Posts Tagged ‘acquisition announcement’

Acquisition Announcement: THE CITY OF STARDUST by Georgia Summers

Georgia Summers

We’re delighted to announce Orbit’s sister imprint, Redhook, has acquired Georgia Summers’ rich and evocative fantasy debut, The City of Stardust.

Set in a world with the whimsy and darkness of a fairytale, The City of Stardust follows a woman who discovers her family owes a blood debt to a powerful being, and must venture into a hidden realm of magic, gods, and monsters to escape her fate. Perfect for readers of Alix E. Harrow and Erin Morgenstern, The City of Stardust will transport you to a world you’ll want to visit over and over again.

 

The Everly family is cursed. Every generation is destined to lose their best and brightest, taken by a woman named Penelope, who never ages, never sickens, and never forgives a debt.

When her mother vanishes in the middle of the night, the curse falls on Violet Everly—unless she can break it first. To do so, she must descend into a seductive, magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods, and monsters bent on revenge. And at the edges of the world, she’ll find the City of Stardust, where the Everly story began.

 

We can’t wait to share The City of Stardust with you in early 2024! And, in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Georgia to Orbit/Redhook. You can find her on Twitter @ge_summers.

Georgia Summers is half-British, half-Trinidadian, and spent most of her life living across the world, including Russia, Colombia, and the US. When she’s not doing bookish things, she’s planning her next great adventure. She currently lives in London, but she dreams of one day living in a haunted château with a ghost that cleans.

Acquisition Announcement: A LETTER TO THE LUMINOUS DEEP by Sylvie Cathrall

Dive into the curious correspondence of Sylvie Cathrall’s delightful debut novel, A Letter to the Luminous Deep. Perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and TJ Klune, A Letter to the Luminous Deep is a whimsical epistolary fantasy set in a mystical underwater world with mystery and heart-warming romance.

Orbit UK Commissioning editor Nadia Saward acquired World rights in the Sunken Archive duology from Natasha Mihell at The Rights Factory, with Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan acquiring for Orbit US. Publication is planned for Spring 2024.

A red, white and black graphic that frames a portrait photo of debut author Sylvie Cathrall. The photo is in black and white, with Sylvie in profile. The text on the graphic reads: Acquisition Announcement, A Letter to the Luminous Deep, Sylvie Cathrall

A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.

Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.’s home, and she and Henerey vanish.

A year later, E.’s sister Sophy, and Henerey’s brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings’ disappearances  with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind. As they uncover the wondrous love their siblings shared, Sophy and Vyerin learn the key to their disappearance – and what it could mean for life as they know it.

Acquiring editor Saward said: ‘I knew from the first paragraph I needed to acquire this book. The gorgeous underwater setting is unlike anything else I’ve seen in fantasy, and the epistolary romance between the two main characters, a brilliant but reclusive young woman and a renowned scholar, will break your heart and put it back together again.’

Author Sylvie Cathrall said: ‘Like a letter sent by chance to the perfect recipient, my epistolary fantasy found its ideal match in the Orbit team. I’m grateful for the opportunity to unlock the sunken archive that is A Letter to the Luminous Deep and share this curious correspondence with readers.’

Agent Natasha Mihell said: ‘The joy infusing A Letter to the Luminous Deep is sublime and propulsive, and the prose is handled with extraordinary grace. It is a story that will leave you with a deep trust in the beauty of life. Cathrall reminds us that, though we may sometimes feel disillusioned by our circumstances, we are all of us entitled to our own magical adventure. And we can own every aspect of ourselves, every step of the way.’

US editor Priyanka Krishnan said: ‘I want to say that reading this book felt like a breath of fresh air, but it doesn’t quite feel like the right analogy given the gorgeous underwater setting! However, it’s true—A Letter to the Luminous Deep is unlike anything I’ve read recently, and I adore it. It captured my attention with its unique world, its whimsical epistolary structure, and its charming letter banter (is there anything sexier than flirtation by post?) And it captured my heart with its emotional depth, the way it gently addresses trauma and mental health concerns, and its beautiful exploration of relationships (both romantic and familial). I love this book and am thrilled Orbit will be publishing it!’

About the author: Sylvie Cathrall writes stories of hope and healing with healthy doses of wonder and whimsy. She holds a graduate degree in odd Victorian art and has handled more than a few nineteenth-century letters (with great care). Sylvie married her former pen pal and lives in the mountains, where she dresses impractically and dreams of the sea.

You can find Sylvie on Instagram @sylviecathrall – go give her a follow!

