Archive for Orbit UK

Production starts on the movie of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS

The book cover for THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M R Carey, to be adapted to film by Sherlock director Colm McCarthy
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Please see the below for a press release sent out this morning, giving more exciting news on the upcoming film version of M. R. Carey’s THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS (UK | US | ANZ).

 

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR SHE WHO BRINGS GIFTS, PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY WILL BEGIN ON 17 MAY

ANAMARIA MARINCA, FISAYO AKINADE, ANTHONY WELSH, DOMINIQUE TIPPER AND NEWCOMER SENNIA NANUA WILL JOIN GEMMA ARTERTON, PADDY CONSIDINE AND GLENN CLOSE

WARNER BROS. TO RELEASE IN THE UK

SHE WHO BRINGS GIFTS is a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller adapted by acclaimed novelist M.R. Carey from his best-selling novel ‘The Girl With All Gifts’. The highly anticipated feature from Colm McCarthy, produced by Camille Gatin and Angus Lamont will start shooting on 17 May in the West Midlands.

Funded by the BFI Film Fund, Creative England and Altitude Film Entertainment the film is being sold internationally by Altitude Film Sales. The film will be distributed in the UK by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

SHE WHO BRINGS GIFTS takes place a generation after the world has ended. Four adults and a unique child will decide the fate of humanity.

Newcomer Sennia Nanua will take the leading role.  Also joining the cast are Anamaria Marinca (Fury, 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days, Europa Report), Fisayo Akinade (Cucumber, Banana and Ordinary Lies), Anthony Welsh (Starred Up, My Brother The Devil) and Dominique Tipper (DMX, Vampire Academy, Montana, The Expanse).

Colm McCarthy says of his twelve year old star: “Sennia walked into the room as the last of 500 girls I’d met and just shone. She has taken being the lead actress in a film with Glenn, Gemma and Paddy in her stride and completely inhabits this amazing character. She’s a very special girl.” 

The newly confirmed cast join Gemma Arterton (The Voices, Tamara Drewe, The Disappearance of Alice Creed), Paddy Considine (acting roles include the upcoming Macbeth, Pride, also the director of BAFTA award-winning Tyrannosaur), and the multi-award winning and six-time Oscar® nominated actress Glenn Close (who recently completed a run on Broadway in A Delicate Balance and will soon be seen in Anesthesia and The Wife.

Ben Roberts, Director of the BFI Film Fund says: “We’re thrilled that ‘Gifts’ is out of the box. Completely original, Mike Carey has adapted his own book brilliantly and found an inspired collaborator in Colm – who we’ve admired for some time. Camille and Angus have pieced it together with real ambition, and a first rate cast and crew.”

Richard Holmes, Senior Film Executive at Creative England, says of the project:

“We are truly excited about She Who Brings Gifts – it is a pure genre film with added heart and brain. It has a fantastic West Midlands presence with a hugely respected international cast and a spectacular use of locations. We’re very proud to support it!”

Creative England has announced support for the film through its West Midlands Production Fund, which supports feature films and high end TV drama from companies based in the West Midlands, or from producers looking to film in the region. In the last three and a half years the organisation has invested over £9 million in film projects and is backing She Who Brings Gifts alongside the BFI Film Fund.

Announcing SNAKEWOOD, a Fantasy Twenty Years in the Making

adrian selby -- cr selfSNAKEWOOD tells the story of the Twenty, a band of mercenaries being hunted down one-by-one by an unknown killer. We’re so excited to have acquired this debut epic fantasy tale from British author Adrian Selby, coming in 2016 – almost twenty years after he first put pen to paper! Which, if you think about it, is one year for every dead mercenary. Or is it? Who’s killing them anyway, and why? You’ll have to wait until early next year to find out . . .

Adrian says: “SNAKEWOOD is set in a world where magic is in the plant-life, concoctions of which, known as ‘fightbrews’, radically transform the capabilities and appearance of warriors at a terrible cost. In conceiving of this all those years ago, I knew the story I wanted to tell was focused on these soldiers and the price they pay for their brews and their sins. I can’t describe how delighted I am to have my debut published by Orbit.  Their passion and their support for SNAKEWOOD make me very excited about sharing the world that’s been in my head for twenty odd years with this other world I live in the rest of the time.”

