Angry Robot signs two-book deal with Johnston in five-figure deal

Angry Robot has bagged a two-book deal from Cameron Johnston including The Last Shield, a "high-octane adventure" novel.

Publisher Eleanor Teasdale acquired world English language rights from Ed Wilson at Johnson & Alcock in a five- figure deal. The Last Shield will be published August 2024.

"Cameron Johnston is the go-to for fantasy books that cut your throat and break your heart, and The Last Shield is no exception," said Wilson. "It’s a high-octane adventure story told with all his trademark bloodshed, energy and humour."

The Last Shield follows Briar, the commander of the shields, who must defend the palace, and its artefacts, from the "vicious brigands" known as the Wildwood Reivers. The novel is being pitched as "gender-bent ’Die Hard’ set in a mysterious castle". 

Johnston’s previous book The Maleficent Seven (Watkins) was published in 2021 but he is also known for the Age of Tyranny duology. He commented: "After the amazing reader response to The Maleficent Seven, I am incredibly happy to be working again with Angry Robot on The Last Shield, best pitched as a bronze-age ’Die Hard’ in a castle.”

Teasdale added: "If you have read Cameron before you know that you are in for nothing but a marvellous time and this book delivers 10 fold — The Last Shield is a one-sit read for me — nigh on impossible to put down."