Sphere has acquired three new historical novels by internationally bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick: two standalone untitled works of fiction and THE COMING OF THE WOLF – a prequel to Elizabeth’s first and bestselling novel THE WILD HUNT.
Viola Hayden, commissioning editor for Sphere Fiction, acquired UK & Commonwealth rights, including Canada, from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann.
The first of the two standalone novels will focus on William Marshal’s granddaughter Joanna, and her controversial marriage to King Henry III’s half-brother William de Valence, while her second will bring to life Eleanor of Castile, wife to Henry III's eldest son Edward.
Elizabeth Chadwick said: I am enormously pleased to be working on this new three book deal with my editor Viola Hayden and the fabulous team at Sphere. The first novel, set in the thirteenth century, is the story of the remarkable, resourceful Joanna de Munchensey, and the dangers she faced when plucked from obscurity and placed centre stage at the heart of a power struggle that threatened to destroy her entire family. It happened 700 years ago, but researching this fascinating woman, it became increasingly clear to me how much one society holds up a mirror to the other and that what happened then is happening right now.
Viola Hayden said: I am thrilled to have three new Elizabeth Chadwick novels on the Sphere Fiction list. Elizabeth is an absolute queen of her genre, and Little, Brown are proud to be the publisher of all of her books. With these new novels I know Elizabeth will continue to do what she does best: uncover little known but fascinating historical figures and bring them back to life with her inimitable mix of impeccable research and captivating storytelling.
Isobel Dixon said: It’s always exciting to ink a contract for new Elizabeth Chadwick books, awaiting the mix of exhilarating action, intrigue and emotion she delivers through her vivid characters. Her new heroine Joanna de Munchensey is no exception, and her courage in the face of challenge will also speak to contemporary times. I’m thrilled too that Sphere will bring readers a special treat with THE COMING OF THE WOLF, the prequel to THE WILD HUNT – which was one of the very first books I read (and absolutely loved) at Blake Friedmann when I joined (many years ago!).
THE COMING OF THE WOLF will publish in hardback, trade paperback, ebook and audio in August 2020 – thirty years after first publication of THE WILD HUNT – and the subsequent two novels are slated for publication in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick
‘This is historical fiction at its best.’ – The Bookseller
‘An author who makes historical fiction come gloriously alive.’ – The Times
‘Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel is like having a Bentley draw up at your door: you know you are in for a sumptuous ride.’ — Daily Telegraph
‘One of Elizabeth Chadwick’s strengths is her stunning grasp of historical detail…Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable.’ – Barbara Erskine
About the Author
A prize-winning historical novelist and New York Times bestseller, published in 22 languages, with over 1 million copies of her work sold in the UK alone, she regularly features in the UK bestseller lists. She was commissioned to write the novel to tie in to the film FIRST KNIGHT starring Sean Connery and Richard Gere (World: Newmarket Press, NY; sold to 9 languages). Member of the Royal Historical Society, her research is respected by scholars.