Orbit snaps up Anuja Varghese's 'lush' romantasy in three-book deal

Orbit UK has snapped up Anuja Varghese’s debut A Kiss of Crimson Ash, the first in a "seductive" romantasy trilogy. 

Emily Byron, senior commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a three-book deal from Zoe Morgan-Weinman at Hachette Book Group USA. Canadian rights sold at auction to Lara Hinchberger at Penguin Canada. A Kiss of Crimson Ash will be published in early 2026. Varghese is represented by Hana El Niwairi at Cooke McDermid. "Anuja’s genre-blending brilliance was not a surprise, yet she still blew me away," said Niwairi. "This series has everything I, a lifelong fantasy reader, want: a sweeping, intricate world; angsty, steamy, complex relationships; and a ton of rollicking good fun." 

Inspired by Indian myths and history, A Kiss of Crimson Ash boasts a "diverse cast, lush worldbuilding and spice of every variety". Set in the magical city of Nandapore, the story follows a naive young queen, a heartsick prince, a thief and a courtesan "with magic in her blood". As their lives become intertwined, "each must risk everything for a magic worth dying for and a love worth living for". "A Kiss of Crimson Ash brings together everything I was looking for as a reader – an expansive fantasy world, PoC main characters and multiple romances with some real heat," said Varghese. 

Byron commented: "I was swept away by Anuja’s beautiful prose, compelling characters and rich, vivid worldbuilding. The narrative is packed with drama and romance, managing to be both epic and intimate. I can’t wait for readers to get lost in the city of Nandapore and in the magic of this captivating tale."