Author Archive

Cover Launch: A BLIGHT OF BLACKWINGS by Kevin Hearne

An invasion of giants. A world-breaking war. 

And a revolution that will change everything. 

 

We’re thrilled to reveal the cover for A BLIGHT OF BLACKWINGS [UK/ANZ] – book two in Kevin Hearne’s Seven Kennings series, following on from the spectacular series opener A PLAGUE OF GIANTS [UK/ANZ], which began an epic tale of warring giants and elemental magic.

Here’s a taste of what to expect in this thrilling new adventure.

SOLDIER AND AVENGER
Daryck is from a city that was devastated by the war with the Bone Giants, and now he and a band of warriors seek revenge against the giants for the loved ones they’ve lost. But will vengeance be enough to salve their grief?

DREAMER AND LEADER
Hanima is part of a new generation with extraordinary magical talents: She can speak to fantastical animals. But when this gift becomes a threat to the powers-that-be, Hanima becomes the leader of a movement to use this magic to bring power to the people.

SISTER AND SEEKER
Koesha is the captain of an all-female crew on a perilous voyage to explore unknown waters. Though her crew is seeking a path around the globe, Koesha is also looking for her sister, lost at sea two years ago. But what lies beyond the edges of the map is far more dangerous than storms and sea monsters . . .

We publish A BLIGHT OF BLACKWINGS in February!

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

 

 

New Acquisition: the Bloodsworn epic fantasy series from John Gwynne

As announced in both the Bookseller and Bookbrunch this morning, we’re delighted to have acquired an exciting new epic fantasy series from British author John Gwynne.

The deal for three books was concluded by Orbit UK editor James Long with literary agent Julie Crisp. Orbit US editor Priyanka Krishnan has secured North American rights. The first book will be launched in Spring 2021.

The Bloodsworn series (working title!) is set in a brand-new world inspired by Norse myths and Sagas. It is a fractured, war-torn land of feuding kingdoms and vicious rivalries, where the gods are dead but their bones and relics hold great power for those brave – or desperate – enough to seek them out. Mercenary bands compete for the best spoils, but power often carries a deadly price . . .

Here’s a few words from the man himself:

“I’m deeply excited about writing this new series. 

My first inspiration for this story is Beowulf; a band of Norse monster-hunting mercenaries – though the bands of warriors in this tale will be grittier and less heroic than Beowulf and his heroes, because the greatest monsters do not always fight with claw and fang. 

I’ve delved deep into Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore to build this new world; a world of ice-blue fjords, of snow-peaked mountains and dark, mist-shrouded forests, a world where Dragon-ships prowl the seas and creatures walk the land.

But most of all this tale is built around the characters. I hope that they will be the heart of the story, and that they will carry the reader into a world of danger, into a world of oaths and betrayal, of love and friendship. Into the world of the Bloodsworn.”

We’re thrilled to be publishing John’s new series – roll on 2021!

Cover Launch: LEGACY OF ASH by Matthew Ward

Glory in victory. Fortitude in defeat.

Honour always.

We’re delighted to reveal the amazing cover for LEGACY OF ASH by Matthew Ward – an unmissable epic fantasy debut of war and revolution, packed with vicious intrigue, ancient magic and a host of memorable characters.

Illustration by Larry Rostant, design by Charlotte Stroomer

 

A shadow has fallen over the Tressian Republic.

Ruling families – once protectors of justice and democracy – now plot against one another with sharp words and sharper knives. Blinded by ambition, they remain heedless of the threat posed by the invading armies of the Hadari Empire.

Yet as Tressia falls, heroes rise.

Viktor Akadra is the Republic’s champion. A warrior without equal, he hides a secret that would see him burned as a heretic.

Josiri Trelan is Viktor’s sworn enemy. A political prisoner, he dreams of reigniting his mother’s failed rebellion.

And yet Calenne, Josiri’s sister, seeks only to break free of their tarnished legacy; to escape the expectation and prejudice that haunts the Trelan name.

As war spreads across the Republic, these three must set aside their differences in order to save their homeland. However, decades of bad blood are not easily set aside – victory will demand a darker price than any of them could have imagined.

 

We launch LEGACY OF ASH (UK/US/ANZ) in November with a signed limited edition hardback in the UK, and in ebook and audio worldwide.

 

Matthew Ward has frequently been accused of living in worlds of his own imagination, though really he lives near Nottingham with his extremely patient wife and several attention-seeking cats.

Follow Matthew Ward on Twitter and Facebook.

Cover Launch: THE WOLF’S CALL by Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan’s epic blockbuster BLOOD SONG (UK /ANZ) set the fantasy world alight in 2013, with its incredible mix of razor-sharp action and shadowy intrigue. The adventure continued in TOWER LORD (UK /ANZ) and was brought to a spectacular conclusion in QUEEN OF FIRE (UK /ANZ) , both New York Times bestsellers.

