A.B. Hamilton’s debut fantasy duology BEASTWOVEN sold to Hachette Children’s in three-way auction

Hachette Children’s Books has acquired debut author A.B. Hamilton’s duology in a "competitive" three-way auction. The first book in the duology, scheduled to publish in October 2026, follows two sisters bound in one body, as they fight beasts outside – and within.

Aliyana Hirji, commissioning editor at HCG, and Jadene Squires, editor at HCG, acquired world rights (excluding the US and Canada) to BEASTWOVEN and a second title. The synopsis reads: "Lia and Ali are trained to use their elemental weaving powers to hunt and destroy burl beasts – wild, mindless monsters created when threads of their world tangle together. Their secret? They themselves are a burl beast: twin sisters, secretly sharing one body. Quiet and reserved Lia controlling by day. Outspoken and abrasive Ali leading by night. 

"When news arrives that an elusive criminal is creating bespoke beasts by practising the illegal magic that could finally separate them, the girls jump at the chance to join the team sent to investigate. But as they get closer to their new flock and, more importantly, two different boys, hiding what they really are threatens to unravel everything."

Hirji said: "When this manuscript landed on our desks, we knew it was something special. AB Hamilton is masterful in his writing, and in Beastwoven has threaded together a rich and immersive world, distinctly voiced dual narratives and a sweeping plot that doesn’t let you go until the very last page."

Hamilton is a fantasy writer from south London and works as a schoolteacher.

He said: "Beastwoven is a story of self-discovery, and watching Lia and Ali’s journey intertwine so closely with my own over the past few years has been a beautifully surreal experience. I’m immensely grateful to everyone at Hachette Children’s Group, especially my brilliant editors Aliyana Hirji and Jadene Squires, whose sharp insights helped uncover the best possible version of this book. Heartfelt thanks as well to my incredible agent, Clara Foster, who managed to find the perfect home for this story. I can’t wait for readers to get as lost in this world as I am."

Squires said: "We’ve been continually blown away by Hamilton’s talents as a debut author. He is a tremendous new voice in YA fiction and one that is sure to make a mark."

Foster added: "AB Hamilton has the perfect YA voice: heartfelt and funny, but with absolute bite – and then enough twists and turns in the novel that it keeps the rest of the world at bay. I am so glad Beastwoven found its home with Jadene, Aliyana and the rest of the team at HCG who showed such enthusiasm from day one."

Congratulations, A.B.!