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A MEMORY OF LIGHT prologue ‘By Grace and Banners Fallen’ – available 2 October 2012

Orbit UK is thrilled to announce that we can release an early ebook edition of “By Grace and Banners Fallen”, the prologue to A MEMORY OF LIGHT [UK | ANZ] on 2 October 2012, ahead of publication of the hardback next January. This early ebook version of the prologue will be available in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and all our international markets where Orbit UK digital editions are usually sold.

A MEMORY OF LIGHT, by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, is the final book in the phenomenally successful Wheel of Time series, which for the last twenty years has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

And it came to pass in those days, as it had come before and would come again, that the Dark lay heavy on the land and weighed down the hearts of men, and the green things failed, and hope died.

From Charal Drianaan te Calamon, The Cycle of the Dragon

In the Field of Merrilor the rulers of the nations gather to join behind Rand al’Thor, or to stop him from his plan to break the seals on the Dark One’s prison – which may be a sign of his madness, or the last hope of humankind. Egwene, the Amyrlin Seat, leans toward the former.

In Andor, the Trollocs seize Caemlyn.

In the wolf dream, Perrin Aybara battles Slayer.

Approaching Ebou Dar, Mat Cauthon plans to visit his wife Tuon, now Fortuona, Empress of the Seanchan.

All humanity is in peril – and the outcome will be decided in Shayol Ghul itself. The Wheel is turning and the Age is coming to its end. The Last Battle will determine the fate of the world . . .

A MEMORY OF LIGHT publishes in hardback on 8 January 2013.

THE BLINDING KNIFE is a Bestseller!

Out now!THE BLINDING KNIFE (UK | US | AUS) by Brent Weeks is a New York Times bestseller,  a USA Today bestseller, and it was the bestselling fantasy hardcover in the US and the UK last week!

Congratulations to Brent from all of us at Orbit!

And remember, you can read a sample here, but be warned: there are spoilers ahead for those of you who may not have read the first book of the Lightbringer series. You can also read the first three chapters of THE BLACK PRISM (UK | US | AUS).

There are also a few more tour stops on the east coast before Brent crosses the Atlantic to visit UK readers. We’ve gotten numerous reports from fans who had a wonderful time. There was laughter. There was merriment and even a reading from book three. Visit the Brent Weeks Facebook page for full details.

*Goes live on Sunday the 23rd!

Iain M. Banks global launch event for The Hydrogen Sonata

Iain Banks

Orbit are excited to announce that Iain M. Banks will be participating in an international Google+ Hangout to celebrate the publication of THE HYDROGEN SONATA.  The event will take place on Thursday 27th September at 6pm BST, and Iain will be hanging out with Alastair Reynolds, Peter F. Hamilton and a few lucky fans…

For a chance to be part of this amazing panel please post your best questions in the specially created event page and make sure that you have circled +Google Play to find out if you have been successfully shortlisted.  Don’t have a Google+ account but want to take part?  It’s easy, find out here.

For those of you who miss out, never fear, the Hangout will be broadcast, so you will be able to watch the discussion in real time, and your questions may still be asked.

The Hydrogen Sonata UK cover image

And for everyone in the UK, Iain will be touring in October:

Plus, Orbit and SFX are running a competition to interview Iain M. Banks in person!  For full details pick up the current issue of SFX, and to enter submit the ten questions you would ask Iain.

 

THE SODDIT: If we likess it, then we putss a ring on it…

On a shelf at your local bookstore, there lives a book. Not the same book that you are undoubtedly thinking about right now, but there are dwarves, a learned dragon, and funny footed creature called a Soddit. No definitely not the same book.

THE SODDIT is a hilarious romp through dark cavernous ruins, mystical forests, and what is a seemingly ordinary lakeside village…other than that damn dragon of course. But what’s an adventure without a little danger and the occasional bawdy drinking song? Look for it in stores now.

This parody will make a great gift to any Tolkien fan in your life. The interior art inside gives this short novel a charming and nostalgic feel. It is altogether preciouss. Yess, the preciouss. Happy reading!

Urban Fantasy Interview Swap: Amanda Carlson interviews Kristen Painter

We’re back with Part II of the Urban Fantasy Interview session with authors Amanda Carlson and Kristen Painter.

To recap, last week, Amanda debunked any rumors of sparkling werewolves, and told us about her new novel FULL BLOODED (UK| US | AUS). You can read the full interview here. Now it’s Kristen’s turn to dish about her writing life. Look for Kristen’s fourth House of Comarré novel, OUT FOR BLOOD (UK| US | AUS) this October.

