Cover Launch: THE AGE OF WITCHES by Louisa Morgan

Did you adore A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHES (US | UK) or THE WITCH’S KIND (US | UK)? Are you ready for Louisa Morgan’s most romantic tale of witchcraft and wonder yet? Her next book, THE AGE OF WITCHES, is another riveting tale of family, magic, and love that spans generations—this time set in Gilded Age New York and London.

We are publishing The Age of Witches in Spring 2020, but here’s an early peek at the beautiful cover, designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio:

Harriet Bishop, descended from a long line of witches, uses magic to help women in need—not only ordinary women, but also those with powers of their own. She must intervene when a distant cousin wields dangerous magic to change the lives of two unsuspecting young people… one of whom might just be a witch herself.

Frances Allington has used her wiles and witchcraft to claw her way out of poverty and into a spectacular marriage with one of New York’s wealthiest new tycoons. She is determined to secure the Allingtons’ position amongst the city’s elite Four Hundred families by any means necessary—including a scheme to make a glorious aristocratic match for her headstrong and reluctant step-daughter, Annis, using the same strange power with which she ensnared Annis’s father.

To save Annis from this dark magic, Harriet reveals to her Frances’ misuse of their shared birthright and kindles in Annis her own nascent powers. Together, Harriet and Annis must resist her stepmother’s agenda, lest she— and the dashing young lord she suspects she could come to love—lose their freedom, and possibly their lives.

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 Reveal: THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO by K. S. Villoso

When you describe your main character as both a “wolf” and a “bitch queen,” we sit up and take notice. And then, in the first sentence, that same character exiles her king and kills a man who’s wronged her . . . well, all aboard the hype train. Next stop, badass fantasy book.

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce our acquisition of K. S. Villoso’s THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO. Originally a self-published title, it gathered strong word-of-mouth online, and after reading the novel, it was obvious that we needed to publish this book.

Queen Talyien is a take-no-prisoners, rough-and-tumble, certifiably awesome character. Villoso has imbued Talyien with a voice that grabs you from word one. She drags you into her story and world, and you’re going to be very glad she did.

“A powerful new voice in epic fantasy. Villoso deftly creates an intricate and compelling world of high fantasy intrigue and adventure dominated by a crafty, whip-smart heroine determined to unite her kingdom at any cost.” — Kameron Hurley

The eBook is out now, and the paperback will hit shelves in February 2020. Check out the cover below with Talyien looking appropriately epic. Art by Simon Goinard. Design by Lauren Panepinto.

“They called me the Bitch Queen, the she-wolf, because I murdered a man and exiled my king the night before they crowned me.”

Born under the crumbling towers of Oren-yaro, Queen Talyien was the shining jewel and legacy of the bloody War of the Wolves that nearly tore her nation apart. But her upcoming marriage to the son of her father’s rival heralds peaceful days to come.

His sudden departure before their reign begins puts a quick end to those dreams, and the kingdom is fractured beyond repair.

Years later, Talyien receives a message, one that will send her across the sea. What’s meant to be an effort at reconciling the past spirals into an assassination attempt. Stranded in a land she doesn’t know, with no idea who she can trust, Talyien will have to embrace her namesake.

A Wolf of Oren-yaro is not tamed.

Orbit has acquired World rights for three books in the Chronicles of the Bitch Queen trilogy from Hannah Bowman of Liza Dawson Associates. Follow K. S. Villoso on Twitter.

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: REALM OF ASH by Tasha Suri

REALM OF ASH (US | UK) is a spellbinding fantasy novel set in the Mughal India-inspired world of Tasha Suri’s award-winning EMPIRE OF SAND (US | UK), in which a young widow with hidden powers and an illegitimate prince dabbling in forbidden magic must save the realm—and each other—from darkness. If you loved City of Brass, The Wrath & the Dawn, or Red Queen, this is your next unmissable read!

This captivating book publishes in November 2019 but—as announced on Book Riot—here is an early preview of its beautiful cover, designed by Lauren Panepinto, to tide you over!

Some believe the Ambhan Empire is cursed. But Arwa doesn’t simply believe it—she knows it’s true.

