Tor seizes 'unputdownable historical fantasy' and three more books by Marske

Tor has seized the "unputdownable historical fantasy" Swordcrossed, as well as two standalone titles and a novella by fantasy author Freya Marske.

Publisher Bella Pagan acquired UK and British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from David Grossman at David Grossman Literary Agency Ltd. Ruoxi Chen, editor at Tor Publishing Group, acquired US and Canadian rights from Diana Fox at Fox Literary.

Tor UK will publish Swordcrossed in hardback and other formats in autumn 2024, matching dates with Tor in the US. The book is described as a historical fantasy with "a great deal of charm and a compelling queer romance". The synopsis adds: "Mattinesh Jay, dutiful heir to a struggling business, is in trouble. He must hire a swordsman, and fast, anticipating a challenge at his arranged marriage ceremony.

"But Luca Piere, con-artist and charmer, is the best he can afford. Luca is new to the city – and wants to bury old history. He doesn’t want to teach Matti swordsmanship, or become entangled in the intrigue that’s brought Matti’s house to the brink of ruin. As Luca’s secrets threaten to drive a blade through their growing alliance, facing the truth could mean both men lose everything. Can they shed enough lies to realise their dreams?"

Pagan commented: "Freya is an incredibly talented author and I adore her relatable characters, her energy and her ideas. These new books are a dream-come-true in terms of their page-turning plots. Readers of Swordcrossed will be wowed by the intrigue, the drama and the chemistry between Matti and Luca!"