Archive for Uncategorized

ICYMI: THE BODY SCOUT by Lincoln Michel

Orbit is thrilled to share the cover for Lincoln Michel’s diamond-sharp sci-fi neo-noir, THE BODY SCOUT. When his brother is murdered at home plate, a hardboiled baseball scout will have to plumb the underbelly of a New York transformed by climate change body modification to get revenge—but this is a game far bigger and more dangerous than he could have imagined.

Lithub unveiled the striking cover for The Body Scout, designed by Orbit’s own Lauren Panepinto, along with an early excerpt—click through for a sneak peek of the first chapter!

The Body Scout will be out in print, ebook, and audio in October. Read on for a short description of this unmissable near-future thriller:

In the future you can have anybody you want–as long as you can afford it.

In a New York ravaged by climate change and repeat pandemics, Kobo is barely scraping by. He scouts the latest in gene-edited talent for Big Pharma-owned baseball teams, but his own cybernetics are a decade out of date and twin sister loan sharks are banging down his door. Things couldn’t get much worse.

Then his adoptive brother—Monsanto Mets slugger J.J. Zunz—is murdered at home plate.

Determined to find the killer, Kobo plunges into a world of genetically modified CEOs, philosophical Neanderthals, and back-alley body modification, only to quickly find he’s in a game far bigger and more corrupt than he imagined. To keep himself together while the world is falling apart, he’ll have to navigate a time when both body and soul are sold to the highest bidder.

Diamond-sharp and savagely wry, The Body Scout is a timely science fiction thriller set in an all-too-possible future.

 

 

Cover Launch: MEMORIA by Kristyn Merbeth

To welcome you back to the star-studded, action-packed world of the Nova Vita system, we’re launching the incredible new cover for MEMORIA, the sequel to Kristyn Merbeth’s FORTUNA. In book two of this space opera trilogy, the Kaisers find themselves stuck on a planet on the brink of war. Once again, humanity is forced to rely on our favorite family of space smugglers to ensure that the system is not destroyed by fighting – or by the ancient alien technology that continues to threaten their peace.

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

The Kaiser Family helped the Nova Vita system avoid a catastrophic multi-planet war, one that the Kaisers might have accidentally caused in the first place. In their wake, two planets have been left devastated by ancient alien technology.

Now, the Kaisers try to settle into their new lives as tenuous citizens of the serene water planet, Nibiru, but Scorpia Kaiser can never stay still. So, she takes another shady job. One that gives her a ship where spaceborn like her belong. 

But while Scorpia is always moving forward, Corvus can’t seem to leave his life as a soldier behind. Every planet in the system is vying to strip his razed home planet Titan of its remaining resources, and tensions are high. The Kaisers will need to discover the truth behind what happened on Gaia and Titan, or Corvus will be forced again to fight in an unwinnable war – and this time, all of Nova Vita is at stake.

Praise for FORTUNA:

“Kristyn Merbeth has created a desperate, gritty world in her newest book Fortuna, an epic space opera about the lengths a family will go to survive not only each other, but a world out to kill them . . . . Merbeth is a voice to watch in space opera!”  — K. B. Wagers, author of There Before the Chaos

“The narrative is powered by a cast of deeply developed characters. Scorpia, in particular, is impressively multidimensional . . . . The nonstop action and varying levels of tension make this an unarguable page-turner.”  — Kirkus

“Merbeth’s multiple narrators and plotlines converge beautifully into a suspenseful tale of family. The characters are distinct and grounded, and each interaction is filled with purpose and emotion that brings all of them, regardless of differences, into the fray together. SF fans who have been waiting for a crime family spin on space opera will find nothing but joy in this whirlwind story.”  — Publishers Weekly

“High energy, high stakes, and lots of high notes.”   — Library Journal

“Merbeth’s world building is fascinating-five human-settled planets, each distinct and littered with alien technology-but her multifaceted characters and their troubled relationships give this action-packed family drama its heart. A good readalike for Lois McMaster Bujold’s Miles Vorkosigan books, John Scalzi’s Collapsing Empire (2017), and for those who want a grittier version of Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series.”  — Booklist

“This is an engaging start to a series that blends crime family drama with the sort of character-focused sci-fi that made Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series an award-winning favorite.”   — B&N Reads

