Usborne have acquired the rights to YA author David Owen’s first foray into middle-grade fiction: Alex Neptune, an irresistibly funny, high-octane adventure series with eco themes. Senior Commissioning Editor Sarah Stewart acquired world rights for three Alex Neptune books from Ella Kahn of Diamond Kahn & Woods. George Ermos has been commissioned as the illustrator for the series, and the first book will publish in August 2022. Two more titles will follow in this series in 2023.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Malamander, Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief is a hugely commercial heist adventure. “I’ve always wanted to write middle-grade fiction,” says David, “So I could go big on action, humour and a pacey plot – all the things I love in a book.” Editor Sarah Stewart has described it as “uproariously funny and hugely imaginative with a joyous cast of characters and a lovably unassuming hero at their heart”, whilst praise is already coming in from the children’s publishing community as L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworld’s Travel Agency called it a “rich and exciting story”.
For as long as Alex Neptune can remember, the ocean has wanted to kill him. So he’s not too happy when a bunch of sea creatures drag him to the spooky abandoned aquarium on the hill, where an imprisoned water dragon needs his help. But how can he say no to a magical myth?
Recruiting his tech-genius best friend Zoe, legend-lover Anil, a shark-shooting octopus, three acrobatic otters and a thieving seagull, Alex plots a heist to break the dragon out and return it to the sea. And suddenly discovers the powers of the ocean are at his fingertips…
David Owen is currently best known for his YA novels: his debut, Panther, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and was followed by three further highly acclaimed novels: The Fallen Children, All The Lonely People and Grief Angels. Having worked as a freelance games journalist and taught on a BA Creative Writing course for three years, Alex Neptune is his first series for younger readers, born of his love for nail-biting heists, fantastical monsters and heartfelt friendships. “Usborne are the perfect partners to launch such an exciting new series,” says agent Ella Kahn, “And I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working together!’
For more information or to receive a proof copy of Alex Neptune (subject to availability), please contact Publicity Manager Katarina Jovanovic at Katarina.jovanovic@usborne.co.uk.
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