Bolinda audio and Titan Books have won a five-way auction for Talonsister, the first novel in an epic fantasy duology by Jen Williams.

Ellis Moore, senior rights and content manager at Bolinda, acquired audio rights, while David Lancett, editor at Titan Books, snapped up print and e-book rights. Both publishers landed UK and British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment.

Talonsister is due for simultaneous publication in hardback and audio in September 2023, with a paperback edition to follow from Titan Books.

The synopsis reads: “A smart, commercial fantasy set in a world of mythical creatures and ruthless religion, where a magical past refuses to be forgotten, Talonsister and its sequel will delight fans of John Gwynne, Samantha Shannon and R J Barker.”

Mushens commented: “Working with Jen is an absolute joy—her fantasy worlds are sparklingly inventive and full of characters who (like ’em or loathe ’em) feel ready to step fully formed from the page at any moment. I was obsessed with Talonsister as soon as she sent me the opening pages and I was not surprised to get such an enthusiastic response from Bolinda and Titan.”

Nominated for Best Newcomer in the British Fantasy Awards in 2015, Williams has written two previous fantasy series: the Copper Cat trilogy and the Winnowing Flame trilogy (both Headline), with the latter winning two British Fantasy Awards for Best Fantasy Novel. 

She said: “I’ve been away from the fantasy genre for a few years so I’m incredibly excited to be coming back with a new two-book series full of adventure, sassy dialogue and more griffins than you can shake a stick at. For this project I’m thrilled to be working with David Lancett and the team at Titan, who, with their enthusiasm and exemplary genre knowledge, are the perfect champions for the duology. I’m also incredibly fortunate that Ellis Moore at Bolinda will be handling the audio versions—I can’t wait for this incredible, super team to bring the world of Talonsister to readers and listeners alike.”

Moore commented: “It was such a pleasure to receive this submission from Mushens Entertainment, and reading the opening pages, I knew this was the perfect fit for Bolinda’s fantasy list. We cannot wait to get started on casting with Jen, and to bring Talonsister to life in audio.”

Lancett added: “Jen is an incredibly bright voice in fantasy. The chance to embark on a new duology set in a fierce and magical world, inspired by a mystical ancient Britain—complete with soaring griffons, wild forests and warring kingdoms—is a joy and an honour.”