Daphne Press signs duology from debut author Danielle Knight

Daphne Press has signed a "necromantasy" duology on exclusive submission from debut author Danielle Knight, who also works at Scholastic.

Commissioning editor Davi Lancett acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from John Baker at Bell Lomax Moreton. The first book in the series, A Rather Vengeful Accord, will be published in November 2025 with the sequel to follow in 2026. 

"Davi and Daphne Press team’s enthusiasm for Danielle and her gorgeous and gruesome debut, A Rather Vengeful Accord, combined with an ambitious and exciting proposition were incredible to witness and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition," said Baker. 

In Knight’s debut novel, pitched as a rivals-to-lovers dark academia fantasy, a necromancer must partner with her enemy in a series of gladiatorial-style battles with strange creatures to earn entrance to a prestigious university.

Lancett said: “I would die for Hal (provided she would very promptly resurrect me). This prickly, sarcastic, driven, stubborn wretch is a complete delight, and you can’t help but cheer for her attempts to demand recognition from her peers and heroes. The chemistry and banter is top tier, and while Hal would rather murder her loved ones than swoon, romance is in the air.”

Knight commented: “I’m delighted to join Davi and the Daphne Press family with A Rather Vengeful Accord. Books are escapism for me, so this is a mash-up of things I love. Dark academia and sports competitions, necromancers and gladiators, snarky banter and eldritch monsters. Massive thank you to my marvellous agent, John Baker, for making this dream happen.”