We are excited to announce that Maria Meservey’s debut THE IRONFELL INHERITANCE and THE MORROW ARCHIVES habe been sold in multi-way auctions worldwide.
North American rights were acquired in an upper six-figure deal by Tricia Narwani at Del Rey Books in a highly competitive fourteen bidder auction. Rebecca Hilsdon at Michael Joseph acquired UK rights in a ‘significant’ six-figure deal in a heated seven-way auction. Rights have also sold in eight other territories, including at auction in Germany for a ‘significant’ six-figure deal, by Melissa Pimentel at Paper Literary.
Pitched as THE HUNGER GAMES meets WEDNESDAY, the novel follows the Ironfell family, whose line of succession is determined by bloodshed rather than birthright. When the Ironfell patriarch dies, his descendants must fight to the death to inherit his vast wealth – and the terrifying supernatural power that make them the most feared family in the land.
Maria said: ‘I am endlessly delighted to be working with Tricia, Rebecca, and the amazing Del Rey and Michael Joseph teams. It is such a dream to have found such a lovely home for this vicious little book, and I am eternally grateful to my brilliant agent, Catherine Cho at Paper Literary, for making it happen.’
Rebecca said: ‘As soon as I stepped inside Ironfell Manor I knew I needed this darkly propulsive book to join the PMJ fantasy list. From the creaking, spooky manor – which offers the perfect backdrop – to the noble Walter – who fronts an unforgettable cast – this novel puts me in mind of the very best in gothic Victorian literature. But with a freshness that will appeal to a truly modern reader.’
Tricia said: ‘This gorgeously morbid and deliciously addictive book, with its perfectly calibrated gothic aesthetic and heart-piercing plot twists, was such a delight to my dark heart—and it will also entrance legions of readers with its macabre music. Maria is a talent unlike any other and I’m honoured to work with her.’
Catherine said: ‘When I first read The Ironfell Inheritance and in my submissions inbox, I had chills. Maria is an exceptional talent with a singular voice; she has created a dark, captivating world that is unforgettable. I’m thrilled she’s found a brilliant home on both sides of the Atlantic.’
The Ironfell Inheritance by Maria Meservey will be published in Autumn 2027. Congratulations, Maria!