Cover Launch: THE BOUND WORLDS by Megan E. O’Keefe
Take your first look at the cover for The Bound Worlds (US | UK), the finale in The Devoured Worlds trilogy, coming June 2024!
Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Jaime Jones
Worlds will collide and fates will be rewritten in the thrilling conclusion to the Devoured Worlds space opera trilogy by award‑winning author Megan E. O’Keefe.
Naira and Tarquin have found a new home on Seventh Cradle. But the peace they’ve built is short-lived as mysterious assailants ambush the settlement and Naira is haunted by visions of a monstrous future. Catastrophe strikes when Tarquin uncovers a plot to bring about the end of the universe. As humanity races against the clock to prevent their extinction, old secrets come to light and loyalties fracture, and Naira realizes she may be the key to saving the world—or ending it.
Also by Megan E. O’Keefe
The Devoured Worlds
The Blighted Stars (US | UK)
The Fractured Dark (US | UK)
The Protectorate
Velocity Weapon (US | UK)
Chaos Vector (US | UK)
Catalyst Gate (US | UK)
The First Omega (US | UK)
Cover Launch: THE SCHOLAR AND THE LAST FAERIE DOOR by H. G. Parry
Take your first look at the cover for The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door (US | UK), a new standalone novel by H. G. Parry coming October 2024!
Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio
From the author of The Magician’s Daughter comes The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door, a mythic, magical tale full of secret scholarship, faerie curses, and the deadliest spells of all—the ones that friends cast on each other.
All they needed to break the world was a door, and someone to open it.
Camford, 1921. Gilded and glittering, England’s secret magical academy is no place for Clover, a commoner with neither connections nor magical blood. She tells herself she has fought her way there only to find a cure for her brother Matthew, one of the few survivors of a faerie attack on the battlefields of WWI which left the doors to faerie country sealed, the study of its magic banned, and its victims cursed.
But when Clover catches the eye of golden boy Alden Lennox-Fontaine and his friends, doors that were previously closed to her are flung wide open, and she soon finds herself enmeshed in the seductive world of the country’s magical aristocrats. The summer she spends in Alden’s orbit leaves a fateful mark: months of joyous friendship and mutual study come crashing down when experiments go awry, and old secrets are unearthed.
Years later, when the faerie seals break, Clover knows it’s because of what they did. And she knows that she must seek the help of people she once called friends—and now doesn’t quite know what to call—if there’s any hope of saving the world as they know it.
Also by H. G. Parry
Acquisition Announcement: THE MERCY MAKERS by Tessa Gratton
Orbit is thrilled to announce we’ve acquired The Mercy Makers, the first book in a new epic political fantasy trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Gratton! In the vein of Kushiel’s Dart and The Priory of the Orange Tree, this book is a darkly sexy, queer, and complex exploration of the ethics of faith, the nature of empire, and how the interplay between romance and politics can upend the levers of power completely.
In an empire where dabbling in the magic of human architecture is the most transgressive, heretical act imaginable, Iriset is an outlaw. A prodigy in human architecture and the daughter of a powerful undermarket criminal, she uses her secret skills to create disguises for those in her father’s organization. But she longs to do more with her forbidden pursuit: to enhance what it means to be human by giving people wings, night-sight, and other abilities; to unlock the possibilities of gender and parenthood; to cure disease and even to end mortality itself.
But everything changes when Iriset’s father is captured and sentenced to death for his crimes. To save him, Iriset must use the magic of human architecture to infiltrate the palace and the empire’s fanatical ruling family.
As she races against time, Iriset realizes she has a chance, and therefore an obligation, to do more than just save her father—she could bring down the entire corrupt system. To do so, though, she’ll have to entangle herself in the lives of the emperor and his sister, getting them to trust and even to love her. But love is a two-way street, and the magic of Iriset’s own heart is the most mysterious and impenetrable human architecture of all.
From author Tessa Gratton: “In 2010 I wrote down the first line from the Jack Gilbert poem “Failing and Flying”: “Everyone forgets that Icarus also flew.” The idea of ecstasy being worth the fall gradually developed into ambitious, dangerous Iriset and her fracturing world. Like all my books it’s about love, but here love might not be what saves you, it’s what burns the world to the ground. I’m dying to share it with readers, especially through the support and editorial genius we’ve found at Orbit.”
