Archive for Orbit UK

Acquisition Announcement: TRANSLATION STATE by Ann Leckie

Ann Leckie
Photo Credit: MissionPhoto.org

ANN LECKIE RETURNS!

After winning the trifecta of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards for her groundbreaking debut Ancillary Justice, Ann Leckie has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide, becoming a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and firmly establishing herself as one of the most lauded, inventive, and powerful voices of modern SFF. As John Scalzi so aptly put it, “There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are few who ever could.”

2023 will mark ten years since Ancillary Justice published and changed the sci-fi landscape. It will also be the year that Leckie’s brand-new novel, Translation State, hits shelves. That’s right! In summer 2023, Ann Leckie returns…

Set in the celebrated world of the Imperial Radch novels, Translation State follows an entirely new cast of characters, masterfully merging space adventure, mystery, and a poignant exploration about relationships and belonging. We cannot wait for current fans and new readers to fall in love with this sensational standalone. And the great news is, it’s available for pre-order now (US)!

Says Leckie: “These are characters I’ve lived with a long time, and it’s been so wonderful to finally put them down on the page. It’s been a pleasure to return to the world of the Imperial Radch, and I’m excited and hopeful that readers will have as much fun with Translation State as I have.”

Orbit US Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan acquired World English Rights to Translation State and a second standalone novel from Seth Fishman at The Gernert Company. Orbit UK Editorial Director Jenni Hill acquired UK rights.

 

The mystery of a missing translator sets three lives on a collision course that will have a ripple effect across the stars in this powerful new novel by award-winning author Ann Leckie.

Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade, they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they might want something else isn’t “optimal behavior”—it’s the type of behavior that results in elimination.

But Qven rebels. And in doing so, their path collides with that of two others. Enae, a reluctant diplomat whose dead grandmaman has left hir an impossible task as an inheritance: hunting down a fugitive who has been missing for over 200 years. And Reet, an adopted mechanic who is increasingly desperate to learn about his genetic roots—or anything that might explain why he operates so differently from those around him.

As a Conclave of the various species approaches—and the long-standing treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line—the decisions of all three will have ripple effects across the stars.

Cover Launch: HOUSE OF ODYSSEUS by Claire North

We’re proud to present the stunning cover for HOUSE OF ODYSSEUS (UK|US), the new novel in the Songs of Penelope trilogy by Claire North, coming August 2023.

Book cover for HOUSE OF ODYSSEUS by Claire North, featuring three Greek women in white robes on a blue background
Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

Following the critically acclaimed Ithaca comes House of Odysseus, the second novel in Claire North’s Songs of Penelope trilogy – an exquisite, gripping tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before.

On the island of Ithaca, queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband Odysseus sailed to war with Troy and never returned. In his absence, Penelope uses all her cunning to keep the peace – but this is shattered with the arrival of Orestes, King of Mycenae.  

Orestes, son of Agamemnon, is mad. Wracked with guilt for putting his own mother to death, he grows ever more unhinged. But a king cannot be seen to be weak. To keep him safe from the ambitious men of Mycenae, his sister Elektra brings him to Ithaca to recover under the protection of Penelope. But no sooner has Orestes arrived then his uncle Menelaus, the blood-soaked king of Sparta, comes looking for him. Menelaus hungers for Orestes’ throne – and if he can seize it, no one will be safe from his violent whims.

Caught between Sparta and Mycenae, Penelope must protect Ithaca from two mad kings on the edge of war. Her only allies are Elektra, desperate to protect her brother, and Helen of Troy, Menelaus’ wife. Each woman has a secret, and their secrets will shape the world . . .

Praise for the Songs of Penelope series:

‘Darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking’ Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne

‘Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history’ Booklist

‘Everything I’ve wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice – this is an absolute masterpiece’ Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin

‘Conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies‘ The Times

‘Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime’ Hannah Lynn, author of Athena’s Child

HOUSE OF ODYSSEUS by Claire North is available for pre-order now (UK|US).

Cover Launch: THE TYRANNY OF FAITH by Richard Swan

We’re delighted to reveal the cover for THE TYRANNY OF FAITH by Richard Swan, the sequel to his Sunday Times bestselling debut THE JUSTICE OF KINGS.

