Chris Ryan signs six-book deal with Hot Key

Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Zaffre, has signed a six-book contract with former SAS soldier Chris Ryan.

The Special Forces Cadets series follows five orphan recruits who, due to their unparalleled ability to think smart and act quickly under pressure, are picked for a top-secret government programme. The first book will publish in October, supported by a “multi-faceted” PR and marketing campaign.

Jane Harris, executive director of children’s fiction at Bonnier Zaffre, and Emma Matthewson, publishing director, acquired world rights from Barbara Levy at the Barbara Levy Literary Agency.

Matthewson said: “Chris Ryan is able to engage even the most reluctant reader and with this adrenaline-thumping new series ensures every reader will be hooked from the first page. We could not be more proud to welcome Chris to the Hot Key list.”