UCLan nets two further middle-grade titles from Claessen

UCLan has netted two further middle-grade titles from Jennifer Claessen.

Hazel Holmes, publisher, bought UK and Commonwealth rights to The November Witches and The December Witches from Jenny Savill at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. The November Witches will publish in paperback in October 2023, continuing directly on from The October Witches. The December Witches, the third and final title in the series, publishes in 2024.

The synopsis says: “At the beginning of what is going to be a miserable, magicless month for their coven elders, Clemmie is relieved to finally be done with magical mess. Having sent their October magic packing, she wants to make amends. And so she starts mending their ancient family tapestry.

“But she’s only just started on her good deed when knights start arriving at Pendragon Road. But if there’s no more magic, then where are all the armour-clad knights coming from? And why do they all need Mirabelle’s favour? What even is a ‘favour’?

“As the plague of knights turns menacing and determined to capture the witches, the young hags must team up with their enemy coven, the Morgans, to work together and solve the mystery of where the witch-hunting knights and the all-engulfing flames are coming from.”

Claessen said: “Oh my stars, a trilogy! I am so chuffed that I get to finish the Merlyns’ story with UCLan through their November and December adventures! Expect more autumn-winter cosiness, more messy magic and some exciting twists too. Writing Clemmie and her coven is such a joy, thank you Hazel for your support of the young hags.” 

Holmes added: “After the immediate success of The October Witches, I couldn’t wait to add The November Witches and The December Witches to our list. The perfect trilogy to celebrate everything we love about autumn-winter.”