Simon & Schuster Children's acquires 'stunning' sapphic romantasy duology from Morgan H Owen

Simon & Schuster Children’s has acquired a "stunning" sapphic romantasy duology from Morgan H Owen set during the Roman Empire. Yasmin Morrissey, publisher acquired world all-language rights to Gladiator, Goddess from Hannah Sheppard at HSLA. 

The synopsis reads: "The Roman Goddesses have grown weary of the rule of Gods and men and seek to change the fortune of the world by backing a brilliant young woman. In Pompeii, Gia dreams of being a female Gladiator, but there is no such thing. When she wins the favour of Claudia – the beautiful daughter of the Emperor – her star begins to rise in the arena, but so does the risk to her life. Together, the girls must battle conspiracies to overthrow the Empire, and their growing feelings for one another. Feelings the Goddesses had not planned on."

The first book in the duology will publish in October 2025 in hardback, with simultaneous e-book and audiobook publication.

Owen said: "When I first visited Rome I was in awe of a city that seemed to have been built for the gods, a city in which mortals were small and subject to the whims of destiny. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. This project has possessed me and obsessed me and had me kicking my feet."

Morrissey said: "Gallery YA is quickly becoming a destination list for zeitgeist publishing, and I have been completely seduced by Morgan’s ambitious ancient world. The fiery chemistry between these complex and intriguing characters will leave readers gasping, and turning the page for more."