Posts Tagged ‘fantasy’

Introducing Dale Lucas’s FIRST WATCH

dale-lucas-cr-jp-wrightThe Lord of the Rings meets Lethal Weapon in Dale Lucas’s fantasy debut novel, FIRST WATCH. In this rousing new fantasy, two misfit partners work a case in a crime-ridden city filled with orcs, humans, elves, dwarves, and mages. 

Orbit has acquired three novels in the Fifth Ward series, and First Watch will launch in summer 2017. You can give Dale a warm Orbit welcome on Twitter at @DaleLucas114.

Humans, orcs, mages, elves, and dwarves all jostle for success and survival in the cramped quarters of Yenara, while understaffed Watch Wardens struggle to keep its citizens in line. Enter Rem: new to Yenara and hungover in the city dungeons with no money for bail. When offered a position with the Watch to compensate for his crimes, Rem jumps at the chance.

His new partner is less eager. Torval, a dwarf who’s handy with a maul and known for hitting first and asking questions later, is highly unimpressed with the untrained and weaponless Rem.

But when Torval’s former partner goes missing, the two must consort with the usual suspects — drug dealing orcs, mind-controlling elves, uncooperative mages, and humans being typical humans — to uncover the truth and catch a murderer loose in their fair city.

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

This mercenary band is back together for one last wyld ride in Nicholas Eames’s debut fantasy KINGS OF THE WYLD — rockin’ cover below. Art by Richard Anderson, cover design by Lisa Marie Pompilio. KINGS OF THE WYLD will be out in Feb. 2017, and your favorite authors are already raving about it:

“Absolutely awesome. If the Beatles held a concert tomorrow (with all the necromancy required for that to happen), it still wouldn’t be as good a ‘getting the band back together’ story as this. Full of heroes, humor, and heart.”—Jon Hollins

“An outstanding debut which will make you laugh and cry and hold your breath. This is a book that has it all.”—K. J. Parker

“Nicholas Eames brings brazen fun and a rock & roll sensibility to the fantasy genre.”— Sebastian de Castell

“Kings of the Wyld took me back to my Dungeons and Dragons days. It has well-crafted characters long past their best but still fighting, non-stop fantasy action and welcome touches of humor. Great reading!”— Ian Irvine

“A promising, fast-paced debut that balances classic quest fantasy with modern sensibilities and liberal doses of humor. Huzzah!”— Alex Marshall

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Cover Launch: WOLFHOUND EMPIRE by Peter Higgins

Gathered together for the first time is Peter Higgins’s complete, classic tale of myth and war: WOLFHOUND EMPIRE.  Reflecting the book’s epic scope and mysterious, dark plot is the brilliant cover design by Kirk Benshoff. Keep an eye out for Wolfhound Empire on September 6th!

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A spectre is haunting the empire—the spectre of war.

Huge stone creatures have fallen from the sky, their bodies littering the countryside. Blood-hungry golems are used to fight a never-ending war for political power. Secret police crush insurgency wherever it’s found.

Investigator Vissarion Lom has been summoned to Mirgorod to quell a new rebellion within the city limits. He’s been called because he’s an outsider. Because he isn’t enmeshed in the city’s politics. And because of the piece of stone embedded in his forehead.

“An amazing, fast-paced story in a fantasy world poised dangerously on the edge of quantum probability.” – Peter F. Hamilton

“Will grab you by the lapels and snap you to attention.”— io9

“Higgins’s world is a truly original creation.” – Hannu Rajaniemi

“Like vintage Mieville or Vandermeer, but with all the violent narrative thriller drive of Fleming at his edgiest.” – Richard Morgan

“Sentient water, censored artists, mechanical constructs, old-fashioned detective work, and the secret police are all woven together in this rich and fascinating tapestry.” – Publishers Weekly (Starred review)

Stephen Aryan’s BLOODMAGE Tour

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Stephen Aryan exploded onto the fantasy scene late last year with BATTLEMAGE, the magic-fuelled, fireball-throwing debut which author Den Patrick said ‘puts the epic into epic fantasy’.

Fantasy fans are in for a treat this month, as Stephen follows up his debut with BLOODMAGE, an adventure which begins with a murder investigation in the city most ravaged by the Battlemage war.

Not only does Stephen have a new book out in April, but he’s going on tour! These are the dates you can meet him and get a signed copy:

Cover launch: CHASING EMBERS by James Bennett

Chasing Embers by James Bennett, a contemporary fantasy novel perfect for fans of Ben AaronovitchDo you ever feel like there’s something more to your city than meets the eye?

Have you ever sensed a touch of magic simmering beneath the streets?

Do you ever wonder about the myths intertwined in our folklore – and whether there’s any truth to them?

