Archive for Orbit UK

Cover Launch: THE MERCY OF GODS by James S. A. Corey

Take a look at the cover of The Mercy of Gods (US | UK) by James S. A. Corey. Pick up a copy in August 2024. If you missed the title & cover reveal virtual event featuring the authors, you can watch a replay here!

The Mery of Gods by James S. A. Corey

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Daniel Dociu

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Expanse comes a spectacular new space opera that sees humanity fighting for its survival in a war as old as the universe itself.

How humanity came to the planet called Anjiin is lost in the fog of history, but that history is about to end.

The Carryx—part empire, part hive—have waged wars of conquest for centuries, destroying or enslaving species across the galaxy. Now, they are facing a great and deathless enemy. The key to their survival may rest with the humans of Anjiin.

Caught up in academic intrigue and affairs of the heart, Dafyd Alkhor is pleased just to be an assistant to a brilliant scientist and his celebrated research team.  Then the Carryx ships descend, decimating the human population and taking the best and brightest of Anjiin society away to serve on the Carryx homeworld, and Dafyd is swept along with them.

They are dropped in the middle of a struggle they barely understand, set in a competition against the other captive species with extinction as the price of failure.  Only Dafyd and a handful of his companions see past the Darwinian contest to the deeper game that they must play to survive: learning to understand—and manipulate—the Carryx themselves.

With a noble but suicidal human rebellion on one hand and strange and murderous enemies on the other, the team pays a terrible price to become the trusted servants of their new rulers.

Dafyd Alkhor is a simple man swept up in events that are beyond his control and more vast than his imagination.  He will become the champion of humanity and its betrayer, the most hated man in history and the guardian of his people.

This is where his story begins.

Acquisition Announcement: THE THIRD RULE OF TIME TRAVEL by Philip Fracassi

Philip Fracassi (Photo Credit: Stephanie Simard)
Photo Credit: Stephanie Simard

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Third Rule of Time Travel, a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller from the mind of Bram Stoker-nominated author Philip Fracassi coming in Winter 2025. At once a propulsive near-future mystery and a poignant meditation on grief, The Third Rule of Time Travel is perfect for fans of Here and Now and Then and Severance. You won’t want to miss this meticulously researched stunner—read on for a glimpse at what’s to come! 

Scientist Beth Darlow has discovered the unimaginable. She’s built a machine that allows human consciousness to travel through time—to any point in the traveler’s lifetime—and relive moments of their life. An impossible breakthrough, but it’s not perfect: the traveler has no way to alter or control the outcome. They can only observe.

After Beth’s husband, Colson, the co-creator of the machine, dies in a tragic car accident, Beth is left to raise Isabella—their only daughter—and continue the work they started. Mired in grief and threatened by her unscrupulous funder, Beth pushes herself to the limit to prove the value of her technology.

With each new observation she makes, her own timeline begins to warp. The changes are small at first. Then they become horrifying.

With her reality constantly shifting, Beth is on the clock to reverse altered history. But once the dominoes have been tipped, can they ever be reset?

Orbit US Senior Editor Bradley Englert has acquired World English rights from Elizabeth Copps at Copps Literary Services, with Commissioning Editor Nadia Saward acquiring for Orbit UK.

Acquisition Announcement: THE BONE RAIDERS by Jackson Ford

Jackson Ford author photo - credit Brooke McAllister

Orbit is excited to announce that we have acquired The Bone Raiders, a fast-paced and highly entertaining new epic fantasy from Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind. We’ll be publishing it globally in Spring 2025.

This epic fantasy follows the story of the Rakada, a fearsome band known as the Bone Raiders, due to their charming habit of wearing the bones of those they kill on their armour. But being a raider is tough these days, especially when the High Chieftain is trying to wipe out you and your kind. When Sayana, a young Rakada scout, finds herself face-to-face with a fire-breathing lizard of legend during a raid-gone-wrong, she comes up with an audacious plan to save the Rakada and preserve their way of life. A plan that involves convincing the lizard to let her ride it . . .

