Atom picks up Sabaa Tahir's 'irresistible' fantasy duology

Atom, an imprint of Little, Brown Book Group, has acquired Heir, the first in a new duology by bestselling fantasy author Sabaa Tahir.

Heir will be published in October. Olivia Hutchings, editorial director, bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown, on behalf of Alexandra Machinist at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The book, the first of a duology, is slated for publication 1st October. In the US, Putnam Young Readers will publish Heir on the same date.

Tahir, the author of All My Rage (Atom) and the An Ember in the Ashes quartet (HarperCollins), will “return to her fantasy roots this October with the publication of Heir”, according to Atom. 

The publisher said: “In this action-packed, ruthless and romantic new fantasy, Tahir masterfully interweaves the lives of three young people: an orphan seeking revenge, an outcast in search of a new life, and a prince in exile, as they grapple with the burdens of power, the treachery of love and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed.  

“Set in the world of Tahir’s beloved Ember quartet, Heir introduces readers to a separate storyline with new characters. However, fans of the original series may recognise a few familiar faces.”  

Tahir said: “What a gift to be able to publish my fantasy duology with Atom, who have been incredible partners on my contemporary work. I’m excited for UK readers to meet new characters in the world of Ember, and perhaps run into some old ones.” 

Hutchings said: “After being lucky enough to publish All My Rage, we are so thrilled that Sabaa Tahir has entrusted Atom again with this captivating duology, as Sabaa returns to her fantasy roots. With the bestselling Ember quarter, Sabaa created something rare and special – and with this new duology, longtime fans and new readers will be treated to an irresistible journey of legacy, power and vengeance, complete with an utterly compelling cast of characters.”