Archive for News

Acquisition Announcement: Introducing WILDWOOD WHISPERS by Willa Reece

Looking for your next magical read? I sure hope so! Redhook, Orbit’s sister imprint, has acquired an utterly captivating novel from author Willa Reece. WILDWOOD WHISPERS invites you into the Appalachian Mountains and once there, an enchanting tale of magic and dark secrets unfolds when a young woman travels to a sleepy Southern town to bury her best friend.

Lush and atmospheric, we can’t wait to share it with you next year. And, I’m really happy to share a short message from Willa on what inspired her to write Wildwood Whispers:

I live at the edge of a sprawling wild wood. What began as fear of the unknown has grown into a fascination with the flora, fauna, and history of the Appalachian region. But nothing fascinates me more than the women who’ve built lives in and around the tangle—learning from their environment and being inspired by the wild to resist the constant taming of the often too-patriarchal society found in the mountains. Their hushed voices have been channeled into the wide variety of arts and crafts and, yes, the kitchen magic I wove into Wildwood Whispers

Hand work is heart work and it is hard work, but it’s also powerful. You can see the power in callused hands weaving baskets and muscled forearms kneading dough, in berry-stained fingernails and needle-pricked fingers. It was easy to imagine a community where that kind of power finds a connection with nature and how that connection is feared by evil men who prefer to divide and conquer. [A wise woman’s wildwood garden is a celebration of empowerment and unity and the hope of finding rejuvenation together. It’s a personal hope of mine, especially now, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with readers.]

WILDWOOD WHISPERS publishes Summer 2021, and, in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Willa Reece! You can find her at https://www.willareece.com/ and on Twitter at @ReeceWilla.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired North American rights from Lucienne Diver at The Knight Agency.

Acquisition Announcement: FOR THE WOLF by Hannah Whitten

“The First Daughter is for the throne. The Second Daughter is for the Wolf.”

From the first lines, we knew that Hannah Whitten’s debut fantasy FOR THE WOLF was special. Dark, lush, romantic, and epic, it’s the kind of fantasy that sweeps you off your feet and never puts you back down again, destined to join the ranks of books like Spinning Silver and The Bear and the Nightingale. And, we are thrilled to have acquired world rights to the novel and its sequel in a pre-empt. Here’s a little bit more about the novel:

As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose—to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he’ll return the world’s captured gods. 

Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can’t control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can’t hurt those she loves. Again.

But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn’t learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood—and her world—whole.

Get excited for FOR THE WOLF to publish in summer 2021, and in the meantime go say “hello” to the author Hannah Whitten on her website hannahfwhitten.com, on Twitter @hwhittenwrites, or on Instagram @hwhittenwrites!

Acquisition Announcement: THE JASMINE THRONE by Tasha Suri

We are delighted to announce that Orbit has acquired a new epic fantasy trilogy by Tasha Suri, the award-winning author of EMPIRE OF SAND and REALM OF ASH. The first book in the series, THE JASMINE THRONE, will publish in Spring 2021.

Inspired by the history and epics of India, THE JASMINE THRONE follows a captive princess and a servant in possession of forbidden magic as they become unlikely allies on a dark journey to save their empire from a tyrant king. With her signature “lyrical prose, intricate world building, beautifully imagined characters, and compelling immersive folklore,” (Booklist) Suri has created a sweeping tale about powerful women looking to claim their rightful inheritances, replete with grand and ancient magic, and set in a world where lush forests and crumbling temples have secrets at their hearts. We are so excited for you to read it next year!


Imprisoned by her dictator brother, Malini spends her days in isolation in the Hirana: an ancient temple that was once the source of the powerful, magical deathless waters — but is now little more than a decaying ruin.

Priya is a maidservant, one among several who make the treacherous journey to the top of the Hirana every night to clean Malini’s chambers. She is happy to be an anonymous drudge, so long as it keeps anyone from guessing the dangerous secret she hides.

But when Malini accidentally bears witness to Priya’s true nature, their destinies become irrevocably tangled. One is a vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne. The other is a priestess seeking to find her family. Together, they will change the fate of an empire.


While you (impatiently) wait for THE JASMINE THRONE, you can read Tasha’s captivating standalone fantasy novels, EMPIRE OF SAND (USUK) and REALM OF ASH (USUK). And be sure to follow her on Twitter for more news: @tashadrinkstea.

Acquisition Announcement: THE NAMELESS REPUBLIC by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

We’re thrilled to announce that Orbit has acquired an incredible new epic fantasy series from Suyi Davies Okungbowa, author of David Mogo, Godhunter. An evocative tale of myth and magic, THE NAMELESS REPUBLIC trilogy invites readers into a rich and vibrant world inspired by West-African empires.

In the thriving city of Bassa, Danso is a clever but disillusioned scholar who longs for a life beyond the rigid family and political obligations expected of the city’s elite. A way out presents itself when Lilong, a skin-changing warrior, shows up wounded in his barn. She comes from the Nameless Islands–which, according to Bassa lore, don’t exist–and neither should the mythical magic of ibor she wields. Now swept into a conspiracy far beyond his understanding, Danso will have to set out on a journey that reveals histories violently suppressed and magic only found in lore.

Intrigued? I hope so! Here are a few words from Suyi, including the top five things he’s most excited about in the upcoming series:


It’s a dream to be working with the good folks at Orbit on this series. I feel like I’m literally riding on the backs of giants who have emerged from these very same stables. The Nameless books are in good hands under the Orbit banner.

