Hot Key Books, the leading young adult imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is to publish a new duology from international bestselling author Holly Black.
The deal was completed with Heather Baror-Shapiro of Baror International for exclusive English language rights for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth including ANZ and non-exclusively throughout the rest of the world, excluding the United States of America, its territories and dependencies, the Philippines and Canada.
In The Stolen Heir, the first title in the deliciously dark duology, #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black returns to the opulent world of Elfhame in the first book in a thrilling new duology, following Jude’s brother Oak, and the changeling queen, Suren. A reluctant prince. A runaway queen. And a quest that may destroy them both.
Holly Black said: ‘When I finished writing the Folk of the Air series, I knew I had a story about Oak I wanted to tell. Growing up he was at the center of a violent struggle for the Blood Crown, but also the cherished and possibly spoiled little brother to a bevy of sisters. Now the same age Jude was when she began her quest for the throne, our Prince Oak, Heir to Elfhame, must go on a quest alongside the feral changeling queen, Suren of the Court of Teeth — one in which both are keeping secrets that could upend their fragile alliance. This duology is a tale of assumptions, deceptions, and the dangers of desire.’
Emma Matthewson, executive publisher, Hot Key, added: ‘We could not be more excited Holly Black is enticing us once again into the dangerously thrilling world of Elfhame. The Stolen Heir will be much anticipated – and so it should be, after all, Holly is the queen of fantasy. We cannot wait to spread the magic…’
The Folk of the Air series, including The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, and The Queen of Nothing, has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, catapulting Holly Black to the status of queen of YA fantasy. During lockdown The Folk of the Air became a TikTok phenomenon, drawing thousands of new fans to the series, and generating over half a billion views on the platform.
Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels, including the Novels of Elfhame, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and her adult debut, Book of Night. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. Her books have been translated into 32 languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.
The Stolen Heir, the first book in the duology, will publish simultaneously with the US in ebook, audio and hardback in January 2023. The second title will follow in January 2024.
