‘Well established author’ under pen name Blythe goes in ‘thrilling’ new direction with Quercus

Quercus has signed The Fates by Rose Blythe, the pseudonym of a well-established author writing under a nom de plume as her writing moves in “a thrilling new direction”.

Emma Capron, Quercus editorial director, acquired world rights to The Fates, a “glorious” myth retelling, including film and TV from Charlotte Robertson at Robertson Murray Literary Agency. The publisher says The Fates will be a lead title for Quercus, publishing in hardback, eBook and Audio in February 2024 with a “long-tail” campaign.

The novel follows Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, growing up on the slopes of Mount Olympus under the shadow of the almighty Zeus. But as they grow in power and wisdom, their watch over the lives of millions of mortals begins to chafe. When a mortal life hangs in the balance, the goddesses of fate find that their hands are tied… But can a different power be reclaimed by letting go of their Nyx-given right?

As the mortal world plays out beneath them, the sisters must decide if they should walk away from their own destiny, or risk imprisoning themselves as masters of fate forever.

Capron said of the deal: “I am delighted to be working with Rose as she takes her career in a new direction. The Fates is an epic story full of twists and turns, examining humanity and the role fate plays in our lives. Going one step further, Rose imagines how the Fates themselves are impacted by the world around them. It is a glorious and ambitious feminist retelling, and I’m so proud to be publishing it."

Blythe, the writer of several novels published under a different name, said: “This is an exciting new direction for my writing and I’m enjoying every minute. I’m diving deep into my passion for classical myths & legends, and imagining those who never got the chance to tell their side of the story…”

Blythe has published three solo collections of poetry and her award-winning short stories, poems and essays have been widely anthologised. Her debut novel was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Polari First Book Prize.