This series is my love letter to all of us who know the magic that makes West-Africa tick–the lore and music, the harmattan and petrichor, the jollof rice and fried plantain. You can expect to enjoy:

  1. The continent of Oon, inspired by West-African empires of the middle ages. Too little is told about this beautiful historic period of salt and gold and trade, of griots and deserts and tropical flavour. Now you get to see an amalgam of them in the fantastic Oon.
  2. The magic of ibor: so obvious, yet so unwieldy, like cutting paper with a sword.
  3. A quest of magical proportions, including periods when no magic is involved. I especially like quests by non-warrior types, and when you throw in terrors and secrets unveiled, hooo boy.
  4. Unexpected rises to power, and downfalls from grace. I believe the series title says everything.
  5. Unreal creatures. That’s it. That’s the whole statement.

The first book publishes Summer 2021 and, in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Suyi! You can find him at https://suyidavies.com/ and on Twitter at @IAmSuyiDavies.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World English rights from Eddie Schneider at JABberwocky Literary Agency.

 

Acquisitions Announcement: NOPHEK GLOSS by Essa Hansen

Still jonesing for another Star Wars Fix? Then Orbit has a treat for you! We’ve just acquired a brand new space opera by debut author Essa Hansen! Get ready to meet Caiden, a young man who is about to discover that the multi-verse is much bigger, much more advanced, and much, much more dangerous than he ever imagined.

Orbit will be publishing the first book in the trilogy, NOPHEK GLOSS in trade paperback in Fall 2020. In the meantime reach out and say “hi” to the author at her website or on twitter: @EssaHansen.

When a young man’s planet is destroyed, he sets out on a single-minded quest for revenge across the galaxy in Nophek Gloss, the first book in this epic space opera trilogy by debut author Essa Hansen, for fans of REVENGER and CHILDREN OF TIME.

Caiden’s planet is destroyed. His family gone. And, his only hope for survival is a crew of misfit aliens and a mysterious ship that seems to have a soul and a universe of its own. Together they will show him that the universe is much bigger, much more advanced, and much more mysterious than Caiden had ever imagined. But the universe hides dangers as well, and soon Caiden has his own plans.

He vows to do anything it takes to get revenge on the slavers who murdered his people and took away his home. To destroy their regime, he must infiltrate and dismantle them from the inside, or die trying.

Acquisitions Announcement: GOLDILOCKS by Laura Lam

We’re delighted to announce that Orbit has acquired a bold and thought-provoking new sci-fi thriller, GOLDILOCKS, by Laura Lam! On a near-future Earth ravaged by environmental disaster, greed, and oppression, five women astronauts must hijack a spaceship to journey to a new home – and a brighter future – for humanity.

Orbit US will be publishing GOLDILOCKS in hardcover in May 2020. In the meantime, check out the hauntingly beautiful cover below, designed by Yeti Lambregts. Be sure to follow Laura on Twitter: @LR_Lam.

The future of humanity hangs in the balance – and one woman can tip it over.

Despite increasing restrictions on the freedoms of women on Earth, Valerie Black is spearheading the first all-female mission to a planet in the Goldilocks Zone, where conditions are just right for human habitation.

It’s humanity’s last hope for survival, and Naomi, Valerie’s surrogate daughter and the ship’s botanist, has been waiting her whole life for an opportunity like this – to step out of Valerie’s shadow and really make a difference.

But when things start going wrong on the ship, Naomi begins to suspect that someone on board is concealing a terrible secret – and realizes time for life on Earth may be running out faster than they feared . . .

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.

 

Goodreads Choice Awards 2019: Semifinal Round

We’re onto the semifinal round of the 11th annual Goodreads Choice Awards, and Orbit now has eight nominees! Thank you to everyone who wrote-in a vote for their favorite Orbit books!

Want to see these authors and books make it to the final round? Cast your vote!

Voting for the semifinal round ends November 17th.

Fantasy – VOTE HERE

THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY by Alix E. Harrow (US | UK)

STORM CURSED by Patricia Briggs (UK)

NEW: THE BURNING WHITE by Brent Weeks (US | UK)

NEW: A LITTLE HATRED by Joe Abercrombie (US)

 

Science Fiction – VOTE HERE

TIAMAT’S WRATH by James S. A. Corey (US | UK)

THE FUTURE OF ANOTHER TIMELINE by Annalee Newitz (UK)

NEW: CHILDREN OF RUIN by Adrian Tchaikovsky (US)

 

Debut – VOTE HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY by Alix E. Harrow (US | UK)

Acquisition News: Alex White’s New Space Opera Trilogy

Orbit US and Orbit UK are thrilled to have acquired a brand new space opera trilogy from Alex White. Alex’s first series The Salvagers, took us on a lightning-paced journey to the edge of the universe and back on the hunt for buried treasure, lost spaceships, and deadly artifacts. But, their newest trilogy promises to be even bigger! How big? Giant battling robots big!

In this new wide-screen space opera, humanity has met its match. An alien race of enormous robotic AI have destroyed most of humanity’s outposts. But, on the eve of the Earth’s destruction, a musician makes one last desperate attempt to reach out and convinces one of humanity’s enemies to switch sides. Now, earth just might have a chance to survive…

The first book in the trilogy will be publishing in 2021, but if you just can’t wait until then, make sure to check out The Salvagers series! You can also say “hi” to the author on twitter @alexrwhite.

Purchase the series today. (US | UK