Exciting 2024 news

So I have been very quiet here of late, but there has been a huge amount going on in the background which I haven’t been able to share as yet.

But now I can share the first really exciting bit of news for 2024. I’m deeply honoured to have been asked to be a Guest of Honour along with Glyn Dillon, at my beloved Octocon this year.

Join us in the Gibson Hotel, 5th-6th October. There will be shenanigans.

New Jessica Thorne book news: Tomorrowland presents The Rise of Adscendo

At last I can share details of the super top secret project I’ve been working on. I’m so excited to be part of the team bringing the worlds of Tomorrowland to life.

Lots more news still to come.Tomorrowland presents The Rise of Adscendo book cover and clouds

Tomorrowland announces Limited Edition festival novel for 2023

For the first time ever, Tomorrowland is releasing the complete origin story of its new festival theme with a fantasy adventure novel. THE RISE OF ADSCENDO is the key to unlock a festival experience for 2023 that has never been encountered before.

In 2023, the People of Tomorrow can discover the complete origin story of the new fantasy theme Adscendo, before being immersed into the narrative at the festival grounds. Unlike previous years where the People of Tomorrow could discover themes such as Reflection of Love or The Story of Planaxis through the legendary mainstage and a trailer, this year Tomorrowland is revealing the story to the theme Adscendo in novel form.

Attendees will have the chance to recognise elements and imagery from the book at the festival, creating a unique connection never experienced before. Fantasy fans around the world will have the opportunity to delve into the rich world of Tomorrowland and explore the diverse and magical tale within the book, regardless of attendance.

Readers will discover a story of love, unity, and magic within the enchanting Tomorrowland universe:

The islands of Arcadiana are sinking, and the Soaring Isles, suspended in the air like floating mountains far out of reach, will soon fall, destroying the whole city – if the water doesn’t swallow them first.

As a Windrider, all Ro has ever wanted to do is to fly like the other members of her family. Thanks to her love of all the birds of her world, she has an idea on how to improve the day-to-day life of her crumbling society. But while out testing her new flying contraption, danger strikes and she finds herself rescued by the most noble and most rare of all the birds. The Golden Auric.

Up in the clouds, she will make a discovery that will set her on a path to salvation. But unbeknownst to her, there are forces at play that wish to see a different future, one in which four of the Guilds that make up her homeland will perish. It is a fight for survival, and Ro will need all the help she can get if she is to save her home, and maybe, create the ultimate paradise…

Pre-order now to ensure a first edition copy of this Limited-Edition hardback with festival artwork and sprayed edges. Each copy of this 300+ page book is numbered, creating a truly bespoke collector’s item.

Publishing in Spring 2023, the Limited Edition THE RISE OF ADSCENDO will be available in English and Dutch. Pre-orders for this exclusive release are open from 20th December 2022 and can be made via adscendo.tomorrowland.com and store.tomorrowland.com. Shipping follows in June 2023. Publishing partner for the Dutch version, available via the Tomorrowland channels, is Standaard Uitgeverij.

THE RISE OF ADSCENDO offers a sneak peek into the Tomorrowland fictional universe which is currently in development by diverse talent with the support of an international editorial team. The Tomorrowland stories deliver inspiring tales set in new magical worlds for adult readers to enjoy.

‘THE RISE OF ADSCENDO’

About Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland, first held in 2005, is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, located in Boom, Belgium. Organized and owned by the original founders, the brothers Beers. It takes place every summer and stretches over 2 weekends, welcoming 400,000 People of Tomorrow from around the world. Year after year, Tomorrowland sells out in minutes. Over the past 17 years, Tomorrowland has become a true global phenomenon that connects people from every corner of the world. Tomorrowland has evolved into a global entertainment brand and media powerhouse thanks to its numerous activities such as new festivals like Tomorrowland Winter in the French Alps, the apparel & accessories label TML by Tomorrowland, the radio station One World Radio, the Tomorrowland Foundation, the Tomorrowland Academy (DJ & producer school), the record label Tomorrowland Music and Tomorrowland Fiction. The latter being a companywide priority to spread Tomorrowland’s unique stories full of magic and passion to a global audience.

