Tor signs up The Shape of Monsters by C. L. Hellisen
Tor UK, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, is thrilled to have acquired The Shape of Monsters and A Million Points of Light by author C. L. Hellisen. Publisher Bella Pagan bought World rights to this gripping fantasy duology from Caro Clarke at Portobello Literary.
The Shape of Monsters is a treasure trove of dark magic and family secrets, where betrayals linger and power corrupts.
The Shape of Monsters is a treasure trove of dark magic and family secrets, where betrayals linger and power corrupts.
In a world where power is everything, Aleks and Vaira Kercheval ran from their heritage. A magical fire destroyed their family as children and they escaped to safety, but the siblings hadn’t seen each other for years. Then Vaira inherits Aubrey House. Forming a reluctant truce, brother and sister travel to the abandoned mansion – but crossing the threshold plunges them into a world of magic, monsters and a war between rival mages. Magic shattered their family. Now power will demand their souls.
These page-turning and twisted tales are perfect for readers of Starling House by Alix E. Harrow, Gallant by V. E. Schwab and for fans of Holly Black and Ava Reid.
C. L. Hellisen says ‘I’m very excited by the opportunity to work with editor Bella Pagan and her team on The Shape of Monsters and its sequel. These stories have been a part of my life for years, so it’s a delight to know that my books have found a home at Tor UK, and I can’t wait for readers to come join me in my love of dark gothic fantasy about betrayal, magic, and twisted obsessions.’
Bella Pagan, Tor Publisher, enthuses: ‘I adore The Shape of Monsters, steeped as it is in magic, darkness and mysteries that are tortuously unfolded. Alek and Vaira come to life on the page as they discover and embrace their potential . . . with terrifying consequences.’
Tor UK will publish The Shape of Monsters in autumn 2026. The book was originally commissioned and published as an Audible Original, performed by Omari Douglas (star of Black Doves and It’s a Sin).