Pan Macmillan acquires Blood Drunk by debut author Ben Shepherd
Tor UK, an imprint of Pan Mamillan, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Blood Drunk, the opening volume in a new urban fantasy series by debut author Ben Shepherd. Editor Michael Beale acquired UK & Commonwealth rights for Blood Drunk plus one untitled novel at auction via Olivia Davies at United Agents. US rights also to John Morgan at Grand Central in a two-book pre-empt.
This urban fantasy set in the unglamorous corners of contemporary London is Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels meets vampires. Perfect for urban fantasy fans, readers of gritty crime and thrillers with a speculative edge, and even those keen on resurrecting Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
This urban fantasy set in the unglamorous corners of contemporary London is Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels meets vampires. Perfect for urban fantasy fans, readers of gritty crime and thrillers with a speculative edge, and even those keen on resurrecting Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In Blood Drunk, an organisation known only as The Firm keeps control of the world's magical underbelly by wielding a powerful and macabre power known as “death magic”. When Freddie, a young hooligan from South London, survives a shakedown that goes horribly wrong, he unwillingly joins The Firm. Caught in a treacherous web of deceit and bloodshed, he must unravel the truth before his own magic or the denizens of the night devour him.
Ben Shepherd said:
‘I couldn't be happier that Blood Drunk has found a home with Grand Central and Tor, and feel very lucky indeed that Freddie will be introduced to the world under Michael and John's stewardship - I can't wait to explore his future misadventures together (and find out whether he makes it to the pub for last orders).’
Michael Beale, Editor – Tor UK comments:
‘Blood Drunk is a stunning addition to Tor’s list. Ben has sunk deep into the sinister roots of London in this fresh look for urban fantasy. Dark, funny, and oh-so-violent, Freddie Burns runs roughshod through magic school while shrugging off the dying grasp of London’s crime lords. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.’
John Morgan, Executive Editor – Grand Central comments:
‘Freddie Burns feels like Buffy the Vampire Slayer by way of a modern British gangster film. Blood Drunk combines bracingly gritty takes on magic schools and creatures of myth with a sly and clever depiction of what happens when the chosen one is determined to chart his own path – and that path leads to the pub. I could not be more excited, along with the rest of Grand Central, to get in on the ground floor of Freddie’s adventures, and also Ben’s career.’
About the Author:
Ben was born and brought up in South London. He had a 20-year career as a diplomat, editor and policy analyst, working for the Foreign Office and Chatham House and specializing in conflict and politics in Central Africa, while secretly (and slowly) writing a book about magic, vampires and organized crime. He now writes for a living, and spends his free time running and cycling around London’s forgotten corners, thinking up stories. He still lives in South London with his wife and daughter.
Author photo credit: Jonny Donovan