Archive for News

Acquisition Announcement: THE CITY OF DUSK by Tara Sim

It’s a great day for fantasy fans! Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of Tara Sim’s sweeping adult epic fantasy trilogy, the Dark Gods, beginning with THE CITY OF DUSK.

Set in a gorgeous world of bone and shadow magic, of vengeful gods and defiant chosen ones, THE CITY OF DUSK follows the four heirs of four noble houses—each gifted with a divine power—as they form a tenuous alliance to keep their kingdom from descending into a realm-shattering war. If you like your fantasy packed with demons and danger, family rivalries and forbidden romance, this is the series for you.

Orbit US senior editor Priyanka Krishnan acquired world rights from Victoria Marini at the Irene Goodman Agency. You can read more about the book below, and while you wait for it to hit the shelves in spring 2022, follow Tara Sim on twitter @EachStarAWorld, and check out her YA novels (the Scavenge the Stars duology and the Timekeeper trilogy) at www.tarasim.com!

The Four Realms—Life, Death, Light, and Darkness—all converge on the city of dusk. For each realm there is a god, and for each god there is an heir.

But the gods have withdrawn their favor from the once vibrant and thriving city. And without it, all the realms are dying.

Unwilling to stand by and watch the destruction, the four heirs—Risha, a necromancer struggling to keep the peace; Angelica, an elementalist with her eyes set on the throne; Taesia, a shadow-wielding rogue with rebellion in her heart; and Nik, a soldier who struggles to see the light— will sacrifice everything to save the city.

But their defiance will cost them dearly.

Acquisition Announcement: KAIKEYI by Vaishnavi Patel

Redhook is thrilled to announce the acquisition of KAIKEYI, Vaishnavi Patel’s sweeping, powerful, and provocative debut, which reimagines the life of Kaikeyi, the long-vilified queen of the Indian epic the Ramayana.

“I was born on the full moon under an auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions—much good it did me.”

So begins Kaikeyi’s story, that of a young woman determined to create her own destiny in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come. But as she transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat, and most-favored queen, Kaikeyi’s will clashes with the path that has been chosen for her family—and she must decide if her resistance is worth the destruction it will wreak.

In the tradition of novels such as Madeline Miller’s Circe, KAIKEYI interrogates the role of female characters in the Indian myths, questioning where and why we draw the line between heroes and villains. When speaking about her inspiration for writing this particular story, author Vaishnavi Patel says, “Among characters in the Ramayana, Kaikeyi draws the short straw. Despite the fact that her exile of Rama is what allows the rest of the epic to happen, she is cast as a petty woman acting out of jealousy. But that never sat right with me. Why would a powerful queen and warrior tear her family and kingdom apart over envy? After years of wishing for someone to explain Kaikeyi’s actions to me, I decided to write her perspective myself. I hope that in this world, her decisions might be understood, and even righteous.”

KAIKEYI is a bold and imaginative debut from a supremely talented new voice, and we are so excited to be publishing it in the spring of 2022! In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Vaishnavi to the Orbit/Redhook family. You can find her on Twitter at @VaishnaWrites and at www.vaishnavipatel.com.

Orbit US senior editor Priyanka Krishnan acquired world English rights from Lucienne Diver at The Knight Agency.

Cover Launch: THE SHADOW OF THE GODS by John Gwynne

Last week saw the reveal of the dragon-tastic cover for THE SHADOW OF THE GODS, John Gwynne’s new Norse-inspired epic fantasy. If you missed it, then behold the cover below in all its awesomeness!

Illustration by Marcus Whinney, design by Bekki Guyatt

But that’s not all. Check out the full illustration for the complete ‘Wow, that’s a big dragon’ experience!

 

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, THE SHADOW OF THE GODS begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Yet their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrið, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors. And all three will shape the fate of the world as it once more falls under the shadow of the gods . . .

