PMJ acquires Kayla Edwards’ romantasy series in exclusive submission
Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired House of Devils, a “high-stakes urban fantasy romance series” of four novels from romantasy author Kayla Edwards.
In an exclusive submission, senior editor Ruth Atkins pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights for City of Gods and Monsters, City of Souls and Sinners, City of Lies and Legends and City of Smoke and Brimstone from Edwards, represented by Kimberly Whalen at The Whalen Agency.
German rights have been sold to CBJ in a “hotly contested” auction, with sales in further territories to be announced. The four novels will be released in the UK on 20th November.
The House of Devils series follows Loren Calla, a human in the urban, magical setting of Angelthene – a city of vampires, werewolves and other supernatural beings. The synopsis for the book’s first instalment reads: “Loren has always assumed her life would remain simple, predictable and as safe as her world would allow. But when she barely escapes abduction at the hands of Darkslayers – supernatural bounty hunters – and one of her friends is taken in her place, Loren must turn to Darien Cassel, leader of the most ruthless Darkslaying circle in the city. Darien is Loren’s only chance at finding her friend alive, if she can somehow manage not to fall head-over-heels in love with him.
“Their search for answers will take them deep into Angelthene’s corrupt underbelly, to dark secrets that threaten to unravel their world. And when tragedy strikes, can Loren learn that love makes an ordinary person capable of extraordinary things?”
Atkins said: “From the first chapter of City of Gods and Monsters, I fell wholly under the spell of Loren, Darien and their fight for love and survival in Angelthene. Kayla’s House of Devils series is a non-stop, high-stakes rollercoaster that never lets you go. I came for the heart-pounding action amid an enthralling urban fantasy setting perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Cassandra Clare and stayed for the found family and unexpected love that brings this series such warmth – utterly unforgettable!”
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Whalen said: “Kayla established the House of Devils series as an indie, international phenom. I am thrilled that we’ve found such a wonderful partner in Penguin Michael Joseph UK to bring this extraordinary series to an even wider readership.”
Edwards said: “I could not be happier to be working with the incredible team at Penguin Michael Joseph! I just knew from the moment they reached out that they would be the perfect fit for me and my series. I feel so incredibly excited and honoured to have this opportunity and cannot wait to share Darien and Loren’s story with more readers!”
Edwards is the author of the upper-YA romantasy novel Dreams of Ice and Iron.
