UK Deal for Curtis Jobling’s MAX HELSING Series
ORCHARD ACQUIRES A RIOTOUS ACTION-ADVENTURE SERIES
Orchard Books are proud to announce the acquisition of Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse by acclaimed author, Curtis Jobling. Jessica Clarke, editorial director, bought UK and Commonwealth rights for two titles in the series from Kim Ryan at Penguin Random House US. Publication is set for summer 2016.
Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse is a riotous action-adventure series introducing Max Helsing, the descendent of the original vampire-killer, as he battles modern-day monsters in between schoolwork and monster-slaying training.
Homework by day… Monster-hunting by night.
Descended from a long line of monster hunters, Max Helsing does a pretty good job of being an eighth grader by day and keeping his town safe from demons, ghouls, and the occasional mummy by night. That is, until he turns thirteen and discovers he’s been cursed by an ancient vampire who wants him dead – at any cost. To save the world – and his life – Max must rely on his wise-cracking best friend, cantankerous mentor, computer genius neighbor, and brand-new puppy. He’ll need all their help and more to break the Thirteenth Curse!
Quote from Jessica Clarke “We’re so thrilled that Orchard will be the home of Max Helsing – a monster hunter with more fight than Alex Rider and more wise-cracking quips than Percy Jackson. I’ve long been a fan of Curtis’s YA novels, so it’s such a privilege to be working with him on this fantastic new series that I know middle-grade readers will love.”
Quote from Curtis Jobling: “I’m delighted that Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse is being published by Orchard, where my career as an author began (Frankenstein’s Cat was published by Orchard’s sister publishing house, Hodder, in 2001). Max Helsing is a monster mash in the purest sense of the phrase, blending my favourite genres – horror, fantasy and action. I’m certainly thrilled to be putting the gore into Orchard!”
Quote from Kendra Levin, US Publisher: “From the moment Curtis first pitched me the Max Helsing series, I knew we had to publish it. This series showcases everything Curtis has become known for: fantastical creatures, high-octane action, and a great sense of humor. We’re so delighted to be publishing Max Helsing!”
About Curtis Jobling:
Curtis Jobling (www.curtisjobling.com and www.badablingthing.com) is the author of the acclaimed Wereworld series, published by Puffin. He’s also known for being the designer of the BAFTA-winning BBC show Bob the Builder and for his Hodder-published picture book, Frankenstein’s Cat.
Curtis is based in Cheshire and visits up to 90 schools a year promoting his books – as well as being a regular on the festival circuit, speaking at Hay, Bath and Edinburgh. He is very active on Twitter (2.6K followers) and Facebook.
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For further information, please contact Victoria Rontaler, Acting Head of Publicity for Hachette Children’s Books
on 020 7053 6606 or victoria.rontaler@hachettechildrens.co.uk
About Orchard Books: Orchard Books is an imprint of Hachette Children’s Books, part of one of the UK’s largest trade publishing group. The four children’s imprints, which also includes Hodder Children’s Books, offer an unequalled range of titles, and between them publish many of the most respected books in children’s and Young Adult publishing, including David Almond, Robert Muchamore, Teri Terry and New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter. www.orchardbooks.co.uk @orchardbooks