Two debut fantasy acquisitions bolster Zaffre’s SFF list 

Zaffre, the flagship commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired two fantasy titles by debut authors Pablo Valcárcel Castro and Becky Jenkinson, respectively.

Editorial director Kelly Smith acquired world all-language rights for Dream of the Jet-Black City by Castro from Julie Crisp and world all-language rights for Wildflower by Jenkinson from Rachel Petty at The Blair Partnership in a two-book pre-empt.

Dream of the Jet-Black City is described as Strange the Dreamer (Hodderscape) meets The Shadow of the Wind (W&N), with a magic system based on dreams and nightmares, a mythic storm overshadowing a dark city and secrets that threaten an entire nation. It will be published by Zaffre in May 2026.

Wildflower is a “cosy” fantasy romance centred around a cursed magical florist and billed as Ella Enchanted meets Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries (Orbit). Publication is scheduled for June 2026.

Castro said: “I’m thrilled to have Bonnier Books UK bring Dream of the Jet-Black City to readers. Set in a storm-swept Venice-like city made of onyx, this dark fantasy is a tale of rebels, monster-hunters and priestesses fighting against conspiracies and literal nightmares. More importantly, it’s a book that explores the fierce power of dreams and imagination. As such, Kelly and Bonnier Books UK are the dream team and the best possible partners in this adventure!”

Jenkinson said: “I’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and dedication from the team at Bonnier Books UK. They’ve been incredibly supportive throughout this exciting whirlwind. My characters and I feel in such safe hands, I couldn’t be more ecstatic for our future adventures!”

Zaffre launched its SFF list in May 2024. Smith commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Pablo and Becky to our new adult SFF list. Since launching in spring 2024 with Sunday Times bestselling adventure fantasy Five Broken Blades, I have been keen to discover new talent that appeals to the extensive tastes held by SFF readers.

“Pablo demonstrates a rare talent for seamlessly combining intricate worldbuilding with a comprehensive magic system in his epic fantasy Dream of the Jet-Black City, where dreams can become reality. In cosy fantasy romance Wildflower, Becky has created a beautiful, fable-like tale in which a cursed florist and an outcast sorcerer must work together to unravel a conspiracy. I cannot wait for readers to enjoy these debuts next year!”