a game of football. My parents told me how crowded the world used to be, before all the people went away, but we were never lonely on our remote island. We had each other, and our dogs.

Then the thief came.

He told stories of the deserted towns and cities beyond our horizons. I liked him – until I woke to find he had stolen my dog. So I chased him out into the ruins of the world.

I just want to get my dog back, but I found more than I ever imagined was possible. More about how the world ended. More about what my family’s real story is. More about what really matters.

A BOY AND HIS DOG AT THE END OF THE WORLD is coming April 2019, and it’s the most powerful story you’ll read next year. Reminiscent of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS and STATION ELEVEN, Griz’s tale mixes sadness and hope in one unforgettable character’s quest amid the remnants of our fragile civilisation.

TIAMAT’S WRATH Coming in Spring 2019!

Fans of The Expanse: We know that you have been looking forward to TIAMAT’S WRATH this December. But because we are now entering the home stretch of this amazing series and we all want to make sure we get it right, we have asked the authors to give our editorial and sales teams some extra time to prepare for the launch.  

 The new publication date will be in March 2019. We know you’re going to love this next chapter, and thank you for your patience.

Cover Launch: THE GUTTER PRAYER by Gareth Hanrahan

Set in a world of dark gods and dangerous magic, Gareth Hanrahan’s remarkable debut, THE GUTTER PRAYER (UK|US|ANZ), is set to be a must-read for fantasy fans in 2019. It will hit the shops early next year, and we’re thrilled to reveal the striking cover below.

 

Illustration by Richard Anderson
Design by Steve Panton

 

This thrilling and visceral debut is already generating some brilliant early buzz:

‘A gripping tale that meshes beautifully with its fascinating, darkly inventive setting’
James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

‘A ground-breaking and extraordinary novel . . . Hanrahan has an astonishing imagination’
Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones

‘Laced with the blackest of humour and packed with magic and mayhem, this is fantasy turned up to 11’
Anna Stephens, author of Godblind

‘An absolutely stunning debut . . . I loved it! Highly recommended ’
Michael R. Fletcher, author of Beyond Redemption

‘Beautifully written. Gripping. Guerdon is the city of my dreams’
Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives

 

READ ON FOR A TASTE OF WHAT’S IN STORE:

In the ancient city of Guerdon, three thieves – an orphan, a ghoul and a cursed man – are accused of a crime they didn’t commit. Their quest for revenge exposes a perilous conspiracy, the seeds of which were sown long before they were born.

A centuries-old magical war is on the verge of reigniting and in the tunnels deep below the city, a malevolent power stirs. Only by standing together can the three friends prevent a conflict that would bring total devastation to their city – and the world beyond.

New Acquisition: THE WOLF’S CALL by Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan is returning to the world of international bestseller BLOOD SONG with his new book! 

We’re thrilled to announce that the next book from international bestselling author Anthony Ryan is called THE WOLF’S CALL and, even more excitingly, it will return to the world of his bestselling and critically-acclaimed Raven’s Shadow trilogy (which comprised BLOOD SONG, TOWER LORD and QUEEN OF FIRE).

THE WOLF’S CALL, book one of the Raven’s Blade duology, will begin an epic new adventure for fan-favourite Vaelin Al Sorna, as he travels to the far-flung realms of the Merchant Kings and learns of a grave new threat to the Unified Realm. Needless to say, THE WOLF’S CALL will feature more of the razor-sharp action, deadly politics and memorable characters that made the Raven’s Shadow trilogy a worldwide sensation, and is sure to delight new readers and existing fans alike.

We will publish THE WOLF’S CALL in summer 2019.

About Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan is the author of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy and the recently-completed Draconis Memoria series. His books have sold more than a million English-language copies worldwide. Follow him on Twitter @writer_anthony and at his website.

Praise for Anthony Ryan

‘A master storyteller’ Mark Lawrence

‘A major new talent’ Buzzfeed

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

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

‘Excellent epic fantasy’ Bookbag

Cover Launch: STORM CURSED by Patricia Briggs

Exciting news for fans of Patricia Briggs: everyone’s favourite kick-ass shapeshifter, Mercy Thompson, will be back in action early next year!  In STORM CURSED, Mercy must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . . we are thrilled to reveal the stunning cover below.

Storm Cursed

Cover portrait: www.sorted.tv
Cover design: Ellen Rockell – LBBG

 

Read on for a taste of what’s in store for Mercy in the next thrilling installment of the number one bestselling series:

 

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Cover Launch: SPLINTERED SUNS by Michael Cobley

Here at Orbit we love an action-packed, galaxy-spanning space opera, and Michael Cobley’s new Humanity’s Fire novel, SPLINTERED SUNS (UK|US|ANZ), ticks all the boxes! With a spaceship crewed by rogues and scoundrels, this latest offering from the author of Seeds of Earth is perfect for fans of Star Wars, Firefly or Farscape  Feast your eyes on the recently revealed cover below:

 

Splintered SunsIllustration by Steve Stone. Design by Charlotte Stroomer.

 

Splintered Suns will hit the shops in December. Read on for a taste of what’s in store:

For Pyke and his crew it should have been just another heist. Travel to a backwater desert planet, break into a museum, steal a tracking device then use it to find a ship buried in the planet’s vast and trackless sandy wastes.
Except that the museum vault is a bio-engineered chamber, and the tracking device is sought after by another gang of treasure hunters led by an old adversary of Pyke’s, the devious Raven Kaligara. Also, the ship is a quarter of a million years old and about two kilometres long and somewhere aboard it is the Essavyr Key, a relic to unlock all the treasures and technologies of a lost civilisation . . .

BFA shortlist announced

The 2018 British Fantasy Awards shortlist has been announced by the BFS. Congratulations to RJ Barker, M. R. Carey and Anna Smith Spark, who are all nominated! And an honourable mention to another Orbit author, Tade Thompson, who is nominated in the Best Novella category.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The full shortlist is below:

Best Newcomer (the Sydney J Bounds Award)

· RJ Barker, for Age of Assassins (Orbit)
· SA Chakraborty, for The City of Brass (HarperVoyager)
· Ed McDonald, for Blackwing (Orion)
· Jeanette Ng, for Under the Pendulum Sun (Angry Robot)
· Anna Smith Spark, for The Court of Broken Knives (HarperVoyager) [Orbit in the US]

 

Best Magazine / Periodical

· Black Static, ed. Andy Cox (TTA Press)
· Gingernuts of Horror, ed. Jim Mcleod
· Grimdark Magazine, ed. Adrian Collins
· Interzone, ed. Andy Cox (TTA Press)
· Shoreline of Infinity, ed. Noel Chidwick

 

Best Non-Fiction

· Gender Identity and Sexuality in Science Fiction and Fantasy, ed. FT Barbini (Luna Press)
· Gingernuts of Horror, ed. Jim Mcleod
· Luminescent Threads, ed. Alexandra Pierce & Mimi Mondal (12th Planet Press)
· No Time to Spare: Thinking About What Matters, by Ursula K Le Guin (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
· Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of 70s and 80s Horror Fiction, by Grady Hendrix (Quirk)
· Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, by Maura McHugh (Electric Dreamhouse Press)

 

Best Comic / Graphic Novel

· Bitch Planet Vol 2: President Bitch, by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Taki Soma & Valentine de Landro (Image)
· Grim & Bold, by Joshua Cornah (Kristell Ink)
· Monstress, Vol. 2, by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda (Image)
· Tomorrow, by Jack Lothian & Garry Mac (BHP Comics)
· The Wicked + The Divine Vol 5: Imperial Phase Part 1, by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie (Image)

 

