Cover Launch: AZURA GHOST by Essa Hansen

NOPHEK GLOSS  (US | UK) stunned readers with its widescreen adventure, boundless imagination, bubble universes, alien species, and warm characters. Alastair Reynolds called it “A sucker punch to the senses…. A killer story with real heart and soul.” Now, its sequel AZURA GHOST  has a cover just as breathtaking as the story itself. Keep an eye out for Azura Ghost publishing November 2021 from Orbit US and UK!

Design by Lauren Panepinto, Illustration by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative 

Following Nophek Gloss comes the second book in this imaginative new space opera trilogy by debut author Essa Hansen – an action-packed adventure perfect for fans of Star Wars, Children of Time and A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.

​Caiden has been on the run for ten years with his unique starship in order to keep his adversary, Threi, imprisoned. But when an old friend he’d once thought dead reappears, he is lured into a game of cat and mouse with the one person whose powers rival Threi’s: Threi’s sister Abriss. Now with both siblings on the hunt for Caiden and his ship, Caiden must rescue his long-lost friend from their clutches and uncover the source of both his ship’s power and his own origins in order to stop Abriss’s plan to collapse the multiverse.

 

Cover Launch: DISCORDIA by Kristyn Merbeth

The entire star system is on the brink of war in Discordia, the explosive final book in the action-packed space opera trilogy, The Nova Vita Protocol.

Book Cover: Discordia by Kristyn Merbeth A spaceship emerges from a wormhole, its guns charged and ready to fire.

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

Scorpia is finally back among the stars, far away from the memories of the war she and her family started – and ended – on Nibiru. Her first order as captain of the Memoria is to keep her crew safe, and she is all too happy not to get involved in dangerous political games for once.

Corvus is haunted by what he experienced at the hands of the Titan attack, and he’s just as eager for a new beginning. He knows that not all Titans are built for war, and that the system can find peace, even as Deva and Pax begin to rattle their sabers.

Now the Kaisers are on the run again. Though they may be responsible for diverting a multi-planet war, the planetary leaders are wary of the knowledge they hold. Better to lock them up and keep their dark secrets hidden. But the Kaisers are the only ones who know the truth about the threat of the ancient world-ending alien weapons rooted in each planet – and they may be the only ones who can save the system from total annihilation.

The Nova Vita Protocol:

Book Cover: Fortuna by Kristyn Merbeth. A woman stands before a space shuttle looking at it against a neon blue and pink sunset. Book Cover: Memoria by Kristyn Merbeth. A spaceship soars through a red nebula cloud while neon green lasers chase at its heels. Book Cover: Discordia by Kristyn Merbeth A spaceship emerges from a wormhole, its guns charged and ready to fire.

Cover Launch: THE SHADOW OF THE GODS by John Gwynne

Last week saw the reveal of the dragon-tastic cover for THE SHADOW OF THE GODS, John Gwynne’s new Norse-inspired epic fantasy. If you missed it, then behold the cover below in all its awesomeness!

Illustration by Marcus Whinney, design by Bekki Guyatt

But that’s not all. Check out the full illustration for the complete ‘Wow, that’s a big dragon’ experience!

 

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, THE SHADOW OF THE GODS begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Yet their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrið, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors. And all three will shape the fate of the world as it once more falls under the shadow of the gods . . .

THE SHADOW OF THE GODS – book one of the Bloodsworn Saga – publishes in May 2021. Pre-order: UK / US/ ANZ

Praise for John Gwynne:

‘John Gwynne is one of the modern masters of heroic fantasy’ Adrian Tchaikovsky

‘Reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place’ Robin Hobb

‘John Gwynne writes fantasy with the heart of a hero and the inventiveness of a master mage’ Sebastien de Castell

‘Extraordinarily good . . . Gwynne is setting a new benchmark in fantasy’ Giles Kristian

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. His dogs think he is their slave.

Find John online at his website, on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY

Witches of the world rejoice! We’re delighted to announce Orbit’s sister imprint, Redhook, has acquired a gorgeous new novel from author Louisa Morgan. Set during a time of witch burnings and revolution, THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY follows young Ursule Orchière as she discovers a magic within her that will change the course of her life and reshape her family for generations to come.

