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Angry Robot has bagged an "epic" fantasy debut from BookTok reviewer turned author Stacey McEwan.
Gemma Creffield acquired world, audio and translation rights to Ledge via Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Agency. The story is described as an "an enemies-to-lovers romance" as well as a "quest story" which explores loneliness, sacrifice, independence and survival. It will publish in September 2022.
McEwan is a teacher in Australia and joined TikTok in December 2020, where she quickly gained followers with her book reviews and cameos from her children and husband. In April of this year, she announced she was writing and self-publishing an adult fantasy novel. Her followers' pre-orders made Ledge the number one bestseller in three categories on Amazon Australia across three days, and earned her a B&N online bestseller sticker. Collins approached McEwan and within her requested one month’s grace before the appointed self-publishing date, had signed a deal with Angry Robot.
The author said: "Ultimately, my favourite books have three things: an epic fantasy plot, romance and spice. After joining the online bookish community, it became obvious that many of us shared an obsession with finding stories that balanced all three. The premise of Ledge was born out of my own desire to find another world that would enthral me. I was intrigued with the concept of a prison-break story meets high fantasy, but Ledge quickly became so much more. The main character, Dawsyn, is my ideal fantasy heroine, and I am so grateful that Angry Robot will help me to share her story."
Collins said: "I have followed Stacey on TikTok for long enough to know how incredibly funny and creative she is. But when she made a post about the plot of her novel, I stopped scrolling immediately and messaged her. I read Ledge all in one sitting and just knew this book and author was something special. She has a long career in front of her. "
Creffield added: "I was so excited when Ledge came into my inbox. It's exactly the type of fantasy I've been waiting for — badass heroine, beautiful writing and a romantic subplot to keep you on your toes. We're beyond thrilled that Stacey has chosen AR to publish her gripping debut.”