Posts Tagged ‘fantasy’

Cover Launch: DAUGHTER OF THE MERCIFUL DEEP by Leslye Penelope

Take your first look at the cover for Daughter of the Merciful Deep (US | UK), a new standalone novel by Leslye Penelope coming June 2024!

Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

A woman journeys into a submerged world of gods and myth to save her home in this powerful historical fantasy that shines a light on the drowned Black towns of the American South. 

“Our home began, as all things do, with a wish.”

Jane Edwards hasn’t spoken since she was eleven years old, when armed riders expelled her family from their hometown along with every other Black resident. Now, twelve years later, she’s found a haven in the all-Black town of Awenasa. But the construction of a dam promises to wash her home under the waters of the new lake.

Jane will do anything to save the community that sheltered her. So, when a man with uncanny abilities arrives in town asking strange questions, she wonders if he’s might be the key. But as the stranger hints at gods and ancestral magic, Jane is captivated by a bigger mystery. She knows this man. Only the last time she saw him, he was dead. His body laid to rest in a rushing river.

Who is the stranger and what is he really doing in Awenasa? To find those answers, Jane will journey into a sunken world, a land of capricious gods and unsung myths, of salvation and dreams made real. But the flood waters are rising. To gain the miracle she desires, Jane will have to find her voice again and finally face the trauma of the past.

For more from Leslye Penelope, check out The Monsters We Defy (US | UK).

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

Cover Launch: THE PHOENIX KEEPER by S. A. MacLean

Take your first look at the cover for The Phoenix Keeper (US) by S. A. MacLean, coming August 2024!

The Phoenix Keeper by S. A. MacLean

Cover Design by Rachael Lancaster (Orion Books); Cover Illustration by Niall Grant

Set in a magical zoo teeming with mythical beasts from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens, The Phoenix Keeper is a fierce joy of a cozy fantasy novel with a soul-restoring queer romance at its heart, for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes.

As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila’s childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There’s just one glaring caveat: her zoo’s breeding program hasn’t functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons… Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. But mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo’s most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from college: Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the face of a goddess who’s convinced that Aila’s beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila’s success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job…

She is the keeper of the phoenix, and the future of a species—and her love life—now rests on her shoulders.

Cover Launch: THE LOTUS EMPIRE by Tasha Suri

Take your first look at the cover for The Lotus Empire (US | UK), the finale in The Burning Kingdoms trilogy by Tasha Suri, coming November 2024!

The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Micah Epstein

The Lotus Empire brings Tasha Suri’s acclaimed Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a heart–stopping close. As an ancient magic returns to Ahiranya and threatens its very foundations, Empress Malini and priestess Priya will stop at nothing to save their kingdoms—even if it means they must destroy each other.

Malini has claimed her rightful throne as the empress of Parijatdvipa, just as the nameless gods prophesied. Now, in order to gain the support of the priesthood who remain loyal to the fallen emperor, she must consider a terrible bargain: Claim her throne and burn in order to seal her legacy—or find another willing to take her place on the pyre.

Priya has survived the deathless waters and now their magic runs in her veins. But a mysterious yaksa with flowering eyes and a mouth of thorns lies beneath the waters. The yaksa promises protection for Ahiranya. But in exchange, she needs a sacrifice. And she’s chosen Priya as the one to offer it.

Two women once entwined by fate now stand against each other. But when an ancient enemy rises to threaten their world, Priya and Malini will find themselves fighting together once more—to prevent their kingdoms, and their futures, from burning to ash.

The Burning Kingdoms
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
The Jasmine Throne (US | UK)
The Oleander Sword (US | UK)

Also by Tasha Suri
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri
Empire of Sand (US | UK)
Realm of Ash (US | UK)

Cover Launch: BETWEEN DRAGONS AND THEIR WRATH by Devin Madson

Take your first look at the cover for Between Dragons and Their Wrath (US | UK), the first in a new epic fantasy series by Devin Madson, coming August 2024!

Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio & Lauren Panepinto; Cover Art by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative

From Aurealis Award‑nominated author Devin Madson comes a new rip-roaring epic fantasy full of dragons, alchemical magic, and forbidden romance that unfolds as three people in a shattered empire become entangled in a looming revolution.

