Kane pens three-novel Orion deal for Richard the Lionheart series

Historical fiction writer Ben Kane has signed a three-book deal with Orion Fiction for a new series of novels exploring Richard the Lionheart.

Publishing director Francesca Pathak acquired world all language rights from Charlie Viney at the Viney Agency. First book Lionheart will be published in May 2020.

The novel, which marks the first time Kane has ventured outside his Roman series, opens in 1179 at the highpoint of King Henry II's reign.

Kane explained: “I have been fascinated by Richard the Lionheart since childhood. More than 800 years after the warrior king's death, he remains one of the most iconic figures in British and European history, a warrior king par excellence. I am hugely excited to be writing about him.”

Pathak added: “I’m thrilled to continue working with Ben – he truly is a one-of-a-kind historical fiction author and his expertise is as clear as the passion he has for his subject. Readers are really in for a treat with this new series.”