Hodderscape signs Ibañez’s ‘lush and immersive’ historical fantasy set in 19th-century Egypt 

Hodderscape has signed two books by YA fantasy author Isabel Ibañez, including a “lush and immersive” historical fantasy set in 19th-century Egypt.

Publishing director Molly Powell acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Witt Philips at Wednesday Books. The first book in the deal, What the River Knows, will be published in hardback, trade paperback and e-book in November. The as-yet-untitled second book will follow in 2024.

In What the River Knows, Bolivian-Argentine Inez Olivera investigates her parents’ deaths while contending with her mysterious new guardian and his infuriatingly handsome assistant, who guard a secret only magic can reveal.

Ibañez is the author of Woven in Moonlight, Written in Starlight (Page Street Kids) and Together We Burn (Titan Books). She said: “What the River Knows has everything I love in a story: sweep-me-off-my-feet adventure, a swoony forbidden romance, and a historical backdrop layered in rich colour, delicious food, and incredible scenery. I’m delighted it will be published by Hodderscape in the UK.”

Her agent, Sarah Landis, added: “Isabel has outdone herself. Steeped in adventure, mystery and magic, with a main character who breaks all the rules and the perfect slow-burn romance, it is historical fantasy at its best."

Powell said: “Richly researched, with a huge slice of adventure, a truly swoon-worthy romance and a heroine who just won’t take no for an answer, blasting through all of the constrictions of patriarchal 19th-century society to forge her own path and take charge of her own destiny. I was enraptured by this fantastic fantasy and I am so excited to work with Isabel on bringing this to readers across the UK.”