Daphne Press signs Saft's 'stunningly rich fantasy' in two-book deal

Daphne Press has signed A Dark and Drowning Tide, an adult fantasy standalone novel, in a two-book deal from Allison Saft.

Commissioning editor Davi Lancett acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Rachel Kind at Penguin Random House US. A Dark and Drowning Tide will be published in hardback and e-book simultaneously with the US in September 2024.

A Dark and Drowning Tide is Saft’s adult fantasy debut. The novel follows a Jewish folklorist who must team up with her academic rival to solve their mentor’s murder while completing an expedition. 

Lancett said: "Allison is such a fantastic author and her YA titles are already fan-favourites. Her adult debut invites you into a stunningly rich fantasy world alongside a team of complex compelling characters. Their rivalry is delicious, the tension is pitch-perfect, and the atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful. Sapphic romance, folklore, murder… What more could you want?"

Saft commented: “A Dark and Drowning Tide is my debut adult fantasy, and I can’t think of a better team to launch this new stage of my career. This is a story about stories. It’s about a young Jewish woman who believes her fate has already been indelibly written – and the noblewoman determined to prove her wrong.

"I wrote it for those who have grown thorns and who consequently feel they’re difficult to love. I’m so excited for readers to sink into this world full of dark whimsy, folkloric creatures, and larger-than-life characters."