Bolinda Audio scoops rights to Patrick Ness’ New World trilogy

Bolinda Audio has acquired audio rights in a new trilogy from two-time Carnegie Medallist Patrick Ness, which returns to the world of his Chaos Walking series more than 20 years after it was first launched by Walker Books.

Originals content lead Ellis Poolford-Moore acquired world audio rights from Michelle Kass at Michelle Kass Associates. The first book in the New World trilogy, Piper at the Gates of Dusk, will be published on 7th April 2026, with books two and three following in 2027 and 2028. Print rights were acquired by Walker Books.

Bolinda has previously published all of Ness’ middle-grade and young adult novels, including the Chaos Walking series. Ness is an award-winning British-American author, best known for his YA books. The Chaos Walking series began with The Knife of Never Letting Go in 2008, with the novel going on to win the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the BookTrust Teenage Prize and the Tiptree Award. It was also adapted into a 2021 feature film, starring Tom Holland as Todd and Daisy Ridley as Viola. The sequels, The Ask and the Answer and Monsters of Men, won the Costa Children’s Book Award and the CILIP Carnegie Medal respectively.

Set 20 years after the events of Monsters of Men, Piper at the Gates of Dusk focuses on Todd and Viola’s children, Ben and Max, who have grown up only knowing peace. When the youth of the world are suddenly afflicted with terrible dreams of Noise, just as a mysterious object begins to loom in the sky, the pair embark on a quest for answers that will test their beliefs in their parents, each other, and in their very existence on the planet.

Poolford-Moore said: “As a long-time fan of Patrick Ness, I was thrilled when Piper at the Gates of Dusk arrived on my desk. This new trilogy delivers the same rich world-building and fast-paced storytelling as the Chaos Walking series, and feels like a perfect return to New World, which will satisfy loyal fans and delight a whole new generation of listeners. At Bolinda, we’re honoured that Patrick and his agent Michelle have entrusted us with bringing the New World trilogy to life in audio and we can’t wait to introduce this fantastic new series to listeners.”

Ness commented: “Bolinda has made brilliant versions of the original Chaos Walking trilogy. I can’t wait to hear their version of Piper at the Gates of Dusk and the books beyond.”

Kass added: “We’re delighted and excited by this deal. Piper At The Gates Of Dusk is thrilling – Patrick never ceases to amaze me. Bolinda’s dynamism and creativity make for a perfect partnership.”