It must be Love for Oneworld
Oneworld children’s imprint Rock the Boat has signed Scottish débutant Damien Love, acquiring UK and Commonwealth rights to Monstrous Devices, and a second title, from Philippa Milnes-Smith at The Soho Agency.
Monstrous Devices, branded a “delirious adventure” by Anthony Horowitz, will publish in March 2020, supported by a “multi-platform marketing and publicity campaign”. The sequel, Shadow Arts, is scheduled for publication in February 2021. “When 12-year-old Alex receives an old tin robot in the post, the note from his grandfather simply reads: ‘This one is special’,” the synopsis says. “But as strange events start occurring, it doesn’t take Alex long to suspect that the small toy is more than special; it might also be deadly…”
Rock the Boat editorial director Shadi Doostdar said: “This is exactly the kind of Middle Grade book I love. There is nothing patronising or ‘child-like’ about its pace or the writing—Damien’s mastering of the English language is so impressive he practically reinvents it.”
Love added: “I’m delighted Shadi and Rock the Boat have been reckless enough to give a home to Monstrous Devices. It’s a real honour to be at Oneworld.”