Archive for Contents

ICYMI: SON OF THE STORM by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

Feast your eyes on the stunning cover for SON OF THE STORM by Suyi Davies Okungbowa, the highly-anticipated first novel in the Nameless Republic trilogy. Inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa, this is an epic tale of violent conquest, buried histories, and forbidden magic. Make sure you head over to io9 to read the excerpt!

Illustration by Dan dos Santos; Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto

In the thriving city of Bassa, Danso is a clever but disillusioned scholar who longs for a life beyond the rigid family and political obligations expected of the city’s elite. A way out presents itself when Lilong, a skin-changing warrior, shows up wounded in his barn. She comes from the Nameless Islands- which, according to Bassa lore, don’t exist- and neither should the mythical magic of ibor she wields.

Now swept into a conspiracy far beyond his understanding, Danso and Lilong will set out on a journey that reveals histories violently suppressed and magic only found in lore.

SON OF THE STORM is out in May 2021. In the meantime, you can connect with Suyi at https://suyidavies.com/ and on Twitter at @IAmSuyiDavies.

 

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 Empire of the Wolf trilogy by Richard Swan

As reported in the Bookseller, we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the Empire of the Wolf trilogy – a superb debut epic fantasy series from British author Richard Swan.

The trilogy centres around Sir Konrad Vonvalt, who enforces the Empire’s laws through sword, spell and sheer force of personality – he’s Geralt of Rivia crossed with C. J. Sansom’s Shardlake. A medieval Judge Dredd, basically. If you think that sounds awesome, well . . . you’d be absolutely right!

Sir Konrad Vonvalt is an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one, tasked with upholding the law. To this end, Vonvalt travels the hinterlands of the Empire of the Wolf, investigating crimes and dispensing justice.

But these are dangerous times for the Empire and the Order of Justices. Heresy is widespread, and a cabal of Imperial politicians is challenging the Order’s authority, desperate to claim its arcane secrets for their own. When Vonvalt investigates the murder of a noblewoman, he finds his authority being challenged like never before. And as he unravels a web of secrets and lies, Vonvalt discovers a plot that might destroy his order once and for all – and bring down the entire Empire. 

We can’t wait for you all to meet Vonvalt and join him on this thrilling adventure, which is full of intrigue, action and magic. The first book in the Empire of the Wolf series will publish in Spring 2022. In the meantime, say hello to Richard on Twitter.

Orbit UK editor James Long pre-emptively acquired world rights from Harry Illingworth at the D H H Literary Agency in a six-figure deal. German rights have already sold to Piper.

 

 

Cover Launch: WILDWOOD WHISPERS by Willa Reece

Discover your next magical read! Willa Reece’s lush debut novel, WILDWOOD WHISPERS, is a beautifully-crafted tale of hope after traumatic loss, folk magic, and the strong, and often healing, bonds between women. Landing at your nearest bookstore in August 2021, check out the gorgeous cover below and make sure to say hi to Willa on Twitter @ReeceWilla.

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover photographs by Mike Heath, Arcangel, Getty Images and Shutterstock

A heartwarming novel of hope, fate, and folk magic unfolds when a young woman travels to a sleepy southern town in the Appalachian Mountains to bury her best friend. 

Mel Smith has always known life isn’t easy. After all, she was abandoned as an infant and raised in foster care. But still, when the only bright spot in her life, her best friend Sarah Ross, unexpectedly dies, it’s a heartbreak unlike any other.

A final promise to lay Sarah to rest in the Ross wildwood garden draws Mel to Morgan’s Gap, a small town nestled in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains. Yet Morgan’s Gap is more than a land of morning mists and deep forest shadows.

There are secrets that call to Mel, in the gaze of the gnarled and knowing woman everyone calls “Granny,” who seems to have expected her; in a salvaged remedy book filled with healing tinctures and salves; in the strange connection she feels to the Ross homestead and the wilderness around it. In fulfilling her promise, Mel might end up finding home—and remain connected to Sarah—in a way she least expected.

The wildwood is whispering. It has secrets to reveal—if you’re willing to listen…

 

 

 

Cover Launch: FOR THE WOLF by Hannah Whitten

If you’ve been looking for your next lush, folklore-inspired fantasy, look no further—debut author Hannah Whitten has arrived with your new favorite read, FOR THE WOLF, Book One of the Wilderwood. Full of forbidden forests, dark magic, and a mysterious figure more monster than man, For the Wolf will hit shelves in June 2021. Lay eyes on the gorgeously dreamy cover below, and read on for more about the book!

Cover Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover Illustrations by Arcangel and Shutterstock

The first daughter is for the Throne.

The second daughter is for the Wolf.

As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose- to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he’ll return the world’s captured gods.

Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can’t control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can’t hurt those she loves. Again.

But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn’t learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood -and her world- whole.

For more information watch the replay of the live cover reveal on our Crowdcast channel

Cover Launch: THE LIGHT OF THE MIDNIGHT STARS by Rena Rossner

Looking for an immersive fairytale-inspired novel to sweep you off of your feet? Rena Rossner, author of THE SISTERS OF THE WINTER WOOD (US | UK) , returns with a dazzling new book full of magic, history, and Jewish folklore: THE LIGHT OF THE MIDNIGHT STARS. Hitting shelves in April 2021, behold the gorgeous cover and then head over to Hypable to read an excerpt!

Cover Illustration by Tran Nguyen and Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto

Deep in the Hungarian woods, the sacred magic of King Solomon lives on in his descendants. Gathering under the midnight stars, they pray, sing and perform small miracles – and none are more gifted than the great Rabbi Isaac and his three daughters. Each one is blessed with a unique talent – whether it be coaxing plants to grow, or predicting the future by reading the path of the stars.

When a fateful decision to help an outsider ends in an accusation of witchcraft, fire blazes through their village. Rabbi Isaac and his family are forced to flee, to abandon their magic and settle into a new way of life. But a dark fog is making its way across Europe and will, in the end, reach even those who thought they could run from it. Each of the sisters will have to make a choice – and change the future of their family forever.

Previous praise for Rena Rossner

“With luscious and hypnotic prose, Rena Rossner tells a gripping, powerful story of family, sisterhood, and two young women trying to find their way in the world. I gulped it down!”
— Madeline Miller, author of The Song of Achilles and Circe

Intricately crafted, gorgeously rendered…full of heart, history, and enchantment.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The Sisters of the Winter Wood is a graceful, poetic, deeply moving novel. A simply gorgeous book in every sense.”
— Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

“Rossner’s debut weaves a richly detailed story of Jewish identity and sisterhood… emotionally charged, full of sharp historical detail and well-deployed Yiddish phrases…Ambitious and surprising.”
Kirkus

Cover Launch: EYE OF THE SH*T STORM by Jackson Ford

Teagan Frost is back. And this time, the sh*t is going to hit the fan.

Yesterday, SciFiNow exclusively revealed the cover for the latest instalment in Jackson Ford’s Frost Files series, EYE OF THE SH*T STORM, coming in April 2021!

It’s the third high-adrenaline adventure featuring telekinetic government agent Teagan Frost, and the awesome cover was designed by Sophie Harris. Read on for a taste of what’s in store. . .

Eye of the Sht Storm by Jackson Ford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teagan Frost might be getting better at moving sh*t with her mind – but her job working as a telekinetic government operative only ever seems to get harder. That’s not even talking about her car-crash of a love life . . .

And things are about to get even tougher. No sooner has Teagan chased off one psychotic kid hell-bent on trashing the whole West Coast, but now she has to contend with another supernatural being who can harness devastating electrical power. And if Teagan can’t stop him, the whole of Los Angeles will be facing the sh*tstorm of the century . . .

EYE OF THE SH*T STORM releases in April 2021. If you haven’t had the honour of meeting Teagan Frost yet, then you can remedy that straight away. Find links for the first two books below, and you can follow Jackson Ford on Twitter here.

Buy THE GIRL WHO COULD MOVE SH*T WITH HER MIND (US | UK | ANZ)

Buy RANDOM SH*T FLYING THROUGH THE AIR (US | UK | ANZ)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise for the Frost Files series:

‘Proceeds at breakneck speed through almost 500 pages of madcap adventure’ Guardian

‘Fast-paced and a lot of fun to read . . . a modern action movie that just happens to be in book form’ The Fantasy Inn

‘A drunken back-alley brawler of a book’ Robert Brockway, author of The Unnoticeables

‘Ford’s breakneck pace keeps the tension high, and the thrills coming the whole way through’ BookPage

‘A fast-paced, high-adrenaline tale’ Kirkus

Cover Launch: VOIDBREAKER by David Dalglish

Your favorite monster-hunter is back and better than ever. Devin Eveson is the Soulkeeper, honor-bound to protect humanity from monsters once thought to be only legend. Devin’s saga began with  SOULKEEPER (US | UK) and its sequel RAVENCALLER (US | UK), and now finds its explosive conclusion in VOIDBREAKER (US | UK). In a world overrun by monsters, Devin will have to face his most dangerous enemy yet—his own sister. Their battle is front and center in VOIDBREAKER’S brilliant cover—check it out!

If you haven’t yet caught up on Devin’s adventures make sure to get in on the action and pick up Soulkeeper and Ravencaller!