Acquisition Announcement: MISTRESS OF LIES

Orbit is delighted to announce we’ve acquired Kat Enright’s debut fantasy Mistress of Lies, the first in a dark romantic fantasy trilogy with a villainous, bloodthirsty heroine, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Dowry of Blood.

Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency sold World English rights to Commissioning Editor Nadia Saward at Orbit UK. Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan has acquired for Orbit US and publication is planned for 2024.

a photo of Kat Enright

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he’s drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he’s worked so hard to avoid – and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Bloodworker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan’s plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.

You can find Kat on Twitter @katenright, go give them a follow!

About the author: Kat Enright is a Filipino-American writer of romantic fantasy for teens and adults. When not writing, Kat can be found playing too many video games, cooking, or listening to Broadway musicals. They currently live in New Jersey with their spouse and their black cat, Zuko.

Acquisition Announcement: A FEATHER SO BLACK by Lyra Selene

Lyra Selene

“Excited” does not begin to cover our feelings about Lyra Selene’s stunning adult fantasy debut, A Feather So Black!

This Celtic-inspired Swan Lake retelling is romantic fantasy at its finest. A magical tale of a changeling princess, her cursed sister, and the dangerous fae lord she must defeat to save her family, it’s perfect for readers of Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas, and Hannah Whitten. Once you enter its alluring world—a place where magic winds through the roots of the trees, forest creatures aren’t what they seem, and falling in love can be your undoing—you’ll never want to leave.

A Feather So Black is coming to shelves Spring 2024! Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan acquired World English rights from Jessica Watterson at Sandra Dijkstra and Associates. Commissioning Editor Nadia Saward acquired for Orbit UK.

Says author Lyra Selene: “I’m beyond thrilled A Feather So Black has found a home with Orbit! I hope this dark dream of a story captures readers’ imaginations in the same way it captured mine, long ago. I can’t wait to share Fia’s seductive world of perilous magic, moonlit secrets, and forbidden romance with you!”

Adds editor Priyanka Krishnan: “I think Lyra must be part fae herself. She casts a spell with this story, making you forget the world around you as you keep turning pages. This book has everything I love: a complicated heroine, a delicious romance, a nuanced sister relationship, and exquisite atmosphere. You’ll feel you’ve stepped straight into a dark fairy tale, and it will leave you swooning.”

And agent Jessica Watterson: “I was put under a spell from the first gorgeous word of A Feather So Black and I’m thrilled it has found amazing champions at an amazing house. I can’t wait for this book to sweep everyone off their feet!”

A Feather So Black is the first in a planned trilogy. Read more about the book below and follow author Lyra Selene on Instagram @LyraSelene for updates!

 

In a realm without magic, Fia is a rare changeling, swapped for the Princess Eala by the wicked Fair Folk. Eala’s mother, the High Queen, has taken Fia in as an adoptive daughter and trained her as a warrior spy, while the true princess is a prisoner, cursed and bound to the realm of the fae.

When a forgotten gate to the Folk realm is discovered, Fia is tasked by the High Queen to break Eala’s curse and retrieve her. But she doesn’t go alone: with her is prince Rogan, Eala’s betrothed—and the man Fia secretly loves. 

 As the two journey through the gate and into a world where magic runs deep and every step is dangerous, Fia’s mission is complicated by her feelings for the prince… and her unexpected attraction to the dark-hearted fae lord holding Eala captive.

With time running out to break the curse, Fia begins to question everything—the truth of her origins, the reality of her mission, and the “love” of her mother and High Queen. Ultimately, the key to unravelling truth from half-truth and saving the balance between the realms might just be… herself.

  

Lyra Selene was born under a full moon and has never quite managed to wipe the moonlight out of her eyes. She grew up on a steady diet of mythology, folklore, and fantasy, and now writes tall tales of twisted magic, forbidden love, and brooding landscapes. She lives in New England with her husband and daughter, in an antique farmhouse that probably isn’t haunted. She is the author of the young adult duology Amber & Dusk. A Feather So Black is her adult debut.

Acquisition Announcement: TRANSLATION STATE by Ann Leckie

Ann Leckie
Photo Credit: MissionPhoto.org

ANN LECKIE RETURNS!

After winning the trifecta of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards for her groundbreaking debut Ancillary Justice, Ann Leckie has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide, becoming a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and firmly establishing herself as one of the most lauded, inventive, and powerful voices of modern SFF. As John Scalzi so aptly put it, “There are few who write science fiction like Ann Leckie can. There are few who ever could.”