THE SHADOW OF THE GODS – book one of the Bloodsworn Saga – publishes in May 2021. Pre-order: UK / US/ ANZ

Praise for John Gwynne:

‘John Gwynne is one of the modern masters of heroic fantasy’ Adrian Tchaikovsky

‘Reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place’ Robin Hobb

‘John Gwynne writes fantasy with the heart of a hero and the inventiveness of a master mage’ Sebastien de Castell

‘Extraordinarily good . . . Gwynne is setting a new benchmark in fantasy’ Giles Kristian

John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He’s played double bass in a rock ‘n’ roll band and travelled the USA and Canada. He is married with four children and lives in Eastbourne, where he is part of a Viking re-enactment group. When not writing, he can often be found standing in a shield wall with his three sons about him. His dogs think he is their slave.

Find John online at his website, on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY

Witches of the world rejoice! We’re delighted to announce Orbit’s sister imprint, Redhook, has acquired a gorgeous new novel from author Louisa Morgan. Set during a time of witch burnings and revolution, THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY follows young Ursule Orchière as she discovers a magic within her that will change the course of her life and reshape her family for generations to come.

Here are a few words from the author about what inspired her to write The Great Witch of Brittany:

For a writer, creating a character is like meeting a complete stranger who you get to know really well. When several readers of A Secret History of Witches asked to know more about the “great witch Ursule,” ancestress to the Orchière witches, I was intrigued by the idea and began to wonder what her story might be. 

In my own life, I’m inspired by the women I have watched endure and rise above the most difficult circumstances, women who may not be physically prepossessing, but are so strong spiritually and morally that they are unbreakable. Ursule turned out to be all those things. It was fascinating to me to ‘discover’ her roots and to witness the triumphs and tragedies which shaped her, and the challenges she met with the strength of her character, enhanced by the magic of the Orchière line. 

At the end of this process, I hated saying goodbye to Ursule. She was everything I had hoped she would be–not only as a great witch, but as a woman. I hope the readers who asked about her will be as pleased as I was to learn her story.

While you wait for this wonderful book to hit shelves, you can read Louisa’s previous standalone novels: A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHES (US | UK), THE WITCH’S KIND (US | UK), and THE AGE OF WITCHES (US | UK). You can find her on Twitter at @WriterLouisa and https://www.louisemarley.com.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World All Languages rights from Peter Rubie at FinePrint Literary Management. Orbit UK will publish in the UK.

 

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: David Dalglish’s the VAGRANT GODS trilogy

Fantasy readers rejoice! Orbit has just bought a new trilogy from one of its most prolific authors: David Dalglish. The deal marks Dalglish’s fifteenth book with Orbit. That’s fifteen books filled with action packed battles, palace intrigue, monsters, mayhem, and magic galore!

We are thrilled that this new series will introduce readers to a world unlike any they’ve ever seen before. Filled with otherworldly assassins, dying gods, and false emperors the VAGRANT GODS trilogy is sure to be a favorite with fans of Brent Weeks, RJ Barker, and Scott Lynch.

The Reborn Empire murdered Prince Cyrus’s family. They conquered his nation, killed his goddess, and swept through his kingdom, imprisoning and executing any dissidents. They even tried to kill him. 

 But after faking his death, young Cyrus is smuggled into the care of the crumbling resistance, and offered a chance at revenge. The people need to believe they can win against the overwhelming forces of the empire. Cyrus can be that hope. He can become an assassin and a symbol. Hiding his face behind a skull mask with a silver crown, he can become the vagrant prince unwilling to surrender even beyond death.

 Cyrus won’t fight alone though. Legends will fight at his side. Stasia, a dual-ax wielding berserker. Mari, a god-whisperer who can shapeshift into the form of slain deities. Rayan, loyal paladin and defender of the throne who blames himself for the death of Cyrus’s parents. Arn, a heretical knight betraying the empire to redeem his many sins committed in its name.

 Ax, Lioness, Paladin, Heretic, and Vagrant: these five will be the spark of a new resistance. A new war. One that will go beyond a small, conquered nation, break the hold of an empire, and threaten the eternal life of the God-Emperor himself.

