Hot Key Books scoops new YA duology from ‘queen of fantasy’ Black

Hot Key Books, the Young Adult imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has signed a new “deliciously dark” duology from author Holly Black.

Executive publisher Emma Matthewson acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights including Australia and New Zealand from Heather Baror-Shapiro of Baror International.

In the first book, The Stolen Heir, scheduled for simultaneous publication in the US and UK in January 2023, Black returns to the opulent world of Elfhame, the setting for her Folk of Air series, following Jude’s brother Oak, and the changeling queen, Suren. 

The Folk of the Air series includes The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing and has, according to the publisher, sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, catapulting Black to the status of “queen of YA fantasy”. 

During lockdown The Folk of the Air became a TikTok phenomenon, drawing thousands of new fans to the series, and generating more than half a billion views on the platform.   

Black said: “When I finished writing the Folk of the Air series, I knew I had a story about Oak I wanted to tell. Growing up he was at the centre of a violent struggle for the Blood Crown, but also the cherished and possibly spoiled little brother to a bevy of sisters. 

“Now the same age Jude was when she began her quest for the throne, our Prince Oak, Heir to Elfhame, must go on a quest alongside the feral changeling queen, Suren of the Court of Teeth — one in which both are keeping secrets that could upend their fragile alliance. This duology is a tale of assumptions, deceptions, and the dangers of desire.”

Matthewson said: “We could not be more excited that Holly Black is enticing us once again into the dangerously thrilling world of Elfhame. The Stolen Heir will be much anticipated – and so it should be, after all, Holly is the queen of fantasy. We cannot wait to spread the magic.”