Solaris scoops 'stunning' novel from Jimenez

Solaris has scooped The Spear Cuts Through Water, a "stunning and ambitious" fantasy saga, from Simon Jimenez. 

Amanda Rutter, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Kind at Del Rey. The novel will be published in March 2024. 

The Spear Cuts Through Water is Jimenez’s second novel. His debut, The Vanished Birds, was nominated for the Locus Award for Best First Novel 2021 and the Arthur C Clarke Award 2021. The Spear Cuts Through Water is told as a story within a story which explores identity, legacy and belonging, following a god who escapes from their prison beneath a god’s palace. 

Jimenez commented: "I’m thrilled to be working with the Solaris team on the UK release for The Spear Cuts Through Water, and so excited to share the book with the new readership.”
Rutter added: "At the London Book Fair, I was bowled over to realise that the UK rights to the most beautiful novel I have read in years, possibly ever, were still available. I immediately started the work to bring The Spear Cuts Through Water to a new readership, and I am delighted that Simon agreed to be published by Solaris. I am honoured to think that this breath-taking, clever and epic novel is going to be a part of our list. It deserves every single award nomination and plaudit it has received!"