Archive for Deals and Deliveries

Acquisition Announcement: THE BONE RAIDERS by Jackson Ford

Jackson Ford author photo - credit Brooke McAllister

Orbit is excited to announce that we have acquired The Bone Raiders, a fast-paced and highly entertaining new epic fantasy from Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind. We’ll be publishing it globally in Spring 2025.

This epic fantasy follows the story of the Rakada, a fearsome band known as the Bone Raiders, due to their charming habit of wearing the bones of those they kill on their armour. But being a raider is tough these days, especially when the High Chieftain is trying to wipe out you and your kind. When Sayana, a young Rakada scout, finds herself face-to-face with a fire-breathing lizard of legend during a raid-gone-wrong, she comes up with an audacious plan to save the Rakada and preserve their way of life. A plan that involves convincing the lizard to let her ride it . . .

We can’t wait to share The Bone Raiders with readers! With a fast pace, great sense of humour and a superb ensemble cast, it’s perfect for fans of lively epic fantasy with attitude such as Kings of the Wyld, The Grey Bastards, The Blacktongue Thief and The Blade Itself.

Author Jackson Ford said: ‘Bad guys are always the best fun to write – especially bad guys who have everything to lose. I fell hard for the Rakada, and especially for Sayana, who has no idea what she’s about to get into. I had a wild time creating the world of The Bone Raiders, and I can’t wait for readers to get their teeth into it.’

If you’re not already following Jackson, you can find him on Instagram as @realjacksonford, on X as @realjacksonford or at jacksonfordauthor.com.

Orbit UK Publisher Anna Jackson acquired World English language rights in two novels set in the world of the Bone Raiders from Ed Wilson @ Johnson & Alcock. Bradley Englert, Senior Editor at Orbit US, has acquired rights in US & Canada. Orbit will publish the book globally in May 2025.

Acquisition Announcement: GREENTEETH by Molly O’Neill

Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of GREENTEETH, a heartwarming fantasy novel of fae, folklore and found family by debut author Molly O’Neill. It tells the story of Jenny Greenteeth – a lake-dwelling monster from British myth – and the magical quest she goes on after her peaceful existence is shattered by a witch being thrown into her lake. Packed full of adventure, magic and heart, this utterly charming debut is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Megan Bannen and Olivia Atwater.

Read on for a taste of what’s in store:

‘The witch looked surprised to see me, her eyes blinking furiously at me through murky waters. I don’t know why she was so astonished. It was my lake she’d been thrown into; she should have expected I’d come and see if there was anyone worth eating.’

Beneath the still surface of a lake lurks a monster with needle-sharp teeth. Hungry and ready to pounce. Jenny Greenteeth has never spoken to a human before, but when a witch is thrown into her lake, something makes Jenny decide she’s worth saving.

Temperance doesn’t know why her village has suddenly turned against her, only that it has something to do with the malevolent new pastor. Though they have nothing in common, these two must band together on a magical quest to defeat the evil that threatens Jenny’s lake and Temperance’s family – as well as the very soul of Britain.

Molly O’Neill is a fantasy author and engineering geologist. She was born and raised in the Cotswolds and moved to Australia in 2019. She now lives in Sydney, on the land of the Gadigal People. Molly writes fantasy books inspired by the beautiful landscapes of her two countries, and by the folklore of the British Isles. She particularly loves the darker Arthurian legends and the Welsh myths of the Mabinogion and often uses them as a foundation for her stories. When not furiously scribbling ideas into a notebook Molly can be found looking intensely at rocks, paddling on the Sydney beaches, or searching for the perfect taco. Greenteeth is her debut novel.

We can’t wait to share Greenteeth with readers in 2025! In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Molly to Orbit. She can be found on Twitter @MollyONeill21

Orbit UK senior commissioning editor Emily Byron acquired World English rights from Sam Edenborough at Greyhound Literary.

Acquisition Announcement: AN INHERITANCE OF MAGIC by Benedict Jacka

We’re excited to announce that Orbit UK has acquired a new series by Benedict Jacka, author of the vastly popular Alex Verus novels! This new dark academia-inspired fantasy is set in a world where anyone can use magic – if they can afford the price.

