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Hodderscape to publish 'vibrant, epic' fantasy debut from Katalina Watt in two-book deal
Hodderscape is set to publish the "vibrant, epic" fantasy debut from Katalina Watt. Editor Calah Singleton acquired UK & Commonwealth rights to Saltswept in a two-book deal from Robbie Guillory at Underline Literary Agency. The novel will be published in February 2026, with the sequel following in spring 2027.
The publisher describes it as a "vibrant epic fantasy set in a sumptuous, swashbuckling world based on Southeast Asian mythology". The book is a multi-POV story following a pirate, farmer and priestess, who "embark on a perilous quest to find a treasure so great that the tyrannical, vampiric queen of their archipelago desires it above all else".
The synopsis continues: "These unlikely bedfellows band together with a colourful crew – including an inscrutable pickpocket and an annoyingly chatty ottercat – to brave the voyage into the heart of the Maelstrom... a journey from which few return."
Watt said: "I’ve long been an admirer of Hodderscape and working with my editor Calah and the wider publishing team has been an absolute joy. My agent Robbie has given Saltswept the right steer from its first frenetic draft. I can’t wait for readers to meet our beloved motley crew and get swept up in the adventure."
Singleton said: "Saltswept enchanted me from the start. Katalina’s haunted, complex, endearing characters blaze to life in a fresh and fantastical world, gorgeously rendered in their lyrical prose. Saltswept is a gutsy epic of queer found family and dangerous magics; a shimmering fantasy that will hijack your heart and sweep you away to parts unknown. We’re overjoyed that Katalina has joined the Hodderscape family and can’t wait to publish their singular debut."
Hodderscape will publish Saltswept on 5th February 2026 in hardback, e-book and audiobook.
