Orbit has signed The Bone Raiders, a fast-paced and highly entertaining new epic fantasy from Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind. Orbit UK Publisher Anna Jackson acquired World English language rights in two novels set in the world of the Bone Raiders from J&A’s Ed Wilson. Bradley Englert, Senior Editor at Orbit US, has acquired rights in US & Canada. Orbit will publish the book globally in May 2025.
This epic fantasy follows the story of the Rakada, a fearsome band known as the Bone Raiders, due to their charming habit of wearing the bones of those they kill on their armour. But being a raider is tough these days, especially when the High Chieftain is trying to wipe out you and your kind. When Sayana, a young Rakada scout, finds herself face-to-face with a fire-breathing lizard of legend during a raid-gone-wrong, she comes up with an audacious plan to save the Rakada and preserve their way of life. A plan that involves convincing the lizard to let her ride it . . .
‘I really fell for The Bone Raiders – this is such a fun and absorbing epic fantasy that really packs a punch,’ announced Acquiring Publisher Anna Jackson. ‘With a fast pace, great sense of humour and a superb ensemble cast, it’s perfect for fans of lively epic fantasy with attitude such as Kings of the Wyld, The Grey Bastards, The Blacktongue Thief and The Blade Itself. Get ready for the Rakada . . .’
Author Jackson Ford said, ‘Bad guys are always the best fun to write – especially bad guys who have everything to lose. I fell hard for the Rakada, and especially for Sayana, who has no idea what she's about to get into. I had a wild time creating the world of The Bone Raiders, and I can't wait for readers to get their teeth into it.’
‘Take one fearsome warrior band, add a giant fire-breathing lizard, heap on sass by the bucketload – it can only be the new Jackson Ford!’ commented Ed Wilson. ‘We’re delighted to have Anna and Bradley from Orbit along for the ride. Epic fantasy has never felt so fresh and feisty.’
Jackson Ford is a pseudonym for Rob Boffard, a South African writer who now lives in Vancouver. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Frost Files series, about a government operative with telekinetic powers. This series begins with The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind and has sold over 90,000 copies. He has released four science fiction novels under the name Rob Boffard, and was previously a journalist for over a decade, writing articles for publications and sites including the Guardian, the BBC, Wired Magazine and io9.