You could just be right. Because this Autumn, something’s about to be let loose…

Today we can reveal the cover for CHASING EMBERS (UK/US/ANZ), a spectacular debut fantasy novel coming in September from author James Bennett.

If you’re a fan of the books of Ben Aaronovitch, Benedict Jacka, Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne, this contemporary fantasy is about to sweep you off your feet . . .

Get ready to meet Red Ben Garston. He’s a rascal, a rogue and an anti-hero who will stand shoulder to shoulder (and likely end up in a tussle) with the likes of Harry Dresden, Alex Verus, Peter Grant and Atticus O’Sullivan. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and a very big secret hiding under his skin.

Intrigued? See the below info and stay tuned for more soon . . . It’s available for pre-order now.

Behind every myth there is a spark of truth.

There’s nothing special about Ben Garston. He’s just a guy with an attitude in a beaten-up leather jacket, drowning his sorrows about his ex in a local bar.
Or so he’d have you believe.

What Ben Garston can’t let you know is that he’s also known as Red Ben. He can’t let you know that the world of myth and legend isn’t as make-believe as you think, and it’s his job to keep that a secret. And there’s no way he can let you know what’s really hiding beneath his skin . . .

But not even Ben knows what kind of hell is about to break loose. Because a centuries-old rivalry has just resurfaced, and the delicate balance between his world and ours is about to be shattered.

Something’s been hiding in the heart of the city – and it’s about to be unleashed.

Orbit UK is hiring!

ORBIT LOGOOrbit UK is looking for an assistant editor to join its London office. This broad position offers a great opportunity to work with some of the genre’s most exceptional writing talent and to be part of a friendly, ambitious and creative editorial team.

The assistant editor’s duties will be divided between commissioning new titles for Orbit’s list and providing editorial and administrative support for the imprint. On the commissioning side, the role will involve overseeing a list of both established and debut authors through the editorial process, liaising with authors and agents, reading submissions, acquiring new titles, editing manuscripts, briefing covers, writing copy and representing authors in-house with enthusiasm and energy. On the administrative side, duties will include managing and updating publishing systems, the distribution and circulation of materials and information, and general support for the editorial department. The assistant editor will also be involved in devising creative content for Orbit’s online direct consumer marketing channels.

The ideal candidate should have at least one year’s experience in a commercial fiction publishing role, with a solid understanding of the science fiction and fantasy market. An excellent eye for detail, the ability to handle a busy and varied workload and a passion for reading SFF are essential.

For details of how to apply, please visit the Hachette UK website here.

Cover Launch: HOPE AND RED by Jon Skovron

The Orbit offices in both the US and the UK haven’t stopped talking about this fantastic adventure fantasy since it first came in a year ago.  And we’re delighted to introduce it to you! Thanks very much to Lauren Panepinto and artist Bastien Deharme for the awesome cover.

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Here is a bit of a sneak peek as HOPE AND RED (US | UK) will be out this June:

A KILLER FANTASY ADVENTURE

HOPE, the lone survivor of a village massacred by the emperor’s forces, secretly trains asa  warrior and dreams of vengeance.

RED, an orphan adopted by a notorious matriarch of the criminal underworld, learns to be an expert thief and con artist.

TOGETHER THEY WILL TAKE DOWN AN EMPIRE.

If you’d like to know more — please visit the author’s website and sign up there! New newsletter subscribers will receive the first chapter in their inboxes this Monday.

Cover Launch: THE TOWER OF SWALLOWS

The Witcher returns in THE TOWER OF SWALLOWS, the fourth book in the New York Times bestselling series that inspired The Witcher video games. Here is an early look at the remarkable cover, illustrated by Bartłomiej Gaweł, Paweł Mielniczuk, Marcin Błaszczak, Arkadiusz Matyszewski, Marian Chomiak and designed by Lauren Panepinto.

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The world has fallen into war. Ciri, the child of prophecy, has vanished. Hunted by friends and foes alike, she has taken on the guise of a petty bandit and lives free for the first time in her life.

But the net around her is closing. Geralt, the Witcher, has assembled a group of allies determined to rescue her. Both sides of the war have sent brutal mercenaries to hunt her down. Her crimes have made her famous.

There is only one place left to run. The tower of swallows is waiting…

THE TOWER OF SWALLOWS is out May 2016, with the next book in the Witcher series, LADY OF THE LAKE, coming in Summer 2017.  Check out the previous novels and collections in the Witcher Saga today.

AN AFFINITY FOR STEEL: The Aeon’s Gate Omnibus

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Sam Sykes is in the middle of his brilliant new Bring Down Heaven trilogy, which began with THE CITY STAINED RED and continues with THE MORTAL TALLY (coming March 29th!). For those who’d like to go back to the beginning, Orbit has just released AN AFFINITY FOR STEEL, an omnibus of his first trilogy, The Aeons’ Gate, available in ebook now with a paperback edition to follow on June 7th.

