Acquisition Announcement: THE SHADOWS THAT LISTEN by Louisa Carmody

Orbit has pre-empted debut author Louisa Carmody’s The Shadows that Listen, an ‘unputdownable dystopian romantasy set in an angels vs demons world with a delicious slow burn romance. Perfect for fans of the Crescent City series and Silver Elite.’ The first in the four-book series, The Shadows that Listen was previously self-published by the author but will be re-released in September 2025 in ebook and August 2026 in hardback with a brand-new design.

Sue Armstrong at C&W sold World All Languages rights in four books in an exclusive six-figure pre-empt to Senior Commissioning Editor Nadia Saward at Orbit UK, with Orbit US Editor Angelica Chong publishing in North America and Rebecca Saunders, Head of Fiction at Hachette Australia publishing locally in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Author Louisa Carmody said: ‘I am beyond grateful to be working with the incredibly passionate teams at Orbit UK, Orbit US, and Hachette Australia. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to bring The Shadows that Listen to readers with such a dedicated and accomplished publisher.’

Acquiring editor Nadia Saward said: ‘I absolutely devoured The Shadows that Listen in under twenty-four hours. I’ve been desperately waiting for paranormal romance to make a comeback and Louisa Carmody is leading the charge with her debut. This is THE angels vs demons slow burn romance, filled with intricate worldbuilding and so much yearning that will have readers clamouring for the rest of the series, and I’m honoured that Louisa chose Orbit as her publisher.’

US editor Angelica Chong said: ‘Action-packed, swoon-worthy, and full of twists and turns, The Shadows That Listen is a rollercoaster ride I wish I could have stayed on forever. I’m so glad Louisa is bringing sexy angels back and I can’t wait to see her take readers on an adventure of a lifetime.’

About the author: Louisa Carmody wrote her debut novel, The Shadows that Listen, at 19 years old and rewrote it at 26 while juggling full-time work. She originally wrote the story because it was something that she wanted to read, and it is now enjoyed by those who want a book that will make them laugh, cry, and scream. When Louisa isn’t curled up writing or reading, she’s usually spending time in the sun by the water.