Fontana pre-empts Camilla Moreau’s magical historical debut
HarperCollins imprint Fontana has pre-empted the magical historical debut novel The Alchemists by Camilla Moreau.
Rosanna Forte, publishing director at Fontana, acquired world rights from Rachel Neely at Mushens Entertainment. Publication is set for early 2027.
The synopsis reads: “Set in Renaissance Prague, where magic is brewed in dark laboratories and where astrologers discern the future in the stars, two women’s paths are fated to collide. Anna and Katerina come from very different worlds but they share a burning ambition and a talent for the occult. When both are invited to work under the acclaimed alchemist, John Harkett, they find themselves plunged into a male world of science, magic and bitter competition. Under mounting political pressure, they must choose whether to be the agents of each other’s fortune, or their destruction.”
Moreau said: “In The Alchemists, I’ve set out to tell a story of ambition, desire and the double-edged sword of success, in a setting that has long captured my imagination. I am thrilled to be working with Rosanna Forte and the team at Fontana on this process of transmutation.”
Forte added: “Camilla’s novel is every bit as enticing as it sounds, sweeping the reader into a superbly realised world, and delving into a fascinating moment of European history. A glorious concoction of ambition and jealousy and striving and love, The Alchemists is pure escapism from beginning to end, and I couldn’t be more delighted that Camilla has chosen to entrust it to Fontana.”
Neely said: “I read Camilla’s propulsive debut in one sitting and knew immediately that it was an immensely special book. The passion and ambition from Rosanna and the Fontana team made them the clear choice to launch Camilla, and I am thrilled to be partnering with them.”
