Magpie scoops 'epic and tender' YA fantasy debut from Yejin Suh

Magpie Books, an imprint of HarperCollins has scooped the "epic and tender" YA fantasy debut from Yejin Suh.

Editor Ajebowale Roberts bought world English-language rights to The Last Soldier of Nava, in a one-book deal from Allegra Martschenko at Ladderbird Literary Agency.

Editorial assistant for Magpie Books Chloe Gough will be working with Suh on the novel, following Ajebowale’s return to HarperCollins’ One More Chapter imprint.

The new book is described as a "stunning" Korean mythology-inspired sapphic fantasy, which Martschenko has called "a dynamic entry to the genre that combines all the best of YA – big feelings, big drama, and big fun – with fresh new twists in a lush world".

The synopsis states: "The novel tells the legend of the Soldier who once drowned entire kingdoms in darkness. Now reawakened to a world on the brink of war, the tales of Shadow’s shrouded past follow her. But as she falls for the sister of a saint she killed in her past life, can she keep the darkest parts of herself hidden?"

Suh said: "I’m honoured to work with and be published by the team at Magpie. As someone who grew up on YA stories I’m excited to share my own, especially getting to represent East Asian fantasy."

Gough said: "With it’s vivid and tender treatment of the natural world and gentle, slow-burn romance, I immediately fell in love with The Last Soldier of Nava. Yejin has created such a compelling world, deftly plotted and deeply moving."

The Last Soldier of Nava is scheduled to publish in June 2025.