From editor Angelica Chong: “I am over the moon to be working with Tessa on this incredible book. I knew from the first page that I was reading something special, and every subsequent page proved me right, all the way to an ending that made me want to read the sequel immediately. If you like books that explore the entanglements of politics, power, and sex; messy, reckless, morally questionable female leads; and maybe more than a touch of weirdness to your fantasy—you’ll love The Mercy Makers!”
The Mercy Makers will publish in Summer 2025. In the meantime, you can find Tessa on Instagram @tessa.gratton and at her website https://www.tessagratton.com/.
Tessa Gratton (she/they) is the New York Times bestselling author of adult and YA SFF novels and short stories that have been translated into twenty-two languages, nominated twice for the Otherwise Award, and several have been Junior Library Guild Selections. Though she has lived all over the world, she currently resides at the edge of the Kansas prairie with her wife.
Orbit US associate editor Angelica Chong acquired World rights from Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Cover Launch: SORCERY AND SMALL MAGICS by Maiga Doocy
Take your first look at the cover for Sorcery and Small Magics (US | UK), the debut cozy fantasy novel by Maiga Doocy coming October 2024!
Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio
From debut author Maiga Doocy comes the charming tale of an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival as they venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell that can break the curse between them—only to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.
Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics. He can summon butterflies with a song or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Though such minor charms don’t earn him much respect, anything more elaborate always blows up in his face, and so Leo vowed long ago never to use powerful magic again.
That is, until a mishap with a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime rival, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and absolutely insufferable. The only thing they can agree on is that revealing the curse between them would mean the end of their respective magical careers. They need a counterspell, and fast.
Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To break the curse, they will have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.
Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them.
Acquisition Announcement: THE OUTCAST MAGE by Annabel Campbell
Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Outcast Mage by debut author Annabel Campbell, which begins a major new epic fantasy series packed with heart, high stakes, and earth-shattering magic.
In the glass city of Amoria, magic means everything, and Naila risks exile if she can’t master her own latent power. She must trust unlikely allies if she wants to survive: the most powerful wizard in Amoria, and a priest sworn to kill mages. But when war threatens the continent, it seems Naila’s power is behind it. With her life and her friends in danger, Naila must find out if she’s meant to save the world – or destined to destroy it.
The Outcast Mage will publish in January ’25.
About Annabel Campbell
Annabel writes fantasy with fierce female characters and disaster wizards, and believes everything is improved by dragons. She lives in a tiny village in Scotland, where most of her neighbours are sheep. She has a PhD in cardiovascular science, and when not making things up for a living, she works as a Medical Writer. Her other joys are red wine, playing games, or showing you too many pictures of her dog.
Cover Launch: THE SWORD UNBOUND by Gareth Hanrahan
We’re delighted to reveal the cover for THE SWORD UNBOUND (UK|US), the second book in Gareth Hanrahan’s acclaimed epic fantasy series of dark myth, daring warriors and bloodthirsty vengeance, following THE SWORD DEFIANT.
Cover illustration by Thea Dumitriu
He thought he was saving the world. That was his first mistake.
Twenty years ago, Alf and his companions defeated the Dark Lord and claimed his city. Now, those few of the Nine that remain find themselves unwilling rebels, defying the authority of both the mortal lords they once served and the immortal king of the elves – the secret architect of everything they’ve ever known.
Once lauded as a mighty hero, Alf is now labelled a traitor and hunted by the very gods he seeks to bring down. As desperate rebellion blazes across the land, Alf seeks the right path through a maze of conspiracy, wielding a weapon of evil. The black sword Spellbreaker, ever hungry for slaughter, has found its purpose in these dark days. But can Aelfric remain a hero, or is his legend tarnished forever?
THE LANDS OF THE FIRSTBORN
Praise for The Sword Defiant:
‘The front runner for my book of the year . . . Fans of Gemmell and Abercrombie need this on their shelves’
Ed McDonald, author of Blackwing
‘With a richly detailed narrative, well-drawn characters, epic battles, and political and religious intrigues, Hanrahan’s outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers – who will anxiously await the next book’
Booklist
‘Both a love letter and evolution of the epic fantasy novel . . . The Sword Defiant is an epic tale of how no world stands still forever . . . Highly recommended!
