Archive for News

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.

THE CULTURE: THE DRAWINGS by Iain M. Banks

Orbit is delighted to announce the release date for the hugely anticipated book The Culture: The Drawings by Iain M. Banks.

Packshot of The Culture: The Drawings by Iain M. Banks, showing a landscape-format book with green cover and spaceship drawingWidely acknowledged as the modern master of science fiction, Iain M. Banks created extensive original drawings detailing the universe of his bestselling and beloved Culture novels. Now these illustrations are being published together for the very first time in a book celebrating Banks’s grand vision.

The Culture: The Drawings will release on 7th November 2023. This large-format, landscape artbook will faithfully reproduce Iain’s exceptionally intricate drawings in their original format, and at their original scale.

A deluxe limited edition of The Culture: The Drawings, containing the same extraordinary illustrations, will also be available worldwide for purchase exclusively from the Orbit UK store. Beautifully bound in foiled cloth and displayed in a luxurious presentation box, this heirloom edition will be something to treasure.

 

Orbit UK Publisher Anna Jackson says: “As many fans of Iain M. Banks’ vastly popular Culture series will already know, Iain meticulously designed every element of the Culture’s universe long before the novels were published. The whole of the Culture – from language to nomenclature, from ships to weapons – already existed as intricate sketches, notes, and tables many years before it appeared in any of his fiction. This wealth of material, generously released by the Estate, provides a fascinating insight into the workings of Iain’s extraordinary mind. It will be an essential addition to the collection of any Iain M. Banks fan.”

Further good news for Banks fans is that in late 2024, Orbit is planning to publish the definitive Culture companion book, celebrating the Culture through Iain’s own writing. Curated by Ken MacLeod, it will include all of Iain’s notes, tables and charts relating to the Culture universe. More information about this book will be released in due course.

Find out how to pre-order here, and follow the Iain M. Banks Facebook page here.

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: The Gods Below series by Andrea Stewart

We’re thrilled to have acquired a new epic fantasy series from Andrea Stewart!

The Gods Below series is set in a world ravaged by ancient magic, where precious gemstones bestow magical abilities on the few individuals able to harness their power.

Full of clandestine power struggles and the battles between gods, the story follows Hakara, a young woman searching for her missing sister and who will do anything to find her – even lead a rebellion against the gods themselves.

For more information, check out the press release on the Bookseller website.

The first book in the Gods Below trilogy will publish in ’24. Before that, we’ve got THE BONE SHARD WAR – the epic conclusion to Andrea’s Drowning Empire trilogy – to look forward to in April next year!

Acquisition Announcement: the Soulfire Saga by Matthew Ward

Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of a new epic fantasy series from Matthew Ward, author of LEGACY OF ASH and the wider Legacy Trilogy, which was described as ‘epic fantasy as it should be; big, bold and very addictive’ by Starburst magazine.

Ward’s upcoming Soulfire Saga introduces us to a brand-new world ruled by an immortal king, where souls fuel magic, and a supernatural mist known as the Veil threatens to engulf the land.

Here’s a little taste of what to expect . . .

 

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn’t care about any of that. A talented thief, she’s pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She’ll need every advantage she can get.

Kat’s not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad’s future begins, everyone – Kat included – will have to pick a side.

 

The first book in the Soulfire Saga will be published in August ‘23. Orbit UK Commissioning Editor James Long acquired World rights from John Jarrold at the John Jarrold Literary Agency. Orbit US Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan has secured US rights.

 

Praise for Matthew Ward:

‘Hugely entertaining’ John Gwynne

‘Epic fantasy as it should be; big, bold and very addictive’ Starburst

‘Expertly wrought . . . a vigorous, bravura saga’ Publishers Weekly (starred review)

‘A brilliantly realised setting’ SFFWorld

‘Incredible action scenes’ Fantasy Hive

‘Magnificent and epic’ Grimdark magazine

 

Acquisition announcement: The Combat Codes

We are ecstatic to announce that we’ve acquired debut author Alexander Darwin’s action-packed, science fiction trilogy, The Combat Codes. The first book in the trilogy, The Combat Codes, is set in a world where the fate of nations is determined by battle-hardened warriors who are trained to represent their nations’ interests in brutal hand-to-hand single combat.

 

Murray Pearson was once a famed warrior until he suffered a loss that crippled his nation — but now he’s on the hunt to find and train the next champion.

In underground and ruthless combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes Cego has what it takes to make it in the world’s most prestigious combat academy – but Cego must fight his way out of the underground first.

If you’re a fan of martial arts, school stories, redemption arcs, and incredibly immersive science fiction, we can promise that you’re going to find a lot to love in The Combat Codes.

