PRH acquires Shara Curlett middle grade series

Penguin Random House (PRH) Australia has acquired world rights to the Protector of Beyond middle-grade series by Aotearoa New Zealand author Shara Curlett in a three-book deal, via Samuel Bernard from Zeitgeist Agency.

According to the publisher, the fantasy series has ‘high-stakes action, fierce magical creatures, and an academy filled with perilous trials, deep secrets, and a heroine like no other’.

Curlett is based on the Hibiscus Coast. Her debut middle-grade novel, Welcome to Miracle (Scholastic) was published in 2025.

Publisher at PRH Rebecca McRitchie said, ‘When we first read the opening chapters of Protector of Beyond, we absolutely loved it. And I am so excited to be publishing this gripping, epic fantasy series that Shara has so expertly crafted.’

Of the new series, Curlett said: ‘Protector of Beyond represents everything I love to write. It’s a fast-paced, fantasy adventure filled with exciting characters, dragons and magic. When the team at Penguin Random House shared their vision for this series, I was simply blown away. I knew then that Beyond had found the right home, and I can’t wait for children everywhere to experience it.’

PRH plans to release the first book in the Protector of Beyond series in September 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions