Zaffre grows SFF list with two debut fantasy acquisitions

Zaffre, the commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired two debut fantasy titles: Map of Fate by EC Owen and Heir to the Killers Kingdom by Anna St Germain.

Kelly Smith, publishing director at Zaffre, has acquired world all-language rights from Harry Illingworth at DHH Literary Agency for both titles.

In debut fantasy adventure Map of Fate, students compete to graduate from the Arcane Academy of Piratical Arts, while in epic political fantasy Heir to the Killers Kingdom, lies, secrets and betrayal surround the mystery of the true heir to the kingdom of assassins on the brink of war.

Owen said: “I’m delighted to set sail on this adventure with Kelly and the rest of the team at Zaffre. Kelly has been an absolute joy to work with, and I can’t think of a better crew to bring these books to readers.” St Germain commented: “I’m beyond thrilled to be working with Kelly and Zaffre on my debut series. Right from the start, Kelly’s enthusiasm and vision for these books has completely blown me away. I feel immensely lucky to be working with this amazing team that believes in my assassin books as much as I do.”

Map of Fate will be published by Zaffre in hardback, e-book and audiobook in July 2027, while Heir to the Killers Kingdom will be published by Zaffre in hardback, e-book and audiobook in August 2027.

Smith said: “Map of Fate has everything my Pirates of the Caribbean-loving heart craves – action, adventure, betrayal – within a cut-throat competitive academy filled with a unique magic system. It is expertly crafted and I’m excited for readers to journey with us next year. Heir to the Killers Kingdom is a masterclass in courtly intrigue and political machinations from the POV of a relatable heroine whose overconfidence becomes her downfall but, ultimately, her redemption. I cannot wait for readers to discover Valerian and the secrets at the heart of the kingdom of Montfer.”