And no, you won’t have to wait twenty years for the next one!

A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER: The Making of the Map

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes post on how maps get created in the Orbit universe. I thought A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER (US | UK |AUS) was the perfect opportunity to do a write-up on, because the map design even made it to the cover. I’ll be your narrator, and welcome Author Alex Marshall, and illustrator Tim Paul.

LP: People often ask how we decide which books are going to have maps, and most times it is author-driven. Some authors use mapmaking as part of their worldbuilding process, and some authors only have a more general idea of geography as they’re writing. If a map or diagram comes naturally out of a story, then I always like to create something to expand the reader’s experience of the book. And sometimes a “map” is not really a map – for example we’ll be doing a process post soon on BLACK WOLVES (US | UK | AUS) by Kate Elliott – that book has tattoo designs for each important clan in the book in lieu of a geographic map.

In the case of A Crown for Cold Silver, I knew the author had a very specific concept for the map, and when I want the author and map maker to work together directly, my go-to artist is Tim Paul. I’d actually known Tim for a few years for his more stylized illustrations. One day we were sitting at the Society of Illustrators in NYC, at some art event or another, and he was saying he was dragging out all his old Dungeon Master props and maps to start up a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. He was talking about how much he enjoyed geeking out on the mapmaking, and my head snapped over to him and I said, so….you like making maps huh? Have you ever illustrated one for a client? (See, networking is real!)

TP: Hurray for networking, and talking about yourself!

LP: Map illustrators are a special – and rare – breed. You have to really be into the process of drawing the map out of the author, and tolerate a lot of fine-tuning. If you aren’t really excited by that, then you burn out quite quickly on all the revisions. You have to love the collaboration process. Many illustrators feel map work isn’t as creative as other types of illustration, but good mapmakers know there’s a lot of room for artistic license.

TP: It’s true about being a rare breed. I’ve had lots of illustrators tell me they won’t touch maps, and those few that do try, end up deciding not to do them again. As one person described, it’s like doing 50 – 100 little illustrations that are always changing. I actually find drawing thousands of little trees and mountains relaxing, even as I strive to make each mountain unique.

I’ve played D&D since I was 14. The maps in the books and modules were one of my favorite aspects. As a kid, I always made my own maps and worlds. Surprisingly, it took a long time to put my love of making my own maps into another way to making a living with my art. (more…)

THE TWO OF SWORDS launches (and the real K. J. Parker stands up!)

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Today marks the publication of the first three parts of K. J. Parker’s brand new fantasy epic, THE TWO OF SWORDS – a war story on a grand scale, told through the eyes of soldiers, politicians, victims and heroes. A new instalment will be released every month.

To celebrate the launch of this new serial novel – and after keeping his identity a closely-guarded secret for 17 years – K. J. Parker has finally cast off his Cloak of Invisibility and revealed his true identity. Jared Shurin has all the details . . .

More books from Ann Leckie!

ANCILLARY JUSTICE by Ann Leckie
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We’ve announced the acquisition of two new science fiction books from Ann Leckie, the author of the award-winning ANCILLARY JUSTICE and ANCILLARY SWORD (US | UK | ANZ). One of them will take place in the same universe as the Ancillary books, while the other will be a brand-new science fiction novel. Both books will be published in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Check out the coverage at io9 and the B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog.

K.J. Parker’s new fantasy epic to be serialized digitally

We announced today that the new work by World Fantasy Award-winning author K.J. Parker would be serialized digitally, followed by a print and digital release when the story is completed.

The first three installments of The Two of Swords will be published on April 21st, with new installments released monthly through the rest of the year. Each will be published internationally.

The writing of the full The Two of Swords cycle has not yet been completed. While Parker knows how the story will end, there are many routes the characters could take to get there. The Two of Swords’s cast is large even for an epic fantasy story, with the viewpoint perspective changing in each installment.

Parker has won the World Fantasy Award twice in consecutive years (2012, 2013) for the novellas “A Small Price To Pay For Birdsong” and “Let Maps to Others.” Parker’s books often take place in fantasy worlds where the stories center around complex politics, rather than quests, and may not feature magic at all. The Two of Swords, too, will feature a cast of complex personalities, telling the story of an epic war through the eyes of both its heroes and its victims.