We can’t wait to share The Bone Raiders with readers! With a fast pace, great sense of humour and a superb ensemble cast, it’s perfect for fans of lively epic fantasy with attitude such as Kings of the Wyld, The Grey Bastards, The Blacktongue Thief and The Blade Itself.

Author Jackson Ford said: ‘Bad guys are always the best fun to write – especially bad guys who have everything to lose. I fell hard for the Rakada, and especially for Sayana, who has no idea what she’s about to get into. I had a wild time creating the world of The Bone Raiders, and I can’t wait for readers to get their teeth into it.’

If you’re not already following Jackson, you can find him on Instagram as @realjacksonford, on X as @realjacksonford or at jacksonfordauthor.com.

Orbit UK Publisher Anna Jackson acquired World English language rights in two novels set in the world of the Bone Raiders from Ed Wilson @ Johnson & Alcock. Bradley Englert, Senior Editor at Orbit US, has acquired rights in US & Canada. Orbit will publish the book globally in May 2025.

Cover Launch: RUINATION: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS NOVEL Collector’s Edition

Cover launch! Take a look at the cover for our collector’s edition of Ruination: A League of Legends Novel (US | UK) by Anthony Reynolds. Pick up a copy in December 2023.

Ruination: A League of Legends Novel Collector's Edition by Anthony Reynolds

Ruination: A League of Legends Novel Collector's Edition by Anthony Reynolds Ruination: A League of Legends Novel Collector's Edition by Anthony Reynolds

Cover Design by Greg Ghielmetti & Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Valentina Remenar

This collector’s edition hardcover includes:

  • A beautifully designed case
  • Striking new cover artwork
  • Stained edges
  • Illustrated endpapers
  • Color illustrations of characters from the novel
  • Six new illustrations from scenes in the novel
  • Color illustrations of artifacts from Ruination and League of Legends
  • Color maps
  • Color chapter titles
  • A bookmark ribbon
  • An exclusive new chapter featured at the end of the novel
  • Individual art cards featuring Viego, Kalista, Erlok Grael, the maps from the world, and a diagram of the sword, Sanctity

Discover an epic tale of magic, revenge, and an empire on the verge of ruin in the first ever novel set in the blockbuster universe of League of Legends.

Camavor is a brutal land with a bloody legacy. Where the empire’s knights go, slaughter follows.

Kalista seeks to change that. When her young and narcissistic uncle, Viego, becomes king, she vows to temper his destructive instincts, as his loyal confidant, advisor, and military general. But her plans are thwarted when an assassin’s poisoned blade strikes Viego’s wife, Isolde, afflicting her with a malady for which there is no cure.

As Isolde’s condition worsens, Viego descends into madness and grief, threatening to drag Camavor down with him. Kalista makes a desperate gambit to save the kingdom: she searches for the long lost Blessed Isles, rumored to hold the queen’s salvation, if only Kalista can find them.

But corruption grows in the Blessed Isles’ capital, where a vengeful warden seeks to ensnare Kalista in his cruel machinations. She will be forced to choose between her loyalty to Viego and doing what she knows is right–for even in the face of utter darkness, one noble act can shine a light that saves the world.

Cover Launch: BEYOND THE LIGHT HORIZON by Ken MacLeod

We’re thrilled to reveal the cover of Beyond the Light Horizon, the jaw-dropping conclusion to the Lightspeed trilogy from science fiction legend Ken MacLeod, a thrilling tale of politics, AI and the far reaches of space.

Designed by Duncan Spilling, Beyond the Light Horizon is publishing in May 2024, and is available to pre-order now.

Beyond the Light Horizon by Ken MacLeod. A tank-like space craft flies into the orbit of a blue Earth-like planet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘IF YOU LIKE SCIENCE FICTION YOU WILL LOVE THIS. . . A ROLLICKING GOOD READ’ Scotsman on Beyond the Hallowed Sky

‘MACLEOD’S BEST BOOK TO DATE‘ SFX on Beyond the Hallowed Sky

Humanity has taken to the stars, using faster-than-light travel to reach distant planets and new worlds. But in the far reaches of the galaxy, John Grant will discover a planet of humans who believe he has travelled not only through space to find them, but time.