There are only a few productive things a man can do once he picks up a sword.

And the very lowest of these is to become an adventurer, like Lenk and his companions.

For the right price, no deed is too dirty, no task is too dangerous, no foe too ferocious. Not even a demon.

From wars ancient and terrible, wounds are bleeding. From seas deep and fathomless, demons are rising. From the mouth of hell, the Kraken Queen is calling. And all that stands between the damned and the mortal world are a pack of degenerates and the steel they carry.

Seas will rise. Heaven will fall.

And if you won’t take my word for it, listen to what these masters of fantasy have to say about Sam Sykes:

“Action fantasy with soul — albeit a small, dirty, funny soul.”―Brent Weeks on The City Stained Red

“Insouciant, unrepentant and irrepressible adventures in a powder keg of a city. And that’s just how the story begins.”―Robin Hobb on The City Stained Red

“Sam Sykes continues to reinvent the fantasy adventuring party in a vibrant world of rude magic and good intentions gone bad. Bold and exuberant, never cynical, Sykes fights the good fight on behalf of rich fantasy that nonetheless refuses to apologize for being kick-ass fun.”―Scott Lynch on The City Stained Red

“Sykes has put the fun back in fantasy with fantastic creatures and a lovable crew of malcontents. The City Stained Red is like David Eddings meets Conan the Barbarian.”―Brian McClellan on The City Stained Red

Cover Design by Kirk Benshoff; Photo-Illustration by Gene Mollica and Michael Frost

The Duellists Trilogy – and 3 reasons why having 3 books out in 3 months is great

Warlords and Wastrels by Julia Knight, book three of the Duellists trilogy
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This week, we’ve released the superb WARLORDS AND WASTRELS (UK|US|ANZ) by Julia Knight. This is the third and final book in her Duellists trilogy, which is a fast and furious fantasy adventure full of ruffians, scoundrels and rogues . . .

This release follows hot on the heels of SWORDS AND SCOUNDRELS (UK | US | ANZ) and LEGENDS AND LIARS (UK | US | ANZ), which were published in October and November 2015. Yes that’s right – we published 3 books in the space of 3 months!

To celebrate, we just wanted to state 3 reasons why 3 books being released in 3 months is great:

  1. 1. No waiting to find out what happens next! When it comes to a series like the Duellist series, featuring a tension-filled relationship between a constantly sparring brother and sister and edge-of-your-seat sword-wielding action, you simply do not want to have to wait to find out what happens next. With all books out in 3 months, you can binge away to your hearts content – and dammit you won’t stop until you know just who comes out on top.

2. No forgetting what happened in the last book! We all often have to wait at least a year until the next book in our favourite fantasy series comes out. Even though it’s usually worth the wait, I’m sure we all have the issue of forgetting what happened in the last book – exactly who stuck who with their sabre or stiletto – and exactly what reason the traitor gave for betraying the kingdom…When you can read the whole series like Speedy Gonzalez, the events will be fresh in your mind and you wont have the need for a recap!

3. Great for Christmas gifting! The gift of a book at Christmas is one of the most wonderful things for all involved. But if you give a book that’s as much a page turner as a Duellist book by Julia Knight, then I guarantee you, the recipient will be finished in no time. The weather outside at this time of year is rather frightful to have to go outside and buy the new one (if print books are your bag instead of digital). So why not save your fantasy-reading friends and family the time this year and just get them all three in one go?

Swords and Scoundrels, Legends and Liarsa and Warlords and Wastrels - the Duellists Trilogy by Julia Knight

And here are just a few more reasons why you should get stuck in!

‘With roguish highwaymen and all the intrigue of a bloody revolution, this book will keep you guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read the sequel!’ (Anne Lyle, author of THE ALCHEMIST OF SOULS)

‘Will hold readers in suspense and eager for the next two books’ (RT BOOK REVIEWS)

‘As Knight launches her Duellists trilogy, she skillfully reveals the backstories of the siblings and Egimont, and how Reyes has come to the brink of revolution, illuminating a complex and intriguing world. The accelerating pacing as the present and past converge will hold readers in suspense and eager for the next two books’ (BOOKLIST)

‘For readers who are looking for a fast and fun read, Swords and Scoundrels is perfect . . . quick pacing, witty dialogue, and plenty of adventurous action . . . Great entertainment . . . I’m definitely on board for another Duellist adventure’ (Bibliosanctum)

‘Swordplay, politics, sorcerers and more….The action is nonstop’ (Journey of a Bookseller)