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Orbit and Gollancz to Publish Season of Storms by Award-Winning Polish Author Andrzej Sapkowski

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NEW YORK, NY and LONDON (May 19, 2017) – Orbit (US) and Gollancz (UK) announced that they have acquired a new novel in the Witcher universe by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.

The Witcher series of fantasy novels, which began with The Last Wish (US | UK), is an international phenomenon, with individual books having appeared on the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists. The most recent, The Lady of the Lake (US | UK), was a USA Today bestseller. Sapkowski recently won the World Fantasy Award – Life Achievement for his career as a fantasy novelist.

The new novel, Season of Storms, has never before been published in English and will be translated by David French. It will be a prequel, in which readers will learn the origin story of protagonist Geralt. It is scheduled for publication in May 2018, in hardcover format in the US and trade paperback format in the UK. It will also be available in both territories as an e-book and audiobook.

Netflix recently announced that a TV adaptation of the Witcher series is in the works, produced by The Expanse executive producers Sean Daniel and Jason Brown as well as Platige Image’s Jarek Sawko and Tomek Bagiński, who is an Acadamy Award-nominated director and will direct at least one episode per season. The Witcher series is also the inspiration for the popular video game series of the same name.

Praise for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher novels:

“Complex, unsentimental and anchored in brutal shared history.”
— SFX

“Like Mieville and Gaiman, Sapkowski takes the old and makes it new.”
— Foundation

Andrzej Sapkowski is one of Poland’s most successful authors, selling more in his own country than Stephen King or Michael Crichton. He has won numerous awards including the DAVID GEMMELL LEGEND AWARD and the GRAND PRIX DE L’IMAGINAIRE. Born in 1948 in Łódź, Sapkowski studied economics and worked as a financier until the success of his fantasy cycle about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, turned him into a bestselling writer. His books have now been translated into almost 20 languages and The Witcher games, inspired by Sapkowski’s books, have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. A signed copy of one of his books was given to President Obama as a diplomatic gift by the Polish Prime Minister.

About Orbit
Launched in 2007, Orbit is the science fiction and fantasy imprint of Hachette Book Group. Orbit has quickly established itself as one of the market-leading SFF imprints in the US, and the fastest growing imprint in the field. Our authors include New York Times and international bestsellers Joe Abercrombie, M.R. Carey, Gail Carriger, James S.A. Corey, N.K. Jemisin, Ann Leckie, Kim Stanley Robinson, Andrzej Sapkowski, and Brent Weeks. In recent years, we have published two Hugo Award winners: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, and Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie, which became the first novel to win every major award in the field.

About Hachette Book Group
Hachette Book Group is a leading trade publisher based in New York and a division of Hachette Livre (a Lagardère company), the third-largest trade and educational publisher in the world. HBG is made up of eight publishing groups: Little, Brown and Company; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Grand Central Publishing; Perseus Books; Orbit; Hachette Books; Hachette Nashville; and Hachette Audio.

About Gollancz
Gollancz is the oldest specialist SF & Fantasy publisher in the UK. Founded in 1927 and with a continuous SF publishing programme dating back to 1961, the imprint of the Orion Publishing Group is home to a galaxy of award-winning and bestselling authors. Through our long-running SF and Fantasy Masterworks programme, and major digital initiative the SF Gateway, Gollancz has one of the largest ranges of SF and Fantasy of any publisher in the world.

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LOW ELF ESTEEM is available now!

“With each new chapter in his outstanding Pax Arcana series, James ups his game in both excellent character development and world expansion. If you love wisecracks in the face of ultimate danger, then John Charming is definitely your man!”―RT Book Reviews on In Shining Armor (Top Pick! 4.5 stars)

Elliott James’s Legend Has It launched last month and if you’re wondering when you’ll get your next John Charming fix, look no further: a new Pax Arcana short story is out now, LOW ELF ESTEEM.

