Cover Launch: SMOKE BITTEN by Patricia Briggs

Exciting news for fans of Patricia Briggs: everyone’s favourite kick-ass shapeshifter, Mercy Thompson, will be back in action next year in SMOKE BITTEN (UK|ANZ).

We are thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover below.

In the twelfth installment of this bestselling series, Mercy encounters a threat unlike any she has faced before. Read on for a taste of what’s in store:

 

I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman. My only ‘superpowers’ are that I turn into a thirty-five-pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I’m going to need them.

Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill. When they were cast out, they left behind their great castles, troves of magical artefacts . . . and their prisoners. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.

Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like any creature it chooses and if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction and can make you do anything – even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.

It won’t – can’t – remain. Not if I have anything to say about it . . .

 

SMOKE BITTEN will hit the shops in May 2020 and is available for pre-order now!

 

Praise for Patricia Briggs:

‘Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer . . . I love hanging out with the amazing characters in this series!’ Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

‘It is always a joy to pick up a new Briggs novel’ RT Book Reviews

‘Patricia Briggs never fails to deliver an exciting, magic and fable filled suspense story’ Erin Watt, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Royals series.

‘I love these books’ Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author

 

Publication Announcement: CHILLING EFFECT by Valerie Valdes

At Orbit UK we’re thrilled to announce our publication of CHILLING EFFECT by Valerie Valdes! This debut novel is a hilarious, action-packed space opera that features an irresistible foul-mouthed captain and her misfit crew.

‘Hilarious and heartwarming . . . my shields are at full strength and my heart is ready for Eva’s next adventure’ Patrick Weekes, Lead writer at BioWare (Dragon Age, Mass Effect)

Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra cruise the galaxy delivering small cargo for even smaller profits. When her sister is kidnapped, Eva must undergo a series of dangerous missions to pay the ransom. But Eva may lose her mind before she can raise the money. The ship’s hold is full of psychic cats, an amorous fish-faced emperor wants her dead, and her engineer is giving her a pesky case of feelings. The worse things get, the more she lies, raising suspicions and testing her loyalty to her found family. To free her sister, Eva will risk everything: her crew, her ship, and the life she’s built on the ashes of her past misdeeds. But when the dominoes start to fall and she finds the real threat is greater than she imagined, she must decide whether to play it cool or burn it all down.

CHILLING EFFECT is now available in ebook, and the paperback will follow February 2020.
The psychic cats are waiting . . .

Valerie Valdes lives in ‘an elaborate meme palace’ with her husband and kids, where she writes, copyedits and moonlights as a muse. She enjoys crafting handmade bespoke artisanal curses and telling her friends how amazing they are. Join her in opining about books, video games and parenting on Twitter @valerievaldes.

 

‘Jam-packed with weird aliens, mysterious artefacts, and lovable characters… A tremendous good time and an impressive debut’
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

‘Mass Effect meets The Expanse in this energetic space opera adventure. Eva Innocente is an unforgettable starship captain and I love every member of her crew-slash-family. This book has enough twists to keep you up way past bedtime, and I can’t wait for the sequel’
Michael R. Underwood, host of The Skiffy and Fanty Show

‘This engaging space opera debut delivers a story that dances between hilarity and seriousness, with all the joy and frustration psychic cats can bring to the mix’
Library Journal (starred review)

‘Imagine if Firefly and Mass Effect got together and had a baby, and that baby were delivered by Guillermo del Toro. This book is that baby’
Curtis C. Chen

Cover Launch: RANDOM SH*T FLYING THROUGH THE AIR by Jackson Ford

We’re thrilled to reveal the cover for RANDOM SH*T FLYING THROUGH THE AIR, the high-octane, razor-sharp sequel to THE GIRL WHO COULD MOVE SH*T WITH HER MIND (UK / US / ANZ).

We’re publishing RANDOM SH*T FLYING THROUGH THE AIR in June 2020, but here’s a sneak peek of the brilliant cover, designed by Sophie Harris and Steve Panton. They have assured us that no goldfish were harmed in the making of this cover.

The new cover for RANDOM SH*T FLYING THROUGH THE AIR, containing images of various random items including a walkie talkie, a pair of sunglasses, a revolver and two eggs in a frying pan.

 

Curious about what’s next for Teagan Frost? Read on to find out:

Teagan Frost’s life is finally back on track. Her role working for the government as a psychokinetic operative is going well and she might even be on course for convincing her crush to go out with her. But, little does she know, that sh*t is about to hit the fan . . .

A young boy with the ability to cause earthquakes has come to Los Angeles – home to the San Andreas, one of the most lethal fault lines in the world. If Teagan can’t stop him, the entire city – and the rest of California – could be wiped off the map.

