Cover Launch: DAUGHTER OF THE MERCIFUL DEEP by Leslye Penelope

Take your first look at the cover for Daughter of the Merciful Deep (US | UK), a new standalone novel by Leslye Penelope coming June 2024!

Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

A woman journeys into a submerged world of gods and myth to save her home in this powerful historical fantasy that shines a light on the drowned Black towns of the American South. 

“Our home began, as all things do, with a wish.”

Jane Edwards hasn’t spoken since she was eleven years old, when armed riders expelled her family from their hometown along with every other Black resident. Now, twelve years later, she’s found a haven in the all-Black town of Awenasa. But the construction of a dam promises to wash her home under the waters of the new lake.

Jane will do anything to save the community that sheltered her. So, when a man with uncanny abilities arrives in town asking strange questions, she wonders if he’s might be the key. But as the stranger hints at gods and ancestral magic, Jane is captivated by a bigger mystery. She knows this man. Only the last time she saw him, he was dead. His body laid to rest in a rushing river.

Who is the stranger and what is he really doing in Awenasa? To find those answers, Jane will journey into a sunken world, a land of capricious gods and unsung myths, of salvation and dreams made real. But the flood waters are rising. To gain the miracle she desires, Jane will have to find her voice again and finally face the trauma of the past.

For more from Leslye Penelope, check out The Monsters We Defy (US | UK).

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

Cover Launch: THE PHOENIX KEEPER by S. A. MacLean

Take your first look at the cover for The Phoenix Keeper (US) by S. A. MacLean, coming August 2024!

The Phoenix Keeper by S. A. MacLean

Cover Design by Rachael Lancaster (Orion Books); Cover Illustration by Niall Grant

Set in a magical zoo teeming with mythical beasts from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens, The Phoenix Keeper is a fierce joy of a cozy fantasy novel with a soul-restoring queer romance at its heart, for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes.

As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila’s childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There’s just one glaring caveat: her zoo’s breeding program hasn’t functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons… Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. But mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo’s most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from college: Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the face of a goddess who’s convinced that Aila’s beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila’s success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job…

She is the keeper of the phoenix, and the future of a species—and her love life—now rests on her shoulders.

Cover Launch: THE LOTUS EMPIRE by Tasha Suri

Take your first look at the cover for The Lotus Empire (US | UK), the finale in The Burning Kingdoms trilogy by Tasha Suri, coming November 2024!

The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Micah Epstein

The Lotus Empire brings Tasha Suri’s acclaimed Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a heart–stopping close. As an ancient magic returns to Ahiranya and threatens its very foundations, Empress Malini and priestess Priya will stop at nothing to save their kingdoms—even if it means they must destroy each other.

Malini has claimed her rightful throne as the empress of Parijatdvipa, just as the nameless gods prophesied. Now, in order to gain the support of the priesthood who remain loyal to the fallen emperor, she must consider a terrible bargain: Claim her throne and burn in order to seal her legacy—or find another willing to take her place on the pyre.

Priya has survived the deathless waters and now their magic runs in her veins. But a mysterious yaksa with flowering eyes and a mouth of thorns lies beneath the waters. The yaksa promises protection for Ahiranya. But in exchange, she needs a sacrifice. And she’s chosen Priya as the one to offer it.

Two women once entwined by fate now stand against each other. But when an ancient enemy rises to threaten their world, Priya and Malini will find themselves fighting together once more—to prevent their kingdoms, and their futures, from burning to ash.

The Burning Kingdoms
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
The Jasmine Throne (US | UK)
The Oleander Sword (US | UK)

Also by Tasha Suri
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri
Empire of Sand (US | UK)
Realm of Ash (US | UK)

Cover Launch: BETWEEN DRAGONS AND THEIR WRATH by Devin Madson

Take your first look at the cover for Between Dragons and Their Wrath (US | UK), the first in a new epic fantasy series by Devin Madson, coming August 2024!

Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio & Lauren Panepinto; Cover Art by Mike Heath/Magnus Creative

From Aurealis Award‑nominated author Devin Madson comes a new rip-roaring epic fantasy full of dragons, alchemical magic, and forbidden romance that unfolds as three people in a shattered empire become entangled in a looming revolution.

The old kingdom of Paicha has been split into city states, but there are those who seek to reunite the shattered realm—by force if necessary. Amidst the turmoil there are three who will find their destinies inextricably tangled.

Tesha is a glassblower’s apprentice who becomes a tribute bride when her city is conquered by the south. In the enemy’s court, she’s perfectly placed to sabotage them, but her heart has other plans.

Naili is a laundress in the house of an eccentric alchemist who is awakening to strange new powers. When radicals approach her, she faces a choice between keeping her magic to herself and using it to change the world.

And in the desolate Shield Mountains, dragon rider Ash protects the cities from the monsters in the Iipao sands beyond. But, soon he’ll have to learn how to protect his dragon when hunters unlock the secret to killing them.

As war sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ash must fight for survival against political enemies, dragon hunters, and monsters both within and without.

Also by Devin Madson
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson We Lie with Death by Devin Madson We Cry for Blood by Devin Madson We Dream of Gods by Devin Madson
The Reborn Empire
We Ride the Storm (US | UK)
We Lie with Death (US | UK)
We Cry for Blood (US | UK)
We Dream of Gods (US | UK)

The Blood of Whisperers by Devin Madson The Gods of Vice by Devin Madson The Grave at Storm's End by Devin Madson
The Vengeance Trilogy
The Blood of Whisperers (US | UK)
The Gods of Vice (US | UK)
The Grave at Storm’s End (US | UK)

Cover Launch: THE SWARM by Andy Marino

Take your first look at the cover for The Swarm (US), a new standalone horror novel by Andy Marino coming November 2024!

The Swarm by Andy Marino

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

From the bizarre and audacious imagination of horror author Andy Marino comes a harrowing tale of the insect that will herald the apocalypse…

It begins with cicadas. It will end with The Swarm.

When millions of insects appear unexpectedly, off the rhythm of their 17-year cycle, Detective Vicky Paterson is investigating a bizarre killing in her sleepy hometown. At the same time, a pair of hired guns work to free their client’s daughter from a shadowy cult.

As these events intertwine, things begin to spiral out of control. When Vicky’s young daughter, Sadie, is attacked by the insects, it’s clear that the once-harmless creatures have invaded with a malevolent purpose.

But this is only the first wave. Soon, the infestation is impossible to contain.

As the world desperately works to unravel the mysteries of the swarm, and humanity rests on the knife’s edge of extinction, Vicky and a group of strangers will fight to uncover the shocking origins of the attack—and the terrible purpose behind it.

From a remote Pacific atoll to a devastated Manhattan, this panoramic novel of insect apocalypse reaches back into the darkest recesses of the twentieth century and unleashes its horrors on our modern, interconnected world.

Also by Andy Marino
It Rides a Pale Horse (US | UK)
The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess (US | UK)

Cover Launch: BLACKLIGHT BORN by Alexander Darwin

Take a look at the cover of Blacklight Born (US | UK) by Alexander Darwin, the third and final installment in The Combat Codes series coming December 2024!

Blacklight Born by Alexander Darwin

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto, Cover Art by Peter Bollinger

The final book in an action-packed science fiction trilogy set on a far-future world where the fate of nations is determined by single combat: “that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan.” (Fonda Lee, author of Jade City)

The Grievar War has engulfed the Empire of Kiroth and Silas the Slayer has given voice to his warrior kin, igniting a revolution within a people once bound by a thousand years of servitude.

Cego is released into a war-torn world where the lines between shadow and light are blurred. He must decide which path to follow: one of his brother’s righteous rebellion or the one that leads to the family he’s finally found.

Once famed knight, Murray Pearson, leads a group of Lyceum students on an adventure across Kiroth to follow the path of combat mastery. But Murray seeks something more on this long road. Redemption.

In this explosive conclusion to the Combat Codes Saga, the truth will be revealed and one final question must be answered as they step back into the Circle: What is the cost of losing the fight?

The Combat Codes
The Combat Codes (US | UK)
Grievar’s Blood (US | UK)

Cover Launch: The Wilderwood Duology Collector’s Edition by Hannah Whitten

Take your first look at the collector’s edition of The Wilderwood Duology (US) by Hannah Whitten!

The Wilderwood Duology Collector's Edition by Hannah Whitten The Wilderwood Duology Collector's Edition by Hannah Whitten

Art Direction by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Abigail Larson; Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

Enter the world of the Wilderwood with this stunning, deluxe collector’s edition of Hannah Whitten’s unforgettable New York Times bestselling duology, For the Wolf and For the Throne, which features:

  • An exclusive box illustrated by Hugo Award-winning artist Abigail Larson
  • A signed copy of For the Wolf
  • Fabric-bound hardcover editions
  • Brand new foil-stamped covers
  • Gold foil edges
  • Colored endpaper art
  • A ribbon bookmark
  • An exclusive bonus scene

The first daughter is for the Throne.
The second daughter is for the Wolf.

As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose—to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he’ll return the world’s captured gods. She’ll do whatever it takes to keep her beloved sister Neve, the First Daughter, safe. But the legends lie. The old gods stir. And the monsters of the Wilderwood and beyond are not all what they seem in this dark and romantic debut duology that became an instant New York Times bestseller and word-of-mouth sensation.

