HCG signs fantasy series by debut author Bex Hogan

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has acquired a three-book fantasy set on the high seas by debut author Bex Hogan.

The Isles of Storm and Sorrow series is set in the Twelve Isles, where the Viper - supposed to be a protector of the citizens – has turned to poisonous cruelty and corruption. There’s only one person who might be able to avenge the islanders and defeat him, and that’s his daughter, Marianne. Trained as an assassin since birth, can Marianne become the killer she is fated to be, or will she find another way?

HCG will publish the first book Viper on the Orion imprint in April 2019, followed by Venom in 2020 and Vulture in 2021.

Editor Lena McCauley acquired the UK, Commonwealth (excluding Canada) and translation rights in a pre-empt from Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Andlyn Agency.

McCauley said: “This enthralling new fantasy series has everything – a powerful female heroine, an intricate world of extraordinary islands and monster-filled oceans, heaps of action, a heart-stopping romance and incredibly polished writing – I’m so excited to introduce Viper and Bex Hogan to the world in 2019.”