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

Tesha is a glassblower’s apprentice who becomes a tribute bride when her city is conquered by the south. In the enemy’s court, she’s perfectly placed to sabotage them, but her heart has other plans.

Naili is a laundress in the house of an eccentric alchemist who is awakening to strange new powers. When radicals approach her, she faces a choice between keeping her magic to herself and using it to change the world.

And in the desolate Shield Mountains, dragon rider Ash protects the cities from the monsters in the Iipao sands beyond. But, soon he’ll have to learn how to protect his dragon when hunters unlock the secret to killing them.

As war sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ash must fight for survival against political enemies, dragon hunters, and monsters both within and without.

Also by Devin Madson
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson We Lie with Death by Devin Madson We Cry for Blood by Devin Madson We Dream of Gods by Devin Madson
The Reborn Empire
We Ride the Storm (US | UK)
We Lie with Death (US | UK)
We Cry for Blood (US | UK)
We Dream of Gods (US | UK)

The Blood of Whisperers by Devin Madson The Gods of Vice by Devin Madson The Grave at Storm's End by Devin Madson
The Vengeance Trilogy
The Blood of Whisperers (US | UK)
The Gods of Vice (US | UK)
The Grave at Storm’s End (US | UK)

Cover Launch: The Wilderwood Duology Collector’s Edition by Hannah Whitten

Take your first look at the collector’s edition of The Wilderwood Duology (US) by Hannah Whitten!

The Wilderwood Duology Collector's Edition by Hannah Whitten The Wilderwood Duology Collector's Edition by Hannah Whitten

Art Direction by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Abigail Larson; Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

Enter the world of the Wilderwood with this stunning, deluxe collector’s edition of Hannah Whitten’s unforgettable New York Times bestselling duology, For the Wolf and For the Throne, which features:

  • An exclusive box illustrated by Hugo Award-winning artist Abigail Larson
  • A signed copy of For the Wolf
  • Fabric-bound hardcover editions
  • Brand new foil-stamped covers
  • Gold foil edges
  • Colored endpaper art
  • A ribbon bookmark
  • An exclusive bonus scene

The first daughter is for the Throne.
The second daughter is for the Wolf.

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. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep her beloved sister Neve, the First Daughter, safe. But the legends lie. The old gods stir. And the monsters of the Wilderwood and beyond are not all what they seem in this dark and romantic debut duology that became an instant New York Times bestseller and word-of-mouth sensation.

Acquisition Announcement: THE RADIANT KING by David Dalglish

David Dalglish (Photo Credit: North Myrtle Beach Photography)
Photo Credit: North Myrtle Beach Photography

Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a new epic fantasy series from USA Today bestselling author David Dalglish! The Astral Kingdoms trilogy kicks off with The Radiant King, a sweeping tale full of heretical magic and millennia-spanning feuds that is written with David’s signature flair for heart-pounding action and characters you love to hate—and hate to love.  

 

Once, there were six ever-living siblings, blessed and cursed with immortality, who remembered nothing of their creation. They vowed to wear no crowns and sit upon no thrones. But when Eder, the eldest, forsakes this sacred promise, those closest to him must stop him before he breaks their family—and the world—apart.   

Faron vows to crush his brother’s kingdom and destroy his fanatical church, and he isn’t the only one hunting Eder. There are those who decry Eder as a blasphemer; there are those who simply want revenge for the havoc his rule has wrought. But will their combined strength be enough to stop this powerful, single-minded tyrant?  

 The story starts with the burning of a brother. And it will end with the burning of the world.

 

The Radiant King lands in bookstores in Winter 2025! In the meantime, you can follow David on Twitter @thatdalglishguy and learn more about his work, including the Vagrant Gods trilogy, at www.ddalglish.com.

 Orbit US executive editor Brit Hvide acquired World rights from Michael Carr at Veritas Literary.   

