Cranachan signs YA fantasy epic from Caroline Logan

Cranachan Publishing has signed debut Scottish YA author Caroline Logan to its new YA fiction imprint, Gob Stopper.

The author’s first title, The Stone of Destiny, is described as an action-packed fantasy novel "with a distinctly Scottish heart". Featuring mysterious creatures from Scottish myths and folklore, the book is set in Scotland and also uses Gaelic. Its protagonist is a "strong, sword-wielding" changeling named Ailsa, who together with a selkie and a prince to embarks on a quest to find a powerful object and save the kingdom.

Pitched as "Twilight meets Outlander meets Game of Thrones", it will be the first in a YA fantasy series from the author called The Four Treasures, publishing in October 2019. Cranachan have exclusive world rights.

Welcoming the Aviemore-based author to the list, publisher Anne Glennie said: "We are thrilled and excited to be adding such an exceptional fantasy writer to our growing Gob Stopper list. Caroline’s first book The Stone of Destiny is going to kick off a new Young Adult fantasy series, The Four Treasures, with a bang and we think fans of the genre are going to be hooked on the Ailsa, the strong, sword-wielding main character, and the assortment of Scottish folk races she encounters. Caroline’s writing is fresh and exciting, exactly what we look for in our Cranachan titles."

For her day job, Logan works as a biology teacher at Kingussie High School. She said: "I am so excited to be part of the creative and dynamic Clan Cranachan team. Anne and Kelly are so enthusiastic, and our discussions have left me brimming with ideas. I'm looking forward to introducing readers to Ailsa and the land of Eilanmor, with its magic and myths, and I hope they are as captivated by her journey as I was."

Established at the beginning of 2016, Cranachan focus on children’s fiction and educational resources for schools. Its Scottish historical fiction series, Yesteryear, is published under their Pokey Hat imprint. Its Young Adult imprint Gob Stopper will launch officially in May 2019.