Low Elf Esteem is the epic finale in a series of short stories in the Pax Arcana world, introducing us to John Charming. John is a descendant of a long line Charmings—an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch finders, and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern-day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chain mail and crossbows to Kevlar and shotguns, John Charming was one of the best—until a curse made him one of the abominations the Knights were sworn to hunt.

  

   

“The Pax Arcana books are seriously good reads. Action, humor, and heart with unexpected twists and turns. If you are (like me) waiting for the next Butcher or Hearne — pick up Elliott James. Then you can bite your nails waiting for the next James, too.”―Patricia Briggs, New York Times #1 bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series

“Loved it! Charming is a giant gift basket of mythology and lore delivered by a brilliant new voice in urban fantasy. Elliott James tells stories that are action-packed, often amusing, and always entertaining.”―Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of Hounded

“I loved this book from start to finish. Exciting and innovative, Charming is a great introduction to a world I look forward to spending a lot more time in.”―Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author

“James’s world is rich and complex and well worth diving into.”―Richard Kadrey, New York Times bestselling author

“In a saturated literary realm, James’s tale stands out for the gritty, believable world he builds…This is masculine urban fantasy in the vein of Jim Butcher and Mark del Franco.”―Booklist

“This debut introduces a self-deprecating, wisecracking, and honorable-to-a-fault hero who can stand up to such established protagonists as Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden and Seanan McGuire’s October Daye. Combining action and romance — with an emphasis on action — this is a top-notch new series opener for lovers of urban fantasy.”―Library Journal (Starred review)  

“Grab some snacks and settle back as splendid debut author James serves up a Prince Charming tale yanked sideways…James’s reluctant hero faces threats and danger with a smart-ass attitude that keeps the narrative fast-paced, edgy and amusing. Mark this name down — you will undoubtedly be seeing more from James!”―RT Book Reviews

   

The Witcher Is Coming To Netflix – Read the Books That Started It All.

Read the Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski

Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, which started with The Last Wish (US | UK) and has continued over 8 books, is getting the Netflix treatment. In a press release, Netflix Vice President Erik Barmack says, “Andrzej Sapkowski has created a rich and memorable world, at once magical and familiar. We couldn’t be more excited about bringing the Witcher saga to Netflix members around the world.” Sapkowski, for his part, said, “I’m thrilled that Netflix will be doing an adaptation of my stories, staying true to the source material and the themes that I have spent over thirty years writing.”

Sean Daniel and Jason Brown, most recently of The Expanse, will act as executive producers, and Tomek Bagiński and Jarek Sawko from Platige Image, the Polish production and visual effects company that produced many of the cinematics from The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt, will also produce. Additionally, Bagiński will direct at least one episode per season.

 Speaking about the books on which the show will be based, Baginski and Sawko said, “There is a moral and intellectual depth in these books which goes beyond genre. It is a story about today and today’s challenges, hidden under a fantasy cover. It is a story about us, about the monster and the hero inside all of our hearts.”

Where should you start reading the Witcher books? We’ve created a handy guide that will get you up to speed on the lore before the show launches!

Read the official press release: Platige Image – THE WITCHER Saga on Netflix

Cover Launch: THE LAND YOU NEVER LEAVE by Angus Watson

We’re really excited about Angus Watson’s action-packed new series, which is set to explode onto the fantasy scene in June with YOU DIE WHEN YOU DIE. In fact, we’re so excited that we’ve gone and designed the cover for the second book before the first is even out! So here it is: the fantastic cover for THE LAND YOU NEVER LEAVE, courtesy of artist Larry Rostant and our in-house designer Ceara Elliott!

Angus’s new series follows the story of Finn, a young warrior whose settlement is razed by invaders. Cast adrift on a strange new continent, Finn must undertake a perilous journey, battling monsters and hostile clans while assassins snap at his heels. The good news is that he’s not alone on this adventure. The bad news is that some of his companions pose just as much danger to him as the unknown landscape . . .

