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Hot Key Books has bought a "gripping" YA fantasy from artist and musician David Arlo and Glow Up, Lara Bloom author Dee Benson.
Editorial director Ruth Bennett acquired world all-language rights in print, e-book and audio in Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven from No Ordinary, CAA and M88 acting on behalf of Arlo and from Hannah Sheppard of the Hannah Sheppard Literary Agency, acting on behalf of Benson. It will publish on 10th October 2024.
The novel follows bold Damien Ike, the son of the most powerful mage in Astralis. As he is approaching adulthood he should have a bright future ahead, but there is no sign of his magic developing and he’s getting worried. The synopsis adds: "To survive to adolescence as a Nullborn – someone without magic – is unthinkable; the High Commission of Mages would not allow it. When he stumbles on a secret his mother has kept from everyone – even him – his world is turned upside down. Can he discover how to get to the heart of the lies on which Astralis is founded and stay alive…”
Arlo is a Hackney-born writer, artist and musician, whose début single "Speeding" was released last year. Brown’s début novel for teens, Glow Up, Lara Bloom, was released last year, also published by Hot Key.The series follow-up, Work It, Lara Bloom, is out this May.
Arlo said: “Working on Damien Ike has been a labour of love, and I am super excited to be releasing my debut novel to the world, hoping that people will fall in love with the magical world and characters Dee and I have created. Working with Dee has been wonderful, and I’m thrilled that she agreed to come on this journey with me.”
Bennett added: “Dee and Arlo have taken an innovative and collaborative approach to telling this story that perfectly suits its themes. This is a gripping story that tackles exclusion and privilege in what is, first and foremost, a heart-pounding fantasy adventure for young adult readers.”