Hachette Children’s Group signs new fantasy YA title from Saft

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has acquired a new regency-romantic fantasy YA title from Allison Saft, author of A Far Wilder Magic (Orion Children’s Books).

Polly Lyall-Grant, previously senior commissioning editor at HCG, acquired UK and commonwealth rights from Louise Lamont at LBA Agency on behalf of Claire Friedman and Jessica Mileo at InkWell Management. The lead editor at HCG will be Aliyana Hirji, commissioning editor.

A Fragile Enchantment is described as an intoxicating romantic fantasy about a seamstress tasked with dressing the prince for his royal wedding and the scandal woven in its wake. The book will be published in paperback and e-book on 4th January 2024.

The synopsis reads: “Niamh’s family bloodline means she has a magic curse which drains her lifeforce every time she uses it, and she is fated to die young. Niamh, a renowned dressmaker, is commissioned to design the prince Kit’s wardrobe for a royal fairytale wedding on the island of Avaland, and she finds herself drawn to him despite his cold demeanour.

“When a gossip column reports on the undeniable chemistry between them, Niamh must decide if reputation should come above all else, whether her magic curse will allow her to experience love, and what cost she is willing to pay for it in exchange.”

Hirji commented: “I was entranced by the way Allison wove together magic, duty, political tensions and forbidden love in A Fragile Enchantment. Allison’s compelling prose, incredible world-building and expertly curated slow-burn romance makes for a real page turner.”

Saft said: “The team at Hachette Children’s Group introduced A Far Wilder Magic to UK readers with such creativity and passion, so I know that A Fragile Enchantment is in the very best hands.”