Del Rey scoops Holly Black's adult debut in two-book deal

Cornerstone's Del Rey imprint has scooped the debut adult novel from YA and children's author Holly Black in a two-book deal.

First title Book of Night, billed as “a modern dark fantasy of shadows”, will be published on 3rd May 2022 as Del Rey’s lead title for spring/summer 2022. The second book will follow in 2024. Senior editor Sam Bradbury acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Heather Baror-Shapiro at Baror International, on behalf of Joanna Volpe at the New Leaf Literary Agency. North American rights sold to Miriam Weinberg at Tor. 

The publisher said: “In the world of Book of Night, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences – but also to increase power and influence. Charlie Hall is a low-level con artist, working as a bartender while trying to distance herself from the powerful and dangerous underground world of shadow trading. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie’s present life is thrown into chaos, and her future seems at best, unclear – and at worst, non-existent. Determined to survive, Charlie throws herself into a maelstrom of secrets and murder, setting her against a cast of doppelgangers, mercurial billionaires, shadow thieves, and her own sister – all desperate to control the magic of the shadows.”

Black is the number one New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 fantasy novels for children and young adults. Her books have been translated into 32 languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.

She said: “I am so thrilled to be working with Sam Bradbury and everyone else at the iconic Del Rey UK to bring this new world to life.”

Bradbury added: “I am incredibly honoured to be publishing Holly Black’s adult novels in the UK. I’ve been a huge fan of hers for years, and it’s a dream come true to be working with her now. Holly’s books are always hugely evocative, effortlessly stylish and fiercely intelligent, and her adult novel is no exception. I can’t wait to share it with the world.”