The cover for FULL BLOODED by Amanda Carlson - the start of a new urban fantasy shifter series perfect for fans of Rachel Vincent, Kelley Armstrong, Cassandra Clare and Patricia Briggs     OUT FOR BLOOD by Kristen Painter4

Amanda Carlson: I want to know about your “before I was a writer” life. I’ve read your bio and it sounds like you’ve done some fun things. Pick two (and I hope I laugh).

Kristen Painter: I’ve never been a stand up comedian, so I can’t promise laughs. I’ve held all sorts of jobs, from working in a candy store (the summer of my expansion) to walking a runway in a NYC fashion show. My favorite job has to be writer, though. It’s also the toughest I’ve ever had.

Amanda Carlson: Your House of Comarré series is awesome. I love the mythos behind it all. How did it come to you? Was it a dream? Were you eating pizza? Or, perhaps, playing bingo?

Kristen Painter: There was no bingo involved, I swear. Mostly my overactive imagination and the inability to legally kill people in real life. Wait, did I just type that out loud?

Amanda Carlson: You have quite a shoe obsession. I’ve seen them with my own eyes. Who’s your favorite designer? Describe your favorite pair of kickass shoes (for the ladies who love UF in the house).

Kristen Painter: My favorite shoe designer right now is probably Christian Louboutin. The craziness/sparkliness/wear-me-if-you-dare kind of attitude those shoes put off is like crack to me. Unfortunately, the prices of those shoes means I don’t actually own any of the truly stellar examples. I recently picked up some Vince Camutos leopard print and gold studs that are kind of amazing.

Amanda Carlson: You started Romance Divas, correct? How did that come about?

Kristen Painter: Jax Cassidy (fellow author) and I needed a place to hang out online and talk about writing and life after we (sort of) got kicked out of the writing forum where we met. What can I say? We bonded and it upset people. Romance Divas was our mutual dream that became a reality a lot of writers now enjoy.

Amanda Carlson: You tower over me, yet you’re cute like a snuggle bear. (For the audience, Kristen has the heart of an angel, when continually fed and nurtured.) Give us a deep, dark secret of Chrysabelle & Mal’s. Something juicy.

Kristen Painter: A snuggle bear? You really want to be killed off in a book, don’t you? Let me see, a deep dark secret of Chrysabelle and Mal’s…I guess you’ll just have to read OUT FOR BLOOD this October and see for yourself.

Amanda Carlson: Okay, some quick bullet questions to end. They give us a sense of who you are, like a picture. Ready?

Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi. Preferably Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. Yep, that’s how I roll.

Hellboy or The English Patient: Hellboy, movie or graphic novel

Tolkien or Rowling: Old school. Tolkien

Tom Hardy or Johnny Depp? (Tom’s mine, but you can pretend) I’m going to go left of center and say Benedict Cumberbatch.

Elvis or The Beatles: Young Elvis.

Jimmy Choo’s or Manolo Blahnik’s: Jimmy Choo’s, but if you see above you’ll know I swing toward Christian Louboutin.

Disco or Salsa? When it comes to dancing, I’m down for anything! I love to dance. It’s a great workout that doesn’t feel like a workout.

Amanda Carlson: Thanks for playing along, Kristen! I had a blast and you are awesome.

Which Tom Holt novel is right for you?

For the first time ever Tom Holt’s entire backlist is available to readers in the US in ebook. That’s 24 charming novels that will entertain and leave you in stitches with their humor and mayhem.

To find out which Tom Holt novel might be right for you, visit the new Tom Holt website where you can click through a fun, interactive survey to arrive at the perfect novel tailored to your heart’s desire. Will it be SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN SAMURAI? Or perhaps ODDS AND GODS where the gods are living out their immortal days in the Sunnyvoyde Residential Home.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the US or UK. Everyone can play along. So head on over to the Tom Holt website and discover which novels will satisfy your cravings. Happy reading!

Tom Holt website

 

Cover launch: FROST BURNED by Patricia Briggs – the new Mercy Thompson novel

Cover for Frost Burned, the new urban fantasy Mercy Thompson novel, from New York Times bestseller Patricia Briggs, with a quote from Charlaine HarrisToday we’re very happy to release the cover for FROST BURNED (UK | ANZ) by Patricia Briggs, the brand new Mercy Thompson novel coming out in February 2013.

These books are one of the most addictive urban fantasy series out there, and fans worldwide will be dying to get their hands on this next great installment.

The series features Mercy Thompson, a coyote shapeshifter and mechanic who has an unhealthy knack for attracting trouble.

