Usborne scoops middle-grade fantasy inspired by West African Yoruba mythology

Usborne has scooped The Boy to Beat the Gods, an "action-packed middle-grade fantasy" inspired by West African Yoruba mythology from Storymix editor and debut author Ashley Thorpe.

Associate editorial director Sarah Stewart acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary. The book will publish on 4th July 2024, with a second standalone title to follow in 2025.

The book is described as "a fierce and fun story of one boy versus six gods". The synopsis says: "Set in pre-colonial Nigeria and inspired by Thorpe’s ancestry, this standalone debut is pacy and accessible and combines authentic historical detail and mythology with an action-packed high-stakes fantasy adventure."

Stewart commented: “Ashley’s gorgeously child-friendly writing transported me instantly into Kayode’s world — a world of dusty plains and deadly jungles, unexpected friendships, brutal gods and utterly epic battles, as one boy risks everything to save his sister with just the help of a spiky princess, a bumbling fisherboy and a goat-shaped trickster-god. It is magnificently good fun and I can’t wait for young readers to discover Ashley’s addictive adventures!”

Thorpe said: “I wanted to write a grand adventure rooted in my ancestral mythology — about positive male friendships, love, courage and the importance of collective power in the face of tyranny. Everything about The Boy to Beat the Gods has felt right, joining Usborne above all. I’m so grateful to Sarah and the team for bringing me into the fold. It’s a dream come true."