Arwa is the sole survivor of the infamous, unnatural massacre at Darez Fort—saved only by the strangeness of her blood, which she had been taught all her life to suppress. She makes common cause with a disgraced, illegitimate prince who has turned to forbidden occult arts to find a cure to the darkness hanging over the Empire. Using the power in Arwa’s blood, they seek answers in the realm of ash: where mortals can find the ghostly echoes of their ancestors’ dreams. But the Emperor’s health is failing, and a terrible war of succession hovers on the horizon—not just for the throne, but for the magic underpinning the Empire itself.

Cover Launch: THE PURSUIT OF WILLIAM ABBEY by Claire North

We’re thrilled to reveal the stunning cover for THE PURSUIT OF WILLIAM ABBEY (UK|US|ANZ) by Claire North, the award-winning and bestselling author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and 84K.

 

William Abbey

Design by Steve Panton

 

Coming this autumn, THE PURSUIT OF WILLIAM ABBEY is a hauntingly powerful novel about how the choices we make can stay with us forever.

Read on to find out more:

South Africa, 1884. A young and naive English doctor by the name of William Abbey witnesses the lynching of a local boy by white colonists. He’s guilt-struck, but too cowardly to stand up against this horrific act. And as the child dies, his mother curses William.

William begins to understand when what the curse means when the shadow of the dead boy starts following him across the world. It never stops, never rests. It can cross oceans and mountains. And if it catches him, the person he loves most in the world will die . . .

Moving, thought-provoking and utterly gripping, Claire North’s stunning new novel proves again that she is one of the most original and innovative voices in modern fiction.

 

And if you can’t wait until November for your next Claire North fix, never fear! Her latest book has just hit the shops: THE GAMESHOUSE is a mesmerising tale of a mystical gambling house whose deadly games of chance and skill control the fate of empires.

Gameshouse

 

Praise for Claire North:

‘North’s talent shines out’ Sunday Times

‘Claire North goes from strength to strength’ Guardian

‘An original and even dazzling writer’ Kirkus

‘North is a true original, a master of ingenious plotting and feats of imagination’ Alex Marwood

‘Claire North’s writing is terrific, smart and entertaining’ Patrick Ness

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF HOPE cover

84k, a science fiction dystopian novel by Claire North

Cover Launch: A LITTLE HATRED by Joe Abercrombie

The world is about to feel A LITTLE HATRED. And we’re thrilled to be able to show you its newest face. Check out the gorgeous (and just a bit menacing) cover for Joe Abercrombie’s eagerly anticipated epic fantasy A Little Hatred.

Art by Sam Weber. Design by Lauren Panepinto.

If you’ve never read Abercrombie (and how could this be true…), A Little Hatred will be a fantastic starting point. For the rest of us who already know that a new Abercrombie book means shifting all priorities to the wayside, all we can say is that you’re going to love this one, and you’ll be able to get your hands on it on September 17th.

The chimneys of industry rise over Adua and the world seethes with new opportunities. But old scores run deep as ever.

On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezal’s son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specializes in disappointments.

Savine dan Glokta – socialite, investor, and daughter of the most feared man in the Union – plans to claw her way to the top of the slag-heap of society by any means necessary. But the slums boil over with a rage that all the money in the world cannot control.

The age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. With the help of the mad hillwoman Isern-i-Phail, Rikke struggles to control the blessing, or the curse, of the Long Eye. Glimpsing the future is one thing, but with the guiding hand of the First of the Magi still pulling the strings, changing it will be quite another…

“Abercrombie continues to do what he does best . . . Buckle your seat belts.” — Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author.

“Abercrombie squeezes your heart till it matches his beat. No one writes with the seismic scope or primal intensity of Joe Abercrombie.” — Pierce Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A Little Hatred is Abercrombie at his very best: witty, wise, whip-smart. Masterfully plotted . . . . I had high hopes for this book, and it exceeded them all.” — Nicholas Eames, author of KINGS OF THE WYLD (US | UK)

“Brutal, unforgiving, and terribly fun. Everything awesome readers have come to expect from Joe Abercrombie.” — Brian McClellan, author of SINS OF EMPIRE (US | UK)

“Rife with emotion with wit to spare, both honed to an effortlessly fine edge. A Little Hatred is the joy of watching a master of the craft with his tools at their sharpest.” — Sam Sykes, author of SEVEN BLADES IN BLACK 

“Joe Abercrombie’s powerful voice raises the bar in any literary genre. Fantasy fans are beyond fortunate he chose this one.” — Myke Cole, author of The Armored Saint

THE UNLIKELY ESCAPE OF URIAH HEEP by H. G. Parry

We’re delighted to present the beautiful cover for THE UNLIKELY ESCAPE OF URIAH HEEP (US|UK|ANZ), designed by Orbit’s amazing Lisa Marie Pompilio. If you loved The Magicians, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, or The Invisible Library, don’t miss this ultimate book-lover’s fantasy, which features a young scholar with the power to bring literary characters into the world.