Now – having completed his superb Draconis Memoria trilogy – Anthony Ryan is returning to the world of his Raven’s Shadow series with his brilliant new novel THE WOLF’S CALL (UK /ANZ). Here’s the amazing cover . . .

Photography by Nik Keevil, design by Duncan Spilling

 

. . . and here’s what you can expect from THE WOLF’S CALL!

Vaelin Al Sorna is a living legend. It was his leadership that overthrew empires, his sacrifice that saved the Unified Realm from destruction. Now he lives a quiet life, his days of warfare behind him.

Yet whispers have spread across the sea of an army called the Steel Horde, led by a man who believes himself a god. When Vaelin learns that Sherin, the woman he lost long ago, has fallen into the Horde’s grasp, he resolves to confront this powerful new threat.

This vow leads him to the realms of the Merchant Kings – a dangerous land ruled by honour and intrigue. And as the drums of war echo across kingdoms riven by conflict, Vaelin learns that there are some battles even he cannot hope to win.

We publish THE WOLF’S CALL in July in hardback, trade paperback, ebook and audio.

Follow Anthony Ryan on Twitter and at his website.

Praise for Anthony Ryan

‘A master storyteller’ – Mark Lawrence

‘Fabulous . . . Sure to be another fantasy classic’ – Huffington Post UK

‘Memorable characters and great action’ – Django Wexler

‘The world Ryan has created for his dragon adventure is a joy to visualise’ – SciFiNow

‘Excellent epic fantasy’ – BookBag

New Acquisition: LEGACY OF ASH by Matthew Ward

As announced in Bookbrunch, we’re thrilled to have acquired LEGACY OF ASH, a superb epic fantasy debut from British author Matthew Ward.

The deal for three books was concluded by Orbit UK editor James Long with literary agent John Jarrold. Orbit US editor Priyanka Krishnan has secured North American rights.

As the Tressian Republic crumbles, beset by enemies from without and within, its future rests on the shoulders of three heroes: Viktor, the Republic’s champion, who hides a terrible secret, and Calenne and Josiri Trelan, heirs to a tarnished legacy. Sworn enemies, they must unite if they hope to save their homeland and erase the mistakes of the past.

Yet bad blood is not easily washed away, and as the fires of war spread, they learn that the truth cuts deeper than any sword – and that the brightest light casts the darkest shadow. 

LEGACY OF ASH is epic in every sense of the word, with a large cast of brilliant characters, dangerous intrigue and bone-crunching battles. From magic-fuelled mechanical lions to the sinister Parliament of Crows, there’s just so much to love about the world Matthew has created, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

LEGACY OF ASH will be published in November 2019.

New Acquisition: THE WOLF’S CALL by Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan is returning to the world of international bestseller BLOOD SONG with his new book! 

We’re thrilled to announce that the next book from international bestselling author Anthony Ryan is called THE WOLF’S CALL and, even more excitingly, it will return to the world of his bestselling and critically-acclaimed Raven’s Shadow trilogy (which comprised BLOOD SONG, TOWER LORD and QUEEN OF FIRE).

THE WOLF’S CALL, book one of the Raven’s Blade duology, will begin an epic new adventure for fan-favourite Vaelin Al Sorna, as he travels to the far-flung realms of the Merchant Kings and learns of a grave new threat to the Unified Realm. Needless to say, THE WOLF’S CALL will feature more of the razor-sharp action, deadly politics and memorable characters that made the Raven’s Shadow trilogy a worldwide sensation, and is sure to delight new readers and existing fans alike.

We will publish THE WOLF’S CALL in summer 2019.

About Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan is the author of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy and the recently-completed Draconis Memoria series. His books have sold more than a million English-language copies worldwide. Follow him on Twitter @writer_anthony and at his website.

Praise for Anthony Ryan

‘A master storyteller’ Mark Lawrence

‘A major new talent’ Buzzfeed

‘Fabulous . . . Sure to be another fantasy classic’ Huffington Post UK

‘The new world Ryan has created for his dragon adventure is a joy to visualise’ SciFiNow 

‘Excellent epic fantasy’ Bookbag

Cover Launch – 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY by Arthur C. Clarke, 50th Anniversary Edition

This year is the 50th anniversary of Arthur C. Clarke’s classic science fiction novel 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, so we thought we’d celebrate by publishing a new edition in August – and here’s the wonderful cover!

Cover design by La Boca

Written when landing on the moon was still a dream, and made into one of the most influential films of all time, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY remains a classic work of science fiction fifty years after its original publication.

The discovery of a black monolith on the moon leads to a manned expedition deep into the solar system, in the hope of establishing contact with an alien intelligence. Yet long before the crew can reach their destination, the voyage descends into disaster . . .

