Archive for Orbit US

Acquisition Announcement: BETWEEN DRAGONS AND THEIR WRATH by Devin Madson

Devin Madson
Photo Credit: Leah Ladson

Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Between Dragons and their Wrath, a new epic fantasy from Devin Madson, the Aurealis Award-nominated author of the Reborn Empire series. A rip-roaring tale full of dragons, alchemical magic, and forbidden romance, Between Dragons and their Wrath is the first book in the Shattered Kingdom trilogy that is set to be a new fan favorite.

 

Conquest long ago split the old kingdom of Paicha into city states, but there are those who seek to reunite the shattered realm—by force if necessary. Amidst the turmoil, three will find their destinies inextricably tangled.

 Tesha, a glassblower’s apprentice, becomes a false tribute bride as part of a desperate political plot. In the enemy’s court, she’s perfectly placed to sabotage them, but her heart has other plans.

 Naili is laundress to an eccentric alchemist, a job that has left her with strange new powers and a price on her head. When she joins the city’s underworld, she’ll have to choose between keeping her magic secret and changing the world.

 And in the desolate Shield Mountains, sharp-shooting dragon rider Ashadi protects the cities from the monsters of the Iipao Sands beyond, but when an impossible shot pierces his dragon’s glass scales, he becomes the hunted one.

 As war sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ashadi must survive political enemies, long-buried secrets, and monsters both within and without. 

 

Look out for Between Dragons and their Wrath in 2024! While you wait, check out The Reborn Empire series: We Ride the Storm (US | UK), We Lie with Death (US | UK), We Cry for Blood (US | UK), and We Dream of Gods (US | UK). You can find Devin on Twitter @DevinMadson and find out more at www.devinmadson.com.

We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson We Lie with Death by Devin Madson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Cry for Blood by Devin MadsonWe Dream of Gods by Devin Madson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise for the Reborn Empire series:

“A complex tale of war, politics and lust for power.” ―The Guardian

“An exciting new author in fantasy.” ―Mark Lawrence

“Imaginative world

building, a pace that builds perfectly to a heart-pounding finale and captivating characters. Highly recommended.” —John Gwynne

“Intricate, compelling, and vividly imagined.” –Anna Stephens

 

Orbit US senior editor Nivia Evans acquired World rights from Julie Crisp at Julie Crisp Literary Agency. Orbit UK commissioning editor Emily Byron has secured UK rights.

Cover Launch: TONIGHT, I BURN by Katharine J. Adams

Take your first look at the cover of Tonight, I Burn (US | UK) by Katharine J. Adams and pick up your copy in November 2023! Catch the synopsis below.

Tonight, I Burn by Katharine J. Adams

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

A thorn witch with the power to walk between the realms of Life and Death finds herself at the center of a magical rebellion—and a dangerous romance—that could destroy her coven and her soul in this dark and decadent debut. 

Thorns, Tides, Embers, Storms, and Ores. All five covens are bound in servitude to the tyrant High Warden of Halstett.

Penny Albright is a daughter of the thorn coven, forced to patrol the veil between the realms of Life and Death. Each night, one thorn witch—and only one—must cross the veil by burning at the stake. Each morning, that witch draws on their magic to return. Failure to follow the rules risks the veil and risks them all.

But one morning, Penny’s favorite sister Ella doesn’t return. And that night, determined to find her, Penny breaks the rules. She burns in secret. And she discovers that all isn’t as it seems in Life or Death.

Her journey leads her to Malin, a devastating lord with too many secrets; to Alice, a mysterious captive prophet; and to a rebellion brewing in the shadows beneath the city. And as Penny’s world splits, she’ll face a devastating choice. Because it’s not just her sister’s life that hangs in the balance. It’s the fate of all magic.

All it takes is one witch—and one spark—to set the world ablaze.

Acquisition Announcement: THE PHOENIX KEEPER by S.A. MacLean

S.A. MacLean

Orbit US has acquired the irresistible queer debut romantasy The Phoenix Keeper by ecology professor and debut author S.A. MacLean!

This effervescent standalone is set in a magical zoo of mythical creatures and follows the academic rivals-to-lovers slow burn romance between socially anxious phoenix keeper Aila and hotshot fan-favorite griffin keeper Luciana.

Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy reads like Legends & Lattes and The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy, The Phoenix Keeper is set in a world teeming with all your favorite mythical beasties, from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens. MacLean has drawn on her formidable decade of experience in researching and teaching ecology and environmental science to weave a story of hope, courage, and conservation that is, at its heart, an ode to queer joy.

The Phoenix Keeper will hit shelves in Summer 2024. For more information, check out the press release on The Bookseller website.

Editorial Director Bethan Morgan pre-empted World All Language rights for Gollancz from John Baker at Bell Lomax Moreton, with Priyanka Krishnan, senior editor, acquiring North American rights for Orbit US.