“It’s everything you could ask for in a space opera.”   — The Arcanist 

Cover Launch: HOW TO RULE AN EMPIRE AND GET AWAY WITH IT by K. J. Parker

Are you a “hidden gems” person or a “blockbusters” person when you’re browsing Netflix? It’s fine to be both, of course, but if you’re in a “hidden gems” mood we think you might like to check out the books of K.J. Parker. A great place to start would be SIXTEEN WAYS TO DEFEND A WALLED CITY (US | UK). However, if you already know all there is to know about defending walled cities, maybe you’d be more interested in the messy business of ruling an empire? We’re delighted to present the cover for K.J.Parker’s new novel, HOW TO RULE AN EMPIRE AND GET AWAY WITH IT (US | UK), coming in August. It’s set in the same world as SIXTEEN WAYS, but entirely stand-alone. Essential reading for anybody thinking of changing direction and getting into empire-building.

Design by Lauren Panepinto

This is the story of how the City was saved, by Notker the professional liar, written down because eventually the truth always seeps through.

The City may be under siege, but everyone still has to make a living. Take Notker, the acclaimed playwright, actor and impresario. Nobody works harder, even when he’s not working. Thankfully, it turns out that people enjoy the theater just as much when there are big rocks falling out of the sky.

But Notker is a man of many talents, and all the world is, apparently, a stage. It seems that the Empire needs him – or someone who looks a lot like him – for a role that will call for the performance of a lifetime. At least it will guarantee fame, fortune and immortality. If it doesn’t kill him first.

Praise for SIXTEEN WAYS TO DEFEND A WALLED CITY:

“Full of invention and ingenuity . . . Great fun.” — SFX

“Launches a witty adventure series . . . Readers will appreciate the infusion of humor and fun-loving characters into this vivid and sometimes grim fantasy world.” — Publishers Weekly

“As with most of Parker’s work, there is a mel¬ancholy undercurrent that gives the humor weight. As heroes go, Orhan is a reluctant and flawed one . . . . [but] when Orhan works the problem, we can’t help but watch.” — Locus

Cover Launch: THE RANGER OF MARZANNA by Jon Skovron

Orbit US and UK are thrilled to announce that we’ll be publishing Jon Skovron’s new epic fantasy trilogy! Lush and epic in equal measure, THE RANGER OF MARZANNA will sweep you off your feet. Set against a wintery eastern European-inspired backdrop, it is a story about warring siblings, loyal horses, powerful magic, and daring adventures. And we’ve got a gorgeous cover to match!

Here’s a little more about the plot:

Sonya is training to be a Ranger of Marzanna, an ancient sect of warriors who have protected the land for generations. But the old ways are dying, and the rangers have all been forced into hiding or killed off by the invading Empire.

When her father is murdered by imperial soldiers, she decides to finally take action. Using her skills as a ranger she will travel across the bitter cold tundra and gain the allegiance of the only other force strong enough to take down the invaders.

But nothing about her quest will be easy. Her brother, Sebastian, is the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. And he’s fighting for the empire.

Orbit US and UK will be publishing THE RANGER OF MARZANNA in April 2020. In the meantime make sure to say hello to Jon Skovron on twitter: @jonnyskov. Or, check out his previous trilogy!

Pre-order THE RANGER OF MARZANNA now: US | UK

Or purchase Jon Skovron’s previous novels, the EMPIRE OF STORMS trilogy:

  • HOPE AND RED: US | UK
  • BAND AND SHADOW: US | UK
  • BLOOD AND TEMPEST: US | UK

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio
Illustration by Magali Villeneuve (Website | Twitter | Instagram)

 

 

 

 

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)

Cover Launch: A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS by H. G. Parry

If you loved Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell or Zen Cho’s Sorcerer to the Crown, we have great news! A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS, H.G. Parry’s Age of Enlightenment-set story of magic, war, and the struggle for freedom, is coming June 2020. In the meantimeyou can behold its enchanting cover designed by Orbit’s own Lisa Marie Pompilio.

A sweeping tale of revolution and wonder in a world not quite like our own.

It is the Age of Enlightenment — of new and magical political movements, from the necromancer Robespierre calling for revolution in France to the weather mage Toussaint L’Ouverture leading the slaves of Haiti in their fight for freedom, to the bold new Prime Minister William Pitt weighing the legalization of magic amongst commoners in Britain and abolition throughout its colonies overseas. 

But amidst all of the upheaval of the early modern world, there is an unknown force inciting all of human civilization into violent conflict. And it will require the combined efforts of revolutionaries, magicians, and abolitionists to unmask this hidden enemy before the whole world falls to darkness and chaos.

