Posts Tagged ‘historical fantasy’

Cover Launch: KAIKEYI by Vaishnavi Patel

Earlier this year, Redhook announced the acquisition of a very special debut: KAIKEYI by Vaishnavi Patel. Today, we are so excited to reveal its gorgeous cover!

This stunning novel reimagines the life of Kaikeyi, the vilified queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana. It is a tale of fate and family, of courage and heartbreak, centering Indian mythology and giving voice to a woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come. If you love books like Circe, Ariadne, and The Witch’s Heart, add this to your TBR right now!

We knew such an extraordinary debut deserved a show-stopping cover to match, and Orbit designer Lisa Marie Pompilio delivered. KAIKEYI won’t hit shelves until April 2022, but you can find the book on Goodreads here! And say hi to author Vaishnavi Patel on Twitter and Instagram at @vaishnawrites.

 Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompilio

 

In the kingdom of Kekaya, Kaikeyi is raised on grand stories about the might and benevolence of the gods: how they churned vast oceans to obtain the nectar of immortality, how they offer the devoted and the wise magnificent boons, how they vanquish evil and ensure the land prospers. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, her own worth measured by how great a marriage alliance she can secure. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear.

Desperate for independence, she turns to the ancient texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. She uses it to transform herself from overlooked princess into warrior, diplomat, and most-favorite queen, determined to forge a better world for herself  than the one that gods and men have granted.

But when darkness threatens the cosmic order, the path the gods have chosen for Kaikeyi’s family—especially that of her beloved son, Rama—challenges all she has built. She must decide if her resistance is worth the destruction it will wreak…and what legacy she intends to leave behind.

Cover Launch: WILD AND WICKED THINGS by Francesca May

Welcome to Crow Island. You’re invited to enter a world of dangerous witchcraft and glamorous parties in Francesca May’s lush debut, WILD AND WICKED THINGS. Get swept into a vision of 1920s England where magic is real but illegal, where young women have dark powers bubbling inside of them, and where the boundaries of wickedness are tested with dire consequences. If you loved The Year of the Witching and Mexican Gothic, you’ll want to read this deliciously gothic fantasy next!

 

Landing in bookstores March 2022, WILD AND WICKED THINGS is available for preorder now (US | UK) and, while you anxiously wait, feast your eyes on its gorgeous cover below.

Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompilio.

On Crow Island, people whispered real magic lurked just below the surface. But Annie Mason never expected her enigmatic new neighbor to be a witch.

 

When she witnesses a confrontation between her best friend Bea and the infamous Emmeline Delacroix at one of Emmeline’s extravagantly illicit parties, Annie is drawn into a glittering, haunted world. A world where magic can buy what money cannot; a world where the consequence of a forbidden blood bargain might be death.

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Francesca May grew up in the middle of England, where she spent her childhood devouring fantasy books and brewing potions in her back garden. She currently lives in Derby with her family, three giant dogs, and two black cats. By day, Fran works as a bookseller at Waterstones. By night, she accidentally kills every house plant she touches and writes novels about gothic mansions, witchcraft, and queer love. You can find her on Twitter @franwritesstuff or her website.

Cover Launch: ONE DARK WINDOW by Rachel Gillig

We couldn’t be more thrilled to reveal the gorgeously eerie cover for Rachel Gillig’s debut gothic fantasy, ONE DARK WINDOW, now available for preorder! A darkly fantastical story perfect for fans of FOR THE WOLF (US | UK) and The Year of the Witching, this folk-inspired tale now has an equally bewitching cover—scroll on for the reveal and more about the book!

Design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover Art by Trevillion and Shutterstock

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.

He and Elspeth have until Solstice to gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

You can preorder ONE DARK WINDOW now, coming your way in 2022! In the meantime come celebrate with us and author Rachel Gillig on Instagram @rmgillig and Twitter @rachelgillig!

