Acquisition Announcement: MERCIFUL CARNAGE by Sara Hashem
Orbit is delighted to announce the acquisition of Merciful Carnage, the first book in a new dark fantasy romance duology by Sara Hashem!
Tala’s life has been defined by her inability to die. Her superstitious village has treated her with distrust and hostility since she was found floating in the Liyan River as a newborn. When a mysterious water-borne plague starts to ravage the oasis villages, Tala is sent across the desert to the city of Axsanda to seek refuge for her village. Determined to find a cure to the plague, Tala will stop at nothing to prove herself a worthy healer and member of her community.
Upon Tala’s arrival in Axsanda, a would-be fatal encounter lands her in front of Selim, the chillingly beautiful High Judge and first of the four immortal siblings ruling the land. Intrigued by Tala, Selim agrees to shelter her village if he remains in her palace until they arrive. Despite his detachment from mortal emotions, Selim finds himself increasingly fascinated by the odd, ambitious girl, but Tala’s deathlessness threatens the sacred balance he is sworn to uphold. As Tala hunts for a cure to the plague, Selim hunts for an answer to her existence.
As terrifying omens spread across Axsanda and Tala shows signs of an impossible power, the two must reckon with their attraction… and its catastrophic consequences.
Featuring a slow-burn soulmates-to-enemies romance, a dark tale of self-discovery, and a chorus of snarky scorpions, Merciful Carnage will publish in February 2027.
Sara Hashem is the USA Today and Sunday Times–bestselling author of The Jasad Heir and The Jasad Crown. An American-Egyptian writer from California, she spent many sunny days holed up indoors with a book. Sara’s love for fantasy and magical realms emerged during the two years her family lived in Egypt. When she isn’t busy naming stray cats in her neighborhood after her favorite authors, Sara can be found buried under coffee-ringed notebooks.
Orbit US editor Alyea Canada acquired World English rights from Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency and Editorial Director Jenni Hill has acquired UK rights for Orbit UK. Sara is now represented by Chloe Seager at Madeline Milburn Agency.