Stormdancer, a Debut Novel by Jay Kristoff

Today, in a press release, Tor UK officially announced the acquisition of the rights of Stormdancer and two subsequent books in the series.

Kristoff's debut novel looks very promising, especially for the fans of far eastern fantasy settings. Here's the official press release:

Press Release – Wednesday 16th February 2011
STORMDANCER, a debut novel by Jay Kristoff, acquired by Julie Crisp at Tor UK

Tor UK, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, has acquired World English rights for Stormdancer and two subsequent books in the series in association with Pete Wolverton at Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St Martins Press in the US, from agent Matt Bialer at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

Stormdancer is a dystopian fantasy set in steampunk feudal Japan and follows Yukiko and her warrior father who are sent on an impossible mission to capture a legendary Thunder Tiger – a griffin. But an accident means Yukiko finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in her country's last wilderness, with only a furious, broken-winged griffin for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, and even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is that he’d rather see her dead than help her.

Meanwhile, the country around them is on the brink of collapse. A toxic poppy-based fuel is slowly killing the land; the omnipotent, metal-clad Guild is publicly burning those that they deem Impure; and the Shogun cares about nothing but his own power.

In hopes of saving her country – and herself, Yukiko must earn the griffin’s trust to become a symbol to her people; a myth, a legend – a Stormdancer.

Julie Crisp, editorial director at Tor UK, said ‘This is an incredibly imaginative and well-executed fantasy. Think Across the Nightingale Floor and Eragon mixed with steampunk, strong original characters and fast-paced action. It’s a wonderful read that everyone in-house fell in love with. So we’re thrilled that Jay will be joining the Tor UK team’.

Tor UK will be looking to publish Stormdancer in 2012.

Jay Kristoff lives in Melbourne. Follow him on twitter here: http://twitter.com/misterkristoff

For further information, contact Chloe Healy, Senior Press Officer: c.healy@macmillan.co.uk 020 7014 6186
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