On Apis, the mysterious Fermi appear to have vanished, taking with them knowledge of the universe that humanity desires. But Marcus Owen, the robot AI now plagued with sentience, knows that the Fermi would not easily abandon the native life of Apis, and that they won’t take kindly to mankind asserting dominance on a world that does not belong to them.

Cover Launch: The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai

Following up on one of the most exciting fantasy debuts, The Daughters of Izdihar, Hadeer Elsbai concludes her Alamaxa duology, inspired by Egyptian history, with a tale of magic, betrayal and love.

We’re thrilled to launch the gorgeous cover for The Weavers of Alamaxa, publishing in March 2024. The cover was designed by Ella Garrett, and you can read on below for a taste of what’s in store.

Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai. A vibrant orange Arabic geometrical shape takes up the centre of the image, with green swirls and fire in each corner. The design has an intricate border.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magic is no longer banned in Alamaxa, but across the border the Zirani are readying their cannons. They will stop at nothing to end what they perceive is a threat not only to their way of life, but to the world.

But the last time a Weaver fought back, the whole world was shattered.

Two incredible women are all that stands before an entire army. But they’ve stood up to power before, and they won then. This time, though, it’s no longer about rhetoric.

This time it’s about magic and blood.  

Praise for this series:

‘A gorgeous, clever feminist fantasy novel rich with magic, politics, hunger and fire. An absolute must-read’ Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

‘A wondrously rich fantasy that highlights the true struggle to revolutionize a society. . . a debut not to be missed’ Shannon Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass

‘Action-packed, magic-filled, and led by two fierce, vividly-rendered women, The Daughters of Izdihar is a compelling and empowering debut’ Ava Reid, author of Juniper and Thorn

‘A thrilling tale of two women’s fight for rights in their patriarchal society, peppered with elemental magic, politics, and a relentless desire for that which is wrongly forbidden.’ Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

‘A powerful fantasy novel filled with clever magic, intriguing politics, and compelling characters who forge a path toward justice, no matter the obstacle’ Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

‘An absolutely enthralling tale of two women striving for a better world’ Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Queen of Blood

‘Magnificent, complex, compelling’ Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer

Cover Launch: THE TRIALS OF EMPIRE by Richard Swan

Cover launch! Take a look at the cover of The Trials of Empire (US | UK) by Richard Swan. You can pick up the final installment in the Empire of the Wolf trilogy in February 2024.

The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto; Cover Illustration by Martina Fačková

The third novel in Richard Swan’s acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy triumphantly concludes the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice—a detective, judge and executioner all in one. 

THE TIME OF JUDGEMENT IS AT HAND.

The Empire of the Wolf is on its knees, but there’s life in the great beast yet.

To save it, Sir Konrad Vonvalt and Helena must look beyond its borders for allies—to the wolfmen of the southern plains, and the pagan clans in the north. But old grievances run deep, and both factions would benefit from the fall of Sova.

Even these allies might not be enough. Their enemy, the zealot Bartholomew Claver, wields infernal powers bestowed on him by a mysterious demonic patron. If Vonvalt and Helena are to stand against him, they will need friends on both sides of the mortal plane—but such allegiances carry a heavy price.

As the battlelines are drawn in both Sova and the afterlife, the final reckoning draws close. Here, at the beating heart of the Empire, the two-headed wolf will be reborn in a blaze of justice… or crushed beneath the shadow of tyranny.

The Empire of the Wolf
The Justice of Kings (US | UK)
The Tyranny of Faith (US | UK)

Acquisition Announcement: SORCERY AND SMALL MAGICS by Maiga Doocy

Maiga Doocy
Photo Credit: Dustin Yager

Orbit is delighted to announce that we’ve acquired Sorcery and Small Magics by debut author Maiga Doocy, the first in an enchanting cozy fantasy trilogy filled with troublesome curses, dangerous journeys, and an immensely charming slow burn rivals-to-lovers (queer!) romance that’s sure to melt even the coldest of hearts. This is the perfect read for fans of romantasy like A Marvellous Light and Legends and Lattes.

