Zaffre pre-empts Mai Corland's fantasy trilogy in 'significant' six-figure sum

Zaffre has pre-empted Mai Corland’s Five Broken Blades in a three-book deal for a "significant" six-figure sum. 

Kelly Smith, senior commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights, excluding Canada and audio, from Nicole Resciniti at Alliance Rights Agency. Zaffre will launch their science fiction and fantasy list with the Five Broken Blades in May 2024. Red Tower Books will publish simultaneously in the US. Pre-empt deals have also been struck in Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Brazil. 

Pitched as Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows (Orion Children’s) meets "Kill Bill", Five Broken Blades is a "feast of treason and seduction, set against a dazzling fantasy backdrop inspired by Korean myth and legend". 

The synopsis continues: "When five ruthless killers with five deadly motives converge, they can agree on murder, they can agree on treachery – but trust? Let the best liar win." 

Corland commented: "My dark adventure fantasy draws on both eastern and western inspiration to weave a tale of liars and killers with one target: the king’s crown. They wind up with more than they bargained for trying to steal this particular relic! I can’t wait for readers to meet my strongman, poison maiden, exiled prince, spymaster, thief, and nobleman. And I am floored by the enthusiasm of the whole Bonnier team – I know my story is in the best possible hands as this trilogy goes global.”

Smith said: “Five Broken Blades has all the ingredients to be your next epic fantasy obsession: a quest, betrayal and spice in a richly drawn world. From the moment I read the pitch, I knew this was something special. I am delighted to be working with Mai Corland and Red Tower Books on what is set to be the next fantasy phenomenon.” 

Corland also writes children’s and young adult books under the name Meredith Ireland.