Acquisition Announcement: THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER by H. G. Parry

Redhook is thrilled to announce the acquisition of H. G. Parry’s charming new historical fantasy novel, THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER. Perfect for fans of Alix E. Harrow and Naomi Novik, The Magician’s Daughter follows a young woman raised on an isolated island who discovers things aren’t as they seem as she ventures into early 1900s England to help return magic to the world. Do you want to know more? I bet you do!

You can read more about the book below, and while you wait for it to arrive at your nearest bookstore in fall 2022, follow Hannah on Twitter @hg_parry and check out her previous novels, THE UNLIKELY ESCAPE OF URIAH HEEP (US | UK)  and The Shadow Histories duology!

 

It is 1912, and for the last seventy years magic has all but disappeared from the world. Yet magic is all Biddy has ever known.

Orphaned in a shipwreck as a baby, Biddy grew up on Hy-Brasil, a legendary island off the coast of Ireland hidden by magic and glimpsed by rare travelers who return with stories of wild black rabbits and a lone magician in a castle. To Biddy, the island is her home, a place of ancient trees and sea-salt air and mysteries, and the magician, Rowan, is her guardian. She loves both, but as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she is stifled by her solitude and frustrated by Rowan’s refusal to let her leave. He himself leaves almost every night, transforming into a raven and flying to the mainland, and never tells her where or why he goes.

One night, Rowan fails to come home from his mysterious travels. When Biddy ventures into his nightmares to rescue him, she learns not only where he goes every night, but the terrible things that happened in the last days of magic that caused Rowan to flee to Hy-Brasil. Rowan has powerful enemies who threaten the safety of the island. Biddy’s determination to protect her home and her guardian takes her away from the safety of the island, to the poorhouses of Whitechapel, a secret castle beneath London streets, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and finally to a desperate chance to restore lost magic. But the closer she comes to answers, the more she comes to question everything she has ever believed about Rowan, her origins, and the cost of bringing magic back into the world.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World English rights from Hannah Bowman at Liza Dawson Associates.

Cover Launch: THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY by Louisa Morgan

A new Louisa Morgan novel is on the way! Transporting readers to the 18th century, THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY is the charming tale of Ursule Orchiere and how the discovery of her magical abilities will not only change the course of her life, but every generation that comes after her.

Landing at your nearest bookstore in February 2022, check out the stunning cover below and make sure to say hi to Louisa on Twitter at @WriterLouisa.

Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompilio; Cover images by Trevillion

Brittany, 1741

There hasn’t been a witch born in the Orchière clan for generations. According to the elders, that line is dead, leaving the clan vulnerable to the whims of superstitious villagers and the prejudices of fearmongering bishops.

Ursule Orchière has been raised on stories of the great witches of the past. But the only magic she knows is the false spells her mother weaves over the gullible women who visit their fortune-telling caravan. Everything changes when Ursule comes of age and a spark of power flares to life. Thrilled to be chosen, she has no idea how magic will twist and shape her future.

Guided by the whispers of her ancestors and an ancient grimoire, Ursule is destined to walk the same path as the great witches of old. But first, the Orchière magical lineage must survive. And danger hovers over her, whether it’s the bloodlust of the mob or the flames of the pyre.

Acquisition Announcement: THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL by Rowenna Miller

Author photo of Rowenna Miller.

Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of Rowenna Miller’s enchanting new historical fantasy novel, THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL.

Set in the waning years of the Gilded Age, THE FAIRY BARGAINS OF PROSPECT HILL follows two sisters, one managing the family farm and the other a rising socialite, as they make increasingly treacherous bargains with the Fae to help one sister escape her abusive marriage. With its charming and lush writing, rich historical details, and a delightful cast of characters, The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill is sure to sweep you off your feet. We can’t wait for you to read it!

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On Prospect Hill, you can get nearly anything you want from the Fae—if you know how to ask and if you can pay the price.

There is no magic on Prospect Hill—or anywhere else, for that matter. But just on the other side of the veil is the world of the Fae, and all their magic. Generations ago, the first farmers on Prospect Hill learned to bargain small trades to make their lives a little easier—a bit of glass to find something lost, a cup of milk for better layers in the chicken coop.

