Gollancz pre-empts romantasy trilogy from Molly X Chang in six-figure deal

Gollancz has pre-empted a new romantasy trilogy from Molly X Chang in a six-figure deal. 

Editorial director Bethan Morgan acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Tracy Williams at New Leaf Literary & Media. The Nightblood Prince, the first book in the deal, will be published in July 2025. 

Pitched as "Mulan meets Helen of Troy with vampires", The Nightblood Prince follows Fei, a girl prophesied for greatness, but who finds herself caught between two rival princes. Raised in the palace to one day marry the crown prince, Fei has a chance at freedom if she can hunt down a legendary tiger. 

The synopsis continues: "What she doesn’t expect is to fall under the mercy of Yexue, the beautiful runaway prince from a rival kingdom. Blessed by the night, harbouring a dangerous magic and capable of commanding an army of deadly vampires, Yexue could be the key to Fei gaining more than just her freedom. But to outrun destiny, Fei must spark a wave of events that will change the world as she knows it."

Chang said: "I am delighted to be working with the amazing team at Orion on The Nightblood Prince! As a British author, the UK market is very important to me, and I am so happy to be working with such a powerhouse publisher on my second series!" 

Morgan added: "Everyone at Gollancz and Orion instantly fell in love with Molly’s world. We’re so excited to launch this series to a whole generation for whom it will become a new all-time favourite escape and inspiration—the very best kind of antidote and impetus in those most formative years when stories so often save us."