Solaris snaps up ‘luscious’ Cornish fantasies by Horton

Solaris has acquired historical fantasy Gorse and its sequel Ragwort by debut author Sam K Horton. Gorse will be released in autumn 2024. 

UK and British Commonwealth English language rights were acquired by Amy Borsuk from John Baker and Julie Gourinchas at the Bell Lomax Moreton Agency. 

Described as “Poldark” meets The Bear and the Nightingale (Del Rey), the upcoming titles focus on the battle between folk belief and religion in 18th-century Cornwall. 

The synopsis reads: “Pelagius Hunt – a Keeper responsible for mediating between the worlds of men and fey – and his one-time friend Revered Cleaver battle for the village of Mirecoombe’s soul as death stalks the moor. Only Pel’s ward, changeling Nancy Bligh, can unroot the darkness threatening to swallow them all.”

Horton said of the acquisition: “I’m thrilled to be working with Amy and Solaris to bring Gorse, and Nancy and Pel’s world, to life. I can’t wait to share these moors filled with monsters and folklore.” 

Borsuk added: “I’m so excited to be working with Sam on this magnificent book! His lush writing, the fight of old gods versus new ones, immersive Celtic folklore at the heart of the story, and the dark magic lurking in the moors is what drew me to this book and will captivate readers craving more dark folkloric fantasy.”