 

Here are a few words from Alexander about what inspired him to write his debut trilogy:

I’ve practiced and taught martial arts for most of my life, and I’ve also always been a massive sci-fi / fantasy fan; I wrote the Combat Codes to blend these two passions. At its heart though, the Combat Codes is the story of finding one’s light and path in a world that can be bleak and brutal, the clash of new and old cultures, and how friends are a necessity even when standing alone in the ring. 

The Combat Codes certainly is centered around fighting, but not just the action itself. I wanted to create a world where the society and politics are organized around single combat, and the fighters are constantly caught between duty and honor. I’m so excited to get this story and its cast of characters out to readers around the world!

 

Look out for The Combat Codes in 2023. In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Alexander! You can find him on Twitter or Instagram as @combatcodes.

Alexander Darwin is a second generation Vietnamese-Jewish-American author living in Boston with his wife and three daughters. Outside of writing, he teaches and trains martial arts (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). He’s inspired by old-school Hong Kong action flicks, jRPGs, underdog stories and bibimbap bowls.

Assistant editor Hillary Sames acquired while at Orbit US, with Orbit US senior editor Bradley Englert editing, World English rights from Ed Wilson at Johnson and Alcock Literary Agency. Editorial Director Jenni Hill at Orbit UK has secured UK rights.

Cover launch: ITHACA by Claire North

Following our exciting acquisition news about ITHACA by Claire North, we’re now thrilled to reveal the stunning cover, designed by the hugely talented Lisa Marie Pompilio at Orbit US.

Book cover for ITHACA by Claire North, featuring a contemplative woman in a Greek robe pulling loom threads through her fingers

Claire North is renowned for being one of the most original and innovative voices in modern fiction, and now she has turned her hand to the classical age with incredible results . . .

ITHACA is a powerful retelling of the Greek myth of Penelope from the Odyssey. It is perfect for anyone who has enjoyed Circe by Madeline Miller or Ariadne by Jennifer Saint—but it also has its own completely unique flavour, told through the eyes of the goddess Hera. It’s poetic, thrilling, and heartbreaking all at once, and it’s already receiving superb praise:

‘Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth – darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking’ Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne

ITHACA is out this September and it’s available for pre-order now (UK | US) . Read on to hear more about it:

This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca’s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women – and their goddesses – that will change the course of the world.

Seventeen years ago, king Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. None of them have returned, and the women have been left behind to run the kingdom.

Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. Whilst he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that husband is dead, and suitors are starting to knock at her door . . .

But no one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus’ empty throne – not yet. Between Penelope’s many suitors, a cold war of dubious alliances and hidden knives reigns, as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip one way or another. If Penelope chooses one from amongst them, it will plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war. Only through cunning and her spy network of maids can she maintain the delicate balance of power needed for the kingdom to survive.

On Ithaca, everyone watches everyone else, and there is no corner of the palace where intrigue does not reign . . .

From the multi award-winning Claire North comes a daring, exquisite and moving tale that breathes life into ancient myth, and tells of the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .

‘Like Penelope at her loom North both weaves and unweaves, teasing out the threads of Homeric myth to recombine them into something unique, wonderful and urgently contemporary’ M. R. Carey, author of The Girl With All the Gifts

Pre-order ITHACA by Claire North now (UK | US).

Acquisition announcement: ITHACA by Claire North

Claire North, author of Ithaca and The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of a trio of novels from the award-winning Claire North that retell the ancient Greek myth of Penelope, wife of Odysseus.

The first book, Ithaca, is narrated by the goddess Hera. It is a daring, exquisite tale that breathes new life into ancient myth, and tells of the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men.

In the words of Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne, “Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth – darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking.”

Orbit UK and Redhook US will publish Ithaca globally this September. Books two and three in the series after will follow in 2023 and 2024 and will be narrated by the goddesses Aphrodite and Athena respectively.

Holding cover for the novel Ithaca by Claire NorthOrbit UK Publisher Anna Jackson says “There is a great hunger for tales set in the classical age right now, but Ithaca is a retelling like no other . . . Claire North is widely recognised as one of the most unique and innovative voices in modern fiction, and her readers will be thrilled to see her turn her hand to ancient Greece – with such flair. This bold, captivating and moving novel tells the story of Penelope and the other women left on Ithaca when the men of their island have sailed off to war. And as the world around them is torn apart by men and gods alike, it is the women who defend their isle and hold a fragile peace. Ithaca is a novel that’s beautiful and brutal, irreverent and utterly devastating all at once, and in the words of author M. R. Carey, feels “urgently contemporary”.”

Claire North says “A lot of stories set in this time write about women as either victims, their agency stripped away, or as mere cyphers to the lives of the men around them. Penelope is not a victim, but if people think she is, she is very willing to use that to further her aims. This book is the secret history of the women the poets ignored, as they plotted, schemed and waged war.”

