A press release from Tor UK:

Pan Macmillan’s Tor imprint is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Starborn and sequel, by debut author Lucy Hounsom. Senior Commissioning Editor Bella Pagan bought World Rights, via Veronique Baxter of David Higham Associates. With George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones now a huge TV success, fantasy fiction has never been more popular. And these books are traditional fantasy at its very best.

Starborn features a vividly imagined world where a strong female protagonist stumbles upon hidden magic. As she fights to stay alive and find her path, she discovers that lost powers walk the earth and her own choices will shape the fate of thousands. Starborn, with its pace, adventurous themes and compelling characters will be perfect for fans of Trudi Canavan, David Eddings and Karen Miller.

Hounsom said: ‘Joining Tor is a dream come true and I can’t believe how lucky I am. It’s a huge honour to share space with some of the greatest names in genre fiction. Starborn is the culmination of my abiding love for fantasy and it couldn’t have found a more perfect home. I hope to take readers on one of those remarkable adventures made possible through storytelling, and I simply can’t wait to begin.’

Lucy Hounsom works for Waterstones and has a BA in English & Creative Writing from Royal Holloway. She went on to complete an MA in Creative Writing under Andrew Motion in 2010.

Bella Pagan had this to say on the deal: ‘I couldn’t be more delighted and Lucy is such an exciting new talent. Starborn is fantasy with a lot of heart and great pace. I couldn’t stop reading as revelation piled on revelation for Kyndra – as she found herself on the run, fighting for her life and surrounded by factions and secrets.’

Tor UK plans to release Starborn in hardback in Spring 2015.