PMJ nets ‘dark and delicious’ horror romantasy
Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired I Am the Devouring Dark, a horror romantasy novel set in a Norse pagan world, by Kimberly Lynn Hanson.
Senior editor Ruth Atkins acquired world rights to the novel and one other from Bethany Weaver of Weaver Literary Agency. I Am the Devouring Dark will be published in October 2026, with another fantasy novel to follow.
The novel tells the story of the Skratti, a dangerous monster who terrorises the Norse woods. The blurb continues: “The Skratti only hungers for one thing – human hearts – provided to her in sacrifice from the pagan villagers in exchange for her protection from invaders.
"But when the village’s latest offering – a petty thief named Rorik – enters her lair, he awakens a vision of the Skratti’s life before the darkness, and a sister she once had, who is now in grave danger. Instead of feasting upon him, she takes him captive, promising his freedom if he helps her piece together her long-buried past. Slowly, a dangerous closeness grows between them… more terrifying than the shadows lurking inside.”
Hanson said: “Working with Ruth and the team at Penguin Michael Joseph has been a dream. Their enthusiasm for this strange female monster book is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to experience this book filled with female rage, steamy romance and, at its heart, themes of facing our inner shadows and overcoming the dark parts of ourselves. I’m grateful to my agent, Bethany, for seeing the potential in this story and I hope readers love the Skratti and her handsome, loveable ‘thief’ as much as we do.”
Atkins said: “Dark, delicious and deadly, with an unforgettable voice, I devoured this story of a love that overcomes the darkest of shadows. I can’t wait for more readers to discover the Skratti’s haunting story and Kimberly’s unforgettable writing.”
Weaver added: “Kimberly’s story is dark, intoxicating, and impossible to put down. The Skratti is a mesmerising, dangerous force and her world haunted me long after the final page. I can’t wait for readers to be drawn into her thrilling, terrifying story and experience Kimberly’s unforgettable writing.”