Claire North is a pseudonym for the author Catherine Webb. Her first book under the Claire North name was the word-of-mouth bestseller The First Fifteen lives of Harry August, which is being adapted as movie by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners and will be directed by ‘Maze Runner’ director Wes Ball.

Notes from the Burning Age by Claire North

North has since published several critically acclaimed novels and won the World Fantasy Award, and has been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Philip K. Dick Award, the Locus Award and the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award.

Meg Davis at the Ki Agency sold World Rights to Publisher Anna Jackson at Orbit UK. Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan at Orbit US has secured North American rights for publication on the Redhook imprint.

Claire North’s most recent novel, Notes from the Burning Age (UK | US | ANZ), is out in paperback in the UK on 10th February. Ithaca is available for pre-order now (UK | US).

Cover launch: THE HUNGER OF THE GODS by John Gwynne

Sharpen your axes – it’s time to return to the Battle-Plain!

Orbit is thrilled to reveal the cover for THE HUNGER OF THE GODS, the action-packed second novel in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn series, which began with THE SHADOW OF THE GODS (UK/US). Prepare to continue this sweeping adventure of myth, magic and bloody vengeance . . .

Design by Bekki Guyatt, art by Marcus Whinney

 

Publishing in April 2022, THE HUNGER OF THE GODS is available for pre-order now (UK/US)

Here’s a little taste of what to expect . . .

 

Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest.

As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race to save one of their own – and Varg takes the first steps on the path of vengeance.

Elvar has sworn to fulfil her blood oath and rescue a prisoner from the clutches of Lik-Rifa and her dragonborn followers, but first she must persuade the Battle-Grim to follow her.

Yet even the might of the Bloodsworn and Battle-Grim cannot stand alone against a dragon.

Their only hope lies within the mad writings of a chained god. A book of forbidden magic with the power to raise the wolf god Ulfrir from the dead . . . and bring about a battle that will shake the foundations of the earth.

 

 

Praise for The Bloodsworn series:

‘A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic’ Anthony Ryan

‘Visceral, heart-breaking and unputdownable’ Jay Kristoff

‘A world stunning in its immensity’ Robin Hobb

‘A masterclass in storytelling . . . epic, gritty fantasy with an uncompromising amount of heart’ FanFiAddict

‘Quintessential Gwynne honed to perfection . . . The Shadow of the Gods is absolutely stunning, one hell of an epic series opener and a spectacular dose of Viking-flavoured fantasy’ The Tattooed Book Geek

‘Reminds me of all that I love in the fantasy genre. The Shadow of the Gods is an action-packed cinematic read’ Fantasy Hive

 

John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He’s played double bass in a rock ‘n’ roll band and travelled the USA and Canada. He is married with four children and lives in Eastbourne, where he is part of a Viking re-enactment group. When not writing he can often be found standing in a shield wall with his three sons about him.

Follow John on Twitter and Instagram.

Acquisition Announcement: Empire of Exiles

Photo credit: Kevin Goodier

Enter a world where the history of a broken empire is sealed inside the mysterious Imperial Archives, where mages and librarians unearth the secrets of magical artifacts, historic tomes, and powerful relics. And what they uncover just may be the key to revealing a conspiracy that could topple the empire once and for all.

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of EMPIRE OF EXILES by Erin M. Evans. EMPIRE OF EXILES has everything you’re looking for in your next epic fantasy read – a stunning tale of revolution, wonderfully unique fantasy races and cultures, wise-cracking apprentices and fierce librarian-sorcerers, and a mystery around every corner of the lush world.

We can’t wait to bring you EMPIRE OF EXILES next year—in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Erin M. Evans to Orbit! Follow along for updates on Twitter at @erinmevans.

Twenty-seven years ago, a Duke with a grudge led a ruthless coup against the empire of Semilla, killing thousands. He failed. The Duke was executed, a terrifyingly powerful sorcerer was imprisoned, and an unwilling princess disappeared.

The empire moved on.

Now, when Quill, an apprentice scribe, arrives in the capital city, he believes he’s on a simple errand for another pompous noble: fetch ancient artifacts from the magical Imperial Archives. He’s always found his apprenticeship to be dull work. But these aren’t just any artifacts — these are the instruments of revolution, the banners under which the Duke lead his coup.

Just as the artifacts are unearthed, the city is shaken by a brutal murder that seems to have been caused by a weapon not seen since the days of rebellion.

Since Quill is the only reliable witness to the murder, and no one in power believes his story, he must join with a young mage, a seasoned archivist, and a disillusioned detective to find the truth of the attack. And what they uncover will be the key to saving the empire – or destroying it for good.

 

Orbit US editor Bradley Englert acquired North American rights from Bridget Smith of JABberwocky Literary Agency.