HarperVoyager swoops for dark romantasy from Amélie Wen Zhao in a two-book deal

HarperVoyager has swooped for dark romantasy The Scorpion and the Night Blossom from Amélie Wen Zhao, inspired by Chinese mythology.

Editor Ajebowale Roberts acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a two-book deal from Claire Wilson at RCW Literary Agency on behalf of Pete Knapp at Park & Fine Literary and Media. The first in the Immortality Trials duology will be published at the beginning of 2025.

"[Zhao’s] truly irresistible novels, full of danger, intrigue and romance, have already won her a fiercely loyal fanbase, and it is extremely exciting to be looking forward with Voyager to The Scorpion and the Night Blossom taking readers by storm next year", said Wilson.

The synopsis for The Scorpion and the Night Blossom reads: "In a world falling into eternal night, Àn’yīng is desperate to protect her family from the demons that hunt mortals. Armed with her crescent blades, she decides to enter a magical tournament, in the fabled immortal realm, with the hopes of winning a pill of immortality that will save her mother, who is dying after a vicious demon attack. But first, Àn’yīng must survive the ruthless practitioners she’s up against and guard her heart from an irresistibly wicked rival." 

Zhao said: “I’m thrilled to be publishing my dark Chinese romantasy with HarperVoyager UK. This one is for the fantasy C-drama fans like me [and features] irresistibly wicked demons and handsome, powerful immortals against a backdrop of epic Chinese mythology and legends."

Roberts added: “I fell in love with The Scorpion and the Night Blossom easily, immediately and irrevocably. Amélie is such a fantastic writer and a seasoned storyteller who creates an all-encompassing atmosphere that draws you in completely, so much so that you forget you’re even reading. Additionally, Amélie’s use of Chinese mythology is truly fascinating. It really feels like I’m watching a fantasy C-drama in my head when I read her books.”