PMJ pre-empts Alexandra Christo’s 'epic' romantasy trilogy

Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) has pre-empted an ‘epic’ romantasy trilogy from the Sunday Times bestselling author of To Kill a Kingdom (Hot Key Books), Alexandra Christo.

Publisher Rebecca Hilsdon acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for Cursekeeper from Maddy Belton at Madeleine Milburn Agency. The first book will publish in November 2026, with each new novel publishing a year later. US rights have been sold to Emilia Rhodes at Atria.

The story follows Thalia, the guardian of the Library of Curses. On the night she meets Soren, an enigmatic fae prince, the library is ransacked, and her brother is taken by demons.

She is soon thrust into a magical world of court politics as she teams up with this brooding fae to uncover what happened to her brother before deadly curses are released across the realm. As her feelings for Soren grow, so does the mystery in his bloody past and the curse that threatens to tear apart all that they both hold dear.

Christo said: “Stories have power, and the tale of a library filled with curses – with books that can truly change your fate – has been swirling around my imagination for years. I feel beyond honoured to have my debut adult fantasy being brought to readers by such passionate teams who really understand the power of a bad-ass librarian and the fervour of damned lovers. Being able to announce a book that has ruled my heart for so long, nine years after signing my first ever deal, feels endlessly surreal.”

Hilsdon said: “Alexandra has created an immersive world packed full of demons, fae, romance and curses. I couldn’t stop turning her pages and I know this book will be beloved by romantasy fans across the world.”