Desperate to undo the curse binding them to each other, an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell—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. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.

That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.

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 dissolve the curse, they’ll 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.

We’re ecstatic to share Sorcery and Small Magics with readers in 2024! Please join us in welcoming Maiga to the Orbit list! She can be found on Instagram @maigadoocy and at www.maigadoocy.com.

 Orbit US executive editor Brit Hvide acquired World rights from Allegra Martschenko at Ladderbird Literary. Senior commissioning editor Emily Byron has acquired UK rights for Orbit UK.

Cover Launch: MISTRESS OF LIES by K.M. Enright

Fate is a cruel mistress. Enter the decadent world of Aeravin, where knowledge is dangerous and blood is power. We’re thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover for Mistress of Lies, publishing in the US and UK in August 2024.

The beautiful cover was designed by Ella Garrett and illustrated by Felix Abel Klaer. Read on for a taste of what’s in store. . .

Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright. A woman's bust, wearing a luscious red and gold brocade dress, holds an ornate dagger, she's surrounded by red and white roses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he’s drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he’s worked so hard to avoid – and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Bloodworker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan’s plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.


Praise for Mistress of Lies:

‘A dark, delicate, beauty of a novel, with all the edges of sharpened steel’ K.S. Villoso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro

‘Mistress of Lies is a honey trap of romance and royaltycore that leaves no corroded stone unturned when delving into the corruption at the heart of monarchy’ Ladz, author of The Fealty of Monsters

‘A cunning and clawed fantasy romance. Whether manoeuvring cutthroat society parties or scorching bedroom alliances, Enright’s characters crackle with chemistry, pitting loyalty against clashing ideals in a twisting murder mystery that will leave you breathless to the very end’ S. A. MacLean, author of The Phoenix Keeper

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE LAST VIGILANT by Mark A. Latham

Mark A. LathamCorruption plagues the land. Children are disappearing from their homes. These are dark times. Only the legendary Vigilants can bring salvation, and they haven’t been seen in decades. But when a soldier investigating dead ends in a backwater town finds himself face-to-face with the last member of the ancient order, he realizes that she could be the answer he’s looking for. If only he can convince her to help…

We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Last Vigilant by Mark A. Latham, the first book in a gripping new epic fantasy trilogy. Perfect for fans of The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan and The Pariah by Anthony Ryan, this fantasy mystery is packed with ancient magic, intricate conspiracies, and unforgettable characters. We can’t wait to bring you The Last Vigilant in early 2025—in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Mark A. Latham to Orbit!

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

 

Shunned by the soldiers he commands, haunted by past tragedies, Sargent Holt Hawley is a broken man. But the child of a powerful ally has gone missing, and war between once peaceful nations is on the horizon. So, he and his squad have been sent to find a myth: the Vigilant. They are a rumored last survivor of an ancient order capable of performing acts of magic, and they’ve been lost to the world for decades. No one truly expects Hawley to succeed.

When he is forced to abandon his men, he stumbles upon a woman who claims to be the Last Vigilant. Enelda Drake is wizened and out of practice, and she seems a far cry from the heroes of legend. But they will need her powers, and each other, to survive. For nothing in the town of Scarfell is as it seems. Corrupt soldiers and calculating politicians thwart their efforts at every turn.

And there are dark whispers on the wind threatening the arrival of an ancient and powerful enemy. The Last Vigilant is not the only myth returning from the dead.

 

Mark A. Latham is a writer, editor, history nerd, proud dogfather, frustrated grunge singer and amateur baker from Staffordshire, UK. An immigrant to rural Nottinghamshire, he lives in a very old house (sadly not haunted), and is still regarded in the village as a foreigner. 

Formerly the editor of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf magazine, Mark is now a full-time writer and narrative consultant, and still dabbles in tabletop games design while writing strange, fantastical and macabre tales. 

Visit Mark’s website at mark-latham.com.

Jennie Goloboy at the Donald Maass Literary Agency sold World rights to Orbit US Senior Editor Bradley Englert for The Last Vigilant plus two additional novels in the series. Senior Commissioning Editor James Long acquired for Orbit UK.