Hodderscape acquires Arbeaux’s ‘deeply moving’ debut science fiction novel

Hodderscape has signed a "deeply moving" science fiction novel, Lord of the Empty Isles, by debut novelist Jules Arbeaux.

Publishing director Molly Powell acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Maddy Belton at the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency in a two-book deal. Hodderscape will publish in summer 2024.

Lord of the Empty Isles is described as a stunning story of loss, power and privilege, set on a planet driven to extremes by climate change, with a queer-platonic love story and found family at its heart. When his own death curse backfires, a grieving young man must work together with the outlaw who killed his brother to save his own life – and thousands more he inadvertently doomed with his curse.

Powell said: “I’ve fallen wholeheartedly head over heels for Jules’ beautifully wrought, yet hugely action-packed novel. Soul-bonds, curses, a loveable band of space-faring misfits, a rebel with an incredible cause, and one of the most touching, heartfelt and accurate explorations of grief I’ve read – this book has it all. Jules is such a talented writer, and I’m so excited to be publishing this phenomenal book at Hodderscape.”

Belton said: “Lord of the Empty Isles is a powerful examination of grief and love that will break your heart and slowly stitch it back together, one word at a time, through Jules’ addictive prose. It’s packed with magic, but more importantly it’s infused with the most incredible heart, and I know that it will speak to anyone who has loved and lost. I’m delighted to have found it such a passionate home with Hodderscape.”

Arbeaux commented: “It’s a dream to be working with Molly and the Hodderscape team, and I’m so grateful to my agent Maddy for bringing us together! I wrote Lord of the Empty Isles during a difficult time and put all my hope and hunger for better things into this tale of soul bonds, stars, loss, and love of all shades. I can’t wait for it to find the readers who need it!”