Usborne swept away by two more in Owen’s Alex Nepture series

Usborne has acquired two new titles from David Owen in the “funny” and “magical” Alex Neptune series, which follows a schoolboy with the power of the ocean in his hands.

Following the success of the first book, Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief, which was selected as a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month when it published in August 2022 in the UK, two further titles are scheduled to publish in 2023: Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter, publishing on 2nd March, and Alex Neptune, Monster Avenger, out on 6th July.

The new titles – books four and five in the series – Alex Neptune, Zombie Fighter and Alex Neptune, Dragon Champion, are scheduled for publication in 2024. Sarah Stewart, senior commissioning editor acquired world rights to these two titles in a two-book deal from Ella Kahn at Diamond, Kahn & Woods.

The series has so far sold in four languages (French, Polish, Turkish, Ukrainian), with more deals expected to follow. Stewart said: “We’re thrilled with the success of the Alex Neptune series so far, both in the UK and internationally. Filled with dragons, friendship, eco themes and the magic of the sea throughout, it’s a truly unmissable series, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Mountain.

“We’re delighted to be growing an initial three-book series that started with Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief in 2022, into a five-book one so soon. David’s imaginative ideas for further adventures were irresistible.”

Owens, whose debut novel Panther (Atom) was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, commented: “I couldn’t be happier to receive this vote of confidence from Usborne and I’m excited that I get to write two more Alex Neptune adventures that will finish his story in the best way possible."