Benedict Jacka author of The Alex Verus series and An Inheritance of Magic.
Photo credit: Chris Murray Photography

The series sees magical power bought and sold by aristocratic dynasties and vast mega-corporations. It tells the story of Stephen, who has a minimum wage job and a cat, but who has inherited an unusual talent for magic from his father, and realises that unlocking that potential will take money and training. The first book – An Inheritance of Magic – will be out in October 2023, with the dates for the next two books as-yet undisclosed.

Jacka said: “With the Alex Verus series complete, I decided for my next series to try something different: a story where the mundane and supernatural worlds were integrated through trade and where you could buy magical powers out of a catalogue.”

Acquiring editor Jenni Hill said: “An Inheritance of Magic shows us a world where the super-rich control everything – including magic. There’s a lot to love here for fans of Benedict’s previous series, as well as fans of dark academia.”

See more info on the Bookseller, and look out for An Inheritance of Magic this October! It’s available for pre-order now.

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: THE SUN AND THE VOID by Gabriela Romero Lacruz

We are delighted to have acquired a sweeping debut fantasy from Venezuelan-American writer Gabriela Romero Lacruz. Full of twisted family politics, dark magic, and fantastical beings, THE SUN AND THE VOID transports readers into a lush world inspired by the history and mythology of 1800s South America.

When Reina arrives at Aguila Manor, her heart stolen from her chest, she’s on the verge of death—until her estranged grandmother, a dark sorceress in the Don’s employ, intervenes.  Indebted to a woman she never knew—and smitten with the upper-caste daughter of the house, Celeste—Reina will do to earn – and keep – the family’s favor. Even the bidding of the ancient god who speaks to her from the Manor’s foundations.

With a brilliantly realized magic system, completely fresh world-building, and piercing insights on identity and colonialism, this incredible story is sure to captivate. We can’t wait to share THE SUN AND THE VOID with you—in the meantime, be sure to follow Gabriela on Twitter.

Orbit US Editor Angeline Rodriguez bought North American rights from Naomi Davis at BookEnds Literary in a two-book deal.

 

Acquisition Announcement – the Empire of the Wolf trilogy by Richard Swan

As reported in the Bookseller, we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the Empire of the Wolf trilogy – a superb debut epic fantasy series from British author Richard Swan.

The trilogy centres around Sir Konrad Vonvalt, who enforces the Empire’s laws through sword, spell and sheer force of personality – he’s Geralt of Rivia crossed with C. J. Sansom’s Shardlake. A medieval Judge Dredd, basically. If you think that sounds awesome, well . . . you’d be absolutely right!

Sir Konrad Vonvalt is an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one, tasked with upholding the law. To this end, Vonvalt travels the hinterlands of the Empire of the Wolf, investigating crimes and dispensing justice.

But these are dangerous times for the Empire and the Order of Justices. Heresy is widespread, and a cabal of Imperial politicians is challenging the Order’s authority, desperate to claim its arcane secrets for their own. When Vonvalt investigates the murder of a noblewoman, he finds his authority being challenged like never before. And as he unravels a web of secrets and lies, Vonvalt discovers a plot that might destroy his order once and for all – and bring down the entire Empire. 

We can’t wait for you all to meet Vonvalt and join him on this thrilling adventure, which is full of intrigue, action and magic. The first book in the Empire of the Wolf series will publish in Spring 2022. In the meantime, say hello to Richard on Twitter.

Orbit UK editor James Long pre-emptively acquired world rights from Harry Illingworth at the D H H Literary Agency in a six-figure deal. German rights have already sold to Piper.

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE FREE BASTARDS by Jonathan French

Are you ready to saddle up and ride with the Bastards again?

We’re excited to announce that Orbit UK has acquired the third book in Jonathan French’s Lot Lands series – described by Kirkus as ‘an addictively readable – and undeniably cool – fantasy masterwork’.

THE FREE BASTARDS will publish in July 2021 and follows the runaway success of THE GREY BASTARDS and THE TRUE BASTARDS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This gritty, action-drenched adventure series follows a brotherhood of half-orcs who protect human civilization from invading bands of vicious full-blooded orcs. It’s perfect for fans of Joe Abercombie, Markus Heitz’s Dwarves books and Stan Nicholl’s Orcs series.