 

 

For his entire life, Charley Sutherland has concealed a magical ability he can’t quite control: he can bring characters from books into the real world. His older brother, Rob – a young lawyer with an utterly normal life – hopes that this strange family secret will disappear with disuse, and he will be discharged from his duty of protecting Charley and the real world from each other.

But then, literary characters start causing trouble in their city, making threats about destroying the world, and for once, it isn’t Charley’s doing. There’s someone else out there who shares his powers and it’s up to Charley and a reluctant Rob to stop them – before anyone gets to The End.

Praise for The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep:

“Many have tried and some have succeeded in writing mashups with famed literary characters, but Parry knocks it out of the park . . . Just plain wonderful.”—Kirkus

“A delightful blend of adventure and mystery and marvel, a story in which the fantastical becomes real…. Beautifully-written.”—Louisa Morgan

“With vibrant characters and a passion for story that shines through every word, this engaging read establishes Parry as a writer to watch.”—Kat Howard

“Daring…. Parry writes with the keen insight of Sherlock Holmes, the generous heart of David Copperfield, and the haunting soul of Dorian Grey.”—Jordanna Max Brodsky

“A joyous adventure through all the tales you’ve ever loved. Funny, charming, clever and heartfelt.”—Tasha Suri

“Clever, emotionally compelling, and teeming with witty allusions…. Reminiscent of the literary world-bending adventures of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next.”—Cass Morris

“Engaging and intelligent… kept me turning the pages.”—Rowenna Miller

“A rollicking adventure that thrills like Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere mashed up with Penny Dreadful in the best post-modern way…. One of your most fun reads this year.”—Mike Chen

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

Cover Launch: THE SHADOW SAINT by Gareth Hanrahan

Earlier this year, Gareth Hanrahan’s highly anticipated debut, THE GUTTER PRAYER took the fantasy world by storm, introducing a world of sorcerers and thieves, broken gods and dangerous magic.

The epic tale will continue in THE SHADOW SAINT, the gripping second novel in the Black Iron Legacy and we’re thrilled to reveal the stunning cover below:

 

Shadow Saint

Illustration by Richard Anderson
Design by Steve Panton

 

AS THE GODSWAR DRAWS EVER CLOSER AND TENSIONS WITHIN THE CITY ESCALATE, HOW LONG WILL THE PEOPLE OF GUERDON BE ABLE TO KEEP THEIR ENEMIES AT BAY?

The Shadow Saint will hit the shops in January, so if you haven’t discovered the magic of The Gutter Prayer yet there’s still plenty of time to dive in! It’s available in paperback, ebook and audio, read by the wonderful John Banks.

Praise for The Gutter Prayer:

‘Ground breaking and extraordinary’ Peter McLean
‘Captivating’ Nicholas Eames
‘Mind-blowingly stellar in every respect’ Novel Notions
‘Absolutely stunning’ Michael R. Fletcher
‘We can’t wait to dive in to book two’ SciFiNow
‘A gripping, darkly inventive tale’ James Islington
‘Masterful drama, expert dialogue, brilliant characters’ Fantasy Book Review
‘I await the sequel with the keenest anticipation’ Anthony Ryan
‘A mercurial masterpiece . . . Astounding’ Fantasy Hive
‘Put simply, you need to read this’ The Fantasy Inn
‘A brilliant, imaginative debut’ Fantasy Book Critic
‘Undoubtedly, the debut of the year’ Booknest

 

Gareth Hanrahan’s three-month break from computer programming to concentrate on writing has now lasted fifteen years and counting. He’s written more gaming books than he can readily recall, by virtue of the alchemical transmutation of tea and guilt into words. He lives in Ireland with his wife and twin sons.

Follow him on Twitter at @mytholder.