 

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Martina Fačková

 

A Justice’s work is never done.

The Battle of Galen’s Vale is over, but the war for the Empire’s future has just begun.

Concerned by rumours that the Magistratum’s authority is waning, Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova to find the capital city gripped by intrigue and whispers of rebellion. In the Senate, patricians speak openly against the Emperor, while fanatics preach holy vengeance on the streets.

Yet facing down these threats to the throne will have to wait, for the Emperor’s grandson has been kidnapped – and Vonvalt is charged with rescuing the missing prince.

His quest will lead Vonvalt – and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radomir – to the Empire’s southern frontier, where they will once again face the puritanical fury of Bartholomew Claver and his templar knights . . . and a dark power far more terrifying than they could have imagined.

 

THE TYRANNY OF FAITH will be published in February ’23. Pre-order UK / US

 

Praise for the Empire of the Wolf series:

 

‘Stunning’ RJ Barker

‘Utterly compelling’ Nicholas Eames

‘Fantastic’ Peter McLean

‘Standout of the year’ British Fantasy Society

‘Addictive’ SciFi Now

‘A brilliant debut’ James Islington

 

Acquisition Announcement: The Gods Below series by Andrea Stewart

We’re thrilled to have acquired a new epic fantasy series from Andrea Stewart!

The Gods Below series is set in a world ravaged by ancient magic, where precious gemstones bestow magical abilities on the few individuals able to harness their power.

Full of clandestine power struggles and the battles between gods, the story follows Hakara, a young woman searching for her missing sister and who will do anything to find her – even lead a rebellion against the gods themselves.

For more information, check out the press release on the Bookseller website.

The first book in the Gods Below trilogy will publish in ’24. Before that, we’ve got THE BONE SHARD WAR – the epic conclusion to Andrea’s Drowning Empire trilogy – to look forward to in April next year!

Acquisition announcement: INFINITY GATE by M. R. Carey

M. R. Carey is back! And in colossally epic style . . .

You might know M. R. Carey from his million-copy bestseller The Girl With All the Gifts, or perhaps his brilliant The Book of Koli, which received the special citation at the Philip K. Dick Awards.

He’s been said to heft ‘astonishing storytelling power’ by Locus and has been described as ‘one of the most inventive voices in contemporary fiction’ by i09.

Well now we’re excited to announce a brand new novel from Mike that’s going to knock your science fictional socks off.

Releasing in March 2023, Infinity Gate (UK|US) is a major new SF novel set in the multiverse. It’s the first book in a duology called the Pandominion, with the second book due to release in Spring 2024.

We’re excited to show you the cover for Infinity Gate below, from our very talented designer Nico Taylor.

Book cover for INFINITY GATE by M. R. Carey showing Earth from space, with different coloured sections to represent alternate versions of Earth in other dimensions

Infinity Gate is a thrilling tale set of humanity’s expansion across millions of alternate dimensions, and the AI technology that might see it all come to an end . . .

INFINITY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

The Pandominion is a political and trading alliance of a million worlds – except that they’re really just the one world, Earth, in many different realities. And when an AI threat arises that could destroy everything the Pandominion has built, they’ll eradicate it by whatever means necessary, no matter the cost to human life.

Scientist Hadiz Tambuwal is looking for a solution to her own Earth’s environmental collapse when she stumbles across the secret of inter-dimensional travel. It could save everyone on her dying planet, but now she’s walked into the middle of a war on a scale she never dreamed of.

 

Here’s what the esteemed Tade Thompson has to say about it:

‘Infinity Gate is a powerful exploration of the near-future, skilfully and seamlessly weaving different realities and different iterations of AI . . . Carey has the experience, imagination and verve to pull it off. A compelling entry and a must-read!’ Tade Thompson, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Rosewater

Infinity Gate is coming in March next year. It’s available for pre-order now (UK|US).

Acquisition Announcement: THE SWORD DEFIANT by Gareth Hanrahan

Orbit is thrilled to announce that we’ve acquired a brand new series from Gareth Hanrahan, author of the critically acclaimed The Gutter Prayer. The first book in Gareth’s new trilogy, titled The Sword Defiant will be publishing in May 2023, and is now available to pre-order.