 

About Standaard Uitgeverij

Standaard Uitgeverij is an independent publishing company. Its various publishing houses (o.a. Standaard Uitgeverij Strips, Manteau, Davidsfonds, Ballon, Oogappel) and other activities (Art Stories) make up the largest Flemish publishing group.

 

 

Cover Reveal: The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne

I’m so excited to share the cover for my new book The Water Witch. Set in Brittany, this tale of magic, adventure and romance is one I’ve wanted to write for a very long time. As many of you will know Brittany is a place very dear to my heart and it’s wonderful legends have always fascinated me, especially the legend of the lost city of Ys. I’ve visited the area so many times and hope I’ve captured some of the beauty and wonder I find anew here every time

The Water Witch will be out on the 5th August 2022, perfect summer reading. It’s going to be in print and on Kindle. You can pre-order it here.

Sitting side by side on the clifftop, he turns to her solemnly and says, ‘The water witch is real.’ She rolls her eyes and grins, teasing him. ‘Sure. A psycho mermaid. Got it.’ But now he’s gone forever… will she find the truth beneath the waves?

Brittany, France. Ariadne Walker’s fiancé Simon drowned in the stormy Atlantic Ocean doing what he loved: searching for the lost underwater city of Ys. Local legend says it was destroyed centuries ago when the princess of Ys became a water witch, cursing the name of the man who betrayed her.

Ari never believed these tall tales. And the letter Simon sent before he died finishing their relationship is a devastating secret she’ll take to the grave. But arriving in Brittany, Ari encounters a man emerging from the sea in a rocky cove, saltwater dripping from his dark hair. Rafael swears the legends are true: and his ancestor was cursed by the water witch. Now, his own life is in terrible danger. And the secret to breaking the curse lies hidden in the lost city.

When Ari finds a strange engraved mask on the sea bed, and a cryptic map amongst Simon’s things, she has no choice but to believe Rafael’s plea. Can they follow the trail and save Rafael’s life? Poring over the map by candlelight, the flickering flames only add to the heat between them… but will Ari’s fragile heart soon be shattered all over again? And will they ever find Ys and break the curse – or will the water witch demand another sacrifice?

An absolutely addictive romantic fantasy read filled with passion and mystery, that will sweep you away to the wild coast of northern France. Inspired by real myths and legends from this magical place, The Water Witch is perfect for fans of Luanne G. Smith, River of Shadows and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

 

The Treachery of Beautiful Things: 10th Anniversary Edition

It’s hard to believe it has been ten years since The Treachery of Beautiful Things first came out.

Unfortunately it has been out of print for some time now, but I’m delighted to announce  that on the 5th July it will be available again.

It comes to you complete with a fabulous new cover by the supremely talented Rhoda Baxter who is perhaps better known for her gorgeous rom coms (go to her website, sign up for her newsletter, get a free book!). I couldn’t believe how beautiful the image is and how it captures the magic and the danger of the Realm so clearly.

The tenth anniversary edition is available for pre order for Kindle and will also be available in print on publication on the 5th July.

The trees had swallowed Tom whole.

Seven years ago Jenny’s brother vanished in Branley Copse. She returns one last time to say goodbye, but the sound of music draws her into the shade of the trees and onto the twisted pathways of the Realm, the place where fairy-tales, and nightmares, are born.

Determined to find and free Tom, Jenny must navigate a strange and frightening world of wonders. Her only guides are the hobgoblin known as Puck, and Jack of the Forest, the Guardian of the Edge, a strange green-eyed man who is duty bound to protect her. And she desperately needs protection.

