Daphne Press signs two-book deal from 'talented' debut Romero Lacruz

Daphne Press has signed a two-book deal with debut author Gabriela Romero Lacruz, including a "sweeping" South American-inspired fantasy The Sun and the Void. 

Publisher Daphne Tonge acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Naomi Davis at the BookEnds Literary Agency. The Sun and the Void will be published in July 2023. 

"If you’re a fantasy-devouring reader like me, you will be absolutely swept away into this lush, South American-inspired fantasy world packed full of magic, action and love," said Davis. "We’re thrilled to see Daphne Press publishing The Sun and the Void in the UK, and I’m confident readers will fall head over heels in love with the characters and mythology Gabriela has built." 

The first book in the deal follows a young noblewoman and a "determined" servant girl who must each become a vessel of an ancient god to save their nation.

Tonge said: “I am thrilled to have acquired The Sun and the Void for the Daphne Press list. Gabriela is such a talented new author, and her voice shines in this story. The South American folklore-inspired world and magic are utterly unique and epic in scope. It’s been a joy to bring underrepresented stories such as this into the UK fantasy market. With Gabriela’s beautiful illustrations within, we can’t wait to share it with readers.” 

Romero Lacruz added: "I am beyond delighted to be working with Daphne and the marvellous Daphne Press team to publish such a beautiful edition of The Sun and the Void. I wrote this story out of a deep desire to see my culture represented in epic, sword and sorcery, and secondary world fantasies. This book is for all the nerds like me, who grew up loving worlds like those of ’Final Fantasy’ yet had our existence largely ignored by mainstream pop culture. The Daphne Press team has gone above and beyond to make sure both my literary and artistic vision is showcased in this book. I can’t wait to share this story with so many more readers in the UK, and in such a stunning edition! You don’t want to miss this."