Posts Tagged ‘fantasy’

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: 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.

Cover Launch: A CURSE OF KRAKENS by Kevin Hearne

Check out the cover for A CURSE OF KRAKENS by Kevin Hearne – the third and final book in the epic Seven Kennings trilogy, coming this November! See below for more info on what’s in store for you . . .

Cover for A CURSE OF KRAKENS by Kevin Hearne, featuring a wrecked ship in the sea, being attacked by kraken tentackles from all sides.
Cover design by Ben Prior @ Little, Brown Book Group

From the New York Times bestselling creator of The Iron Druid Chronicles comes the final book in the epic fantasy trilogy that began with A Plague of Giants, about a war that broke a continent – and opened the door to a new world.

Seeker and Sower
Pen Yas ben Min’s cousin was one of the legendary heroes of the wars against the giants until her untimely death. Pen has grown up in her famous cousin’s shadow, but when she’s given a quest to plant the seed of the magical Fourth Tree, she has a chance to step into the light – and usher in a new age for her country.

Fighter and Friend
Abhi’s life – and the world – changed when he discovered a lost magic: the power to speak to animals. After fighting so many battles, he’s weary and longs for home and his love, Tamhan. But before he can return, there is one last mission that only Abhi can complete: to speak to the colossal creatures who wait beneath the waves – the krakens.

Sailor and Explorer
Koesha and her shipmates have already made an impossible journey by navigating the Northern Yawn, at the end of which she secured an unusual cloak. But when that cloak turns out to be the key to unlocking the mystery of the Seventh Kenning, Koesha has to risk everything on another life-threatening journey and hope that she can steer her crew to safety.

Don’t miss any of Kevin Hearne’s action-packed Seven Kennings series:
A Plague of Giants
A Blight of Blackwings
A Curse of Krakens

Praise for the Seven Kennings series:

‘Truly epic fantasy’ James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

‘This isn’t just a breath of fresh air for the genre, it’s a damned hurricane’
Jason M. Hough, New York Times bestselling author

‘A rare masterpiece that’s both current and timeless . . . merging the fantasy bones of Tolkien and Rothfuss with a wide cast of characters who’ll break your heart’
Delilah S. Dawson

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 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: GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD by RJ Barker

You asked, and we answered… the British Fantasy Award-winning RJ Barker is back!

RJ has taken us to a castle filled with assassins hunting other assassins (The Wounded Kingdom Trilogy) and to high seas adventures on ships made of dragon bones (The Tide Child Trilogy). Now he’s heading into the woods. The Wyrdwoods, to be precise.

GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD is epic fantasy set within the bounds of a forest straight out of darkest folklore – with outlaws fighting an evil empire and dangerous deities at war. It’s coming to all good bookshelves on the 29th June, so get preordering!

“Ours is a land of many gods, and we are a people with the ability to pick the worst of them.”

Cahan du Nahare is known as the forester – a humble man who can nonetheless navigate the dangerous Deepforest like no-one else. But once he was more. Once he was a warrior.

Udinny serves the goddess of the lost, a goddess of the small and helpless. When she ventures into the Deepforest to find a missing child, Cahan will be her guide.

But in a land at war, in a forest full of monsters – Cahan will need to choose between his past life and the one he leads now – and his choice will have consequences for his entire world.
The cover for RJ Barker's fantasy novel GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD shows the author name and title, as well as a woodland pattern, with a rusted sword and shield on top of a knarled and creepy tree design. Eyes lit with green glowing magic peer out from the tree.

Cover design by Duncan Spilling at L,BBG.

GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD begins the Forsaken trilogy – a series with great appeal to fans of Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire, as well as fans of the gruff warrior protagonist and dark folkloric worldbuilding of The Witcher. And fans of RJ’s previous work will have a riotously fantastic time, of course!