Penguin snares Chang's debut in six-figure pre-empt

Penguin Random House Children’s has clinched a six-figure, three-book deal in a pre-empt for an epic YA fantasy by debut London-based author Molly X Chang.

Carmen McCullough, editorial director of Penguin, bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Denise Cronin, v.p. and director of subsidiary rights at Penguin Random House US. The book will be published by Del Rey in the US as part of a global Penguin Random House release in April 2024.

The blurb reads: “To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods is a compelling anti-colonial fantasy inspired by the Manchurian ghost stories, shared with Chang by her grandfather, and the devastating history of colonial rule in the city of Harbin in China. To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods is perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong and Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao.

“Known as ’The Girl Blessed By Death’, Ruying wants only to survive, but when her magic is discovered by an enemy prince she must decide if saving her family is worth betraying her country. For as long as Yang Ruying has been alive, the empire of Er-Lang has been occupied by Romans, whose advanced science and military make them Gods. But these Gods are not kind. Their only gifts: cruelty, pain, and destruction. When Antony, the second Prince of Rome, uncovers Ruying’s power, she becomes what she always feared: the perfect assassin. As tensions mount and rebellion stirs, Ruying can no longer deny that peace is a death sentence for Er-Lang. A death she may not be willing to deliver.”  

The author was born in Harbin, China, and was first published on Wattpad. She is of Han, Hui, Manchurian, Siberian and Korean descent.

Chang said: “I can’t put into words how delighted I am that To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods has found a home with Penguin in the UK. Ruying’s story is inspired by many things, but most importantly my Manchurian grandfather’s chilling ghost stories of our Siberian roots, Unit 731 [a covert biological and chemical warfare research unit of the Imperial Japanese Army formed in the 1930s], and Harbin’s tragic past under colonial rule. It is a story I wasn’t sure would ever find a home, but Carmen and the team blew me away with their love, enthusiasm, and passion.”

McCullough commented: “I knew I wanted to publish To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods from the moment I heard the intriguing title and incredible concept. Molly has created a sweeping dark fantasy with a fierce complex heroine and an alternate world that feels completely real – I can’t wait for readers to go on this epic journey with Ruying. This is truly a story you will not be able to put down.”