We are delighted to announce US and UK deals for Natasha Siegel’s As Many Souls as Stars. Vicky Leech Mateos at Bloomsbury triumphed in a competitive four-way auction for UK rights and North American rights went to Ariana Sinclair at William Morrow in a six-figure pre-empt. Italian rights were acquired by DeAgostini (Italy).
A darkly captivating gothic fantasy, beginning in 16th century in Suffolk, As Many Souls as Stars opens with a Faustian deal struck between two women: one the cursed daughter of an alchemist and the other an immortal demon determined to consume her soul. In exchange for lifting the curse, the demon promises reincarnation – as many times as it takes to get what she wants. What follows is a transaction writ across generations and lifetimes as these two characters meet again and again through history – becoming further entangled and forever changed. Filled with legacies, curses and love this is a tale of magic and power dynamics within passion – As Many Souls as Stars examines what we owe those we love, and what we as women inherit from those who came before us.
The book is described as Kate Atkinson meets The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by way of Katherine Arden. A tale of magic and power dynamics within passion, As Many Souls as Stars examines what we owe to ourselves and to those we love.
Vicky Leech Mateos says: I instantly fell in love with this tale of magic, love and time. Full of the joys of fantasy and yet brilliantly genre-defying, this is an exceptional read that cast a spell over us all at Bloomsbury. Natasha’s writing is full of transporting historical detail, with thrilling twists and an abiding, thought-provoking romance. The first of two standalones, As Many Souls as Stars will leave you convinced Natasha Siegel is a brilliant new voice.
Catherine Cho says: This novel completely swept me away – magical, deliciously dark, and transportive. I’m delighted that Natasha has found such a brilliant UK home with Bloomsbury and incredible champions in Vicky and Ariana.
Natasha Siegel says: ‘It’s such a privilege to work with Bloomsbury, which has so many incredible authors and such a talented team. I can’t think of a better home for my UK debut. As Many Souls as Stars is a book that has haunted and consumed me for years: a story about feminine fury, sapphic longing and the weight of history. It’s a perfect fit for the amazing list Vicky is building, and I’m so excited to work with her in bringing my work to my home country.’
Natasha Siegel is a writer of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance. She was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a Danish-Jewish family surrounded by stories. As Many Souls as Stars is the UK debut for London-based author Natasha Siegel, who has published acclaimed historical fiction novels with Penguin Random House US previously.