Posts Tagged ‘epic fantasy’

Acquisition Announcement: FOR THE WOLF by Hannah Whitten

“The First Daughter is for the throne. The Second Daughter is for the Wolf.”

From the first lines, we knew that Hannah Whitten’s debut fantasy FOR THE WOLF was special. Dark, lush, romantic, and epic, it’s the kind of fantasy that sweeps you off your feet and never puts you back down again, destined to join the ranks of books like Spinning Silver and The Bear and the Nightingale. And, we are thrilled to have acquired world rights to the novel and its sequel in a pre-empt. Here’s a little bit more about the novel:

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.

Get excited for FOR THE WOLF to publish in summer 2021, and in the meantime go say “hello” to the author Hannah Whitten on her website hannahfwhitten.com, on Twitter @hwhittenwrites, or on Instagram @hwhittenwrites!

Cover Launch: THE POISON PRINCE by S. C. Emmett

Set in an imperial court filled with hidden agendas, deadly schemes, and ambitious royals, S. C. Emmett’s sumptuous East Asia-inspired fantasy continues with THE POISON PRINCE! Perfect for fans of Kate Elliott, Ken Liu, and K. Arsenault Rivera, it lands on shelves in November. And here’s an early look at the absolutely stunning cover.

Illustrated by Miranda Meeks and designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio 

The crown princess has been assassinated, reigniting tensions between her native Khir and the great Zhaon empire. Now her lady-in-waiting, Komor Yala, is alone in a foreign court, a pawn for imperial schemes. To survive and avenge her princess, Yala will have to rely on unlikely allies-the sly Third Prince and the war-hardened general who sacked her homeland. 

But as the Emperor lies upon his deathbed, the palace is more dangerous than ever before-for there are six princes, and only one throne.

Praise for THE THRONE OF THE FIVE WINDS:

“Intricate, elegant and sharp as a blade — The Throne of the Five Winds is sweeping political fantasy at its finest.”  — Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand

“With a deliberate pace and fine attention to details of dress and custom, Emmett weaves a masterful tale of court intrigues.”  — Booklist (starred review)

“Brimful of thrilling palace drama and menacing court intrigue.”— Kate Elliott, author of Black Wolves

“Action and intrigue takes place within a layered and beautifully realized fantasy world that will appeal to readers of Evan Winter’s The Rage of Dragons and K. Arsenault Rivera’s The Tiger’s Daughter.”— B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

Welcome to the #OrbitTavern!

Did you enjoy last week’s #OrbitTavern? What? You couldn’t make it? Well don’t worry. The #OrbitTavern will be back again this week!

Join us on Thursdays at 5PM EST on the Orbit US Instagram channel for a mixology lesson with Creative Director Lauren Panepinto. Each week, Lauren will be sitting down with a new Orbit author to talk about their latest book and suggest the perfect cocktail to accompany it.

Here is the schedule for the next few weeks. Cheers!

April 23rd: Jon Skovron, author of THE RANGER OF MARZANNA (US | UK)

April 30th: Louisa Morgan, author of THE AGE OF WITCHES (US | UK)

May 7th:  Laura Lam, author of GOLDILOCKS (US)

May 14th: Alix E. Harrow, author of
THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY (US | UK)

May 21st: Rowenna Miller, author of RULE (US)

Cover Launch: THE THOUSAND DEATHS OF ARDOR BENN by Tyler Whitesides

We’re thrilled to announce that THE THOUSAND DEATHS OF ARDOR BENN (US | UK) is getting a stunning new cover – and two more books to complete the trilogy!

In the Kingdom of Grit series, master con artist Ardor Benn is hired to pull off a string of wildly complex heists, that starts with stealing a crown and escalates to saving the whole damn world. What could be easier? But he won’t manage it on his own: Ard will need the skills and quick fingers of Quarrah, who has made a name for herself as an up-and-coming thief in the city, and the brawn and brains of his longtime best friend Raek. If you like your fantasy full of elaborate quests, fast-talking thieves, plot twist upon plot twist, explosive magic, dragons, and nonstop action – starring a rogue with a heart of gold – then this is the trilogy for you.