Acquisition Announcement: THE SUN AND THE VOID by Gabriela Romero Lacruz

We are delighted to have acquired a sweeping debut fantasy from Venezuelan-American writer Gabriela Romero Lacruz. Full of twisted family politics, dark magic, and fantastical beings, THE SUN AND THE VOID transports readers into a lush world inspired by the history and mythology of 1800s South America.

When Reina arrives at Aguila Manor, her heart stolen from her chest, she’s on the verge of death—until her estranged grandmother, a dark sorceress in the Don’s employ, intervenes.  Indebted to a woman she never knew—and smitten with the upper-caste daughter of the house, Celeste—Reina will do to earn – and keep – the family’s favor. Even the bidding of the ancient god who speaks to her from the Manor’s foundations.

With a brilliantly realized magic system, completely fresh world-building, and piercing insights on identity and colonialism, this incredible story is sure to captivate. We can’t wait to share THE SUN AND THE VOID with you—in the meantime, be sure to follow Gabriela on Twitter.

Orbit US Editor Angeline Rodriguez bought North American rights from Naomi Davis at BookEnds Literary in a two-book deal.

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE BODY SCOUT by Lincoln Michel

If you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind to add to your TBR, scroll no further. Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence MFA instructor Lincoln Michel’s sci-fi thriller THE BODY SCOUT, a diamond-sharp and savagely wry portrait of an all-too-possible future where the human body is just another product.

Set in a future New York ravaged by climate change and repeat pandemics, The Body Scout follows hard-boiled cyborg scout Kobo. Kobo has some problems. His cybernetics are a decade out of date, he’s got a pair of twin sister loan sharks knocking on his door, and his work scouting for a baseball league run by pharmaceutical companies is about to go belly-up. Things couldn’t get much worse. Then his childhood best friend–Monsanto Mets slugger J.J. Zunz–is murdered at home plate. Determined to find the killer, Kobo plunges into the dark corners and glittering cloud condos of a world where genetic editing and advanced drugs mean you can have any body you want-as long as you can afford it. But even among the philosophical Neanderthals, zootech weapons, and genetically modified CEOs who decorate their offices with living bio-sculptures, there’s a curveball he never could have called, and a sordid secret he’ll have to risk everything to uncover.

This is a truly can’t-miss literary thriller that explores the gloriously weird intersection of biopunk, baseball, and the human condition—follow the author on Twitter so you don’t miss any updates!

Acquisition Announcement: Orbit has acquired a new trilogy from R. S. Ford!

Are you looking for the next big epic fantasy series? Orbit is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a brand-new trilogy from author R. S. Ford. With a unique magic system inspired by inventors and artificers, and a compelling cast of characters, this new series follows one family as they struggle to stop a dark revolution from tearing their country – and their family – apart.

The nation of Torwyn is ruled by the Guilds – a powerful group of families who control the country’s varying magical and mechanical industries. Over centuries the influence of the Guilds has grown, and now the people of Torwyn revere these idols of industry more than their history. But the once powerful Draconate Ministry has a new leader, and he is determined to restore the power of his faith. When a foreign emissary travels to Torwyn to broker peace, Lady Rosomon, matriarch of the Hawkspur Guild, is summoned to the capital with her children. Before she knows it, her heirs – an artificer, a mage-turned-diplomat, and a military captain – are sent to the far reaches of the nation, each with their own personal quest to defend Torwyn from those who would see it burn. 

This trilogy is truly epic in scale, engineering a brilliant tale of impending revolution, prophesied draconic gods, magical artifice creations, loyalty, family, and more—a real doorstopper. You don’t want to miss out on this one, publishing in early 2022. Follow the author on Twitter to learn more about the lore.

Orbit US editor Bradley Englert acquired the trilogy for World rights from John Jarrold.

 

Acquisition News: Orbit to publish a new science fiction trilogy from Adrian Tchaikovsky!