2023 will mark ten years since Ancillary Justice published and changed the sci-fi landscape. It will also be the year that Leckie’s brand-new novel, Translation State, hits shelves. That’s right! In summer 2023, Ann Leckie returns…

Set in the celebrated world of the Imperial Radch novels, Translation State follows an entirely new cast of characters, masterfully merging space adventure, mystery, and a poignant exploration about relationships and belonging. We cannot wait for current fans and new readers to fall in love with this sensational standalone. And the great news is, it’s available for pre-order now (US)!

Says Leckie: “These are characters I’ve lived with a long time, and it’s been so wonderful to finally put them down on the page. It’s been a pleasure to return to the world of the Imperial Radch, and I’m excited and hopeful that readers will have as much fun with Translation State as I have.”

Orbit US Senior Editor Priyanka Krishnan acquired World English Rights to Translation State and a second standalone novel from Seth Fishman at The Gernert Company. Orbit UK Editorial Director Jenni Hill acquired UK rights.

 

The mystery of a missing translator sets three lives on a collision course that will have a ripple effect across the stars in this powerful new novel by award-winning author Ann Leckie.

Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade, they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they might want something else isn’t “optimal behavior”—it’s the type of behavior that results in elimination.

But Qven rebels. And in doing so, their path collides with that of two others. Enae, a reluctant diplomat whose dead grandmaman has left hir an impossible task as an inheritance: hunting down a fugitive who has been missing for over 200 years. And Reet, an adopted mechanic who is increasingly desperate to learn about his genetic roots—or anything that might explain why he operates so differently from those around him.

As a Conclave of the various species approaches—and the long-standing treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line—the decisions of all three will have ripple effects across the stars.

Acquisition Announcement: THE SWORD DEFIANT by Gareth Hanrahan

Orbit is thrilled to announce that we’ve acquired a brand new series from Gareth Hanrahan, author of the critically acclaimed The Gutter Prayer. The first book in Gareth’s new trilogy, titled The Sword Defiant will be publishing in May 2023, and is now available to pre-order.

Orbit UK Commissioning editor Emily Byron acquired World Rights to the Lands of the Firstborn trilogy from John Jarrold, with Senior editor Bradley Englert acquiring for Orbit US. Check out the stunning cover below, designed by Sophie Harris at Little, Brown Book Group with art by Thea Dumitriu.

An image of the book cover of The Sword Defiant, which shows an ominous and moody illustration of an armoured man brandishing a glowing red sword

Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord’s cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad. That was the easy part.

Now, when Aelfric – keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker – learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the nine heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer. Yesterday’s eager heroes are today’s weary leaders – and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves.

If there’s one thing Aelfric knows, it’s slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends.

Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons and bloodthirsty vengeance.

You can follow Gareth on Twitter @mytholder!

Acquisition Announcement: Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Orbit is thrilled to announce our acquisition of Children of Memory (US), the unmissable follow-up to the highly acclaimed Children of Time and Children of Ruin, by Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky. In this modern classic of space opera, humanity continues to battle for survival in the stars.Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Earth failed. In a desperate bid to escape, the spaceship Enkidu carried its precious human cargo to a potential new paradise. Generations later, this fragile colony has managed to survive, eking out a hardy existence. Yet life is tough, and much technological knowledge has been lost.

 Then strangers appear. They possess unparalleled knowledge and thrilling technology—and they’ve arrived from another world—to help humanity’s colonies. But not all is as it seems, and the price of the strangers’ help may be the colony itself.

 

Children of Memory (US) will be on shelves in January 2023. While you wait, check out Children of Time and Children of Ruin. And if you want more Adrian Tchaikovsky, look no further than his new space opera trilogy, The Final Architecture—Shards of Earth and Eyes of the Void available now.

Children of Time by Adrian TchaikovskyChildren of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Shards of Earth by Adrian TchaikovskyEyes of the Void by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky:

“Brilliant science fiction and far-out worldbuilding.” —James McAvoy on Children of Time

“One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction.” —Christopher Paolini

“A novel of sublime plot twists and spectacular set pieces, all underpinned by great ideas.” —Stephen Baxter on Children of Ruin

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

 

*Children of Memory is published by Pan Macmillan in the UK.

Acquisition Announcement: Eliza Chan’s Fathomfolk Makes a Splash at Orbit

An author photo of Eliza Chan, she is holding a notebook and looking into the camera. Photo by Sandi Hodkinson
Photo Credit: Sandi Hodkinson

DEEPLY IRRESISTIBLE DEBUT FANTASY DUOLOGY ACQUIRED IN COMPETITIVE AUCTION

We are delighted to announce that Orbit has acquired two books in a highly-anticipated fantasy series inspired by East Asian mythology and watery folk tales from British debut author Eliza Chan. Eliza has published various pieces of short fiction but Fathomfolk will be her first novel.