In this new book, Mercy’s mate Adam goes missing – and it looks like he and the rest of the pack are in serious trouble. So serious, that Mercy might even have to enlist the help of some rather unusual allies . . .

The cover for Aralorn, an epic/historical fantasy novel, omnibusing Masques and Wolfsbane, from New York Time Bestseller Patricia Briggs, author of the Mercy Thompson urban fantasy seriesSo there’s a taster. But if you’re a big Patricia Briggs fan and can’t bear the idea of waiting until February to get another hit, then don’t forget that we have something new coming from Patty next month. Although it’s in a slightly different vein to the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega books, fans of those books should also definitely check this out . . .

ARALORN (UK | ANZ) is a fantasy adventure that will sweep you off your feet. The main character, Aralorn, has been born into a noble family. But she’s also a shapechanger – and has fled her noble birthright for a life as a mercenary spy.

This book really shows off Patty’s awesome skill to create a world that is totally absorbing, and character relationships that just sizzle (i.e. watch out for Aralorn’s dealings with the mysterious Wolf). Check it out in October, and read an extract here!

THE BLINDING KNIFE by Brent Weeks releases this week!

THE BLINDING KNIFE (UK | US | AUS) is out today in the US and Canada and will be hitting shelves in the UK and Australia on September 13th. For those not already in-the-know this is the second book of Brent Weeks’s New York Times bestselling Lightbringer series which started with THE BLACK PRISM (UK | US | AUS).

If you’re stuck at work, school, or otherwise unable to dive into THE BLINDING KNIFE immediately, check out these early reviews to whet your appetite. Staffer’s Book Reviews called it “a tremendous achievement… It isn’t only the best book [Brent’s] written, I consider it one of the best epic fantasies I’ve read.” You can read the rest of the spoiler free review here. Comic Book Therapy has another great spoiler-free review up.

The book tour also begins today starting with a launch day event at Powell’s Books in Beaverton, Oregon. Brent will be making stops in the US and UK. Find out which cities and stores he’ll be appearing at here or RSVP on Facebook.

In other series news, Brent recently announced that the Lightbringer series has been expanded to four books. So look forward to even more action after you’ve finished the second exciting installment.

“I’m happy to tell you that the Lightbringer Series will be four books. (No, don’t worry, I’m not floating down the Never-Ending Series River, though yes, I do feel the current!) I was always torn between three books and four for this series, and as I got working on book three, I realized I was going to have to cut way too much great stuff to fit the story into three books, so Orbit and I have agreed to a fourth book. Progress on the next one has been fantastic.” – Brent Weeks.

There is also an updated map posted to Brent’s website illustrating the Seven Satrapies that may aide you as you travel with Gavin, Kip, Karis, and your other favorite characters through the war-torn lands of the Seven Satrapies.

The stakes have grown since THE BLACK PRISM and so have the obstacles facing Gavin and the others. The only thing that is certain is that time is running out.

TAKEN by Benedict Jacka – “Alex Verus is back in his best adventure to date”

Last night some of the Orbit team enjoyed a fun evening with various authors, readers, reviewers and publishing folk at Goldsboro Books in London. ‘Magic in the Court’ featured bestselling author Deborah Harkness and a number of other notable urban fantasists, including Orbit’s very own Benedict Jacka, who was celebrating the release of his new Alex Verus novel TAKEN [UK | ANZ].

Left to right: James Treadwell, Ben Aaronovitch, Benedict Jacka, Deborah Harkness, Suzanne McLeod.

Speeches were made by David Headley (Director and owner of Goldsboro Books) and Deborah Harkness, drinks were consumed and a fine time was had by all. Many thanks to Headline and to Goldsboro owners David and Daniel for a wonderful evening. 

TAKEN is the third novel featuring probability mage Alex Verus – a seer who runs a magic shop in North London when he isn’t busy fighting scheming otherworldly forces – and is out now (signed copies are available at Goldsboro Books).

Welcome to Fountain Reach
Ancient seat of the Aubuchon dynasty
Majestic setting of the White Stone tournament

Alex Verus’s (not necessarily reliable) reputation attracts all sorts. Most are plain bonkers. Yet there’s one invitation he just can’t refuse.

At Fountain Reach, Alex is perfectly placed among the noted and notorious to figure out why apprentices have been vanishing. But the tournament is a minefield of ancient grudges and new threats, and Alex can’t afford to miss a trick as his elusive adversary stays one step ahead in this most dangerous of games.

The first two Alex Verus books, FATED [UK | ANZ] and CURSED [UK | ANZ] have already caused a serious buzz amongst urban fantasy fans. 