Angus Watson is the author of the Iron Age trilogy (AGE OF IRON [UK/US/ANZ], CLASH OF IRON [UK/US/ANZ] and REIGN OF IRON [UK/US/ANZ]) and can be found online on Twitter and on his website.

Praise for Angus Watson:

‘Unflinchingly bloodthirsty and outrageously entertaining’ – Christopher Brookmyre

‘It simply grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go’ – Bibliosanctum 

‘Would I read the next one? Yes, absolutely. Bring me my hammer, bring my beer, bring it on!’ – SF CROWSNEST

‘Watson’s tale is gore-soaked and profanity-laden – full of visceral combat and earthy humour, and laced with subtle magic’ – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

 

New series alert! THE ETERNITY WAR by Jamie Sawyer

Conspiracy, terrorism and traitors.

Humanity is facing its greatest threat.

This is THE ETERNITY WAR.

Pariah, book one of THE ETERNITY WAR by science fiction author Jamie Sawyer

Presenting a new series from the rising SF talent, Jamie Sawyer: this is THE ETERNITY WAR.

Jamie is coming to be known for his visceral action scenes and the relentless pace of his storytelling – and this series has more excitement that you can shake a very dangerous plasma weapon at.

Think brutal deep-space battles. Deadly alien biomechs. A conspiracy threatening humanity. And a team of elite super-soldiers who are no strangers to death. But Lieutenant Jenkins and her team still have a lot to learn . . .

Jamie’s previous series THE LAZARUS WAR has earned high praise from the likes of Michael Cobley, Neal Asher, Jack Campbell and many others – and fans of the series will be pleased to hear that this new trilogy is set in the same world.

THE ETERNITY WAR is also a great jumping-off point for brand new readers, so if you enjoy the space opera of James S. A. Corey and Peter F. Hamilton – or military science fiction of any kind – this is a series you should check out.

Check out the blurb below for book one, PARIAH (UK | US | ANZ), coming in September and available for pre-order now.

 

The soldiers of the Simulant Operations Programme are mankind’s elite warriors. Veterans of a thousand battles across a hundred worlds, they undertake suicidal missions to protect humanity from the insidious Krell Empire and the mysterious machine race known as the Shard.

Lieutenant Keira Jenkins is an experienced simulant operative and leader of the Jackals, a team of raw recruits keen to taste battle. They soon get their chance when the Black Spiral terrorist network seizes control of a space station.

Yet no amount of training could have prepared the Jackals for the deadly conspiracy they soon find themselves drawn into – a conspiracy that is set to spark a furious new war across the galaxy.

Visit Jamie Sawyer’s website: jamiesawyer.com . Follow Jamie Sawyer on Twitter: @JSawyerAuthor

Cover Launch: FORBIDDEN SUNS by D. Nolan Clark

Behold, the fantastic cover for FORBIDDEN SUNS by D. Nolan Clark, the explosive conclusion to the Silence trilogy, an epic space adventure tale of fighting against impossible odds – and the terror of realizing that we’re no longer alone in the unforgiving vastness of space.

 

In the cold of space, the fire of revenge still burns.

Aleister Lanoe has been on a mission since before he can remember. Honing his skills as a fighter pilot and commander through three centuries of constant warfare, he has never met a foe he cannot best.

But now he faces a mission which may be his last: take vengeance on the alien race who has coldly and systematically erased all the sentient life in its path.

In all his years at war, the stakes have never been higher…

Praise for the Silence trilogy:

“No less intriguing and action-packed than its predecessor. Here, sci-fi tropes such as AI and space aliens are turned into something entirely thoughtful and original.”— RT Book Reviews on Forgotten Worlds

“Unforgettable characters and is jam-packed with action [and] adventure… one readers will not want to miss.” —Booklist on Forsaken Skies

“About as exciting an action story set in space as any this reviewer has seen in print in quite some time. It is worth the read… a terrific and thrilling novel.” —SciFi Magazine on Forsaken Skies

“Gripping writing, a brilliantly realized future culture and sympathetic characters… an entertaining and compelling read.” —SFX Magazine on Forsaken Skies

Design by Lauren Panepinto
Illustration by Victor Mosquera

 

Cover launch: SUCCESSOR’S PROMISE by Trudi Canavan

If you’re already a fan of Trudi Canavan, then you’ll know what kind of a thrill ride you can expect from her latest series, Millennium’s Rule. Judging from the awesome reader reviews, fantasy fans around the world have been enthralled by the first two books in the series THIEF’S MAGIC and ANGEL OF STORMS.