Much of that old wisdom has been lost as the riverboats gave way to the rail lines and the farmers took work at the copper works and the cotton mill. Alaine Fairborn’s family, however, was always superstitious, and she still hums the rhymes to find her lost shoe and ensure dry weather on her sister Delphine’s wedding day.

But when Delphine confides her new husband is not the man she thought he was, Alaine will stop at nothing to help her sister escape his abuse. Small bargains buy them time, but the progress of locomotives and factories hasn’t given way to equitable laws for women. A major bargain is needed, but the price for sweeping change may be more than they’re willing to pay.

…

While you wait patiently, you can read Rowenna’s debut fantasy series, The Unraveled Kingdom, consisting of TORN, FRAY, and RULE. Follow her on Twitter @RowennaM and find out more at rowennamiller.com.

Book cover for Torn by Rowenna Miller. A line of needles are strung together with a red thread to form the silhouette of a city skyline. Book cover for Fray by Rowenna Miller. The silhouette of a castle is cut from a pool of red cloth.  Book cover of Rule by Rowenna Miller. Cover shows embroidery of a silver crown wreathed in fire.

Orbit US senior editor Nivia Evans acquired World rights from Jessica Sinsheimer at Context Literary.

 

Cover Launch: SISTERSONG by Lucy Holland

Redhook is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Lucy Holland’s gorgeous and haunting historical fantasy SISTERSONG.

Inspired by the traditional murder ballad “The Twa Sisters”, set against the rich backdrop of ancient Britian, Sistersong is a dark and lyrical tale of siblings and sorcery from a spellbinding new voice. And if that description isn’t enough to fully captivate you, check out the beautiful cover, designed by Lisa Marie Pompilio.

 

Sistersong will release in the US in October and is available for pre-order now (US). Read more about the book below, and don’t forget to share your cover love with Lucy on Twitter, @silvanhistorian!

In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, there is old magic to be found in the whisper of the wind, the roots of the trees, the curl of the grass. King Cador knew this once, but now the land has turned from him, calling instead to his three children. Riva can cure others but can’t seem to heal her own deep scars. Keyne battles to be seen for who he truly is—the king’s son. And Sinne dreams of seeing the world, of finding love and adventure.

All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold, their people’s last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. However, change comes on the day ash falls from the sky. It brings with it Myrdhin, meddler and magician. And Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear them apart.

Riva, Keyne and Sinne—three siblings entangled in a web of treachery and heartbreak, who must fight to forge their own paths.

Their story will shape the destiny of Britain.

 

Acquisition Announcement: THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY

Witches of the world rejoice! We’re delighted to announce Orbit’s sister imprint, Redhook, has acquired a gorgeous new novel from author Louisa Morgan. Set during a time of witch burnings and revolution, THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY follows young Ursule Orchière as she discovers a magic within her that will change the course of her life and reshape her family for generations to come.

Here are a few words from the author about what inspired her to write The Great Witch of Brittany:

For a writer, creating a character is like meeting a complete stranger who you get to know really well. When several readers of A Secret History of Witches asked to know more about the “great witch Ursule,” ancestress to the Orchière witches, I was intrigued by the idea and began to wonder what her story might be. 

In my own life, I’m inspired by the women I have watched endure and rise above the most difficult circumstances, women who may not be physically prepossessing, but are so strong spiritually and morally that they are unbreakable. Ursule turned out to be all those things. It was fascinating to me to ‘discover’ her roots and to witness the triumphs and tragedies which shaped her, and the challenges she met with the strength of her character, enhanced by the magic of the Orchière line. 

At the end of this process, I hated saying goodbye to Ursule. She was everything I had hoped she would be–not only as a great witch, but as a woman. I hope the readers who asked about her will be as pleased as I was to learn her story.

While you wait for this wonderful book to hit shelves, you can read Louisa’s previous standalone novels: A SECRET HISTORY OF WITCHES (US | UK), THE WITCH’S KIND (US | UK), and THE AGE OF WITCHES (US | UK). You can find her on Twitter at @WriterLouisa and https://www.louisemarley.com.

