Penguin has sold Storm Weaver, a YA romance series by 23-year-old debut author Lauryn Hamilton Murray, who began writing in her final year of university, in a six-way auction.
Publisher Carmen McCullough has acquired world rights to three books from Paper Literary's Katherine Cho. The publisher described the deal as a “low six-figure deal.”
The first title in the series, successor of the stormis scheduled for June 2025 and is “going to take the world by storm,” Penguin said. Rights have already been sold in six countries, including a “significant” US deal with Roaring Brook Press.
“At just 23 years old, the Scottish writer is a phenomenal newcomer, and her film debut is filled with fascinating characters, masterful world-building, an electrifying love triangle, and high-stakes political intrigue. It's got all the hallmarks of a hit movie, and it's a race for life and death,'' Penguin said.
This is how Penguin describes the Stormweaver series.twin crown [Electric Monkey] Fusing elements of Sarah J. Maas and The Hunger Games [Scholastic]It follows Blaze as he competes with other Aetheri, masters of elemental power, to become ruler of a kingdom where the crown is disinherited. The crown will be won.
The blurb says: Blaze, a rainsinger, was born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the kingdom.
“Her birth sparked a devastating storm that resulted in thousands of deaths. She has spent her life as an outsider, condemned and feared. Blaise and his twin brother Flint When she is chosen to participate in the Selection Ceremony, a test that will determine the future ruler of the kingdom, she is suddenly thrust into the spotlight and thrust into battle.
“With a handsome prince and the throne within reach, Blaze is ready to take the crown and restore his honor.”
Hamilton Murray said: “I'm so excited to be working with Carmen and the amazing team at Penguin Random House Children's. Their enthusiasm for this series has completely amazed me.
“I wrote successor of the storm During my final year of university, I had no idea where it would lead me. It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to share this book with readers around the world and to be published alongside some of my literary heroes. I'm so grateful to the Penguin Random House Children's team, my wonderful American editors Kate and Emilia at Roaring Brook, and my amazing agent Catherine who believed in me and this story from the beginning. ”
She holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Stirling and will soon graduate with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh.
Mr McCullough said: “These are very exciting times for the fantasy market and all subgenres within it. Providing fantasy to all readers is extremely important to us. successor of the storm It's truly the best romance. Lauryn is an extraordinary talent and I know her engaging series will attract many viewers from all over the world. We can't wait for you to meet Blaze in 2025. ”
Senior rights executive Beth Fennell revealed that the title “immediately created a storm within the team, so we're happy to be lucky enough to represent it.”She added: “We love watching Blaze come into her own surrounded by mystery and deception, and we can't wait to see where her story goes next.” .we are glad that successor of the storm is already available in six languages, and we hope to see more on the way. ”