Goodreads Choice Awards 2019: Opening Round

The 11th annual Goodreads Choice Awards have officially begun, and we’re happy to announce Orbit has five nominees in the first round!

Want to see your favorite Orbit authors and books make it to the second round? Cast your vote!

Voting for the opening round ends November 10th.

 

Fantasy – VOTE NOW

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

STORM CURSED by Patricia Briggs (UK)

 

Science Fiction – VOTE NOW

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

THE FUTURE OF ANOTHER TIMELINE by Annalee Newitz (UK)

 

Debut – VOTE NOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

If your favorite Orbit title of 2019 isn’t listed, you can also enter a write-in vote at the bottom of each genre page.

Cover Launch: THE PURSUIT OF WILLIAM ABBEY by Claire North

We’re thrilled to reveal the stunning cover for THE PURSUIT OF WILLIAM ABBEY (UK|US|ANZ) by Claire North, the award-winning and bestselling author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and 84K.

 

William Abbey

Design by Steve Panton

 

Coming this autumn, THE PURSUIT OF WILLIAM ABBEY is a hauntingly powerful novel about how the choices we make can stay with us forever.

Read on to find out more:

South Africa, 1884. A young and naive English doctor by the name of William Abbey witnesses the lynching of a local boy by white colonists. He’s guilt-struck, but too cowardly to stand up against this horrific act. And as the child dies, his mother curses William.

William begins to understand when what the curse means when the shadow of the dead boy starts following him across the world. It never stops, never rests. It can cross oceans and mountains. And if it catches him, the person he loves most in the world will die . . .

Moving, thought-provoking and utterly gripping, Claire North’s stunning new novel proves again that she is one of the most original and innovative voices in modern fiction.

 

And if you can’t wait until November for your next Claire North fix, never fear! Her latest book has just hit the shops: THE GAMESHOUSE is a mesmerising tale of a mystical gambling house whose deadly games of chance and skill control the fate of empires.

Gameshouse

 

Praise for Claire North:

‘North’s talent shines out’ Sunday Times

‘Claire North goes from strength to strength’ Guardian

‘An original and even dazzling writer’ Kirkus

‘North is a true original, a master of ingenious plotting and feats of imagination’ Alex Marwood

‘Claire North’s writing is terrific, smart and entertaining’ Patrick Ness

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF HOPE cover

84k, a science fiction dystopian novel by Claire North

Cover Launch: THE SHADOW SAINT by Gareth Hanrahan

Earlier this year, Gareth Hanrahan’s highly anticipated debut, THE GUTTER PRAYER took the fantasy world by storm, introducing a world of sorcerers and thieves, broken gods and dangerous magic.

The epic tale will continue in THE SHADOW SAINT, the gripping second novel in the Black Iron Legacy and we’re thrilled to reveal the stunning cover below:

 

Shadow Saint

Illustration by Richard Anderson
Design by Steve Panton

 

AS THE GODSWAR DRAWS EVER CLOSER AND TENSIONS WITHIN THE CITY ESCALATE, HOW LONG WILL THE PEOPLE OF GUERDON BE ABLE TO KEEP THEIR ENEMIES AT BAY?

The Shadow Saint will hit the shops in January, so if you haven’t discovered the magic of The Gutter Prayer yet there’s still plenty of time to dive in! It’s available in paperback, ebook and audio, read by the wonderful John Banks.

Praise for The Gutter Prayer:

‘Ground breaking and extraordinary’ Peter McLean
‘Captivating’ Nicholas Eames
‘Mind-blowingly stellar in every respect’ Novel Notions
‘Absolutely stunning’ Michael R. Fletcher
‘We can’t wait to dive in to book two’ SciFiNow
‘A gripping, darkly inventive tale’ James Islington
‘Masterful drama, expert dialogue, brilliant characters’ Fantasy Book Review
‘I await the sequel with the keenest anticipation’ Anthony Ryan
‘A mercurial masterpiece . . . Astounding’ Fantasy Hive
‘Put simply, you need to read this’ The Fantasy Inn
‘A brilliant, imaginative debut’ Fantasy Book Critic
‘Undoubtedly, the debut of the year’ Booknest

 

Gareth Hanrahan’s three-month break from computer programming to concentrate on writing has now lasted fifteen years and counting. He’s written more gaming books than he can readily recall, by virtue of the alchemical transmutation of tea and guilt into words. He lives in Ireland with his wife and twin sons.

Follow him on Twitter at @mytholder.