Archive for Orbit UK

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

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: Bitter Waters & Strange New World by Vivian Shaw

Vivian Shaw
Photo: Emilia Blaser

Welcome back to the world of the undead! Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of Bitter Waters and Strange New World, a novella and fourth book that will conclude Vivian Shaw’s beloved Dr. Greta Helsing series.

The adventure starts in Bitter Waters, when a barrow-wight shows up on Greta and Varney’s doorstep one night with 11-year-old Lucy Ashton who’s been newly—and forcefully—bitten and turned. Who did this to her, and why? With the help of her vampiric friends, Greta is determined to find out.

Then it’s time for a jaunt across the Atlantic in Strange New World, where Greta must balance the politics of Heaven and Hell as she road-trips across America on a research tour. There’s something ominous afoot. Supernatural beings are getting killed. Now, Varney and Greta must find out who’s responsible before more lives—and unlives—are lost.

Look out for Bitter Waters and Strange New World in 2024. And, if you haven’t started this delightfully charming series yet, there’s still time to check out Strange Practice (US | UK), Dreadful Company (US | UK), and Grave Importance (US | UK). Meanwhile, follow Vivian on Twitter @ceruleancynic and find out more at www.vivianshaw.net.

Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw Dreadful Company by Vivian Shaw Grave Importance by Vivian Shaw

Praise for the Dr. Greta Helsing series:

“Shaw balances an agile mystery with a pitch-perfect, droll narrative and cast of lovable misfit characters. These are not your mother’s Dracula or demons.” ―Shelf Awareness

“An appropriately dark breath of fresh air.” ―Booklist

“An imaginative, delightfully droll debut.” ―Kirkus

“Exceptional and delightful.” ―Elizabeth Bear, Hugo Award–winning author

Orbit US senior editor Nivia Evans acquired World English rights from Stephen Barbara at Inkwell Management.

Cover launch: The Sapphire Altar by David Dalglish

A usurped prince must master the magic of shadows in order to reclaim his kingdom, his people in the blockbuster second novel in USA Today bestselling author David Dalglish’s latest epic fantasy trilogy.

The Sapphire Altar by David Dalglish is coming to bookstores next January (US | UK)! Take a look at the stunning cover below.

The Sapphire Altar by David Dalglish

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Chase Stone

Acquisition Announcement: The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma

Aparna Verma
Photo: Courtesy of the Author

Ready for your next epic fantasy obsession? Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Phoenix King by debut author Aparna Verma! The first in a trilogy blazing with mystic fire, political intrigue, and forbidden romance, The Phoenix King follows an assassin who is more than what he seems and a princess with everything to lose as they contend with a prophecy that could remake the world. Set in a kingdom where ancient sands hold ancient secrets and cities are built by flame and blood, full of characters who struggle to find their power even as the burdens of inheritance and legacy become too much to bear, this series is not to be missed!

The Phoenix King was previously self-published as The Boy with Fire in August 2021. Orbit’s newly revised and edited edition—complete with its new title!—will be coming to shelves in summer 2023. Orbit US senior editor Priyanka Krishnan acquired world English rights from Lucienne Diver at The Knight Agency. Orbit UK editorial director Jenni Hill secured UK rights.

Read on for a few words from author Aparna Verma about what inspired this incredible story:

“When writing The Phoenix KingI drew inspiration from the grand Hindu epics—particularly the stories of the goddess Kali Ma. She has often been misconstrued as a vengeful, bloodthirsty deity by Western storytellers and media. But she is so much more than that. Kali Ma does not fit in the simple boxes of good and evil; in fact, she transcends both. Her multidimensionality inspired the female characters in the book, and the reigning goddess in my story.

I also drew inspiration from my lovely home state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan has a long history as a seat of Indian royalty, including the Rajput kings. Said to be made of earth and fire, the Rajputs were fiercely proud and loyal, a quality that’s shared among the nobility of The Phoenix Kingfor better and for worse.

But most of all, I found inspiration in the Rajasthani desert. I’ve always felt a deep connection to the desert and all of its mysterious secrets. It’s hard not to be awed by, and afraid of, the power of the sands.

Altogether, The Phoenix King is a homage to my Indian roots, but it is also an examination of faith and fate: the invisible forces that have dictated our gods and ourselves.”

We’re so excited to be publishing The Phoenix King! And while you wait for it to hit the shelves, be sure to follow Aparna on TwitterInstagram, or TikTok for news and updates!

Aparna Verma was born in India and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was two years old. She graduated from Stanford University with Honors in the Arts and a B.A. in English. The Phoenix King is her first novel. When she is not writing, Aparna likes to ride horses, dance to Bollywood music, and find old cafes in which to read myths about forgotten worlds.