And you’re not going to need to wait years for this epic trilogy to be completed: the fantasy saga will be entirely published before the end of this year. The new paperback edition of THE THOUSAND DEATHS OF ARDOR BENN, which features the phenomenal cover art by Ben Zweifel, will be on sale in October, followed by book two in November and book three in December.

Oct. 6th, 2020

Nov. 3rd, 2020

Dec. 1st, 2020

Liar. Thief. Legend.

Ardor Benn is no ordinary thief. Rakish, ambitious, and master of wildly complex heists, he styles himself a Ruse Artist Extraordinaire.

When he gets hired for his for the most daring ruse yet, Ardor knows he’ll need more than quick wit and sleight of hand. Assembling a dream team of forgers, disguisers, schemers, and thieves, he sets out to steal a crown from the most powerful king the realm has ever known.

But it soon becomes clear there’s much more at stake than fame and glory – Ard and his team might just be the last hope for human civilization.

Want to know more? Listen to an excerpt read by the author!

Design by Lauren Pane pinto
Illustration by Ben Zweifel

Cover Launch: HOW TO RULE AN EMPIRE AND GET AWAY WITH IT by K. J. Parker

Are you a “hidden gems” person or a “blockbusters” person when you’re browsing Netflix? It’s fine to be both, of course, but if you’re in a “hidden gems” mood we think you might like to check out the books of K.J. Parker. A great place to start would be SIXTEEN WAYS TO DEFEND A WALLED CITY (US | UK). However, if you already know all there is to know about defending walled cities, maybe you’d be more interested in the messy business of ruling an empire? We’re delighted to present the cover for K.J.Parker’s new novel, HOW TO RULE AN EMPIRE AND GET AWAY WITH IT (US | UK), coming in August. It’s set in the same world as SIXTEEN WAYS, but entirely stand-alone. Essential reading for anybody thinking of changing direction and getting into empire-building.

Design by Lauren Panepinto

This is the story of how the City was saved, by Notker the professional liar, written down because eventually the truth always seeps through.

The City may be under siege, but everyone still has to make a living. Take Notker, the acclaimed playwright, actor and impresario. Nobody works harder, even when he’s not working. Thankfully, it turns out that people enjoy the theater just as much when there are big rocks falling out of the sky.

But Notker is a man of many talents, and all the world is, apparently, a stage. It seems that the Empire needs him – or someone who looks a lot like him – for a role that will call for the performance of a lifetime. At least it will guarantee fame, fortune and immortality. If it doesn’t kill him first.

Praise for SIXTEEN WAYS TO DEFEND A WALLED CITY:

“Full of invention and ingenuity . . . Great fun.” — SFX

“Launches a witty adventure series . . . Readers will appreciate the infusion of humor and fun-loving characters into this vivid and sometimes grim fantasy world.” — Publishers Weekly

“As with most of Parker’s work, there is a mel¬ancholy undercurrent that gives the humor weight. As heroes go, Orhan is a reluctant and flawed one . . . . [but] when Orhan works the problem, we can’t help but watch.” — Locus

Introducing WE RIDE THE STORM by Devin Madson

A storm is coming! We’re delighted to announce our acquisition of a thrilling epic fantasy, WE RIDE THE STORM by Devin Madson. Originally self-published, We Ride the Storm charged into Mark Lawrence’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off 2018 and landed in the top 3. Following an exiled warrior, a cursed assassin and a power-hungry princess as they chase their own ambitions no matter the cost, it’s a propulsive tale that will keep you up way past your bedtime convinced you’ll only read one more chapter.

To whet your appetite, check out the stunning cover with art by Nico Delort and designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio.

Eager to dive in? Well you’re in luck! The eBook is out now, and the paperback will follow in June. I hope you’ll all join us in welcoming Devin. You can find her at http://www.devinmadson.com/ and on Twitter at @DevinMadson.

War built the Kisian Empire. War will tear it down.

Seventeen years after rebels stormed the streets, factions divide Kisia. Only the firm hand of the god-emperor holds the empire together. But when a shocking betrayal destroys a tense alliance with neighboring Chiltae, all that has been won comes crashing down.

In Kisia, Princess Miko Ts’ai is a prisoner in her own castle. She dreams of claiming her empire, but the path to power could rip it, and her family, asunder.

