Penguin Michael Joseph pre-empts Mei Goodwin's 'unforgettable' epic fantasy in three-book deal

Penguin Michael Joseph has pre-empted Mei Goodwin’s "spellbinding" epic fantasy trilogy, inspired by Chinese mythology, ahead of auction.

Publisher Rebecca Hilsdon acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. North American rights were sold by Jenny Bent at The Bent Agency to Del Rey, on behalf of Mushens.

The Heart of Vengeance, the first book in the deal, will be published in summer 2027. Mushens said the novel "swept me away to another world which felt as vivid as our own". 

Pitched as a "sweeping" sapphic love story and a "loose" retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, The Heart of Vengeance follows bethrothed couple Aviva and Leyla. When Aviva is bonded to one of the Thousand, the name given to winged horses, she is imprisoned for a crime she did not commit and Leyla must uncovers the secrets "neither of them were prepared to discover".

Goodwin said: "The Heart of Vengeance is the book of my heart, the story that wouldn’t leave me alone. It was also the story I didn’t know if anyone would connect with. How lucky I am for it to have found the perfect home with Rebecca at Penguin Michael Joseph and Tricia at Del Rey US. They have made all my wildest dreams come true."

Hilsdon added: "I can’t wait to take the reins and publish this fabulous novel. The glorious worldbuilding, superbly drawn characters and immersive plot makes for a totally unforgettable novel."