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Electric Monkey pre-empts romantasy Hansel and Gretel retelling in ‘major’ two-book deal
Electric Monkey has pre-empted two standalone novels from Katherine Webber in a "major" deal. Fiction publishing director Lindsey Heaven and editorial director Sarah Levison acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White literary agency. The first book, Sweet Hunger, will be published in hardback in spring 2027 and paperback in autumn 2027. The second book will follow in spring 2028.
The publisher describes Sweet Hunger as a “captivating tale of magic, romance, and revenge, set in a world inspired by the beloved fairytale Hansel and Gretel”.
It added: “The story follows Grey, who, 10 years after a harrowing experience in the woods, returns to rescue his sister, Hazel, from a witch who wants to devour her heart. But waiting for Grey is a different witch, one who is beautiful and beguiling. She accepts Grey’s offer to take his sister’s place, but Grey will not give up his heart so easily.”
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Webber said: “Some of my most vivid childhood reading memories are all the hours I spent poring over my grandparent’s gilt-edged, leather-bound edition of Grimms’ Fairytales – those stories have stayed with me my whole life and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to revisit and reimagine some of my favourite tales. I have long been fascinated by Hansel and Gretel and I’ve had the most delicious time writing my own version with Hazel, Grey and, of course the witch – and I can’t wait for readers to follow them into the woods and hopefully fall for them as much as I have.”
Levison said: “‘YA readers, prepare to meet your new obsession! Hearts will be broken, stolen, and possibly eaten in these incredible new novels from the bestselling queen of romantasy, Katherine Webber.”
