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Cover launch: FELLSIDE by M. R. Carey, author of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS

Orbit is very pleased to reveal the cover for the haunting and heartbreaking new thriller from M. R. Carey, author of the word-of-mouth bestseller THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS (UK | US | ANZ). FELLSIDE will be released worldwide in hardback, ebook and audiobook in April 2016.

FELLSIDE by M R Carey author of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS

Fellside is a maximum security prison on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors. It’s not the kind of place you’d want to end up. But it’s where Jess Moulson could be spending the rest of her life.

It’s a place where even the walls whisper.

And one voice belongs to a little boy with a message for Jess.

Will she listen?

Praise for THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS:

‘Original, thrilling and powerful’ – Guardian

‘Haunting, heartbreaking’ – Vogue

‘A great read that takes hold of you and doesn´t let go’ – John Ajvide Lindqvist, author of Let the Right One In

‘Scary, tense and fast-paced . . . but with a heart-warming tenderness’ – Marie Claire

‘So surprising, so warm and yet so chilling . . . As fresh as it is terrifying’ – Joss Whedon

Presenting STAKED, the new Iron Druid novel from Kevin Hearne!

On 26th January, Atticus is back!

Presenting the UK cover for STAKED (UK | ANZ), the next awesome instalment of The Iron Druid Chronicles by the legendary (not to mention New York Times bestselling…) Kevin Hearne.

Kevin is one of the freshest and downright funniest voices in fantasy. And his next instalment featuring the druid-with-skillz Atticus is going to make fans of the series squeeee with excitement…I kid you not!

This novel sees Atticus running into some major bloodsucking trouble. He needs a little help – but his allies Owen Kennedy and Granuaile have serious supernatural issues of their own. Check out the blurb for the book below…

And if you’re a fan of fast-paced, action-packed and witty-as-hell fantasy but haven’t checked out this bestselling series yet, what have you been doing with your life? It’s OK, you can pick up the series anywhere – but if you want to find out where it all began, try HOUNDED.

STAKED (UK | ANZ),  is available for pre-order now!

 

Iron Druid Atticus O’Sullivan, hero of Kevin Hearne’s epic New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series, has a point to make – and then drive into a vampire’s heart.

When a druid has lived for two thousand years like Atticus, he’s bound to run afoul of a few vampires. Make that legions of them. Even his former friend and legal counsel turned out to be a bloodsucking backstabber. Now the toothy troublemakers – led by power-mad Theophilus – have become a huge problem requiring a solution. It’s time to make a stand.

As always, Atticus wouldn’t mind a little backup. But his allies have problems of their own. Ill-tempered archdruid Owen Kennedy is having a wee bit of troll trouble: turns out when you stiff a troll, it’s not water under the bridge. Meanwhile, Granuaile is desperate to free herself of the Norse god Loki’s mark and elude his powers of divination – a quest that will bring her face to face with several Slavic nightmares.

As Atticus globetrots to stop his nemesis Theophilus, the journey leads to Rome. What better place to end an immortal than the Eternal City? But poetic justice won’t come without a price: In order to defeat Theophilus, Atticus may have to lose an old friend.

Orbit acquires three more novels from the author of THE FIRST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST

Photo of Claire North, author of THE FIRST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST and the Gameshouse novellasPlease see below for a press release which has just been sent out:

Orbit has acquired three new novels from Claire North, the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed novels THE FIFST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST and TOUCH. Senior Editor Anna Jackson acquired World rights from Meg Davis at the Ki Agency.

Claire North is a pseudonym for British author Catherine Webb. THE FIFST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST was her first novel published under the Claire North name, and was one of the fastest-selling new SFF titles of the last ten years. It is the tale of a man who lives his life over and over again with the knowledge of the previous lives he has lived, and was one of the few titles ever to be selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club, the Radio 2 Book Club and the Waterstones Book Club promotions. Her next novel TOUCH was published in 2015 to widespread critical acclaim and was described by the Independent as “little short of a masterpiece”.

Acquiring editor Anna Jackson said: “The reaction to THE FIFST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST was astounding, and it was truly a break-out point in Catherine’s career. We’re incredibly excited about her future too, starting with the release of three digital novellas this week entitled THE SERPENT  (UK|US|ANZ), THE THIEF (UK|US|ANZ) and THE MASTER (UK|US|ANZ), which can be read separately but also fit together to make a complete, intricately woven tale. The next Claire North novel to be released in print will be THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF HOPE in May 2016. And I’m delighted to have now acquired three further novels from Catherine, who is truly one of the most exciting and imaginative writers in modern fiction.”

Covers for the Gameshouse novellas The Serpent, The Thief and The Master by Claire North, author of thw First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

‘The Wheel of Time Companion is a Robert Jordan Fan’s Best Friend’

That quote was courtesy of Barnes and Noble’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog, taken from their glowing review of THE WHEEL OF TIME COMPANION. Naturally, we couldn’t agree more.

