Debut psychological YA thriller pre-empted in Germany and Russia

Naomi Gibson’s debut YA novel, I, Henry, has been pre-empted in Germany and Russia, two weeks after being sent out by Chicken House. 

Chicken House m.d. Barry Cunningham and senior editor Kesia Lupo acquired world rights from Joanna Moult at The Skylark Literary Agency. Chicken House has accepted pre-empt offers from Germany (Thienemann) and Russia (Kachelly). An auction is currently ongoing in France and offers from the Czech Republic and Italy are expected to follow this week.

“Lydia has been creating her AI, Henry, for years – since before her little brother died in the accident that haunts her nightmares; since before her Dad walked out, leaving her and Mum painfully alone; since before her best friend turned into her worst enemy,” reads the synopsis. “Now, Henry is strong, clever, loving and scarily capable: Lydia’s built herself the perfect boyfriend in a hard-drive filled with lines of code. But what is Henry, really – and how far is he willing to go to be everything Lydia desires?”

Chicken House will publish in January 2021.