New British author John Gwynne sold world rights to two epic fantasy novels to Editorial Director Julie Crisp at Pan Macmillan, in a deal brokered by agent John Jarrold “for a very good five-figure sum.” Jarrold says the books comprise the series called “The Faithful and the Fallen.” Book one, So Deep a Malice, will by published by Tor UK in 2012. Book two, Terror of Heaven, will follow in 2013.
Crisp said “This is an incredibly exciting book. It gave me the same feeling when reading it that I had when I first read George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, and Patrick Rothfuss. I fell in love with the characters, the world building, and the detailed imaging.” Jarrold added “I’ve now read it three times and I am still emotionally involved with the characters and storylines throughout, which is a wonderful achievement for a new writer.”
They offered this description of the books:
“With one foot in Celtic myth and the other loosely straddling the imagined beginning of the Roman empire, this fresh and original fantasy takes two worlds, old and new, and demonstrates the clash that will occur when the modern tries to overthrow established traditions.
“Set on a continent called the Banished Lands, populated by men and giants, dark forests, dreadwolves and draigs; this debut fantasy follows the story of Corban, a young man who just wants to become a warrior, but whose path will lead him to so much more. Populated with original and engaging characters, set in a primal, feral world, soon to become the battleground of angels and demons, this is a tale of love and betrayal, truth and courage, friendship and loyalty. An epic and intimate coming-of-age tale filled with mystery, Machiavellian politics, adventure, joy and tragedy.”