Praise for THE GIRL WHO COULD MOVE SH*T WITH HER MIND:

‘Like Alias meets X-Men’ Maria Lewis

‘Madcap adventure, with some terrific jokes and plenty of tension’ Guardian

‘A fast-paced, high-adrenaline tale that manages to get into some dark themes without losing its sense of fun’ Kirkus

‘Taut action sequences and suspenseful pacing’ Publishers Weekly

Cover Launch: FORTUNA by Kristyn Merbeth

Every so often, we look at a cover and say, “Wow, that’s awesome,” and then we think about it some more and realize we could make it even more awesome. Case in point below. Check out the terrific, neon-drenched, absolutely rad cover update for FORTUNA that reflects the characters, adventure, and high-octane energy of Kristyn Merbeth’s new space opera.

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Illustrations by Arcangel / Shutterstock

Fortuna publishes on November 05, 2019. We can’t wait for you to meet Scorpia, Corvus, and the rest of the Kaiser family in this new trilogy that will hook you from the first crash landing.

Scorpia Kaiser has always stood in Corvus’s shadow until the day her older brother abandons their family to participate in a profitless war. However, becoming the heir to her mother’s smuggling operation is not an easy transition for the always rebellious, usually reckless, and occasionally drunk pilot of the Fortuna, an aging cargo ship and the only home Scorpia has ever known.

But when a deal turns deadly and Corvus returns from the war, Scorpia’s plans to take over the family business are interrupted, and the Kaiser siblings are forced to make a choice: take responsibility for their family’s involvement in a devastating massacre or lay low and hope it blows over.

Too bad Scorpia was never any good at staying out of a fight.

Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers and Catherynne M. Valente, Fortuna introduces a dazzling new voice in science fiction.

PRAISE:

“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 . . . . The nonstop action and varying levels of tension make this an unarguable page-turner.” — Kirkus

Orbit is looking for an administrative assistant!

Orbit US is looking for an administrative assistant to join our New York office. This entry level position offers a great opportunity to learn all aspects of the publishing industry, and to be part of a friendly, ambitious, and creative team.

If you love science fiction and fantasy and are ready to join our quest, you can apply and get more information about the position via the Hachette Book Group job board. This is an in-house position based in our office in New York City.

Cover Launch: DOWN AMONG THE DEAD by K. B. Wagers

Can’t wait to return to the adventures of Hail Bristol, gunrunner empress, as she navigates tricky alien politics and deadly plots? Waiting to see if this time, the galaxy will implode in interspecies war?

DOWN AMONG THE DEAD, the second book of K. B. Wagers’s Farian War trilogy and sequel to THERE BEFORE THE CHAOS (US | UK), arrives this winter—but meanwhile, check out this gorgeous cover designed by Lauren Panepinto, with art by Stephan Martiniere!

In a surprise attack that killed many of her dearest subjects, Hail Bristol, empress of Indrana, has been captured by the Shen—the most ruthless and fearsome aliens humanity has ever encountered. As she plots her escape, the centuries-long war between her captors and the Farians, their mortal enemies and Indrana’s oldest allies, finally comes to a head.

When her captors reveal a shocking vision of the future, Hail must make the unexpectedly difficult decision she’s been avoiding: whether to back the Shen or the Farians.

Staying neutral is no longer an option. Will Hail fight? Or will she fall?

Cover Launch: JADE LEGACY by Fonda Lee

After many entertaining guesses from fans of Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga, we’re thrilled to reveal the actual title and cover of the final volume of the series that began with the World Fantasy Award-winning JADE CITY (US | UK) and continues in the newly-published and much-anticipated JADE WAR (US | UK)…

Check out the gorgeous cover for JADE LEGACY, designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio:

To tell you a little more about the book:

Jade, the mysterious and magical substance once exclusive to the Green Bone warriors of Kekon, is now known and coveted throughout the world. Everyone wants access to the supernatural abilities it provides, from traditional forces such as governments, mercenaries, and criminal kingpins, to modern players, including doctors, athletes, and movie studios. As the struggle over the control of jade grows ever larger and more deadly, the Kaul family, and the ancient ways of the Kekonese Green Bones, will never be the same.

The Kauls have been battered by war and tragedy. They are plagued by resentments and old wounds as their adversaries are on the ascent and their country is riven by dangerous factions and foreign interference that could destroy the Green Bone way of life altogether. As a new generation arises, the clan’s growing empire is in danger of coming apart.

The clan must discern allies from enemies, set aside aside bloody rivalries, and make terrible sacrifices… but even the unbreakable bonds of blood and loyalty may not be enough to ensure the survival of the Green Bone clans and the nation they are sworn to protect.

In the meantime, catch up on all the latest happenings in Kekon with Jade War, and go tell Fonda how much you love her new cover at her website and on Twitter @FondaJLee!

