Cover Launch: RAVENCALLER by David Dalglish

If you loved The Witcher, get ready to meet your new favorite monster-hunter! Devin Eveson is the Soulkeeper, honor-bound to protect humanity from monsters were once thought only to be legend. Devin first captured our hearts when SOULKEEPER (US | UK) launched in 2019, and we’re very excited to be publishing book two of the trilogy (US | UK) in March 2020. Just check out RAVENCALLER’S brilliant cover!

If you haven’t met Devin yet, make sure to get in on the action and pick up a copy of Soulkeeper!

When ancient magic suddenly returns to his land, a warrior priest must protect his world from monsters that were once only legend in the second book of USA Today bestseller David Dalglish’s epic fantasy trilogy.

Magical creatures are attacking the capital city, seeking to retake what was once theirs, and no one is safe. Ancient cultists have cursed the highest members of the Church, turning them into twisted abominations. The only hope for a cure lies with Adria Eveson. To learn the cure, she must befriend an imprisoned cultist, and guard her heart against his seductive promises and twisted logic. 

The fate of all races, human and magical, rests in her hands, and in the choices she makes. Should she choose wrong, only one person stands in her way: her brother, the Soulkeeper Devin Eveson.

Praise for Soulkeeper:

“A dark and lush epic fantasy brimming with magical creatures and terrifying evil…. Readers of George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss will find much to enjoy here.”—Booklist

“Soulkeeper is a fast-paced, page-turning ride with a great, likeable main character in Devin Eveson. It’s the definition of entertaining”—John Gwynne, author of Malice

“Dalglish manages to combine familiar elements in exciting ways… that’s sure to keep readers turning pages.” —Publishers Weekly

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto and Cover Illustration by Paul Scott Canavan

Acquisition Announcement: THE JASMINE THRONE by Tasha Suri

We are delighted to announce that Orbit has acquired a new epic fantasy trilogy by Tasha Suri, the award-winning author of EMPIRE OF SAND and REALM OF ASH. The first book in the series, THE JASMINE THRONE, will publish in Spring 2021.

Inspired by the history and epics of India, THE JASMINE THRONE follows a captive princess and a servant in possession of forbidden magic as they become unlikely allies on a dark journey to save their empire from a tyrant king. With her signature “lyrical prose, intricate world building, beautifully imagined characters, and compelling immersive folklore,” (Booklist) Suri has created a sweeping tale about powerful women looking to claim their rightful inheritances, replete with grand and ancient magic, and set in a world where lush forests and crumbling temples have secrets at their hearts. We are so excited for you to read it next year!

Imprisoned by her dictator brother, Malini spends her days in isolation in the Hirana: an ancient temple that was once the source of the powerful, magical deathless waters — but is now little more than a decaying ruin.

Priya is a maidservant, one among several who make the treacherous journey to the top of the Hirana every night to clean Malini’s chambers. She is happy to be an anonymous drudge, so long as it keeps anyone from guessing the dangerous secret she hides.

But when Malini accidentally bears witness to Priya’s true nature, their destinies become irrevocably tangled. One is a vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne. The other is a priestess seeking to find her family. Together, they will change the fate of an empire.

While you (impatiently) wait for THE JASMINE THRONE, you can read Tasha’s captivating standalone fantasy novels, EMPIRE OF SAND (US | UK) and REALM OF ASH (US | UK). And be sure to follow her on Twitter for more news: @tashadrinkstea.

Acquisition Announcement: THE NAMELESS REPUBLIC by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

We’re thrilled to announce that Orbit has acquired an incredible new epic fantasy series from Suyi Davies Okungbowa, author of David Mogo, Godhunter. An evocative tale of myth and magic, THE NAMELESS REPUBLIC trilogy invites readers into a rich and vibrant world inspired by West-African empires.

In the thriving city of Bassa, Danso is a clever but disillusioned scholar who longs for a life beyond the rigid family and political obligations expected of the city’s elite. A way out presents itself when Lilong, a skin-changing warrior, shows up wounded in his barn. She comes from the Nameless Islands–which, according to Bassa lore, don’t exist–and neither should the mythical magic of ibor she wields. Now swept into a conspiracy far beyond his understanding, Danso will have to set out on a journey that reveals histories violently suppressed and magic only found in lore.

Intrigued? I hope so! Here are a few words from Suyi, including the top five things he’s most excited about in the upcoming series:

It’s a dream to be working with the good folks at Orbit on this series. I feel like I’m literally riding on the backs of giants who have emerged from these very same stables. The Nameless books are in good hands under the Orbit banner.

