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Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has pre-empted Kayvion Lewis’ Thieves’ Gambit amid a string of international rights deals for the YA thriller and plans for a "momentous global launch" in autumn 2023.
Lucy Pearse, fiction editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Charlotte Bodman at the Rights People on behalf of Chelsea Eberly at the Greenhouse Literary for three books — two in the Thieves Gambit universe and a third untitled book.
US rights were acquired at auction by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, in a seven-figure deal, followed by a flurry of translation auctions totaling 14 languages to date. Film rights have been bought by Lionsgate Studios following a bidding war with Temple Hill Entertainment, Steven Caple Jr and Hodson Exports producing. Caple Jr is also set to direct with Lewis executive producing.
The first book will publish in the UK and Australia in autumn 2023, simultaneously with the US, backed by a superlead marketing and publicity campaign.
Thieves’ Gambit is described by the publisher as “a slick, high-stakes thriller with an unforgettable protagonist. In a cutthroat competition for the world’s best thieves, a teen girl must triumph to save her parents’ lives”.
The synopsis continues: Drawn into a world of deceit and danger, 17-year-old Rosalyn must outwit her competitors for the ultimate prize: one wish. But can she steal victory from the charming boy who makes a play for her heart? There can only be one winner.
Pearse said: “Not since Katniss Everdeen have we met such a powerful heroine. Everyone at S&S was immediately thrown into the intrigue and drama of Rosalyn’s story. We instantly knew that this was going to be the next addictive YA franchise and are thrilled to welcome Kayvion to our market-leading YA list alongside numerous international bestsellers. This is going to be a momentous global launch and our unmissable campaign will ensure every reader wants to join the gambit.”
Lewis, a youth services library technician who lives in Louisiana, said: “I almost fainted when I saw who stepped up with an incredible pre-empt on the eve of our UK auction. I’m endlessly grateful to get to release with S&S in the UK. Their enthusiasm is electric and contagious. I would take a 12-hour flight across the pond just to see their editions on a real British bookshelf.”