Here are a few words from the author about what inspired her to write The Great Witch of Brittany:

For a writer, creating a character is like meeting a complete stranger who you get to know really well. When several readers of A Secret History of Witches asked to know more about the “great witch Ursule,” ancestress to the Orchière witches, I was intrigued by the idea and began to wonder what her story might be. 

In my own life, I’m inspired by the women I have watched endure and rise above the most difficult circumstances, women who may not be physically prepossessing, but are so strong spiritually and morally that they are unbreakable. Ursule turned out to be all those things. It was fascinating to me to ‘discover’ her roots and to witness the triumphs and tragedies which shaped her, and the challenges she met with the strength of her character, enhanced by the magic of the Orchière line. 

At the end of this process, I hated saying goodbye to Ursule. She was everything I had hoped she would be–not only as a great witch, but as a woman. I hope the readers who asked about her will be as pleased as I was to learn her story.

While you wait for this wonderful book to hit shelves, you can read Louisa’s previous standalone novels: A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHES (US | UK), THE WITCH’S KIND (US | UK), and THE AGE OF WITCHES (US | UK). You can find her on Twitter at @WriterLouisa and https://www.louisemarley.com.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World All Languages rights from Peter Rubie at FinePrint Literary Management. Orbit UK will publish in the UK.

 

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE BALLAD OF PERILOUS GRAVES by Alex Jennings

We’re delighted to announce that Orbit’s sister imprint, Redhook, has acquired an evocative and richly-detailed debut novel from author Alex Jennings.

THE BALLAD OF PERILOUS GRAVES reveals New Orleans as you’ve never seen it before. From sky trolleys to haints, from the Dead Side of Town to songs that walk, talk, and keep the spirit of the city alive, this is an imaginative story that will sweep you off your feet.

Eager to know more? Here are a few words from Alex on what inspired him to write his novel:

I’m beyond thrilled to work with Redhook on The Ballad of Perilous Graves. This novel has been long in the making. I moved to New Orleans the summer after Hurricane Katrina and the Failure of the Federal Levees. At the time, the city was terribly wounded but its fighting spirit was never diminished. In many ways, Ballad is a love letter to my city, my family, and Black American Music.

As the city recovered from the storm, I read and heard stories of children forced to return without their parents. I connected those stories to Pippi Longstocking adventures I read as a child. Pippi lived on her own with no parents to tell her what to do and adventured with her neighbor friends. It seemed perfectly natural to speculate what Pippi would be like if she were a black girl growing up in a timeless, storm-damaged New Orleans. In many ways, growing up Black is learning to thrive against a backdrop of deep trauma and pain, empowered by music and culture and the will to survive no matter what. As the story grew, I realized to tell it properly I needed to aim it at adults.

When I was small, my father read The Lord of the Rings aloud to me and my brother. At one point, he put the book down and said, “I wish there was a fantasy novel where everyone was Black, and where the darkest, blackest one was the greatest of heroes.” That wish stuck with me, and I realized during the writing of this novel that the title character, Perilous Graves, is a young version of my father. He would be the perfect complement to Peaches Lavelle. My father gave me fantasy, so I’m giving him The Ballad of Perilous Graves.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves publishes Winter 2022. In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Alex Jennings. You can find him at http://www.alexjennings.net/ and on Twitter at @Magicknegro.

Cover Launch: THE WORLD GIVES WAY by Marissa Levien

A surreal world, a fatal secret, and a woman on the run against time itself come together in Marrisa Levien’s stunning debut, THE WORLD GIVES WAY. Bursting with evocative worldbuilding and beautifully drawn characters, this novel is an unforgettable exploration of a society in freefall, and finding humanity in the most unlikely of places.

This incredible story now has an equally gorgeous cover—feast your eyes on THE WORLD GIVES WAY below, coming to your nearest bookstore June 2021. And be sure to say hello to Marissa on Twitter at @marissalevien after preordering or adding it to your TBR!

Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

In a near-future world on the brink of collapse, a young woman born into servitude must seize her own freedom in this stunning debut with an unforgettable twist

In fifty years, Myrra will be free.

Until then, she’s a contract worker. Ever since she was five, her life and labor have belonged to the highest bidder on her contract–butchers, laundries, and now the powerful, secretive Carlyles.