We are thrilled to announce that we have acquired three new science fiction novels by Adrian Tchaikovsky, the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of CHILDREN OF TIME and CHILDREN OF RUIN, for publication in the US. The books were acquired from Pan Macmillan, who will publish the novels on the Tor imprint in the UK, by Orbit senior editor Brit Hvide.

The new far-future science fiction trilogy begins with SHARDS OF EARTH, which will be published worldwide in spring 2021. The novel is set fifty years after a war that nearly extinguished humanity, when the enemies of the human race reappear after a long silence.

Adrian Tchaikovsky says: “I am absolutely delighted to launch this new space opera. I had a blast writing the first volume and I’m looking forward to everywhere the series is going to go.”

Tchaikovsky’s next work is THE DOORS OF EDEN, which will be published by Orbit in the US on September 22, 2020.

Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky: 

“Children of Time is a joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human.” —Patrick Ness

“Brilliant science fiction and far out world building” —James McAvoy

“A refreshingly new take on post-dystopia civilizations, with the smartest evolutionary worldbuilding you’ll ever read” — Peter F Hamilton

“A magnificently imaginative space opera.” — B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

“Like a Stephen Baxter novel with an epic sweep of history, added to a broad cast of a Peter Hamilton Space Opera and the narrative drive of, say, a David Brin or a Greg Bear old style SF novel, Children of Time soon got me hooked.” — SFF World

“Children of Time has that essence of the classic science fiction novels, that sense of wonder and unfettered imagination but combined with this is the charm of a writer who really knows how to entertain, how to spin a good story. Essential science fiction, a book not to be missed.” — SF Book

“The novel’s clever interrogation of the usual narrative of planetary conquest, and its thoughtful depiction of two alien civilisations attempting to understand each other, is an exemplar of classic widescreen science fiction.” —New Scientist

“This is superior stuff, tackling big themes – gods, messiahs, artificial intelligence, alienness – with brio.” —Financial Times

“An entertaining and thought provoking novel of post humanity, survival and legacy.” — SF Signal

“Tchaikovsky’s prose is superb, and his world-building was exceptional, brilliantly realized on the page, and both fascinating and original.” — Civilian Reader

THE MINISTRY FOR THE FUTURE is available now for pre-order!

From legendary science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson comes a vision of climate change unlike any ever imagined.

THE MINISTRY FOR THE FUTURE (US | UK) is now available for pre-order. Learn more about this new project from the author at Newsweek and reserve a signed copy for yourself exclusively from Barnes & Noble.

Pre-order in the US:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble (exclusive signed edition) | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | More Stores

Pre-order in the UK:
Amazon | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | Waterstones | More Stores

Established in 2025, the purpose of the new organization was simple: To advocate for the world’s future generations and to protect all living creatures, present and future. It soon became known as the Ministry for the Future, and this is its story.

The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all over the decades to come. Its setting is not a desolate, postapocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us — and in which we might just overcome the extraordinary challenges we face.

It is a novel both immediate and impactful, desperate and hopeful in equal measure, and it is one of the most powerful and original books on climate change ever written.

Praise for Kim Stanley Robinson:

“A sweeping, optimistic portrait of humanity’s ability to cooperate in the face of disaster. This heartfelt work of hard science-fiction is a must-read for anyone worried about the future of the planet.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)

“Robinson has established himself as the great humanist of speculative fiction.”—Village Voice

“One of the world’s finest working novelists, in any genre.”—Guardian

“If I had to choose one writer whose work will set the standard for science fiction in the future, it would be Kim Stanley Robinson.”—New York Times

“Kim Stanley Robinson is generally acknowledged as one of the greatest living science-fiction writers. . . . He is also, for my money, one of the most important political writers working in America today.”—New Yorker

“One of the finest writers of his generation.”—Locus

“Another stellar effort from one of the masters of the genre.”—Booklist

“[A] near—perfect marriage of the technical and the psychological.”—NPR Books