FATED is an excellent example of not just great urban fantasy but also of brilliant story telling. There is a near perfect mix of everything and it has been masterfully crafted with a meticulous eye for those pieces of humanity that make a great protagonist and a fantastic story” – FANTASY FACTION

“Jacka follows his urban fantasy debut, FATED, with an even more impressive tale of gunplay and spellcraft in present-day London . . . Readers will savor this tasty blend of magic, explosions, and moral complexity” – PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (starred review)

TAKEN has already earned similar praise:

Alex Verus is back in his best adventure to date. Author Benedict Jacka has found his feet and delivers a ripping, action packed novel that’s an indulgent treat for urban fantasy fans” – BOOKBAG

There’s no chance of a face-off between Alex Verus and Harry Dresden though, as Jim Butcher has confirmed he’s a huge fan:

Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus tremendously – and be a little nervous around him.  I just added Benedict Jacka to my must-read list. FATED is an excellent novel, a gorgeously-realized world with a uniquely powerful, vulnerable protagonist.  Books this good remind me why I got into the storytelling business in the first place.

Benedict Jacka can be found on the internet both at his website and on Twitter. You can read an extract from FATED here, while the fascinating discussion that Benedict had recently with Jim Butcher can be found here. 

Benedict will be attending Fantasycon at the end of September, so do come and find him to say hello! Benedict’s schedule is as follows:

Friday 28th September – (2pm-3pm, FITZHERBERT ROOM) – ‘Blurring the Genre Boundaries’.

Saturday 29th September (10am-11am, RUSSELL ROOM) – ‘Fantasy Fiction: Keeping it Real?’, plus a reading at 8 pm.

Benedict will also be involved in the Portsmouth Literary Festival on 30th October, as part of a panel discussion entitled ‘Urban Fantasy and the City Setting’, with fellow Orbit authors Jon Courtenay Grimwood and Kate Griffin, as well as Ben Aaronovitch.

Urban Fantasy Interview Swap: Kristen Painter interviews Amanda Carlson

Fall is right around the corner, and with it comes crisp weather, pumpkins, goblins, and ghouls. It’s the best time to be a supernatural, and also a great season to be an Urban Fantasy reader.

This fall we’ve got two great urban fantasy novels to look out for by a pair of fantastic authors. Amanda Carlson’s FULL BLOODED (UK | US | AUS) officially releases tomorrow. It’s a new urban fantasy debut featuring a tough as nails female lead, and did I mention she’s a werewolf too?

Then in October, the fourth House of Comarré novel, OUT FOR BLOOD (UK| US | AUS) by Kristen Painter will be published. Find out more about this dark and seductive series from the House of Comarré website.

But enough about the future (exciting as it may be). Today we thought we’d bring both authors here and let the fur and fangs fly . Come back next week for the second half of this series where Amanda will be interviewing Kristen about her life and books.

The cover for FULL BLOODED by Amanda Carlson - the start of a new urban fantasy shifter series perfect for fans of Rachel Vincent, Kelley Armstrong, Cassandra Clare and Patricia Briggs     OUT FOR BLOOD by Kristen Painter4

Kristen: Amanda, I hear you have a book coming out. Can you tell us more about Full Blooded and what interested you in writing about werewolves that sparkle? 

Amanda: Well, sparkling werewolves hadn’t been done yet, so I thought I’d jump in and give it a try and…no…wait. There are no sparkling werewolves in my book. Wrong series, KP. My book is about the only female werewolf ever born. The book starts out with the worst wake-up call ever and takes off from there, like a fun romp through the woods. It’s full of action, adventure and the right amount of snark. Just the way you like it.

Kristen: So there’s no sparkling? Not even a tiny bit, like they wear fancy jeweled collars?

Amanda: Nope, no sparkling, except if you count the “pow” moments where Jessica gives someone a shot to the face. The bad guys may see a sparkle or two in their mind’s eye, but that’s about it. She doesn’t even wear a ring. Bling is not her thing. But it does have sparkling prose.

Kristen: Werewolves that don’t sparkle. Okay, got it. Besides writing, what do you do in Minnesota? Doesn’t it snow there like every day? Are there a lot of werewolves in Minnesota?

Amanda: It snows quite a bit in Minnesota and I have a huge hockey rink in my backyard every winter to prove it. Thankfully it doesn’t snow every day. Just every other. There are actually a lot of wolves in Minnesota, including the Timberwolves—Go, Wolves! (There’s some good basketball if you’re a fan.) I’ve yet to see an actual werewolf here, since they’re make believe, but I always have my fingers crossed when I’m hiking in the backwoods.

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