This book is the definitive guide to the Wheel of Time. Despite the length and breadth of the series (15 novels, over four million words – remember that for future pub quizzes) many more of Robert Jordan’s extraordinary imaginings didn’t make it on to the page. The rest were locked away in his personal files, where – in the manner of a dark lord –  they remained hidden for many years, waiting to be unleashed on the world.

Now, the full extent of Jordan’s stunning imagination has been revealed in THE WHEEL OF TIME COMPANION: over 800 pages featuring a wealth of new information about the characters and cultures of this global fantasy phenomenon.

So if you want to learn Asmodean’s strength level, the exact size of the city of Caemlyn, or over a thousand words of the Old Tongue, you’ll find all that and a lot more in this invaluable guide. For Wheel of Time fans, this really is unmissable reading.

THE WHEEL OF TIME COMPANION is released today, in hardback, trade format and ebook.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time!

 

Cover Launch: IN SHINING ARMOR by Elliott James

We’re very excited to share the cover for Elliott James’s latest novel in the Pax Arcana series, IN SHINING ARMOR, which will be out in April 2016.

James_In-Shining-Armor_TP

This fairy godmother’s got claws. 

When someone kidnaps the last surviving descendant of the Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, it’s bad news. When the baby is the key to the tenuous alliance between a large werewolf pack and the knights, it’s even worse news. They’re at each other’s throats before they’ve even begun to look for baby Constance. 

But whoever kidnapped Constance didn’t count on one thing: she’s also the goddaughter of John Charming. Modern-day descendant of a long line of famous dragon slayers, witch finders, and wrong righters. John may not have any experience being a parent, but someone is about to find out that he can be one mean mother…

IN SHINING ARMOR is the fourth book in the Pax Arcana series, which gives a new twist to the Prince Charming tale. The first three novels are Charming, Daring, and Fearless. If you haven’t had the chance to meet John Charming yet, you’ll fall in love with him from page one of this free sample of Charming. 

Charming_2strip_TYPESee what some of your other favorite authors are saying about Charming:

“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 Elliot 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 of the October Daye series

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

Orbit to Publish Thriller about the Untimely Demise of a Social Media Star

Please see below for a press release which has just been sent out:

Orbit UK has acquired at auction two titles by Jason Arnopp, an author, script-writer and journalist who has previously written fiction for Doctor Who and Friday the 13th, comedy for Radio 4, and who has worked as a journalist for publications such as Heat, Q, The Word, Kerrang! and SFX. The main edition of the first book, entitled THE LAST DAYS OF JACK SPARKS (UK|ANZ) , will be released in July 2016.

THE LAST DAYS OF JACK SPARKS claims to be an account of the untimely demise of Jack Sparks – a controversial journalist and social media star who died during the course of researching his new book on the occult.

The majority of the book is said to be written by Jack Sparks himself – compiled from files found after his death – but it also includes interview transcripts, emails and additional material from those who came into contact with the journalist at the time of his passing.

Anna Jackson, Senior Editor at Orbit UK, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Oli Munson at A M Heath in an auction involving three other publishers.  Jackson says ‘I’m so excited to be working with Jason Arnopp on THE LAST DAYS OF JACK SPARKS – a chilling, addictive and razor-sharp tale about the downfall of a highly provocative figure in the world of social media. Whatever your thoughts about Jack Sparks himself, the world will be gripped to read about the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. Whilst many questions will be answered, ultimately the reader will be invited to decide for themselves exactly what happened to Jack.’

Jason Arnopp comments: ‘I’m very pleased that the story of Jack’s final days will be revealed to the world, and I’m overwhelmed to see the reaction the book has had so far. It explores many questions about Jack’s life – why was he so convinced the exorcism he observed was fake? Who really created that terrifying video that appeared on his YouTube channel? This book will provide some answers. But I warn you now: this is a deeply unsettling read…’

For the release of THE LAST DAYS OF JACK SPARKS, a campaign is starting this Halloween, intended to raise questions over the truth behind the life and death of the notorious Jack Sparks.  Find out more at www.JackSparks.co.uk

Cover launch: ZERO-G by Rob Boffard

We’re very proud to present the cover for ZERO-G (UK | US | ANZ) by Rob Boffard. It’s a totally edge-of-your-seat thriller set in space, and it really shows that Rob is a force to be reckoned with in the world of science fiction.

This is the second book in the Outer Earth series, which started with TRACER (UK | US | ANZ). To say that this series is addictive and explosive is an understatement.

The action takes place on a giant space station orbiting Earth, which contains the last surviving members of humanity. Meanwhile, 300 miles below, our planet lies in ruins.

Our main character is Riley Hale – a tracer, or courier. If you need something taken from one part of Outer Earth to another, she’ll get it there – and fast.

