Lothian acquires two books in YA fantasy series by Kostakis

26 July 2018 Books+Publishing

Lothian head of children’s publishing Jeanmarie Morosin has acquired ANZ/UK rights to two books in a fantasy series by Australian YA author Will Kostakis, via Sarah Williams at Sophie Hicks Agency UK.

‘Monuments’ is a fantasy series that explores ‘youth powerlessness, and how the world might look if teens suddenly had the ability to reshape it’. Lothian said in a statement that the series is about three teens that ‘inherit the powers of creator gods after stumbling across something unusual in a hidden tunnel beneath their school’. As the god-like powers and responsibilities of the three teens intensify, they must each come to terms with the changes.

The fantasy fiction series marks a departure from the contemporary YA Kostakis is known for, including the novels Loathing Lola (Pan), The First Third (Puffin) and The Sidekicks (Penguin). The author commented: ‘This is a special project, and by far my most ambitious.’

Morosin said she has followed Kostakis’ career for many years. ‘I am delighted to welcome Will to his new home on the Hachette list. We’re all looking forward to helping him grow his already brilliant career, and to bring him to an even wider audience,’ she said.

Book 1 in the series is due to be published in paperback in spring 2019, with book 2 due in spring 2020.

(Image credit: Walker Rowsey.)

Category: Junior Local news Rights and acquisitions