When magical creatures storm the gates of Londheim and declare it for themselves, Devin, a warrior priest, must decide who the true monsters are in the final book of USA Today bestseller David Dalglish’s epic fantasy trilogy.

Monsters have retaken the capital city of Londheim and claimed it for themselves. Humanity, fearful of being pushed out for good, has reacted with violence and destruction, and peace between the two races seems all but impossible. Devin will need to bring all his skills to bear in order to find a solution. But the greatest threat to humanity’s safety may well be closer than he expects. Because his sister is the most powerful priestess the world has ever seen… and she’s fighting for the monsters.

The fate of all races, human and magical, rests in their hands, and the only person standing in their way is each other. (more…)

Cover Launch: A RADICAL ACT OF FREE MAGIC by H. G. Parry

Enjoy history as you’ve never seen it before! A RADICAL ACT OF FREE MAGIC is the ambitious sequel to H. G. Parry’s A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS (US | UK), which Publishers Weekly gave a starred review and called a “poetic tale of justice, liberation, and dark magic.” While you wait in anticipation for its July 2021 release, feast your eyes on the brilliant cover designed by Orbit’s own Lisa Marie Pompilio.

The Concord has been broken, and a war of magic engulfs the world.

In France, the brilliant young battle-mage Napoleon Bonaparte has summoned a kraken from the depths, and under his command the Army of the Dead have all but conquered Europe. Britain fights back, protected by the gulf of the channel and powerful fire-magic, but Wilberforce’s own battle to bring about free magic and abolition has met a dead end in the face of an increasingly fearful and repressive government. In Saint Domingue, Fina watches as Toussaint Louverture navigates these opposing forces to liberate the country.

But there is another, even darker war being fought beneath the surface: the first vampire war in hundreds of years. The enemy blood magician who orchestrated Robespierre’s downfall is using the Revolutionary Wars to bring about a return to dark magic to claim all of Europe. Across the world, only a few know of his existence and the choices they make will shape the new age of magic.

Praise for A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS

“A rich, sprawling epic full of history and magic, Declaration is Jonathan Strange with international politics and vampires. I loved it.”  —Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January

“A witty, riveting historical fantasy…. Parry has a historian’s eye for period detail and weaves real figures from history-including Robespierre and Toussaint L’Ouverture-throughout her poetic tale of justice, liberation, and dark magic. This is a knockout.”  —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Impeccably researched and epically written, this novel is a stellar start to what promises to be a grand new fantasy series.”  —Booklist (starred review)

“I absolutely loved it. It held my attention from the beginning and throughout. It’s a beautiful tapestry of words, a combination of carefully observed and researched history and a well-thought-out and fascinating system of magic. An absolute delight to read; splendid and fluid, with beautiful and complex use of language.”  —Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library

“Magnificent…[turns] the part of history class you might have slept through into something new, exciting and deeply magical.” —BookPage

“Fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will be enchanted by this sprawling epic of revolution and dark magic.”   —Locus

“It’s no simple task to wrangle fifteen years of tumult in a few hundred pages, but Parry manages it with a deft hand. Her alternate history puts a human face on the titans of the past, while weaving in supernatural elements that add a whole new dimension. I stayed up well past my bedtime to find out what happens next.” —Marie Brennan, author of the Memoirs of Lady Trent series

“Impressively intricate; fans of the magic-and-history of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will be delighted.”  —Alexandra Rowland, author of A Conspiracy of Truths

Cover Launch: THE QUEEN OF IZMOROZ by Jon Skovron

Orbit US and UK are thrilled to announce next installment in Jon Skovron’s epic fantasy trilogy, the Goddess War. Lushly built and thrillingly plotted, THE QUEEN OF IZMOROZ (US | UK) picks up where THE RANGER OF MARZANNA (US | UK) left off with an epic tale of a continent ruptured by opposite forces—and it’s got a fabulous cover to match!

Here’s a bit more about the must-read next book:

Sonya has brought a foreign army to free her country from imperial rule, but her allies may have other goals in the second book of this thrilling epic fantasy trilogy from Jon Skovron.

The first battle is over, but war yet looms on the horizon. Sonya and her allies–the foreign Uaine and their armies of the undead–have beaten back the imperial soldiers from the capital city. Now they have the rest of the country to free.

Meanwhile, her brother the famed wizard Sebastian has retreated with the imperial forces to regroup and lick his wounds. Betrayed by his sister and his wife, the beautiful noblewoman Galina, he will regain control of his life and his country at any cost.

Orbit US and UK will be publishing THE QUEEN OF IZMOROZ in April 2021. In the meantime make sure to say hello to Jon Skovron on twitter: @jonnyskov. And pick up the first book of the series, THE RANGER OF MARZANNA if you haven’t already!

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio Illustration by Magali Villeneuve (Website | Twitter | Instagram)