Angry Robot signs Persian-inspired fantasy trilogy from Stephen Aryan

Angry Robot has signed The Judas Blossom, the first instalment in a Persian inspired fantasy trilogy, from Stephen Aryan.

Publisher Eleanor Teasdale acquired world English and audio rights from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment for Aryan’s The Nightingale and The Falcon trilogy. The Judas Blossom will be published on 11th July 2023. 

Mushens said: "With its epic blend of historical setting with magic and war, The Judas Blossom combines Stephen’s fast paced writing style with a lush and immersive backdrop. I’m excited for Angry Robot Books to bring him to a whole new audience.”

Known for his Quest For Heroes duology, The Coward and The Warrior both published by Angry Robot, Aryan’s The Judas Blossom has been described as an "imaginative and sprawling reimagining of the Mongol Empire’s invasion of Persia" following the lives of four characters at the centre of the war. It is an examination of Persian culture, family and war in a "stunning, immersive world". 

Of the acquisition, Teasdale commented: "The Coward and The Warrior are both books that were a total pleasure to work on but I’m so excited for the bold, big epic fantasy from Stephen, every time I think his writing is great he just gets better."

Aryan said: "I’m delighted to be working with the team at Angry Robot again on this exciting new epic fantasy series. I was keen to try something different with The Nightingale and the Falcon trilogy, with a story that leaned into my Persian heritage, and from the outset, my editor was extremely supportive of the idea. I am also very proud that we’ve been able to secure both an Iranian artist and audio narrator for the series. I’m really looking forward to readers learning a little bit about the rich culture and ancient history from this part of the world.”