Also by David Dalglish:

The Bladed Faith by David Dalglish The Sapphire Altar by David Dalglish The Slain Divine by David Dalglish

Cover Launch: THE ENCHANTED LIES OF CÉLESTE ARTOIS by Ryan Graudin

Ryan Graudin (Photo Credit: David Strauss)
Photo Credit: David Strauss

Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois (US) by Ryan Graudin, a magical tale of con artists and thieves set under the glittering lights of 1900s Paris. Filled with unforgettable characters, lyrical imagery, and doorways that can take you to the most unexpected of places, it’s a perfect read for fans of V.E. Schwab and Alix E. Harrow. We’re so excited to bring you this title in July 2024—read on for a glimpse of what’s in store, and take your first look at the cover!

Once, Céleste Artois had dreams of being an artist. But when the creative elite of Paris dashed those dreams, she turned her talents to forgery and cons. She and the Enchantresses—her two fellow thieves and best friends—see Paris as a rich hunting ground for marks. And even though their hideout in Peré Lachaise cemetery is bursting with francs, Céleste cannot rest. There is always more to take. And the blood she has begun to cough into her handkerchief means her time is running out.

But everything changes when she encounters Rafe, a mysterious and beautiful stranger who leads her to an enchanted salon—a place where artists can bring wondrous imaginations to life. Céleste is captivated by the salon, and learns of the existence of magical Paris, hidden in the pockets and alleys of the ordinary world, if only one knows where to look.

Rafe offers Céleste an irresistible deal: the gift of time in exchange for lending him and his benefactor her forging talents. But one must be careful making deals with devils, and there’s more to this hidden world than meets the eye. Shadows have begun to circle Paris. And soon, the Enchantresses will find that true magic is far more powerful, and deadly, than they ever imagined.

The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois by Ryan Graudin

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

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.

Cover Launch: RUINATION: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS NOVEL Collector’s Edition

Cover launch! Take a look at the cover for our collector’s edition of Ruination: A League of Legends Novel (US | UK) by Anthony Reynolds. Pick up a copy in December 2023.

Ruination: A League of Legends Novel Collector's Edition by Anthony Reynolds

Ruination: A League of Legends Novel Collector's Edition by Anthony Reynolds Ruination: A League of Legends Novel Collector's Edition by Anthony Reynolds

Cover Design by Greg Ghielmetti & Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Valentina Remenar

This collector’s edition hardcover includes:

  • A beautifully designed case
  • Striking new cover artwork
  • Stained edges
  • Illustrated endpapers
  • Color illustrations of characters from the novel
  • Six new illustrations from scenes in the novel
  • Color illustrations of artifacts from Ruination and League of Legends
  • Color maps
  • Color chapter titles
  • A bookmark ribbon
  • An exclusive new chapter featured at the end of the novel
  • Individual art cards featuring Viego, Kalista, Erlok Grael, the maps from the world, and a diagram of the sword, Sanctity

Discover an epic tale of magic, revenge, and an empire on the verge of ruin in the first ever novel set in the blockbuster universe of League of Legends.

Camavor is a brutal land with a bloody legacy. Where the empire’s knights go, slaughter follows.

Kalista seeks to change that. When her young and narcissistic uncle, Viego, becomes king, she vows to temper his destructive instincts, as his loyal confidant, advisor, and military general. But her plans are thwarted when an assassin’s poisoned blade strikes Viego’s wife, Isolde, afflicting her with a malady for which there is no cure.

As Isolde’s condition worsens, Viego descends into madness and grief, threatening to drag Camavor down with him. Kalista makes a desperate gambit to save the kingdom: she searches for the long lost Blessed Isles, rumored to hold the queen’s salvation, if only Kalista can find them.

But corruption grows in the Blessed Isles’ capital, where a vengeful warden seeks to ensnare Kalista in his cruel machinations. She will be forced to choose between her loyalty to Viego and doing what she knows is right–for even in the face of utter darkness, one noble act can shine a light that saves the world.

Cover Launch: THESE DEATHLESS SHORES by P.H. Low

Cover launch! Take a look at the cover of These Deathless Shores (US) by P.H. Low. Pick up a copy in July 2024.

These Deathless Shores by P.H. Low

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover Illustration by Balbusso Twins

Gorgeous and devastating, P. H. Low’s debut fantasy is a richly reimagined tale of Captain Hook’s origin, a story of cruelty, magic, lost innocence, and the indelible power of stories.

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 heartlessness of youth—intent on facing Peter one last time, on her own terms.

If that makes her the villain… so be it.