If you haven’t hoofed it with the half-orcs yet, here are a few reasons why you should:

‘Jonathan French has to be lauded for his plot ingenuity, bawdry charm and vicious characters’ Fantasy Book Critic

‘A bloody good tale of battle, betrayal and war pigs’ Brian McClellan

‘A gritty adventure with a fantastic, foul-mouthed voice’ Django Wexler

‘I’d like to raise a tankard to The Grey Bastards’ brilliance’ Fantasy Faction

Click here to find out more about THE GREY BASTARDS  and THE TRUE BASTARDS.

Acquisition Announcement – BONE SHARD DAUGHTER by Andrea Stewart

As announced in BookBrunch this morning, we’re delighted to have acquired an amazing debut fantasy trilogy from Chinese-American writer Andrea Stewart. The first book in the series – BONE SHARD DAUGHTER – will publish in Autumn 2020.

BONE SHARD DAUGHTER is set in an empire of many islands, where bone shard magic fuels monstrous constructs that enforce law and order. Yet the emperor’s rule is failing and whispers of revolution carry from island to island. Lin is the emperor’s daughter and heir, and only she can save the empire and its people. But to do so, she must master the art of bone shard magic – and unlock the secrets of her own forgotten past.

With its brilliantly-realised magic system, inventive world-building and a cast of wonderful characters, there’s just so much to love about Andrea’s captivating debut – we can’t wait to share BONE SHARD DAUGHTER with you next year! In the meantime, be sure to follow Andrea on Twitter.

Orbit UK editor James Long – working in conjunction with Orbit US senior editor Brit Hvide – pre-empted world English rights from Juliet Mushens at Caskie Mushens in a significant six-figure deal.

 

New Acquisition: the Bloodsworn epic fantasy series from John Gwynne

As announced in both the Bookseller and Bookbrunch this morning, we’re delighted to have acquired an exciting new epic fantasy series from British author John Gwynne.

The deal for three books was concluded by Orbit UK editor James Long with literary agent Julie Crisp. Orbit US editor Priyanka Krishnan has secured North American rights. The first book will be launched in Spring 2021.

The Bloodsworn series (working title!) is set in a brand-new world inspired by Norse myths and Sagas. It is a fractured, war-torn land of feuding kingdoms and vicious rivalries, where the gods are dead but their bones and relics hold great power for those brave – or desperate – enough to seek them out. Mercenary bands compete for the best spoils, but power often carries a deadly price . . .

Here’s a few words from the man himself:

“I’m deeply excited about writing this new series. 

My first inspiration for this story is Beowulf; a band of Norse monster-hunting mercenaries – though the bands of warriors in this tale will be grittier and less heroic than Beowulf and his heroes, because the greatest monsters do not always fight with claw and fang. 

I’ve delved deep into Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore to build this new world; a world of ice-blue fjords, of snow-peaked mountains and dark, mist-shrouded forests, a world where Dragon-ships prowl the seas and creatures walk the land.

But most of all this tale is built around the characters. I hope that they will be the heart of the story, and that they will carry the reader into a world of danger, into a world of oaths and betrayal, of love and friendship. Into the world of the Bloodsworn.”

We’re thrilled to be publishing John’s new series – roll on 2021!

New Acquisition: THE GUTTER PRAYER by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan

The Gutter Prayer

It’s time to start getting excited, because Orbit has acquired a gripping new epic fantasy from debut author Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan.

THE GUTTER PRAYER is a visceral tale of revenge and betrayal, set in a world of dark gods and dangerous magic.

It follows the story of three friends, who find themselves betrayed by the thieves’ brotherhood – set up to take the fall for a crime they didn’t commit. Their quest for revenge finds them at the heart of a conspiracy to reignite a centuries-old magical war. A war that would bring devastation to their city. And the world beyond.

Buzz is already building for this wildly original debut with some fantastic early reviews:

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

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

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

THE GUTTER PRAYER will hit shelves in January 2019, with the second book in the series following a year later. We’re thrilled to welcome Gareth to the Orbit family! Say hello to him on twitter @Mytholder.

Author photo by Edel Ryder-Hanrahan.