Acquisition Announcement: When the Forest Whispers by Megan Flynn

ORBIT ACQUIRES COSY HORROR DEBUT

Orbit has acquired a post-apocalyptic, cosy horror from debut author Megan Flynn.

When the Forest Whispers is a unique genre mash-up that balances dark thematic content and elements of horror with a heartwarming story of found family, survival, love and hope at the end of the world. Senior Commissioning Editor Emily Byron acquired World Rights from Helen Lane at the Ki Agency in a two-book deal.

When the Forest Whispers is scheduled to publish in early 2027 on Run For It, Orbit’s horror list.

The novel tells the story of Remembrance Kingston, who didn’t have a normal life even before the apocalypse, raised by doomsday preppers deep in the woods. Now, Remy lives on alone with only her faithful dog, Clementine, and the decaying ghosts of her family for company. Waiting. Always waiting for her best friend Hunter to come back to her, like he promised he would. But when a strange, savage child called Rabbit turns up on her doorstep, with news of his whereabouts, Remy will discover that she is stronger and more powerful than she ever knew. And for the people she loves, she will take on the whole damned world.

Acquiring editor, Emily Byron, said:

‘Some books defy categorisation and this beautiful novel is like nothing else I’ve read. Megan Flynn is a magician who has pulled off a remarkable feat balancing all the different elements of this story to create something truly special. There’s darkness and death and horror interlaced with warmth and love and hope. I adore it from first page to last! Remy, Rabbit, Hunter and Clementine have stolen my heart and I’m beyond excited to introduce them to readers.

Author, Megan Flynn, said:

‘Working with a powerhouse like Orbit for my debut is a dream come true and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to introduce Remy, Rabbit, Hunter and Clementine to the world. Their story is ultimately about hope and survival in even the bleakest of times, and I hope everyone will enjoy going on the journey with them as much as I did writing it.’

Agent, Helen Lane, said:

‘Meg is a rare talent whose stories stay with you long after you finish reading them. From the start, we knew that Emily and the Orbit team would be the right champions for these weird and wonderful stories. I cannot wait for you all to read them.’