In Chiltae, assassin Cassandra Marius is plagued by the voices of the dead. Desperate, she accepts a contract that promises to reward her with a cure if she helps an empire fall.

And on the border between nations, Captain Rah e’Torin and his warriors are exiles forced to fight in a foreign war or die.

As an empire dies, three warriors will rise. They will ride the storm or drown in its blood.

PRAISE FOR WE RIDE THE STORM:

“Intricate, compelling and vividly imagined, this is the first in a new series that I am hugely excited about. Visceral battles, complex politics and fascinating worldbuilding bring Devin’s words to life.” –Anna Stephens, author of Godblind

“An utterly arresting debut, Storm‘s heart is in its complex, fascinating characters, each trapped in ever tightening snarls of war, politics and magic. One of the best new voices in fantasy.” –Sam Hawke, author of City of Lies

“A brutal, nonstop ride through an empire built upon violence and lies, a story as gripping as it is unpredictable. Never shying away from the consequences of the past nor its terrible realities, Madson balances characters you want to love with actions you want to hate while mixing in a delightful amount of magic, political intrigue, and lore.” –K. A. Doore, author of The Perfect Assassin

“Darkly devious and gripping epic fantasy boasting complex characters, brutal battle and deadly intrigue. We Ride the Storm is breathtaking, brilliant and bloody -it grips you hard and does not let go.” –Cameron Johnston, author of The Traitor God

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World rights from Julie Crisp at Julie Crisp Literary Agency. Orbit UK editor Emily Byron has secured UK rights.

Cover Launch: RAVENCALLER by David Dalglish

If you loved The Witcher, get ready to meet your new favorite monster-hunter! Devin Eveson is the Soulkeeper, honor-bound to protect humanity from monsters were once thought only to be legend. Devin first captured our hearts when SOULKEEPER (US | UK) launched in 2019, and we’re very excited to be publishing book two of the trilogy (US | UK) in March 2020. Just check out RAVENCALLER’S brilliant cover!

If you haven’t met Devin yet, make sure to get in on the action and pick up a copy of Soulkeeper!

When ancient magic suddenly returns to his land, a warrior priest must protect his world from monsters that were once only legend in the second book of USA Today bestseller David Dalglish’s epic fantasy trilogy.

Magical creatures are attacking the capital city, seeking to retake what was once theirs, and no one is safe. Ancient cultists have cursed the highest members of the Church, turning them into twisted abominations. The only hope for a cure lies with Adria Eveson. To learn the cure, she must befriend an imprisoned cultist, and guard her heart against his seductive promises and twisted logic. 

The fate of all races, human and magical, rests in her hands, and in the choices she makes. Should she choose wrong, only one person stands in her way: her brother, the Soulkeeper Devin Eveson.

Praise for Soulkeeper:

“A dark and lush epic fantasy brimming with magical creatures and terrifying evil…. Readers of George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss will find much to enjoy here.”—Booklist

“Soulkeeper is a fast-paced, page-turning ride with a great, likeable main character in Devin Eveson. It’s the definition of entertaining”—John Gwynne, author of Malice

“Dalglish manages to combine familiar elements in exciting ways… that’s sure to keep readers turning pages.” —Publishers Weekly

Cover Design by Lauren Panepinto and Cover Illustration by Paul Scott Canavan

Cover Launch: THE RANGER OF MARZANNA by Jon Skovron

Orbit US and UK are thrilled to announce that we’ll be publishing Jon Skovron’s new epic fantasy trilogy! Lush and epic in equal measure, THE RANGER OF MARZANNA will sweep you off your feet. Set against a wintery eastern European-inspired backdrop, it is a story about warring siblings, loyal horses, powerful magic, and daring adventures. And we’ve got a gorgeous cover to match!

Here’s a little more about the plot:

Sonya is training to be a Ranger of Marzanna, an ancient sect of warriors who have protected the land for generations. But the old ways are dying, and the rangers have all been forced into hiding or killed off by the invading Empire.

When her father is murdered by imperial soldiers, she decides to finally take action. Using her skills as a ranger she will travel across the bitter cold tundra and gain the allegiance of the only other force strong enough to take down the invaders.