Read Publishers Weekly‘s coverage of the story for quotes from K.J. Parker and publisher Tim Holman. Information about The Two of Swords and K.J. Parker is available at TwoOfSwords.net, which also provides links for preorder and purchase, and a place for readers to gather and discuss each installment as it releases. Installments of The Two of Swords will be available wherever e-books are sold.

Parker_TwoofSwordsPart1 Parker_TwoofSwordsPart2 Parker_TwoofSwordsPart3

Cover Launch: WAKE OF VULTURES by Lila Bowen

We’re thrilled to be able to show you the cover for WAKE OF VULTURES: a rich, dark fantasy of destiny, death and the supernatural world beneath the surface, coming from Orbit in October 2015.

Bowen_WakeofVultures-HC[2]

Cover design by Lauren Panepinto.

We are unbelievably excited for this truly one of a kind fantasy, and we know you will be too! Because as Chuck Wendig put it, “Hot damn, this book is good.”

Advance praise for WAKE OF VULTURES:

“I don’t care what else you’ve seen in the bookstore today. Buy this book because it’s the thrilling, delightfully written, and important one you’ve always wanted to read.”
— Kevin Hearne

“Wake of Vultures doesn’t just fly — it soars. Lila Bowen brings in a wild fantasy quite unlike anything I’ve ever read, with a voice that’s weird and wonderful. Bowen is truly a talent to watch. Hot damn, is this book good.”
— Chuck Wendig

“Sharp as a silver Bowie and unsentimental as a stray bullet, Lila Bowen’s Nettie Lonesome earns a place among the legends of the Weird West.”
   — Matthew Stover

“Wake of Vultures is a ferocious, fascinating take on the magical Old West – creatively and unsentimentally grim, yet rich with hope and heart.”
       — Cherie Priest

 

Meet Alex Marshall: author of the spectacular A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER

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A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER (US | UK |AUS) is a particularly special new epic fantasy, and we’re thrilled to be releasing it today in hardcover, e-book and audio formats. NPR Books published a glowing review this morning, saying “It’s a vibrant book, and a generously lush one…A Crown for Cold Silver drags epic fantasy through the mud — but it does so with wit, wonder, and wisdom.”

A Crown for Cold Silver will grab you from its first bloody pages and surprise you many times over as unconventional hero and supreme badass Cold Zosia embarks on her quest to destroy those who have taken everything from her.  To celebrate the release of this spectacular story, we’d like you to meet the author, Alex Marshall!

How did the idea for A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER form – was it a particular scene or character that occurred to you, or was there a particular moment when you knew that this was the book you were going to write?

I work in a very linear fashion, so the first things that came to me became the first scenes in the book: the classic fantasy set-up of a bloodthirsty horde descending on a tranquil hamlet, but with an older woman as the sole survivor of the assault, instead of a young hero.

Is that something that appeals to you, subverting the tropes of the genre?

I’d say my chief concern is always to create interesting characters and present them with interesting problems. I do my best to let the characters determine the plot, whether that means subverting the conventions of the genre or playing along with them. That said, I’m trying to tell new stories here instead of just retelling old ones, so Crom help any innocent tropes that might get in the way.

There are so many formidable and fantastic characters in this book – a barbarian addicted to intoxicating insects, a shaman who eats demons for breakfast, a retired warrior queen who faked her own death – do you have favourites?

My favourite may be Zosia, the former warrior queen with the devilish canine companion, Choplicker – she’s the lynchpin to the whole novel, a very conflicted character, and writing her scenes was always intense and illuminating.

Read the full interview here.

Gemmell Awards Voting Now Open

The first round of voting for the David Gemmell Awards for Fantasy is now open, and Orbit is very pleased to say we have a range of authors across the three categories: the Legend Award, the Morningstar Award and the Ravenheart Award.

Voting is open until 15 May, and the shortlist for each of the three categories will be announced on the 1 June. Winners will be announced at the Nine Worlds Geekfest in August.