And now the time is here to unveil the cover for the third book, SUCCESSOR’S PROMISE.

Successor's promise by Trudi Canavan, book 3 of Millennium's Rule

This dramatic third novel is set in a time of chaos. Worlds are at war, torn apart by deadly machines and power-hungry sorcerers. And the loyalties of Rielle and Tyen will be tested to their limits. Trust us fantasy fans – you do not want to miss this one. Look out for this thrilling new novel in September 2017.

Pre-order SUCCESSOR’S PROMISE now

Cover Launch: THE RULE OF LUCK and THE CHAOS OF LUCK

Year 2950. Humanity has survived devastating climate shifts and four world wars, coming out stronger and smarter than ever. Incredible technology is available to all, and enhancements to appearance, intelligence, and physical ability are commonplace. 

In this future, Felicia Sevigny has built her fame reading the fortunes of others.

Alexei Petriv, the most dangerous man in the TriSystem, will trust only Felicia to read his cards. But the cards foretell something darker than either of them could ever have imagined. A destiny that pits them against an all-knowing government, almost superhuman criminals, and something from Felicia’s past that she could never have predicted, but that could be the key to saving — or destroying — them all.

A thrilling new SF adventure launches in paperback this fall with Catherine Cerveny’s THE RULE OF LUCK (Nov 2017) and THE CHAOS OF LUCK (Dec 2017). Can’t wait? The ebooks are available now!

 

“A compelling and intriguing read built on a fascinating premise. Cerveny’s future world is richly drawn, and Felicia’s and Alexei’s adventure is definitely an edge-of-your-seat ride.”– Linnea Sinclair, award-winning author of the Dock Five Universe series

“A novel with depth… Cerveny has deftly blended science fiction and romance…a terrific story.” — The Qwillery

“A fresh heroine pairs with a dangerous hero to confront nuanced and compelling ethical dilemmas…fast-paced, tightly plotted.” — RT Book Reviews

The Rule of Luck, cover design: Lisa Marie Pompilio, artwork: Trevillion, Shutterstock
The Chaos of Luck, cover design: Lisa Marie Pompilio, artwork: Arcangel, Shutterstock

Cover Launch: THE LEGION OF FLAME by Anthony Ryan

As you may have guessed from our recent ‘Guide to Making an Awesome Dragon Cover’, we love a good dragon here at Orbit. So we’re especially delighted to present the dragon-tastic cover for Anthony Ryan’s THE LEGION OF FLAME [UK/ANZ], designed by our in-house designer Nico Taylor with art by Christian Bravery.

 

THE LEGION OF FLAME, book two of Draconis Memoria, is the thrilling follow-up to THE WAKING FIRE [UK/ANZ] and continues this epic tale of exploration and adventure, spies and assassins, explosive magic and the furious battle to forge an empire. We publish in hardback, trade format, ebook and audio in July.

Praise for Draconis Memoria:

‘Fabulous . . . Sure to be another fantasy classic’ Huffington Post UK

‘The world Ryan has created for his new dragon adventure is a joy to visualise’ SciFiNow

‘A fascinating world packed with dragons, pirates, political machinations and an interesting magic system to boot’ Fantasy Faction

‘A marvellous piece of imagination with plenty of twists, a refreshingly different setting, and excellent world-building’ Mark Lawrence

‘Memorable characters and great action’ Django Wexler

‘Excellent epic fantasy’ BookBag

Find Anthony Ryan online at his website or on Twitter.