Brilliant, compulsive and prophetic, Arthur C. Clarke’s timeless novel tackles the enduring theme of mankind’s place in the universe.

Praise for Arthur C. Clarke:

‘The king of science fiction . . . His influence continues to inform the genre’ Guardian

‘Arthur C. Clarke is awesomely informed about physics and astronomy, and blessed with one of the most astounding imaginations ever encountered in print’ New York Times

‘Arthur C. Clarke is one of the truly prophetic figures of the space age . . . The colossus of science fiction’ New Yorker 

‘Dazzling’ Time Magazine 

Cover Reveal: THE EMPIRE OF ASHES by Anthony Ryan

Powerful magic.

Epic adventure.

A desperate battle to defeat an ancient evil.

We’re thrilled to unveil the cover for THE EMPIRE OF ASHES [UK/ANZ] – the fiery conclusion to Anthony Ryan’s Draconis Memoria series – with art by Jeff Read and design by our very own Nico Taylor.

We publish in July, so there’s still time for you to dive into this stunning series of exploration and warfare, explosive magic, spies and assassins – and an ancient power which seeks to reduce the world to ashes. The adventure begins with THE WAKING FIRE [UK/ANZ] and continues with THE LEGION OF FLAME [UK/ANZ]. THE EMPIRE OF ASHES will publish in hardback, trade format, audio and ebook on 5th July.

Here’s what people have been saying about Draconis Memoria:

‘Fabulous . . . Sure to be another fantasy classic’ Huffington Post UK

‘The world Ryan has created for his new dragon adventure is a joy to visualise’ SciFiNow

‘A fascinating world packed with dragons, pirates, political machinations and an interesting magic system to boot’ Fantasy Faction

‘A marvellous piece of imagination with plenty of twists, a refreshingly different setting, and excellent world-building’ Mark Lawrence

‘Memorable characters and great action’ Django Wexler

‘Excellent epic fantasy’ BookBag

Find Anthony Ryan online at his website or on Twitter.

Cover Launch: THE LIGHT OF ALL THAT FALLS by James Islington

Hot on the heels of AN ECHO OF THINGS TO COME [UK/US/ANZ], the bestselling second novel in James Islington’s Licanius trilogy which published last month, we’re delighted to reveal the cover for the final volume – THE LIGHT OF ALL THAT FALLS.

Illustration by Dominick Saponaro, cover design by Lauren Panepinto

We’ll be publishing THE LIGHT OF ALL THAT FALLS in 2018, so if you haven’t yet plunged headlong into this remarkable adventure of powerful magic, ancient secrets and memorable characters, there’s still plenty of time for you to get up to speed!

Praise for James Islington’s Licanius trilogy:

‘Action-packed epic fantasy’ Bookbag

‘A storytelling assurance rare for a debut . . . Fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire’ Guardian 

‘A traditional saving-the-world epic fantasy [with] the flavour of something new . . . You’ll be left wanting more’ SFX

‘Numerous surprises . . . action aplenty’ SCIFINOW

‘Will appeal not only to Wheel of Time readers, but to anybody looking for a coming-of-age fantasy tale with likeable characters and strong worldbuilding’ Fantasy Faction

‘Like the Wheel of Time? This is about to become your new favourite series’ Barnes & Noble SF & Fantasy Blog 

 

Cover Launch: THE LAND YOU NEVER LEAVE by Angus Watson

We’re really excited about Angus Watson’s action-packed new series, which is set to explode onto the fantasy scene in June with YOU DIE WHEN YOU DIE. In fact, we’re so excited that we’ve gone and designed the cover for the second book before the first is even out! So here it is: the fantastic cover for THE LAND YOU NEVER LEAVE, courtesy of artist Larry Rostant and our in-house designer Ceara Elliott!

Angus’s new series follows the story of Finn, a young warrior whose settlement is razed by invaders. Cast adrift on a strange new continent, Finn must undertake a perilous journey, battling monsters and hostile clans while assassins snap at his heels. The good news is that he’s not alone on this adventure. The bad news is that some of his companions pose just as much danger to him as the unknown landscape . . .

Angus Watson is the author of the Iron Age trilogy (AGE OF IRON [UK/US/ANZ], CLASH OF IRON [UK/US/ANZ] and REIGN OF IRON [UK/US/ANZ]) and can be found online on Twitter and on his website.

Praise for Angus Watson:

‘Unflinchingly bloodthirsty and outrageously entertaining’ – Christopher Brookmyre

‘It simply grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go’ – Bibliosanctum 

‘Would I read the next one? Yes, absolutely. Bring me my hammer, bring my beer, bring it on!’ – SF CROWSNEST

‘Watson’s tale is gore-soaked and profanity-laden – full of visceral combat and earthy humour, and laced with subtle magic’ – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY