Orbit lands Egyptian suffragette fantasy from debut author Elsbai 

Orbit has acquired The Daughters of Izdihar, the debut fantasy novel from Egyptian-American writer and librarian Hadeer Elsbai in a two-book deal.

Assistant editor Nadia Saward bought UK and Commonwealth rights to the duology from Caspian Dennis at Abner Stein on behalf of DongWon Song at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. North American rights to the duology were bought by Harper Voyager and publication is planned in the UK and US in January 2023.

The publisher has described The Daughters of Izdihar as “a powerful feminist fantasy set in an Egyptian-inspired world, full of breathtaking elemental magic and Sapphic romance,” perfect for fans of The Jasmine Throne and The Once and Future Witches (both Orbit).

Saward said: “Hadeer has written a stunning, defiant fantasy inspired by modern Egyptian history and the Egyptian suffragette movement, weaving in an intricate magic system and a beautiful queer romance. I can’t wait for readers to get lost in Alamaxa and join Nehal and Giorgina’s fight for freedom.”