Wildfire lands Lam's feminist space thriller

Wildfire has landed a speculative feminist thriller dubbed “The Power set in space” by Laura Lam.

Commissioning editor Ella Gordon acquired world rights, including film and TV, for Goldilocks from Juliet Mushens at Caskie Mushens. The book, set in the near future, where earth has been ravaged by environmental disaster and oppression, will be published on 30th April 2020.

Its synopsis states: “Despite increasing restrictions on the freedoms of women on Earth, Dr Valerie Black is spearheading the first all-female mission to a planet in the Goldilocks Zone, where conditions are just right for human habitation. It's humanity's last hope for survival, and Naomi, Valerie's surrogate daughter and the ship's botanist, is ready to step out of Valerie's shadow and help make a difference. But when things start going wrong on the ship, Naomi starts to suspect that someone on board is concealing a terrible secret, and realises time for life on Earth may be running out faster than they feared. “

Gordon said: “In Goldilocks Laura has written something quite special - an incredibly pacey, beautifully plotted thriller that packs a real emotional punch. She deftly engages with some of the most frightening issues facing humankind, while still offering a vision of hope. This is The Martian by way of The Handmaid’s Tale, and I cannot wait for everyone to read it.”

Mushens said: “Laura is one of the most imaginative SF writers I know, and in Goldilocks she addresses questions about the future of our society in a fascinating way, all woven around a gripping plot.”

Lam added: “I've been obsessed with space and NASA's plans for the Moon, Mars, and beyond for years. I'm also afraid of what the future holds for our planet and society. These anxieties coalesced into Goldilocks. I'm so grateful to everyone at Wildfire for their faith, enthusiasm and support. I have a newfound admiration for our small place in the universe and look forward to readers meeting Naomi, Valerie, and the rest of the Atalanta 5.”

US and translation rights for Goldilocks are controlled by Rebecca Folland and Nathaniel Alcaraz-Stapleton, respectively, at Hachette UK, and film rights by Emily Hayward-Whitlock at The Artists Partnership.