Daphne Press scoops Mercedes' fantasy trilogy

Daphne Press has scooped Sylvia Mercedes’ Bride of the Shadow King trilogy. 

Publisher Daphne Tonge acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, directly from the author. The series will remain self-published in the US and Canada, with other translation deals in the works. The first two books in the series—Bride of the Shadow King and Vow of the Shadow King—will be published in e-book in May with the paperback editions following in autumn. Heart of the Shadow King, the "irresistible" conclusion, will be published in e-book in September with paperback to follow in January 2024. 

The series follows an arranged marriage between a human princess and the "enigmatic and desperate" Shadow King. 

“I was enraptured by Bride of the Shadow King and it’s such an honour to be trusted to traditionally publish Sylvia’s work,” Tonge said. “Sylvia has written a captivating, spicy romance in a unique fantasy setting.”

Mercedes added: “It is such an honour to collaborate with Daphne Press on the UK edition of my trilogy. This passionate, slow-burn romance explores the struggle of living with chronic illness, ultimately revealing the potential in each of us—no matter who we are or what invisible battles we face—to become the heroes of our own tales. These themes are written straight from my heart and I am thrilled to partner with Daphne to bring this story to a whole new host of readers. My work could not be in better hands.” 

Launched in 2021 by Tonge, Daphne Press is the speciality press arm of the book box subscription and limited editions sales shop Illumicrate, which focuses on bringing science fiction and fantasy adult and YA fiction to the trade market.