Acquisition Announcement: THE FALSE GODDESS TRILOGY by Amy Leow

Amy Leow
Photo Credit: Alina Lee

Orbit is thrilled to announce we’ve acquired The False Goddess Trilogy, an explosive new political epic fantasy by debut author Amy Leow. Perfect for fans of The Bone Shard Daughter and The Jasmine Throne, this dark, heart-thumping tale follows a young “living goddess” sitting on the throne who hides a deadly secret—she doesn’t channel a goddess, but a demon—and she’ll do anything to hold onto her power. Full of scheming demons, cut-throat priests, and morally gray heroines, this delicious tale of power and corruption will captivate from beginning to end.

 

Binsa is a vessel for a goddess who dispenses both mercy and punishment within the city of Bakhtin. However, her reign is marred by a dangerous secret—rather than the immortal deity she claims to carry, she actually holds a demon.

 Were the truth to come out, she’d be killed by the very people she rules.

Following a prolonged drought, Binsa’s sanctity as the goddess’s vessel comes into question and a new girl, Medha, is selected to take over her position. But Binsa refuses to succumb to the sad fate of the vessels who came before her. She refuses to be discarded and forgotten.

Her demon, with agendas of his own, proposes a deal. She will sacrifice human lives in exchange for his ability to read minds and control nature. Now, she has the opportunity to fulfill her thirst for power.

But how much of her humanity is she willing to give for her throne?

 

We can’t wait to share The False Goddess Trilogy with you in Summer 2024! In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Amy to Orbit. You can find her on Twitter @LeowAmy and at her website.

Orbit US executive editor Brit Hvide acquired World English rights from Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary. Editorial director Jenni Hill has acquired UK rights.

Acquisition Announcement: THESE DEATHLESS SHORES by P. H. Low

All children, except one, grow up. But what happens when you leave Neverland behind?

Orbit is delighted to announce we’ve acquired a gorgeous, devastating Peter Pan-inspired fantasy from debut author P. H. Low! These Deathless Shores is a richly imagined, gender-bent retelling of Captain Hook’s origin story set in a world reminiscent of Southeast Asia, perfect for fans of Jade City and dark fairytales. In this propulsive and twisty debut, the Lost Boys are all grown up, and they want revenge.

 

Jordan was once a Lost Boy, convinced she would never grow up. Now, she’s twenty-two and exiled to the real world, still suffering withdrawal from the addictive magic Dust of her childhood. With nothing left to lose, Jordan returns to the Island and its stories—of pirates and war and the cruelty of youth—intent on facing Peter one last time, on her own terms.

If that makes her the villain… so be it.

 

These Deathless Shores will be landing on bookshelves in 2024. Meanwhile, say hi to P. H. on Twitter @_lowpH and Instagram @_lowph. Find out more on their website.

Orbit US executive editor Brit Hvide acquired North American rights from Savannah Brooks at KT Literary.

Cover Launch: LABYRINTH’S HEART by M.A. Carrick

Take your first look at the cover of Labyrinth’s Heart (US | UK) by M.A. Carrick and pick up your copy in August 2023! Catch the synopsis below.

Labyrinth's Heart by M.A. Carrick

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Nekro

“Lush, engrossing and full of mystery and dark magic” (BookPage), Labyrinth’s Heart (US | UK) is the thrilling conclusion to M. A. Carrick’s Rook & Rose trilogy, in which a con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord become reluctant allies in the quest to save their city from a dangerous ancient magic.

May you see the face and not the mask.

Ren came to Nadežra with a plan. She would pose as the long-lost daughter of the noble house Traementis. She would secure a fortune for herself and her sister. And she would vanish without a backward glance. She ought to have known that in the city of dreams, nothing is ever so simple.

Now, she is Ren, con-artist and thief. But she is also Renata, the celebrated Traementis heir. She is Arenza, the mysterious pattern-reader and political rebel. And she is the Black Rose, a vigilante who fights alongside the legendary Rook.

Even with the help of Grey Serrado and Derossi Vargo, it is too many masks for one person to wear. And as the dark magic the three of them helped unleash builds to storm that could tear the very fabric of the city apart, it’s only a matter of time before one of the masks slips—and everything comes crashing down around them.

The Rook & Rose trilogy
The Mask of Mirrors (US | UK)
The Liar’s Knot (US | UK)
Labyrinth’s Heart (US | UK)

Acquisition Announcement: THE LAST CONTRACT OF ISAKO by Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee
Photo Credit: Elena Rose Photography

More Fonda Lee is coming your way! Orbit is delighted to announce that we have acquired a stunning new science fiction duology from the World Fantasy Award-winning author of Jade City!

Inspired by samurai movies and Fonda’s former business career, The Last Contract of Isako is a searing space opera like no other that takes aim squarely at late-stage capitalism. Get ready to meet an aging contractor, Ithmus Isako, whose final mission thrusts her deep into a world of espionage and sword fights on an isolated colony planet.

Are you excited? I hope so! Here are a few words from Fonda to further whet your appetite: “The Last Contract of Isako is the cyberpunk samurai space opera that’s been percolating in my brain for years. It’s a science fiction mystery chanbara story set on a harsh Arrakis-style tundra planet but blend in Blade Runner vibes and a touch of John Wick. I’m very much looking forward to introducing readers to Isako.”

