Tim Holman, president and publisher of the Hachette Book Group speculative fiction division Orbit, with Marcus Gipps, publishing director at Orion Publishing Group imprint Gollancz in the U.K., in a seven-figure deal, acquired world English rights to Crossroads of Ravens, the standalone next entry in Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s bestselling Witcher series, from Patricia Pasqualini of the Patricia Pasqualini Literary Agency. Rights have sold to 19 publishers worldwide, with a simultaneous publication set for September 30.
Veteran translator David French, who has translated six Witcher books to date, is set to translate the book (Rozdroże Kruków in the Polish) into English, and is concurrently working on new translations of the first two titles in the series, which are set for release next year. To date, the Witcher series has been translated into more than 40 languages.
Orbit called Crossroads of Ravens “a perfect entry point for new readers and an unmissable must-read for longtime fans.” The book follows longtime series lead Geralt of Rivia, here 18 years old, as he sets off on his first mission from the Witcher stronghold of Kaer Morhen. “Geralt will discover monsters, traitors, some new friends and some familiar faces, and just how deeply feared and despised Witchers can be,” the publisher said.
“In Rozdroże Kruków, I return to the roots of Geralt’s journey—not the fearless monster slayer we know, but a young Witcher just beginning to understand the burden of his destiny,” said Sapkowski, in a statement. “Imagine Geralt, but younger, with fewer scars and a bit more haughtiness. This is a story of growth, of idealism meeting harsh reality, and of choices that forge a legend. It’s about finding your place in a world that’s constantly challenging you to be more than you thought you could be.”