Run Along the Shelves
‘Hanrahan is one of the best in the business at creating fantasy worlds that feel alive . . . I’ll read any book that Gareth Hanrahan writes’
The Fantasy Inn
Acquisition Announcement: BLOOD OF THE OLD KINGS by Sung-il Kim
Orbit UK is delighted to have acquired the UK & Commonwealth rights to a brilliant epic fantasy series from South Korean author Sung-il Kim, translated into English by the award-winning Anton Hur. The first book, BLOOD OF THE OLD KINGS, will publish in October ’24. Senior Commissioning Editor James Long pre-empted rights from Chris Scheina at St Martins.
There is no escaping the Empire.
Even in death, you will serve.
In an Empire run on necromancy, dead sorcerers are the lifeblood. Their corpses are wrapped in chains and drained of magic to feed the unquenchable hunger for imperial conquest.
Born with magic, Arienne has become resigned to her dark fate. But when the voice of a long-dead sorcerer begins to speak inside her head, she listens. There may be another future for her, if she’s willing to fight for it.
Miles away, beneath a volcano, a seven-eyed dragon also wears the Empire’s chains. Before the imperial fist closed around their lands, it was the people’s sacred guardian.
Loran, a widowed swordswoman, is the first to kneel before the dragon in decades. She comes with a desperate plea, and will leave with a sword of dragon-fang in hand and a great purpose before her.
Step into a world of necromancy, murder, and twisted magic. A world in need of a hero.
About Sung-il Kim
Sung-il Kim was born in Seoul, in 1974. Despite his lifelong dream of writing fiction, he only got around to it in his forties. He writes science fiction, fantasy, horror, or some blend of those. In South Korea, he is known for Blood of the Old Kings, I Will Go to Earth to See You, and The Knight of La Mancha, the last of which earned him an Excellence Award in SF Awards 2018. He spends most of his time in his downtown Seoul apartment with his wife and two cats.
Cover Launch: THE FALL OF WATERSTONE by Lilith Saintcrow
Take your first look at the cover for The Fall of Waterstone (US), the sequel to A Flame in the North (US) by Lilith Saintcrow, coming June 2024!
Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover Illustration by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative
An elemental witch and her shieldmaiden navigate a dangerous world of forgotten myth and deep magic in the second volume of New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow’s sweeping Norse-inspired epic fantasy series.
Solveig and her shieldmaid have finally reached the fabled Elder sanctuary of Waterstone—a city of healing, restful beauty hidden from the Enemy’s gaze. Yet whispers race through the palace halls, and those they have come to tentatively trust have hidden intentions. For not only is the city a refuge for an elementalist, her protector, and a mortal prince, it also holds a great weapon, one that only Solveig’s kind may wield.
Yet Sol’s faith in her own magic is perilously fractured. She can rely only her wits and skills of negotiation to be heard, or she will become a pawn in a dark game played by Elder and Enemy alike. The lord of the Black Land is mighty; treachery slithers amid Waterstone’s many wonders, and time is growing short.
Before the darkness finds a way in, Sol must decide who to trust, where to turn for aid, and if she will take up a power she cannot hope to control. Even the right choice may doom not just the home she has left behind, but the entire world…
Black Land’s Bane
A Flame in the North (US)
Cover Launch: A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME by Mary McMyne
Take your first look at the cover for A Rose by Any Other Name (US | UK), a new standalone novel by Mary McMyne, coming Summer 2024!
Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover Photography by Blake Marrow/Shannon Associates
From the author of The Book of Gothel comes the lush, magical story behind Shakespeare’s sonnets, as told by one of his most famous subjects—the incendiary and mysterious Dark Lady.
My name has only been whispered, heretofore…
England, 1591. Rose Rushe’s passion for life runs deep—she loves mead and music, meddles with astrology, and laughs at her mother’s warnings to guard her reputation. When Rose’s father dies and a noble accuses her and her dear friend Cecely of witchcraft, they flee to the household of respected alchemists in London. But as their bond deepens, their sanctuary begins to feel more like a cage. To escape, they turn to the occult, secretly casting charms and selling astrological advice in the hopes of building a life together. This thriving underground business leads Rose to fair young noble Henry and playwright Will Shakespeare, and so begins a brief, tempestuous, and powerful romance—one filled with secret longings and deep betrayals.
In this world of dazzling masques and decadent feasts, where the stars decide futures, Rose will write her own fate instead.
For more from Mary McMyne, check out The Book of Gothel (US | UK).