This series is my love letter to all of us who know the magic that makes West-Africa tick–the lore and music, the harmattan and petrichor, the jollof rice and fried plantain. You can expect to enjoy:

  1. The continent of Oon, inspired by West-African empires of the middle ages. Too little is told about this beautiful historic period of salt and gold and trade, of griots and deserts and tropical flavour. Now you get to see an amalgam of them in the fantastic Oon.
  2. The magic of ibor: so obvious, yet so unwieldy, like cutting paper with a sword.
  3. A quest of magical proportions, including periods when no magic is involved. I especially like quests by non-warrior types, and when you throw in terrors and secrets unveiled, hooo boy.
  4. Unexpected rises to power, and downfalls from grace. I believe the series title says everything.
  5. Unreal creatures. That’s it. That’s the whole statement.

The first book publishes Summer 2021 and, in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Suyi! You can find him at https://suyidavies.com/ and on Twitter at @IAmSuyiDavies.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World English rights from Eddie Schneider at JABberwocky Literary Agency.

 

The Witcher Is a Publishing Phenomenon – Orbit Printing More Than Half a Million Books To Meet Demand.

The Last Wish CoverWith the Witcher, Andrzej Sapkowski created one of the most memorable characters in modern fantasy. The series inspired one of the most popular videogames of recent years and we’re thrilled that the Netflix adaptation, which launched in December, is introducing the Witcher to a whole new audience.

The demand for all eight books in the series increased steadily last year in anticipation of the Netflix launch. Since its release, sales have been phenomenal in all formats – print, ebook and audio – and Orbit’s US division is currently reprinting over 500,000 copies to meet the exceptional demand.

We’re aware that the novels might not be available everywhere at this time, but our inventory team and printers are working incredibly hard and all books will be back in stock and flying out of our warehouse very shortly.

Learn more about how to read The Witcher here.

Acquisitions Announcement: NOPHEK GLOSS by Essa Hansen

Still jonesing for another Star Wars Fix? Then Orbit has a treat for you! We’ve just acquired a brand new space opera by debut author Essa Hansen! Get ready to meet Caiden, a young man who is about to discover that the multi-verse is much bigger, much more advanced, and much, much more dangerous than he ever imagined.

Orbit will be publishing the first book in the trilogy, NOPHEK GLOSS in trade paperback in Fall 2020. In the meantime reach out and say “hi” to the author at her website or on twitter: @EssaHansen.

When a young man’s planet is destroyed, he sets out on a single-minded quest for revenge across the galaxy in Nophek Gloss, the first book in this epic space opera trilogy by debut author Essa Hansen, for fans of REVENGER and CHILDREN OF TIME.

Caiden’s planet is destroyed. His family gone. And, his only hope for survival is a crew of misfit aliens and a mysterious ship that seems to have a soul and a universe of its own. Together they will show him that the universe is much bigger, much more advanced, and much more mysterious than Caiden had ever imagined. But the universe hides dangers as well, and soon Caiden has his own plans.

He vows to do anything it takes to get revenge on the slavers who murdered his people and took away his home. To destroy their regime, he must infiltrate and dismantle them from the inside, or die trying.

TEN ARROWS OF IRON Cover Launch

Sal the Cacophony returns looking as badass as ever in the cover for TEN ARROWS OF IRON, the sequel to Sam Sykes’s widely acclaimed SEVEN BLADES IN BLACK. Check it out below! Sykes’s latest trilogy, The Grave of Empires, is an unforgettable epic fantasy that follows an outcast mage caught between two warring empires.

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Illustration by Jeremy Wilson

Sal the Cacophony – outlaw, outcast, outnumbered – destroys all that she loves. Her lover lost and cities burned in her wake, all she has left is her magical gun and her all-consuming quest for revenge against those who stole her power and took the sky from her.

When the roguish agent of a mysterious patron offers her the chance to participate in a heist to steal an incredible power from the famed airship fleet, the Ten Arrows, she finds a new purpose. But a plot to save the world by bringing down empires swiftly escalates into a conspiracy of magic and vengeance that threatens to burn everything to ash, including herself.

Praise for SEVEN BLADES IN BLACK:

“Sykes is a master at taking familiar elements of fantasy and stirring them to a wicked, wholly original churn. In Sal the Cacophony, Sykes has crafted a protagonist for the ages. Ludicrous, wicked, delightful.”    — Pierce Brown, New York Times bestselling author

“Seven Blades in Black offers villains that are as memorable and unique as the heroes. Action, magic, romance and humor mingle well in this mammoth tale. It’s an immersive read in a well realized world.”  — Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author

“Exciting and inventive. I never realized how much I needed wizard-hunting gunslingers in my life.”  — Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author

“Seven Blades in Black is terrific. The tale of Sal the Cacophony is delightfully sarcastic and deeply sorrowful.”  — Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld 

