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.

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.