Cover Launch: THE OBSIDIAN TOWER by Melissa Caruso

Toll the bells! We’re thrilled to tell you more about the first book in Melissa Caruso’s brilliant new epic fantasy trilogy, which Orbit is publishing in Summer 2020!

THE OBSIDIAN TOWER features a mage with deadly, broken magic, and her disastrous encounter with a powerful artifact that could destroy the world. If you’re a fan of Robin Hobb or Victoria Aveyard, this will be your new favorite series.

It’s a long way to 2020, so in the meantime, we’re delighted to share a sneak peek at The Obsidian Tower’s beautiful cover, designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio, with art by Peter Bollinger.

The mage-marked granddaughter of a ruler of Vaskandar, Ryx was destined for power and prestige at the top of Vaskandran society. But her magic is broken; all she can do is uncontrollably drain the life from everything she touches, and Vaskandar has no place for a mage with unusable powers.

Then, one night, two terrible accidents befall her: Ryx accidentally kills a visiting dignitary in self-defense, activating a mysterious magical artifact sealed in an ancient tower in the heart of her family’s castle.

Ryx flees, seeking a solution to her deadly magic. She falls in with a group of unlikely magical experts investigating the disturbance in Vaskandar—and Ryx realizes that her family is in danger and her domain is at stake. She and her new colleagues must return to the family stronghold to take control of the artifact that everyone wants to claim—before it destroys the world.

Melissa Caruso is the Gemmell Award-nominated author of the Swords and Fire epic fantasy. You can find her on Twitter @melisscaru and at melissacaruso.net.

Orbit US is hiring!

Orbit US is looking for an associate editor to join our New York office. This position offers a great opportunity to work with some of the genre’s most exceptional writing talent and to be part of a friendly, ambitious, and creative editorial team.

Do we have your axe?

If you love science fiction and fantasy and are ready to join our fellowship, you can apply through the Hachette Book Group job board. This is an in-house position based in our office in New York City.

 

Cover Launch: THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS by Katy Rose Pool

THE AGE OF DARKNESS APPROACHES.

FIVE LIVES STAND IN ITS WAY.

WHO WILL STOP IT . . . OR UNLEASH IT?

 

We’re thrilled to reveal the Orbit cover for THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS (UK|ANZ) by Katy Rose Pool – an unmissable fantasy debut that weaves a captivating tale of prophecy and intrigue, packed with unforgettable characters.

 

Cover design by Duncan Spilling – LBBG

Read on for a taste of what’s in store:

For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations – until they disappeared, one hundred years ago.

But they left behind one final, secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world’s salvation . . . or the cause of its destruction.

As a dark new power begins to make war on the magically gifted, five souls are set on a collision course that will determine the fate of their world:

An exiled prince
A ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand
A leader torn between his duty and his heart
A reckless gambler with the power to find anything
And a dying girl on the verge of giving up

ONE OF THEM – OR ALL OF THEM – COULD BREAK THE WORLD. WILL THEY BE SAVIOUR OR DESTROYER?

 

The UK paperback will hit the shops early next year and the incredible reviews are already pouring in:

 

‘A masterful fantasy debut. Katy Rose Pool is a writer to watch’  Sebastien de Castell, author of Traitor’s Blade

‘A beautiful woven fantasy of prophecy, intrigue and unforgettable characters. There Will Come a Darkness feels both utterly original and like the best of classic fantasy’  Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand

‘This epic fantasy novel revels in rich worldbuilding [and] deftly plays with genre expectations . . . A well-crafted, surprising and gripping start to a new trilogy’  Kirkus (starred review)

‘A brilliantly woven story with compelling characters, surprising twists and a prophecy driven not by distant fate but by hard, human choices. There Will Come a Darkness was a pleasure to read and left me eager for more!’  Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage

‘Even in a world filled with graces and prophets, the real magic of There Will Come a Darkness is in how Pool has crafted her heroes―messy, flawed, and so beguilingly human. I dare you not to fall madly in love with all of them’  Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess

‘A sweeping, ambitious fantasy that pulled me into a world of corruption, dark prophecy and, ultimately, hope. The breathlessly paced story gripped me until the very last pages’  Julie C. Dao, author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

‘Katy Rose Pool combines lovable characters, a gorgeously tangible world and an intricate puzzle-box plot to create a story that will pull you inexorably toward the explosive end’  Sarah Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless

 

Katy Rose Pool was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in history, Katy spent a few years building websites by day and dreaming up prophecies by night. Currently, she resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she can be found eating breakfast sandwiches, rooting for the Golden State Warriors and reading books that set her on fire. There Will Come a Darkness is her first novel.

Follow Katy on Twitter: @KatyPool.