Hunted by Queen Titania and her servants, with time running out, Jenny and Jack find themselves caught up in an older magic, one bound in rituals of love and death. As it awakens to the presence of a new May Queen, the Realm demands a sacrifice.

The tenth anniversary edition of the much loved fairy-tale fantasy.

 

New Book News

The news is out. I will have a new book with Bookouture next year, The Water Witch.

Here I am researching… honest…

We are also delighted to have re-signed contracts with fantasy author Jessica Thorne. Associate Publisher Ellen Gleeson has acquired World English Language rights, plus audio, from Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative for The Water Witch

Publishing in summer 2022, The Water Witch is set on the wild shores of Brittany and tells the story of how Ariadne, a young woman still grieving for her lost fiancé, becomes involved in an archaeological dig searching for the lost city of Ys — and awakes an ancient and dangerous power.

Jessica said,

‘I’m so delighted to be working with Bookouture on this wild and magical tale of Brittany, a place so very close to my heart. It’s always such a thrill to start a new adventure and to explore the mysteries of family dynamics, folklore handed down through generations and the human heart.’

Ellen said,

‘Jessica’s books are always guaranteed to sweep me away to whatever beautiful, beguiling and entrancing world is waiting! Her gorgeous descriptions and worldbuilding, intricate plotting, ability to create totally dramatic heart-in-mouth moments, and of course passionate romance arcs, all combine to create exactly the kind of contemporary fantasy fiction her fans adore. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to work with Jessica and I can’t wait to dive straight in to The Water Witch.’ 

Full details here

Out Today: The Bookbinder’s Daughter by Jessica Thorne

I love a release day post. It’s so exciting to see a book out in the world, especially this book, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, (aka, The Library Book) as it is on I have wanted to write for more years than I care to remember. It’s set in a world that came into being in my mind at least ten years ago and has lingered there ever since, waiting for its time. The Ayredale Special Collection has been formed from libraries all over the world, real places I have visited and places I still dream about visiting. Finding the right people for that world and getting them to tease out their stories took a lot longer.

I’m really proud of what it all turned into – of Sophie and Will, of Tia and Edward (who was never meant to be heroic but decided he would be anyway), and not forgetting the gorgeous Titivillus the library cat (named for the patron demon of scribes, because have you met cats?) I had a black cat who definitely would have felt right at home in Ayredale and Titivillus is very much my beloved Patchwork Cat.

The Bookbinder’s Daughter is available now in print, ebook and audio, narrated by the amazing Charlie Norfolk. You can hear a sample here.

If you enjoy it please leave a review. They’re so important for visibility especially around launch times.

There is also a review blog tour

And if you can’t wait to read all those amazing reviews, here are a few of the early ones…

Buy Links:

Amazon / Apple / Kobo / Google

Audible:
UK / US

 

 

Netgalley: The Bookbinder’s Daughter

Netgalley Reviewers – delighted to tell you that my new Jessica Thorne book, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, is up on Netgalley today. Click here to request a copy for review.

A magical library. A broken family. A dangerous secret.

It also features a magic if slightly demonic cat called Titivillus and is inspired by all things #Libraryland. Come and explore the enchanted world of the #AyredaleSpecialCollection

The Bookbinder’s Daughter will be released on the 20th September.

 

Cover Reveal: The Bookbinder’s Daughter

I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to reveal the new cover of my next Jessica Thorne book, The Book Binder’s Daughter, which will be out on the 20th September 2021.

This is another one of those stories I have wanted to write for a very long time. I have always loved libraries and adore working in a library of strange and unusual books in my day job. I’ve been lucky enough to travel with work and to see some of the most beautiful libraries in the world. I was able to pour all of this and more into The Book Binder’s Daughter and the strange, beautiful and magical world of the Ayredale Special collection.

Many thanks to Bookouture, my agent Sallyanne and my editor Ellen for helping to make this happen. I hope you will be as enchanted by Ayredale as I am.

The Book Binder's Daughter - Preorder now