Orbit UK Commissioning editor Emily Byron acquired World Rights to the Lands of the Firstborn trilogy from John Jarrold, with Senior editor Bradley Englert acquiring for Orbit US. Check out the stunning cover below, designed by Sophie Harris at Little, Brown Book Group with art by Thea Dumitriu.

An image of the book cover of The Sword Defiant, which shows an ominous and moody illustration of an armoured man brandishing a glowing red sword

Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord’s cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad. That was the easy part.

Now, when Aelfric – keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker – learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the nine heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer. Yesterday’s eager heroes are today’s weary leaders – and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves.

If there’s one thing Aelfric knows, it’s slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends.

Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons and bloodthirsty vengeance.

You can follow Gareth on Twitter @mytholder!

Cover launch: PARADISE-1 by David Wellington

We’re thrilled to reveal the brilliant cover for PARADISE-1 by David Wellington, due to be published in April ’23.

Design by Sean Garrehy

 

WELCOME TO PARADISE

Paradise-1. Earth’s first deep space colony. For thousands of colonists, it was an opportunity for a new life.

Until it went dark. No communication has been received from the colony for months.

It falls to Firewatch Agent Alexandra Petrova and the crew of the Artemis to investigate.

What they find is more horrifying than they could have imagined.

PARADISE-1 is the first book in a terrifying tale of exploration and survival in the deepest reaches of space, by Clarke Award-nominated author David Wellington.

 

Praise for David Wellington:

‘An edge-of-your-seat tale of first contact’
Gareth L. Powell

‘A terrifying tour de force . . . Gripping authenticity and an uncompromising white-knuckled pace’ James Rollins

‘Timely and terrifying, The Last Astronaut propels us deep into the mysteries of space . . . breathless, compulsive reading’ Christopher Golden

Acquisition Announcement: Eliza Chan’s Fathomfolk Makes a Splash at Orbit

An author photo of Eliza Chan, she is holding a notebook and looking into the camera. Photo by Sandi Hodkinson
Photo Credit: Sandi Hodkinson

DEEPLY IRRESISTIBLE DEBUT FANTASY DUOLOGY ACQUIRED IN COMPETITIVE AUCTION

We are delighted to announce that Orbit has acquired two books in a highly-anticipated fantasy series inspired by East Asian mythology and watery folk tales from British debut author Eliza Chan. Eliza has published various pieces of short fiction but Fathomfolk will be her first novel.

Alexander Cochran (C&W) sold world rights to Editorial Director Jenni Hill at Orbit, Little, Brown Book Group. Brit Hvide has acquired for Orbit US.

In Eliza’s duology, revolution is brewing in the semi-submerged city of Tiankawi, between humans and the fathomfolk—sirens, sea witches, kelpies, and kappas—who live in its waters. This debut fantasy is perfect for fans of Fonda Lee’s Jade City and Sarah J. Maas’s House of Earth and Blood.

 

Eliza says: “I am thrilled that Fathomfolk has found a home with Orbit. They have published so many groundbreaking, cherished favourites of mine over the years and I am gobsmacked to be within that number. I am looking forward to working with Jenni and Brit, knowing my flooded world is in the best hands.”

Jenni says: “Eliza is such a find, and I am so glad that she decided to choose Orbit as the home for her debut! Fathomfolk is simply irresistible: we loved Eliza’s charming characters, her depth of worldbuilding: there were literal squeals of glee in the Orbit editorial meeting when we discussed her work, from team members who will remain anonymous for dignity’s sake…”

Alex says: “I loved the rich and beautifully drawn world of Fathomfolk from the first moment I read Eliza’s work, and I’m absolutely delighted that she’s found such a brilliant editor and home in Jenni and the team at Orbit.”

 

For more information about Fathomfolk, please contact Orbit publicist Nazia Khatun (nazia.khatun@littlebrown.co.uk).

Translation rights enquires should go to Jessica Perdue at Little, Brown Book Group (jessica.purdue@hachette.co.uk).

Author photo credit: Sandi Hodkinson

About the author: Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born Chinese-diaspora author who ‘writes about East Asian mythology, British folklore and madwomen in the attic, but preferably all three at once’. Eliza’s work has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy 2019. She lives in the North of England with her partner and young child. Fathomfolk is her first novel. @elizawchan