In book one, Riley gets caught in a conspiracy which threatens the future of the space station and humanity itself. And now in ZERO-G, she really has nowhere left to run. Not only is she being blackmailed and being forced to break just about every law that exists on Outer Earth, but a lethal virus has also broken out, and is tearing its way through the station. It really seems like this could be the end for human kind – unless Riley can move fast enough.

We’re going to have a rather out-of-this-world campaign happening for ZERO-G nearer to January 2016, when the book releases.

In the meantime, you can catch up on all the action with the first book TRACER. Check out the impressive list of reviews below!

Tracer by Rob Boffard‘TRACER sets a new standard for all-action SF’ – Ken MacLeod

‘TRACER is the literary equivalent of a base jump: fast, exhilarating and unforgettable, and once you start it you can’t stop. I loved it’ Sarah Lotz, author of THE THREE

‘A stunning debut by Rob Boffard that never lets up, from the nerve-jangling beginning to the explosive end‘ – James Douglas, author of THE DOOMSDAY TESTAMENT

‘Relentlessly fast pace…Vivid action scenes’ – SFX;

‘Compelling, compulsive…Thoroughly entertaining – this one’s worth picking up if you’re in the mood for some sci-fi action’ – SCIFI AND FANTASY REVIEWS

‘If you’re after a fast-paced, action-packed, cinematic space adventure, then Tracer is absolutely for you . . . A promising debut, I think Rob Boffard is an author to watch’ – CIVILIAN READER

‘A hugely enjoyable and exciting space dystopia . . . I loved this. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next book in the series’ – NUDGE BOOK

(See below for the ZERO-G cover in its full glory…) (more…)

Orbit Fantasy Writing Workshop – the results…

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Orbit Fantasy Workshop with Karen MillerThis summer, we ran our first ever Orbit Fantasy Writing Workshop. It was led by the million-copy bestselling author Karen Miller, and we’re pleased to say it was a great success. We had an enthusiastic response from writers taking up the challenge to write 2,000 words of a fantasy novel in one week, and a large number of these participants also submitted their sample to our writing competition at the end of the week.

We were superbly impressed with the quality of submissions we received. All of them showed promise, and we can honestly say that we enjoyed every sample we read. The judging process proved very tricky, but the Orbit Editorial Team and Karen Miller have now picked their winner.

Congratulations to S. M. White from Louisville, Kentucky, who has won the competition with his submission “The Broken Door”.

We were all thoroughly captivated by this sample. It tells the tale of Kirren – a soldier who has been set to watch over the gates of his city and guard against the demons that wait outside. When a battle-worn stranger appears at the walls, demanding to be let in, Kirren refuses – as he has been ordered to open the gates to no one. But when the stranger outside is attacked by a demon, Kirren must decide whether to obey his orders, or give into his compassion by aiding his fellow man…

This sample fulfilled the writing challenge that Karen had set of writing about a moral dilemma – and it did it in style.

The Falcon Throne, a new epic fantasy novel from Karen MillerThe prize S. M. White will receive is a number of editorial consultations with an Orbit editor and Karen Miller herself on this sample and further sections of his complete novel.

We have also informed a small number of competition entrants about being on the final shortlist, and they will all be receiving free copies of Karen Miller’s novel THE FALCON THRONE (US |UK | AUS).

For all those who took part but didn’t win – please don’t be disheartened. The quality of everything we received was high, and we hope that you’re going to keep plugging away, because writing is all about sticking at it!

We’re hoping to run another Orbit Fantasy Writing Workshop in future, so please do look out for that. In the meantime, for more writing inspiration, follow Karen Miller on her site at www.karenmiller.net

Cover Launch: ROADSIDE MAGIC by Lilith Saintcrow

Yesterday, Barnes & Noble’s Sci-Fi & Fantasy blog released the cover of ROADSIDE MAGIC by Lilith Saintcrow, which will be out in January 2016. This is this second novel in the Robin and Gallow series by Lilith Saintcrow in which the faery world inhabits diners, dive bars and trailer parks. If you were fan of the first novel, Trailer Park Fae, we know you’ll be blown away by this one! ROADSIDE MAGIC (US | UK | AUS) was designed by Lauren Panepinto with art by Dos Santos.

 Saintcrow_RoadsideMagic-TP

Robin Ragged has revenge to wreak and redemption to steal. As for Jeremiah Gallow, the poison in his wound is slowly killing him, while old friends turn traitor and long-lost enemies return to haunt him.

In the dive bars and trailer parks, the sidhe are hunting. War looms, and on a rooftop in the heart of the city, the most dangerous sidhe of all is given new life. This new hunter has only one thought: Where is the Ragged?

Saintcrow_TrailerParkFae-TP

Praise for TRAILER PARK FAE (US | UK | AUS):  

“Beautiful and bloodcurdling. Honestly, I wish I’d written it.”  — Chuck Wendig

“Creepy and heroic by turns. I could not put it down.” — Patricia Briggs

“Painfully honest, beautifully strange…. Don’t miss this.” — Seanan McGuire