Angry Robot scoops 'fast and fun' sci-fi by Dundas

Angry Robot Books has scooped a "fierce, fast and fun" science fiction book by Ever Dundas.

Simon Spanton acquired world rights for HellSans from Jenny Brown of Jenny Brown Associates. It will publish in January 2023.

The book is set in a fictional UK, where HellSans is a ubiquitous typeface, enforced by the government in all communications and in all public spaces. It is the ultimate control device. The majority of the population experience bliss when they see the typeface, but there’s a minority who are allergic to it. The HellSans Allergy Sufferers (HSAs) are persecuted, and live on the streets or in a ghetto on the outskirts of the capital city.

Dundas said: “HellSans was written as a response to my experience as a disabled person in Tory austerity UK. When the pandemic hit, everyone talked about suddenly existing in a dystopia, but disabled people had already been living a dystopia of stigma and discrimination for over a decade. While fictional and heightened, and first and foremost a sci-fi thriller, HellSans is a reflection of that experience. I’m utterly delighted to be joining Angry Robot! It’s the perfect home for HellSans, and working with Simon Spanton has already been a pleasure. I’m very much looking forward to working with the rest of the team."

Spanton added: “HellSans is fierce, fast and fun and shines a bright light on how society works against the marginalised. Passionate but never preachy, it does exactly what SF does best: makes you think about how things are and how things could be. The chance to publish it was one to jump at. And being able to welcome Ever, such an active and involved voice in so many parts of the Scottish publishing scene, to Angry Robot is a really exciting development for us.” 

Brown commented: "Ever Dundas was hailed as a considerable talent with the publication of her remarkable debut Goblin (Saraband) which won the Saltire First Book of the Year Award in 2017. Her follow up is even more ambitious, brilliant, thrilling and totally different. I am delighted that HellSans has found the perfect home with Simon Spanton and colleagues at Angry Robot."