The Last Contract of Isako lands in bookstores in Winter 2025. In the meantime, you can follow Fonda on Twitter @FondaJLee and learn more about her and her work at www.fondalee.com. And, while you wait, don’t forget to check out The Green Bone Saga, now complete!

Jade City TP by Fonda Lee Jade War TP by Fonda Lee Jade Legacy TP by Fonda Lee

Orbit US senior editor Nivia Evans acquired World rights from Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret, LLC. Orbit UK Editorial Director Jenni Hill has secured UK rights.

Acquisition Announcement: THE LAST HOUR BETWEEN WORLDS by Melissa Caruso

Melissa Caruso
Photo Credit: Erin Re Anderson

Orbit is delighted to announce we’ve acquired a brand-new fantasy series from Melissa Caruso, the critically acclaimed author of the Swords and Fire trilogy and the Rooks and Ruin trilogy!

Perfect for fans of Vivian Shaw and Genevieve Cogman, this action-packed series kicks off with The Last Hour Between Worlds. Follow a star investigator and her rival as they journey through layers of reality to save the world as they know it in this exciting adventure fantasy about rival guilds, reality-bending magic, and unexpected mystery.

Read on for a bit more on what you can expect!

 

Kembral Thorne is spending a few hours away from her newborn, and she’s determined to enjoy herself at this party no matter what. But when the guests start dropping dead, Kem has no choice but to get to work. She is a Hound, after all, and she can’t help picking up the scent of trouble.

She’s not the only one. Her professional and personal nemesis, notorious burglar Rika Nonesuch, is on the prowl. They quickly identify what’s causing the mayhem: a mysterious grandfather clock that sends them down an Echo every time it chimes. In each strange new layer of reality, time resets and a sinister figure appears to perform a blood-soaked ritual.

As Kem and Rika fall into increasingly macabre versions of their city, they’ll need to rely on their wits—and each other—to unravel the secret of the clock and save their home.

 

You don’t want to miss The Last Hour Between Worlds when it lands in bookstores in Winter 2024. In the meantime, follow Melissa on Twitter @melisscaru and find out more at melissacaruso.net.

Orbit US senior editor Nivia Evans acquired World rights from Naomi Davis at BookEnds Literary. Orbit UK Commissioning Editor Emily Byron has secured UK rights.

Cover Launch: RELICS OF RUIN by Erin M. Evans

Take your first look at the cover of Relics of Ruin (US) by Erin M. Evans and pick up your copy in December 2023! Catch the synopsis below.

Relics of Ruin by Erin M. Evans

Cover Design by Alexia Mazis; Map Illustration by Francesca Baerald

From a rising star in epic fantasy comes the captivating second novel in a trilogy featuring an unlikely team who must find a way to work together and solve an empire-spanning mystery to defend the last place they call home.

The conspiracy at the heart of the empire has been revealed. The Archivists played a key role in solving a brutal murder and uncovering one of the empire’s longest kept secrets. Now, what’s left in its wake are a series of unearthed artifacts, one shaken city, and the shocking truth not dared spoken aloud.

Just as the empire has begun to regain normalcy, another mystery unveils itself when a stolen ancient relic is found. Only no one knew that it was missing from its sacred vault in the first place. And now that the real one has been recovered, who replaced it with a fake?

With Quill and Amadea at the heart of another mystery, they will need to quickly follow the clues that all lead back to this new relic.

Because all the while, an old enemy is gathering strength beyond the Salt Wall and the Archivists might come to find there’s nowhere left for them to go but over.

“Detailed and mysterious, a place to explore and relish. Highly recommended!” ―R. A. Salvatore, author of “The Legends of Drizzt”

For more from Erin M. Evans, check out:

Empire of Exiles (US)

Cover Launch: THE GHOSTS OF BEATRICE BIRD by Louisa Morgan

Take your first look at the cover of The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird (US | UK) by Louisa Morgan and pick up your copy in November 2023! Catch the synopsis below.

The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird by Louisa Morgan

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover Photographs by Trevillion and Shutterstock

 A woman’s ability to see ghosts draws her into a journey of redemption and unexpected friendship in this unforgettable story from the acclaimed author of A Secret History of Witches.

Beatrice Bird is plagued by ghosts. It’s a gift she’s had since she was a small child. Unfortunately, it’s a gift that has grown more intense, shifting from flashes and feelings to physical manifestations she can’t escape.

In a desperate attempt for relief, Beatrice flees her home, her partner, and a psychology practice in San Francisco for a remote island with only nuns and a few cows for company. She sees as few people as she possibly can. She doesn’t call home. Then she meets Anne Iredale, a timid woman who has lost everything that matters to her.

For the first time in a long time, Beatrice’s gift will be called on to help someone in need. The path to healing awaits both of them—if Beatrice can find the courage to take the first step.