Wayward TxF wins nine-way auction for debut romantasy Steelborn
Wayward TxF has acquired debut romantic fantasy Steelborn, plus two sequels, by Taylor J LaRue.
Publishing director Rachel Winterbottom won a nine-way auction for UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada, with exclusive European rights, to three books from Claire Wilson at RCW Literary Agency on behalf of Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower. North American rights have been acquired by Requited from Knapp, with rights sold in 17 territories to date. Steelborn will be published on 28th July 2026.
The blurb reads: “Reya’s enemies know her as the Crimson Dagger, the empire’s most notorious thief. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of gaining her freedom from a ruthless crime lord, Reya needs a miracle. Enter Caelan Halcyon, a once powerful immortal warrior now cursed to die. Together, they embark on a perilous adventure to the edge of the known world – but there’s far more at stake than their own lives. The fate of all magic-born hangs in the balance.”
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LaRue said: “When I met Rachel and the team at Wayward TxF, I knew Steelborn had found the right home. I was blown away by their vision for this book, which has been with me for 17 years. I’m still pinching myself that Reya will have the opportunity to find readers all across the world. It’s a privilege to be working with such an incredible team of people to bring her to life.”
Winterbottom said: “It isn’t often that a voice grabs you this powerfully but, like its inimitable heroine, Steelborn swaggered into my heart. Taylor J LaRue has written exactly the kind of immersive, trailblazing fantasy that Wayward TxF was forged for. With jaw-dropping set pieces, an unforgettable heroine and smouldering tension, this phenomenal fantasy will be everyone’s new obsession.”
Wilson described Steelborn as “a knock-out story told with irresistible boldness and style, from a truly extraordinary new voice,” Anissa de Gomery, CEO of FairyLoot, said: “Steelborn had me from the first line. I’m always on the lookout for stories with grit, heart and fantasy at full force – and Taylor J LaRue delivers on every front.”