But when one night finds the Carlyles dead, Myrra is suddenly free a lot sooner than she anticipated–and at a cost she never could have imagined. Burdened with the Carlyles’ orphaned daughter and the terrible secret they died to escape, she runs. With time running out, Myrra must come face to face with the truth about her world–and embrace what’s left before it’s too late.

A powerful novel with a darkly glimmering heart, The World Gives Way shows us an impossible world that uncannily reflects our own, and embraces the fierce drive to live even at the end of it all.

 

 

 

 

 

Cover Launch: CHAINS OF THE EARTH by David Mealing

David Mealing’s intricate and epic fantasy trilogy comes to a close with the highly anticipated finale: CHAINS OF THE EARTH. In a tale filled with epic scale battles and intricate magic systems, our heroes Sarine, Arak’Jur, and Erris d’Errant will break all the rules and fight the gods themselves in order to save their world from eternal darkness. Haven’t caught up yet? Check out the other books in The Ascension Cycle. And in the meantime, check out this gorgeous cover!

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio
Cover Images by Shutterstock

Praise for The Ascension Cycle trilogy:

“A great epic fantasy debut. Memorable characters, intriguing magic systems and a well-realised world”―James Islington

“Soul of the World is a magical book, almost overflowing with originality.”―The Quill to Live

“A riveting debut. It’s got everything I could possibly want in a fantasy book.”―Powder & Page Book Reviews

“The magic systems in this book are epic and the comparison to Sanderson and Rothfuss is quite deserved.”―On Starships and Dragonwings Book Reviews

Cover Launch – INHIBITOR PHASE by Alastair Reynolds 

Orbit is proud to be publishing a stellar new science fiction adventure from the author who redefined space opera, Alastair Reynolds – set in his bestselling Revelation Space universe! Feast your eyes on the stunning, star-studded cover for INHIBITOR PHASE, coming to shelves near you next year on July 27th, 2021.

Eager to learn more about Alastair Reynolds’ Revelation Space universe before INHIBITOR PHASE launches next summer, but not sure where to start? Learn all about Reynolds’ novels here – for fans of Mass Effect, Leviathan Wakes, Six Wakes, and more!

 

Design by Lauren Panepinto
Art by Shutterstock

Praise for Alastair Reynolds

“A terrific treat. I was hooked from page one.” ―Stephen Baxter on Revelation Space

“A delight. A refreshing and entertaining reconsideration of some of the genre’s oldest tropes. Quite possibly the space opera of the year.”―Locus on Revelation Space

“Something new and exciting…absolutely first-rate.”―The Cleveland Plain Dealer on Revelation Space

“This is science fiction on a large, cosmological scale, and Reynolds does not lack in big ideas…Many of the ideas in Revelation Space are awe-inspiring…cutting-edge and convincingly rendered.”―SF Site on Revelation Space

“[A] sci-fi tour de force… Clearly intoxicated by cutting-edge scientific research in bioengineering, space physics, cybernetics Reynolds spins a ravishingly inventive tale of intrigue.”―Publishers Weekly on Revelation Space

“Clearly one of the year’s major science fiction novels…The book Reynolds’s readers have been waiting for.”―Locus on Redemption Ark

“If you like hard SF…with fast-paced action and hard-boiled characters…you’re in for a great ride.”―SF Site on Redemption Ark

“The best of the new breed of space opera. Wild action on a grand scale spans well-imagined and developed worlds-bold and new with sharply defined differences in both characters and the changed definitions of humanity.”―The Denver Post on Redemption Ark

“A large, sprawling tale of war, politics, ideology and alien invasion. Skilled narrative technique and well-developed characters make this a novel most readers will find absorbing.”―Booklist on Redemption Ark

“With this complex, thoughtful sequel to his highly praised Revelation Space, British author Reynolds confirms his place among the leaders of the hard-science space-opera renaissance…. It’s rare to find a writer with sufficient nerve and stamina to write novels that are big enough to justify using words like “revelation” and “redemption.” Reynolds pulls it off.”―Publisher Weekly on Redemption Ark

“Alastair Reynolds [is] one of the leading lights of the New Space Opera Movement.”— Locus on Revenger

 “Reynolds has sketched in a galaxy littered with the relics of former civilizations (human and alien), with plenty left to the reader’s imagination, and room for a sequel.” — Library Journal on Revenger

Cover Launch: WILD SIGN by Patricia Briggs

We’re thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover for WILD SIGN (UK|ANZ), the sixth book in the Alpha and Omega series from the queen of urban fantasy Patricia Briggs.

Mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham are back, and they must discover what could make an entire community disappear – before it’s too late.

Check out the fantastic cover designed by Duncan Spilling below. Read on for a taste of what’s in store for Charles and Anna next. . .

Book cover for WILD SIGN by Patricia Briggs - Alpha and Omega 6

In the wilds of the Northern California mountains, all the inhabitants of a small town have gone missing. It’s as if the people picked up and left everything they owned behind. Fearing something supernatural might be going on, the FBI taps a source they’ve consulted in the past: the werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. But Charles and Anna soon find a deserted town is the least of the mysteries they face.

Death sings in the forest, and when it calls, Charles and Anna must answer. Something has awakened in the heart of the California mountains, something old and dangerous – and it has met werewolves before.

Praise for Patricia Briggs:

‘Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer’ Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling series

‘Patricia Briggs is amazing . . . Her Alpha and Omega novels are fantastic’ Fresh Fiction

‘I love these books!’ Charlaine Harris

‘The best new fantasy series I’ve read in years’ Kelley Armstrong

WILD SIGN is publishing in March 2021, you can pre-order your copy here: UK|ANZ.

Excitingly, this is also the first time we’ll be releasing a book in the Alpha and Omega series in hardback!

Don’t forget to follow Patricia Briggs on Twitter @Mercys_Garage and on Facebook @OfficialPatriciaBriggs.

The Alpha and Omega series:

The Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs (UK covers)

Cover Launch: THE TROUBLE WITH PEACE Trade Paperback Edition by Joe Abercrombie

To pack a bigger punch, (and make sure the paperback editions match on your bookshelves!) we’ve slightly redesigned the cover for THE TROUBLE WITH PEACE for its paperback publication on July 27th, 2021. In this sequel to New York Times-bestselling A LITTLE HATRED, a fragile peace gives way to conspiracy, betrayal, and rebellion. But, If July is too long of a wait, the hardcover, eBook, and audio book editions are out now! You’ll want to be sure you’re caught up on this stunning sequel before the final book in The Age of Madness trilogy comes out from Joe Abercrombie, “a master of the genre” (Lev Grossman).

Art by Sam Weber. Design by Lauren Panepinto.

Praise for The Age of Madness Trilogy

“Abercrombie’s satisfying plotting and expert subversion of genre expectations are sure to please. Readers will be gripped.” — Publishers Weekly

“Abercrombie squeezes your heart till it matches his beat. No one writes with the seismic scope or primal intensity of Joe Abercrombie.” — Pierce Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Abercrombie continues to do what he does best . . . Buckle your seat belts for this one . . . . A vivid and jolting tale.” — Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author

“Highly recommended ‑ a funny, finely‑wrought, terrifically energetic work of high fantasy. Seek it out.” — Joe Hill

“Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say that he’s a master of his craft.” — Forbes 

“A Little Hatred is Abercrombie at his very best: witty, wise, and whip‑smart. Masterfully plotted . . . . I had high hopes for this book, and it exceed them all.” — Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld

“Brutal, unforgiving, and terribly fun. Everything awesome readers have come to expect from Joe Abercrombie.” — Brian McClellan, author of Sins of Empire

“With expert craft, Abercrombie lays the groundwork for another thrilling trilogy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)  

“Rife with emotion with wit to spare, both honed to an effortlessly fine edge. A Little Hatred is the joy of watching a master of the craft with his tools at their sharpest.” — Sam Sykes, author of Seven Blades in Black

“Joe Abercrombie’s powerful voice raises the bar in any literary genre. Fantasy fans are beyond fortunate he chose this one.” — Myke Cole, author of The Armored Saint

“Abercrombie unerringly juggles a large cast of multifaceted, morally ambiguous characters, each embroiled in their own complicated story.” — Booklist (starred review) 

“A critical, compelling epic fantasy loaded with wonderfully drawn characters, the bloodletting tempered with sharp social commentary and a touch of satire . . . . It doesn’t feel like a stretch to say Abercrombie’s on his way to writing another masterpiece of epic fantasy.” — B&N Sci‑Fi & Fantasy Blog 

“A Little Hatred may be the most accomplished work from a writer who many already consider a master.” — SFF World 

“[Abercrombie] might have his most important series of novels yet.” — Locus