Acquisition Announcement: THE RADIANT KING by David Dalglish

David Dalglish (Photo Credit: North Myrtle Beach Photography)
Photo Credit: North Myrtle Beach Photography

Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a new epic fantasy series from USA Today bestselling author David Dalglish! The Astral Kingdoms trilogy kicks off with The Radiant King, a sweeping tale full of heretical magic and millennia-spanning feuds that is written with David’s signature flair for heart-pounding action and characters you love to hate—and hate to love.  

 

Once, there were six ever-living siblings, blessed and cursed with immortality, who remembered nothing of their creation. They vowed to wear no crowns and sit upon no thrones. But when Eder, the eldest, forsakes this sacred promise, those closest to him must stop him before he breaks their family—and the world—apart.   

Faron vows to crush his brother’s kingdom and destroy his fanatical church, and he isn’t the only one hunting Eder. There are those who decry Eder as a blasphemer; there are those who simply want revenge for the havoc his rule has wrought. But will their combined strength be enough to stop this powerful, single-minded tyrant?  

 The story starts with the burning of a brother. And it will end with the burning of the world.

 

The Radiant King lands in bookstores in Winter 2025! In the meantime, you can follow David on Twitter @thatdalglishguy and learn more about his work, including the Vagrant Gods trilogy, at www.ddalglish.com.

 Orbit US executive editor Brit Hvide acquired World rights from Michael Carr at Veritas Literary.   

Also by David Dalglish:

The Bladed Faith by David Dalglish The Sapphire Altar by David Dalglish The Slain Divine by David Dalglish

Acquisition Announcement: T. Kingfisher’s Saint of Steel series and SWORDHEART

Orbit UK is so thrilled to have acquired 5 books from two-time Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher. This includes the previously self-published cult hit Saint of Steel series that begins with Paladin’s Grace and standalone cosy romantasy Swordheart.

The books are utterly refreshing fantasy: by turns cosy and heart-warming but with a darker edge, appealing to romantasy readers as well as fans of classic fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons.

black and white photograph of T Kingfisher in a graveyard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Breitwieser at Cornerstone Literary Agency sold UK and Commonwealth rights in five of T. Kingfisher’s books to Nadia Saward, Commissioning Editor at Orbit. The ebooks of Paladin’s Grace, Paladin’s Strength, Paladin’s Hope and Swordheart are on sale now from Orbit, with Paladin’s Faith publishing in early December. Orbit will be redesigning the covers and will be releasing paperbacks of all five books in Spring 2025.

Acquiring editor Nadia Saward said: ‘T. Kingfisher has always had a lifelong, devoted fan in me; I’ve read the Saint of Steel books more times than I can count. T. Kingfisher has the rare ability to write characters that I would willingly walk across coals for and create peculiar and utterly memorable fantasy worlds. We’re so excited to be working on these amazing books in the UK.’

Author T. Kingfisher said: ‘Seeing a weird little series I mostly wrote at my kitchen table go global is both wonderful and surreal. I’m delighted to work with Orbit UK on bringing these books to a wider audience!’

About the author: T. Kingfisher is the vaguely absurd pen-name author Ursula Vernon uses when writing for adults. In another life, she writes children’s books and weird comics. As Kingfisher, she has won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus and Dragon Awards. When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies. You can follow T. Kingfisher on X @UrsulaV

 

Acquisition Announcement: A SONG OF LEGENDS LOST

Colour photo of author M. H. Ayinde

Orbit UK are thrilled to announce that we’ve acquired a stunning epic fantasy trilogy from debut author M. H. Ayinde, winner of the 2021 Future Worlds Prize. The first book in the series, A SONG OF LEGENDS LOST, will be published in spring 2025 and launches a gripping tale of revenge and rebellion in a vividly drawn world inspired by multiple pre-colonial cultures.

We can’t wait to share A Song of Legends Lost with readers! With its large cast of complex, vibrant characters, rich worldbuilding and propulsive narrative, it’s perfect for fans of The Rage of Dragons, The Bone Shard Daughter and The Unbroken.

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

In the Nine Lands, only those of noble blood can summon the spirits of their ancestors to fight in battle. But when Temi, a commoner from the slums, accidentally invokes a powerful spirit, she finds it could hold the key to ending a centuries-long war. But not everything that can be invoked is an ancestor. And some of the spirits that can be drawn from the ancestral realm are more dangerous than anyone can imagine.

M. H. Ayinde was born in London’s East End. She was the 2021 winner of the Future Worlds Prize, which was created to discover new writers of science fiction and fantasy from ethnically diverse backgrounds. She lives in London with three generations of her family and their Studio Ghibli obsession.

Please join us in welcoming Modupe to Orbit. She can be found on X @MHAyinde or at her website  www.mhayinde.com.