Walker buys magical middle-grade set in Siberia

Walker Books has acquired Nevertell, a middle-grade novel set in the wilderness of Siberia, by debut author Katharine Orton.

The book tells the story of 11-year-old Lina, who was born in a Soviet prison camp but escapes one night with her best friend Bogdan. As they journey across Siberia they encounter a dangerous sorceress and her army of shadow wolves.

Commissioning editor Annalie Grainger said: “A dangerous sorceress, an army of shadow wolves, a brave and determined hero, and a gorgeous snowy setting – this book has it all. Young readers will adore the warmth, energy and adventure in Katharine’s terrific debut. From the very first page, I was swept up in her epic and wonderfully imaginative story of friendship, survival, sorcery and courage.”

Walker acquired world rights in all languages in a pre-empt from Bryony Woods at Diamond Kahn & Woods, and will publish in autumn 2019 in the UK. Walker US will publish the book in the US and other foreign rights territories will be sold at Frankfurt.  

Orton has an MA in creative writing and worked at Barefoot Books in Bath before leaving to focus on her writing.