Orbit pre-empts Race’s fantasy reimagining of Henry VIII’s wives in six-figure deal

Orbit has acquired Holly Race’s adult debut novel Six Wild Crowns, described as “a beautiful fantasy reimagining of Henry VIII’s wives from the perspective of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour".

Commissioning editor Nadia Saward bought world English language rights in Six Wild Crowns – “a story of brave women, courtly love, sexy yearning and dragons” – plus two further novels in the series from Zoë Plant at The Bent Agency, in a six-figure pre-empt. Executive editor Brit Hvide has acquired for Orbit US and publication is planned for spring 2025.

Saward said: “I devoured every lush historical detail of Holly’s world – you have never seen Henry VIII’s wives like this before. Full of vicious courtly politics and sapphic longing, this is a decadent and captivating re-imagining of the Tudor queens.”

Race, the author of a YA fantasy trilogy – Midnight’s Twins, A Gathering Midnight and A Midnight Dark and Golden (Hot Key Books) – said: “Six Wild Crowns is the result of my lifelong obsession with the Tudors and a desire to write a book full of female rage and empowerment. Orbit is such a powerhouse of SFF, publishing many of my favourite authors, so to be with them is a dream come true.”

US executive editor Brit Hvide added: “I’m obsessed with the Tudors and was delighted to see the six wives have their day in the sun. Seeing these queens come into their own amid dragons, magic and court intrigue was a pure joy. This is feminist historical fantasy at its most creative.”