Orbit US editor Nivia Evans acquired World All Languages rights from Peter Rubie at FinePrint Literary Management. Orbit UK will publish in the UK.

 

 

 

Cover Launch: A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS by H. G. Parry

If you loved Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell or Zen Cho’s Sorcerer to the Crown, we have great news! A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS, H.G. Parry’s Age of Enlightenment-set story of magic, war, and the struggle for freedom, is coming June 2020. In the meantime, you can behold its enchanting cover designed by Orbit’s own Lisa Marie Pompilio.

A sweeping tale of revolution and wonder in a world not quite like our own.

It is the Age of Enlightenment — of new and magical political movements, from the necromancer Robespierre calling for revolution in France to the weather mage Toussaint L’Ouverture leading the slaves of Haiti in their fight for freedom, to the bold new Prime Minister William Pitt weighing the legalization of magic amongst commoners in Britain and abolition throughout its colonies overseas. 

But amidst all of the upheaval of the early modern world, there is an unknown force inciting all of human civilization into violent conflict. And it will require the combined efforts of revolutionaries, magicians, and abolitionists to unmask this hidden enemy before the whole world falls to darkness and chaos.

Meet the Author: Angus Watson

We interviewed Angus Watson, author of the Iron Age trilogy. Angus debuted last year with the action-packed historical fantasy adventure AGE OF IRON. The final book in the trilogy, REIGN OF IRON, comes out this month.

Angus Watson

What would be your quick pitch for the Iron Age trilogy?

Buy this book or I’ll drown these baby raccoons. Not really! AGE OF IRON is the best adventure story set in the Iron Age that you will ever read. Although younger readers might be better off with the Asterix books.

The final book in the series comes out this month, how does it feel to have completed the series?

I loved school and was sad to leave, but also looking forward to the next adventures. Finishing AGE OF IRON after around five years’ work feels like that. I used to think it was pretentious and a lie when authors said that characters had become their friends, but, annoyingly, it is rather like that when you spend days, weeks then months and even years sitting at your desk with only these made up people for company (and, in my case, two cats).

So, wanky as it sounds, I’m genuinely sad to leave old friends when we’ve been through so much together. However, I’m looking forward to meeting new people in the next trilogy and I daresay that some of my old friends, or at least parts of them, will be reincarnated.

And how does it feel to see the amazing reactions the book is getting?

It feels brilliant. Like spending ages on a project and then walking into a big room full of people telling you how much they like it and how well you’ve done. The odd bad review I’ve received is the opposite of that – like someone walking up to you and telling you that you’re an idiot. Luckily there aren’t enough of those yet to fill a big room, or even a small one.

The Iron Age Trilogy by Angus Watson: Age of Iron, Clash of Iron and Reign of Iron

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

Probably Dug, because he could say or think whatever the badger’s balls he wanted to.

Who are your biggest influences?

Douglas Adams, Joe Abercrombie, Patrick O’Brian, Scott Lynch, Carl Hiaasen, Iain Banks, Thomas Hardy and my Mum.

When you walk into a bookshop which section do you gravitate to first?

I buy pretty much all books online, so I’m most likely to be in a bookshop to meet a friend (note to everyone, especially internet daters – bookshops are great places to meet before pub, dinner or whatever). I used to go straight to the comic / graphic novel section so that I’d have a chance to read a substantial part of something before whoever turned up. Now I go to the fantasy section to make sure that my books are displayed prominently enough.

Where’s your favorite bookshop?

The Waterstones in Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush, London. Westfield is a vast shopping center full of the dreariest, see-them-everywhere, uninspiring, unchallenging clothes shops you can imagine. Waterstones may be a chain, but, since it sells books, it stands out from the other shops like a towering volcano island of quality and knowledge from a slurry sea of vacuous crap.

What are you working on next, can you give us a hint?

I’ve researched for a few months, and now just started writing a new epic fantasy trilogy in which a mismatched group of refugees will battle animals and monsters, determined assassins, depraved tribes, an unforgiving landscape and each other as they cross a continent to fulfil a prophesy . . . how’s that for a hint?