 

Gemmell Legend Award – Best Novel

THE WIDOW’S HOUSE by Daniel Abraham (UK | US | AUS)

THE HIGH DRUID’S BLADE by Terry Brooks (UK | AUS)

THIEF’S MAGIC by Trudi Canavan (UK | US | AUS)

A DANCE OF GHOSTS by David Dalglish (UK | US | AUS)

JUSTICE by Ian Irvine (UK | US | AUS)

THE LASCAR’S DAGGER by Glenda Larke (UK | US | AUS)

THE CRIMSON CAMPAIGN by Brian McClellan (UK | US | AUS)

REIGN OF ASH by Gail Z. Martin (UK | US | AUS)

THE FALCON THRONE by Karen Miller (UK | US | AUS)

CROWN OF RENEWAL by Elizabeth Moon  (UK | AUS)

ARCANUM by Simon Morden  (UK | US | AUS)

THE FREE by Brian Ruckley (UK | US | AUS)

TOWER LORD by Anthony Ryan (UK | AUS)

THE BROKEN EYE by Brent Weeks (UK | US | AUS)

Vote today 

 

Morningstar Award: Best Debut Novel

AGE OF IRON by Angus Watson (UK | US | AUS)

Vote today

 

Ravenheart Award: Best Fantasy Book Cover Art

Kirk Benshoff: THE WIDOW’S HOUSE by Daniel Abraham (UK | US | AUS)

Kirk Benshoff, Gene Mollica, and Michael Frost: A DANCE OF GHOSTS by David Dalglish (UK | US | AUS)

Kirk Benshoff and Raphael Lacoste: THE FALCON THRONE by Karen Miller (UK | US | AUS)

Nick Castle and Nik Keevil: TOWER LORD by Anthony Ryan (UK | AUS)

Wendy Chan: JUSTICE by Ian Irvine (UK | US | AUS)

Bastien Lecouffre Deharme: THE HIGH DRUID’S BLADE by Terry Brooks (UK | AUS)

Lee Gibbons and Duncan Spilling: THIEF’S MAGIC by Trudi Canavan (UK | US | AUS)

Lauren Panepinto and Larry Rostant: THE FREE by Brian Ruckley (UK | US | AUS)

Lauren Panepinto, Gene Mollica, and Michael Frost: THE CRIMSON CAMPAIGN by Brian McClellan (UK | US | AUS)

Lauren Panepinto, Silas Manhood, and Shirley Green: THE BROKEN EYE by Brent Weeks (UK | US | AUS)

Larry Rostant and Sean Garrehy: REIGN OF ASH by Gail Z. Martin (UK | US | AUS)

Larry Rostant and Ceara Elliot: AGE OF IRON by Angus Watson (UK | US | AUS)

Duncan Spilling: ARCANUM by Simon Morden  (UK | US | AUS)

Steve Stone: THE LASCAR’S DAGGER by Glenda Larke  (UK | US | AUS)

Paul Young: CROWN OF RENEWAL by Elizabeth Moon  (UK | AUS)

Vote today

Garden of Dreams and Desires — Available Now!

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“With the Crescent City series, Painter proves herself a master of Urban Fantasy, creating a darkly gorgeous new world, richly drawn characters, and nonstop action.”
— Kristen Callihan

“[Kristen Painter’s] rich, modern storytelling lays out an intricate plot layered with plenty of action and intrigue. Exquisite characters lie at the center of this story… From the first page, House of the Rising Sun is truly a superb and exciting read.”
— RT Book Reviews (4.5 Stars), Top Pick!

Readers and reviewers alike have been raving about Kristen Painter’s Crescent City series, and as of this week, the wait is over! GARDEN OF DREAMS AND DESIRES (US | UK | AUS) is available, and now you can collect the entire trilogy from any of your favorite retailers.

New to the series? Read an excerpt from the first book, HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN, here!

Praise for the Crescent City series:

“I tore through Painter’s new series. Best new urban fantasy out there!”
       — Kresley Cole, New York Times bestselling author 

“Urban fantasy fans will enjoy entering Painter’s vividly drawn world.”
       — Library Journal

“Painter creates an intricate, well-crafted plot, along with compelling, distinctive characters and an enthralling twist… this story will definitely have readers turning pages all night!”
       — RT Book Reviews