“Gunslingers and mad mages and monsters, oh my. Sykes’ latest is a brutal and vulgar epic yet still fun enough that – and I say this as the highest of compliments – makes me wish like hell it ends up with an adaptation into a role-playing game.”  — Chuck Wendig, New York Timesbestselling author

“Sykes’ writing is full of heart, hilarity, and the frank understanding that as humans we are all disasters. Come for the adventures, stay for the weirdos.”  — R. F. Kuang, author of The Poppy War 

“By the end of the first page, you’ll know Sam is in love with his characters. By the end of the second, you’ll know you are too.”  — Myke Cole, author of The Armored Saint 

“A love letter to Final Fantasy and badass women, told with with an irresistible mix of passion and wit.”  — David Dalglish, author of Soulkeeper 

“With skillful worldbuilding, unexpected humor, and characters real enough to touch, this is easily Sykes’s best book to date.”  — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Compulsive from start to finish.”  — Kirkus (starred review)

Acquisitions Announcement: GOLDILOCKS by Laura Lam

We’re delighted to announce that Orbit has acquired a bold and thought-provoking new sci-fi thriller, GOLDILOCKS, by Laura Lam! On a near-future Earth ravaged by environmental disaster, greed, and oppression, five women astronauts must hijack a spaceship to journey to a new home – and a brighter future – for humanity.

Orbit US will be publishing GOLDILOCKS in hardcover in May 2020. In the meantime, check out the hauntingly beautiful cover below, designed by Yeti Lambregts. Be sure to follow Laura on Twitter: @LR_Lam.

The future of humanity hangs in the balance – and one woman can tip it over.

Despite increasing restrictions on the freedoms of women on Earth, Valerie Black is spearheading the first all-female mission to a planet in the Goldilocks Zone, where conditions are just right for human habitation.

It’s humanity’s last hope for survival, and Naomi, Valerie’s surrogate daughter and the ship’s botanist, has been waiting her whole life for an opportunity like this – to step out of Valerie’s shadow and really make a difference.

But when things start going wrong on the ship, Naomi begins to suspect that someone on board is concealing a terrible secret – and realizes time for life on Earth may be running out faster than they feared . . .

Acquisition Announcement – BONE SHARD DAUGHTER by Andrea Stewart

As announced in BookBrunch this morning, we’re delighted to have acquired an amazing debut fantasy trilogy from Chinese-American writer Andrea Stewart. The first book in the series – BONE SHARD DAUGHTER – will publish in Autumn 2020.

BONE SHARD DAUGHTER is set in an empire of many islands, where bone shard magic fuels monstrous constructs that enforce law and order. Yet the emperor’s rule is failing and whispers of revolution carry from island to island. Lin is the emperor’s daughter and heir, and only she can save the empire and its people. But to do so, she must master the art of bone shard magic – and unlock the secrets of her own forgotten past.

With its brilliantly-realised magic system, inventive world-building and a cast of wonderful characters, there’s just so much to love about Andrea’s captivating debut – we can’t wait to share BONE SHARD DAUGHTER with you next year! In the meantime, be sure to follow Andrea on Twitter.

Orbit UK editor James Long – working in conjunction with Orbit US senior editor Brit Hvide – pre-empted world English rights from Juliet Mushens at Caskie Mushens in a significant six-figure deal.

 

Cover Launch: THE RANGER OF MARZANNA by Jon Skovron

Orbit US and UK are thrilled to announce that we’ll be publishing Jon Skovron’s new epic fantasy trilogy! Lush and epic in equal measure, THE RANGER OF MARZANNA will sweep you off your feet. Set against a wintery eastern European-inspired backdrop, it is a story about warring siblings, loyal horses, powerful magic, and daring adventures. And we’ve got a gorgeous cover to match!

Here’s a little more about the plot:

Sonya is training to be a Ranger of Marzanna, an ancient sect of warriors who have protected the land for generations. But the old ways are dying, and the rangers have all been forced into hiding or killed off by the invading Empire.

When her father is murdered by imperial soldiers, she decides to finally take action. Using her skills as a ranger she will travel across the bitter cold tundra and gain the allegiance of the only other force strong enough to take down the invaders.

But nothing about her quest will be easy. Her brother, Sebastian, is the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. And he’s fighting for the empire.

Orbit US and UK will be publishing THE RANGER OF MARZANNA in April 2020. In the meantime make sure to say hello to Jon Skovron on twitter: @jonnyskov. Or, check out his previous trilogy!

Pre-order THE RANGER OF MARZANNA now: US | UK

Or purchase Jon Skovron’s previous novels, the EMPIRE OF STORMS trilogy:

  • HOPE AND RED: US | UK
  • BAND AND SHADOW: US | UK
  • BLOOD AND TEMPEST: US | UK

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio
Illustration by Magali Villeneuve (Website | Twitter | Instagram)