HarperVoyager snaps up epic fantasy trilogy from El-Arifi

HarperVoyager has acquired Faebound, the first book in a new fantasy trilogy by bestselling author Saara El-Arifi.

Natasha Bardon, publisher at HarperVoyager UK and Magpie Books, acquired UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. North American rights were sold to Tricia Narwani at Del Rey by Ginger Clark on behalf of Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. Faebound will publish in February 2024.

Influenced by West  African lore, El-Arifi’s story takes place in a world where humans and fae are long dead, survived only by the elves that now rule and fight over the remaining lands. It centres on Yeeran Teila, a colonel who becomes exiled, and her sister Lettle, a seer. A series of dramatic events leads to them being captured by a hidden tribe of fae from which they have to escape if they are to warn their people of the fae threat.

El-Arifi, now based in London, was born in Abu Dhabi but spent most of her formative years in the Peak District. Her début, The Final Strife, was published in 2022by HarperVoyager and hit the bestseller list in its first week of sale. She said: “Faebound is a story I have long wanted to tell: a diverse cast of fantastical creatures set in an immersive world influenced by West African lore. It is a tale of two sisters surviving in a warring land but it is their relationships that soon become the battleground—their secrets the weapons.”

Mushens said: “I was delighted to see Saara’s debut novel instantly become a bestseller.”

Bardon added: “Saara is an exceptional talent and with every book writes characters to fall in love with, worlds to marvel at and stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I am absolutely delighted that we get to continue to publish her and watch her star continue to rise.”