But nothing about her quest will be easy. Her brother, Sebastian, is the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. And he’s fighting for the empire.

Orbit US and UK will be publishing THE RANGER OF MARZANNA in April 2020. In the meantime make sure to say hello to Jon Skovron on twitter: @jonnyskov. Or, check out his previous trilogy!

Pre-order THE RANGER OF MARZANNA now: US | UK

Or purchase Jon Skovron’s previous novels, the EMPIRE OF STORMS trilogy:

  • HOPE AND RED: US | UK
  • BAND AND SHADOW: US | UK
  • BLOOD AND TEMPEST: US | UK

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

 

 

 

 

Cover Launch: RULE by Rowenna Miller

If you’ve missed Rowenna Miller’s beguiling world of sartorial sorcery, court intrigue, and revolutionary royals, the wait is nearly over—the thrilling conclusion to her French Revolution-inspired epic fantasy, RULE, is hitting shelves in May 2020.  

In the meantime, check out the final book’s gorgeous cover, with art by Carrie Violet and design by Lisa Marie Pompilio.

 

The civil war that the charm caster Sophie and the Crown Prince Theodor tried so desperately to avert has come to Galitha.

While Theodor joins Sophie’s brother and his Reformist comrades in battle, hoping to turn the tide against the better-supplied and better-trained Royalist army, Sophie leverages the only weapon she has: charm and curse casting. She weaves her signature magic into uniforms and supplies, but soon discovers that the challenges of a full-scale war are far greater than the entrepreneurial concerns of her small Galithan dress shop.

The fractured leadership of the Reformist army must coalesce, the people of Galitha unite against enormous odds, and Sophie must create more than a little magical luck in order to have a chance of victory.

Praise for The Unraveled Kingdom:

“Fantasy fans, especially those who grew up reading Tamora Pierce’s Circle of Magic series, will adore Sophie and be riveted as she navigates her shop, her new place in society, her love life, and a potential war. Miller accomplishes the tricky task of keeping the action exciting and page-turning…Highly recommended.”

—Booklist (starred review) on Fray

“A tense plot and satisfying character development. This enjoyable installment maintains the innovative magic and well-handled conflict between the personal and the political that marked the series debut.”
—Kirkus on Fray

“Miller places immigrant ambition and women’s lives at the heart of her magical tale of politics and revolution. I was utterly enchanted by this unique, clever and subtly fierce fantasy.”

—Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand on Torn

“Miller weaves a fresh, richly textured world full of magic-stitched ball gowns and revolutionary pamphlets. The vivid, complex setting and deeply human characters make for an absorbing read!”
—Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage on Torn

 

Cover Launch: THE OBSIDIAN TOWER by Melissa Caruso

Toll the bells! We’re thrilled to tell you more about the first book in Melissa Caruso’s brilliant new epic fantasy trilogy, which Orbit is publishing in Summer 2020!

THE OBSIDIAN TOWER features a mage with deadly, broken magic, and her disastrous encounter with a powerful artifact that could destroy the world. If you’re a fan of Robin Hobb or Victoria Aveyard, this will be your new favorite series.

It’s a long way to 2020, so in the meantime, we’re delighted to share a sneak peek at The Obsidian Tower’s beautiful cover, designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio, with art by Peter Bollinger.

The mage-marked granddaughter of a ruler of Vaskandar, Ryx was destined for power and prestige at the top of Vaskandran society. But her magic is broken; all she can do is uncontrollably drain the life from everything she touches, and Vaskandar has no place for a mage with unusable powers.

Then, one night, two terrible accidents befall her: Ryx accidentally kills a visiting dignitary in self-defense, activating a mysterious magical artifact sealed in an ancient tower in the heart of her family’s castle.

Ryx flees, seeking a solution to her deadly magic. She falls in with a group of unlikely magical experts investigating the disturbance in Vaskandar—and Ryx realizes that her family is in danger and her domain is at stake. She and her new colleagues must return to the family stronghold to take control of the artifact that everyone wants to claim—before it destroys the world.

Melissa Caruso is the Gemmell Award-nominated author of the Swords and Fire epic fantasy. You can find her on Twitter @melisscaru and at melissacaruso.net.