Alexander Cochran (C&W) sold world rights to Editorial Director Jenni Hill at Orbit, Little, Brown Book Group. Brit Hvide has acquired for Orbit US.

In Eliza’s duology, revolution is brewing in the semi-submerged city of Tiankawi, between humans and the fathomfolk—sirens, sea witches, kelpies, and kappas—who live in its waters. This debut fantasy is perfect for fans of Fonda Lee’s Jade City and Sarah J. Maas’s House of Earth and Blood.

 

Eliza says: “I am thrilled that Fathomfolk has found a home with Orbit. They have published so many groundbreaking, cherished favourites of mine over the years and I am gobsmacked to be within that number. I am looking forward to working with Jenni and Brit, knowing my flooded world is in the best hands.”

Jenni says: “Eliza is such a find, and I am so glad that she decided to choose Orbit as the home for her debut! Fathomfolk is simply irresistible: we loved Eliza’s charming characters, her depth of worldbuilding: there were literal squeals of glee in the Orbit editorial meeting when we discussed her work, from team members who will remain anonymous for dignity’s sake…”

Alex says: “I loved the rich and beautifully drawn world of Fathomfolk from the first moment I read Eliza’s work, and I’m absolutely delighted that she’s found such a brilliant editor and home in Jenni and the team at Orbit.”

 

For more information about Fathomfolk, please contact Orbit publicist Nazia Khatun (nazia.khatun@littlebrown.co.uk).

Translation rights enquires should go to Jessica Perdue at Little, Brown Book Group (jessica.purdue@hachette.co.uk).

Author photo credit: Sandi Hodkinson

About the author: Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born Chinese-diaspora author who ‘writes about East Asian mythology, British folklore and madwomen in the attic, but preferably all three at once’. Eliza’s work has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy 2019. She lives in the North of England with her partner and young child. Fathomfolk is her first novel. @elizawchan

 

 

Acquisition Announcement: Bitter Waters & Strange New World by Vivian Shaw

Vivian Shaw
Photo: Emilia Blaser

Welcome back to the world of the undead! Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of Bitter Waters and Strange New World, a novella and fourth book that will conclude Vivian Shaw’s beloved Dr. Greta Helsing series.

The adventure starts in Bitter Waters, when a barrow-wight shows up on Greta and Varney’s doorstep one night with 11-year-old Lucy Ashton who’s been newly—and forcefully—bitten and turned. Who did this to her, and why? With the help of her vampiric friends, Greta is determined to find out.

Then it’s time for a jaunt across the Atlantic in Strange New World, where Greta must balance the politics of Heaven and Hell as she road-trips across America on a research tour. There’s something ominous afoot. Supernatural beings are getting killed. Now, Varney and Greta must find out who’s responsible before more lives—and unlives—are lost.

Look out for Bitter Waters and Strange New World in 2024. And, if you haven’t started this delightfully charming series yet, there’s still time to check out Strange Practice (US | UK), Dreadful Company (US | UK), and Grave Importance (US | UK). Meanwhile, follow Vivian on Twitter @ceruleancynic and find out more at www.vivianshaw.net.

Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw Dreadful Company by Vivian Shaw Grave Importance by Vivian Shaw

Praise for the Dr. Greta Helsing series:

“Shaw balances an agile mystery with a pitch-perfect, droll narrative and cast of lovable misfit characters. These are not your mother’s Dracula or demons.” ―Shelf Awareness

“An appropriately dark breath of fresh air.” ―Booklist

“An imaginative, delightfully droll debut.” ―Kirkus

“Exceptional and delightful.” ―Elizabeth Bear, Hugo Award–winning author

Orbit US senior editor Nivia Evans acquired World English rights from Stephen Barbara at Inkwell Management.

Acquisition Announcement: BOYS IN THE VALLEY by Philip Fracassi

Orbit UK is thrilled to announce that we’ve acquired Boys in the Valley, a chilling folk horror set in a remote orphanage in turn of the century Pennsylvania, that reads like The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, from award-winning and Bram Stoker award-nominated author Philip Fracassi.

Orbit UK Commissioning editor Nadia Saward won UK and Commonwealth rights at auction from Chris Scheina at Macmillan US, with Tor Nightfire holding NA rights. Boys in the Valley will be publishing in July 2023, but you can read on for a taste of what’s in store, and don’t forget to follow Philip Fracassi on Twitter @PhilipFracassi.

A photo of Philip Fracassi, who is wearing a black hat and glasses.

St. Vincent’s Orphanage for Boys. Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.

Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future. . . a family.

Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St.  Vincent’s and the children within.

Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides. Others turn up dead. Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives – and perhaps their eternal souls – are at risk.