Best Independent Press

· 404 Ink
· Fox Spirit
· Grimbold Books
· Newcon Press
· Salt Publishing
· Unsung Stories

 

Best Audio

· Anansi Boys (by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Dirk Maggs for Radio 4)
· Brave New Words podcast (Ed Fortune and Starburst Magazine)
· Breaking the Glass Slipper podcast (Lucy Hounsom, Charlotte Bond & Megan Leigh)
· Ivory Towers (by Richard H Brooks, directed by Karim Kronfli for 11th Hour Audio Productions)
· PseudoPod podcast (Alasdair Stuart and Escape Artists)
· Tea & Jeopardy podcast (Emma & Peter Newman)

 

Best Artist

· Ben Baldwin
· Jeffrey Alan Love
· Victo Ngai
· Daniele Sera
· Sophie E Tallis
· Sana Takeda

 

Best Anthology

· 2084, ed. George Sandison (Unsung Stories)
· Dark Satanic Mills: Great British Horror Book 2, ed. Steve Shaw (Black Shuck Books)
· Imposter Syndrome, ed. James Everington & Dan Howarth (Dark Minds Press)
· New Fears, ed. Mark Morris (Titan Books)
· Pacific Monsters, ed. Margret Helgadottir (Fox Spirit)

 

Best Collection

· Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman (Bloomsbury)
· Strange Weather, by Joe Hill (Gollancz)
· Tanith by Choice, by Tanith Lee (Newcon Press)
· Tender: Stories, by Sofia Samatar (Small Beer Press)
· You Will Grow Into Them, by Malcolm Devlin (Unsung Stories)

 

Best Film / Television Production

· Black Mirror, Series 4, by Charlie Brooker (Netflix)
· Get Out, by Jordan Peele (Universal Pictures)
· The Good Place, Season 1, by Michael Schur (Netflix)
· Star Wars: The Last Jedi, by Rian Johnson (Lucasfilm)
· Stranger Things, Season 2, by Matt & Ross Duffer (Netflix)
· Twin Peaks: the Return, by Mark Frost & David Lynch (Sky Atlantic)
· Wonder Woman, by Zack Snyder, Allan Heinberg & Jason Fuchs (Warner Bros.)

 

Best Novella

· Brother’s Ruin, by Emma Newman (Tor.com)
· Cottingley, by Alison Littlewood (Newcon Press)
· The Murders of Molly Southbourne, by Tade Thompson (Tor.com)
· Naming the Bones, by Laura Mauro (Dark Minds Press)
· Passing Strange, by Ellen Klages (Tor.com)
· A Pocketful of Crows, by Joanne Harris (Gollancz)

 

Best Short Fiction

· The Anniversary, by Ruth EJ Booth (in Black Static #61) (TTA Press)
· Four Abstracts, by Nina Allan (in New Fears) (Titan Books)
· Illumination, by Joanne Hall (in Book of Dragons) (Kristell Ink)
· The Little Gift, by Stephen Volk (PS Publishing)
· Looking for Laika, by Laura Mauro (in Interzone #273) (TTA Press)
· Shepherd’s Business, by Stephen Gallagher (in New Fears) (Titan Books)

 

Best Horror Novel (the August Derleth Award)

· Behind Her Eyes, by Sarah Pinborough (Harper Collins)
· The Boy on the Bridge, by MR Carey (Orbit)
· The Changeling, by Victor LaValle (Spiegel & Grau)
· The Crow Garden, by Alison Littlewood (Jo Fletcher Books)
· Relics, by Tim Lebbon (Titan Books)

 

Best Fantasy Novel (the Robert Holdstock Award)

· Age of Assassins, by RJ Barker (Orbit)
· The Court of Broken Knives, by Anna Smith Spark (HarperVoyager) [Orbit in the US]
· The Ninth Rain, by Jen Williams (Headline)
· Under the Pendulum Sun, by Jeanette Ng (Angry Robot)