Penguin bags 'compelling sapphic YA fantasy' from rising TikTok star Nation

Penguin has bagged a “compelling sapphic YA fantasy” from rising TikTok star Brenna Nation. 

Charlotte Moore, commissioning editor, acquired world rights to The Shattered Lands directly from the author. Penguin will publish the book on 16th March 2023.  

The publisher said: “The Shattered Lands is a sapphic fantasy blending the mysticism of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven (HarperVoyager) and the enemies-to-lovers romance of The Cruel Prince (Hot Key Books). Readers can expect plenty of ‘dagger to neck’ romance, ambitious worldbuilding and page-turning twists in this fast-paced fantasy. Packed with BookTok’s favourite tropes, from slow burn romance to jaw-dropping reveals, The Shattered Lands is perfect for young adults hungry for their next fantasy fix.” 

Nation said she created the story to fulfil her own desire to see queer romances as the central storyline in fantasy novels. Her experience of writing the book has been documented on her TikTok channel which has seen her quickly amass over 75,000 followers. 

The book begins with the return of the princess, 18 years after her disappearance. The synopsis continues: “But what is left of her kingdom? Sapphire finds herself in Eriobis with a crown, a castle and too many handmaidens to count. And so her life begins as the heir to the throne of a country she doesn’t understand — a country ruled by magic and secrets. That’s before she meets Ashes. A dark witch with the power to destroy Sapphire’s life and kingdom. But Ashes also happens to be the only person that can help her discover the truth. And the answers might unravel the very world she’s come to know.” 

Nation said: “This book is very much the story that I’ve always wanted to tell, but never thought I’d have the chance. A tale of two girls who make no apologies for who they are or who they love – and lead with fierce attitudes but soft hearts. Over the years, I’ve learned that seeing yourself in the media you consume is a privilege and not one awarded to everyone – so, this book is also a love letter to those who have turned the pages of many books and longed to see a character like themselves or a love story like their own amid the text. I hope Sapphire and Ashes are exactly that for readers. My endless gratitude to my team at Penguin who beyond exceeded my expectations and hopes. But a special thank you to Charlotte Moore, who took a chance on me when she didn’t have too and made my wildest dreams come true.” 

Moore added: “Brenna is such a force of nature with her writing, creating this incredible world that so many of us will see ourselves in. The Shattered Lands is a story of love, but also one of self-discovery, identity and knowing your own power. It’s such a joy to be publishing this title and I’m so excited for the world to meet Sapphire and Ashes – I know readers will love them as much as I do.”