Latest Acquisitions & Adaptations
By Georgie Cutler and Eva Lee
Acquisition News
Gabi Burton duology snapped up by Hodder & Stoughton
After a six-way auction, Hodder & Stoughton have acquired the rights to a debut young adult fantasy duology from Gabi Burton. The first instalment Sing Me to Sleep delves into the world of a deadly siren who must join forces with the prince she despises to hunt a murderous villain – herself. The author stated that they were “absolutely thrilled” that Sing Me to Sleep had found its way to Hodder & Stoughton and they are “even more excited to share it with UK readers and beyond” (The Bookseller). The UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired from Jennifer Choi, Bloomsbury US by Molly Powell, Hodder & Stoughton. Sing Me to Sleep is set to come to bookshelves in June 2023.
Orbit Books lands ancient fantasy series
Chinese-American author Andrea Steward signs a deal with Orbit to release her new upcoming fantasy series. Orbit UK Commissioning Editor James Long acquired English rights to The Gods Below series with the first book yet to be named. The series is set in a fantasy world with gemstones that hold magical abilities for those able to harness their full power. The story follows Hakara, a woman searching for her long-lost sister, leading her to trouble with the gods. Stewart shares she “wanted to write something deeply romantic and deeply unsettling, exploring themes of misinformation, corruption and displacement” (Mushens-entertainment). The first book of the series is expected to publish in 2024.
From book to screen
What to watch?
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry out now
Based on Gabrielle Zevin’s bestselling book, the feature film adaptation of the novel is directed and produced by Hans Canosa. It stars Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, Christina Hendricks, Scott Foley and David Arquette. The story follows A.J., a bookstore owner with his life turned upside down through a series of unfortunate events. With the death of his wife and his prized possession of rare Edgar Allen Poe poems being stolen, a mysterious package arrives with a chance for A.J. to start his life over and see where it takes him. A heart-warming story full of humour and love, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is now out.
Amazon Prime Video releases trailer for The Peripheral
The first glimpse of the series adaptations of William Gibson’s bestselling novel has been released by Amazon Prime Video. At New York Comic-Con, the latest trailer of the long-awaited sci-fi drama was shown to fans in front of the cast and producers of the show. It is set to star Chloë Grace Moretz as protagonist Flynn Fisher, a woman who is trying to hold her broken family together in tomorrow’s America. Her future looks bleak, until the future makes her an offer. It features a brilliant cast, including the acting talents of Jack Reynor, Gary Carr, Eli Goree, Louis Herthum, JJ Feild, T’Nia Miller and Charlotte Riley. The project is being produced by Amazon Studios, Warner Bros Television and Kilter Films. The Peripheral has been in production since early 2018 so fans of the novel have long awaited this screen release. You can stream The Peripheral on Prime Video from 21 October 2022.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover headed to Netflix and cinemas
Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell are set to take to the screens as Lady Chatterley and Oliver Mellors in Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s adaptation of Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Based on D. H. Lawrence’s novel of the same name, Lady Chatterley’s Lover will focus on the development of Lady Constance Chatterley as she has an affair with her gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors. Corrin and O’Connell are not the only big names attached to the project. It features the likes of Matthew Duckett, Joely Richardson, Ella Hunt and Faye Marsay. Clermont-Tonnerre is set to emphasise “the needs and emotions” of Lady Chatterley in this adaptation of the historically scandalous novel (Netflix). You can watch this take on D. H. Lawrence’s novel in selected theatres from 25 November and on Netflix from 2 December 2022.
In the Works
A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow given the green light
An adaptation of Laura Taylor Namey’s New York Times bestselling novel A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow has been given the green light for production. The film will feature Kit Connor, Maia Reficco and Kate del Castillo as the leading cast. The YA novel follows Lila, who planned to work at her grandmother's Cuban bakery in Miami. However, her life changes after her grandmother passes away, leaving her in despair. She leaves Miami for the summer to spend time working at her aunt’s inn in Winchester, London. In the British countryside, she meets and falls in love with a charming British shop clerk, Orion, and immerses herself in fusion cooking to heal her broken heart. With the production in the works, there is no further information on release dates and where it will be released, so keep your eyes peeled for more details on this adaptation.