FOREIGN RIGHTS GUIDE FA L L 2 0 1 7
Index Fiction
3-10
Non Fiction
11-14
Young Adult
15-18
Contact us
Astrid Dalaker
Thomas Mala
astrid@northernstories.no
thomas@northernstories.no
+47 99 69 19 50
+47 46 67 61 55
Check us out www.northernstories.no | Facebook.com/northernstorieslitag Instagram: @northernstorieslitag | Twitter: @NorthernStories
NOVEL
jomsviking by bjørn andreas bull-hansen JOMSVIKING, 2017, Novel, 574 pages, Nidhogg forlag
“Magnificent new series about our warrior ancestors! Bjørn Andreas Bull-Hansen’s new Viking novel is a real pageturner” Cathrine Kröger, Dagbladet Year 993. During an attack east of Viken in Norway, Torstein’s father is being brutally murdered by Olaf Trygvasson’s men. 12-year-old Torstein is taken as a slave, but opportunity arises and he manages to flee. He sets course for the Orkney Islands, to escape – and in search of his elder brother. In Jomsviking, we follow Torstein Tormodson through his young years as slave and outlaw, and later as he becomes a warrior and mercenary of the infamous brotherhood of the Jomsvikings. He is soon drawn into the struggle of power between Olaf Trygvasson and the other Scandinavian rulers. Jomsviking is the first book in a planned series. Many years of research lies behind this series from a turbulent and dramatic time in our history. It takes us on a journey through large parts of Northern Europe (Sweden, Denmark, Poland, England and Scotland), as it appeared a thousand years ago. The action is coincided with actual historical events. As a Jomsviking, Torstein is involved in the power struggle between the Nordic kings and earls, leading up to a violent naval battle at Svolder year 1000.
REVIEWS
“Impressive, trustworthy and well-written! With colourful and precise language, Bjørn Andreas Bull-Hansen takes us over a thousand years back in time. An exciting, dramatic and credible depiction of a turbulent life in a time and world far different from ours - but also scarily alike....” Tom Egeland, VG “Magnificent new series about our warrior ancestors! Bjørn Andreas Bull-Hansen’s new Viking novel is a real pageturner. Most impressive is Bull-Hansen’s stylistic movement, from the small details to the magnificent scenarios. Portraits are exotic and convincing. Bull-Hansen can be both poetic and dramatic. This is first and foremost an incredibly good story!” Cathrine Kröger, Dagbladet “Jomsviking – A comprehensive and fascinating epic novel!” Anyone who wants excitement, drama, rich descriptions of the environment, and reflected description on characters, gets it in Bull-Hansen’s magnificent novel Jomsviking. Bull-Hansen succeeds in putting a sharp writer’s claw in the neck of the reader.” Finn Stenstad, Tønsbergs Blad RIGHTS SOLD
Germany (Penguin)
1
NOVEL SHORT BIO ON BJØRN ANDREAS BULL-HANSEN Bjørn Andreas Bull-Hansen (1972) is a master of combining historical stories with high suspense. This spring his novel Jomsviking went straight to the best seller list, and during the summer his novel has been the second most sold in Norway, of this year’s releases. The reviews list the great combination of historical accuracy and high suspense, and describes his work as impressive, trustworthy and well-written. Bull-Hansen has a comprehensive bibliography, with 17 novels. Bjørn Andreas BullHansen defines himself as a traditional Viking skald, he loves to share his knowledge of Norse culture. Bjørn is also a multiple national champion powerlifter, and lives in Fredrikstad, with his wife and two children. Homepage: www.bull-hansen.com
2
THRILLER
t h e b i r d t r i b u n a l b y a g n e s r avat n FUGLETRIBUNALET, 2013, Novel, 207 pages, Samlaget
“From one of the ten most promising Norwegian authors under 35” Two people in exile. Two secrets. As the past tightens its grip, there may be no escape… TV presenter Allis Hagtorn leaves her partner and her job to take voluntary exile in a remote house on an isolated fjord. But her new job as housekeeper and gardener is not all that it seems, and her silent, surly employer, 44-year-old Sigurd Bagge, is not the old man she expected. As they await the return of his wife from her travels, their silent, uneasy encounters develop into a chilling, obsessive relationship, and it becomes clear that atonement for past sins may not be enough… Haunting, consuming and powerful, The Bird Tribunal is a taut, exquisitely written psychological thriller that builds to a shocking, dramatic crescendo that will leave you breathless.
PRAISE “It quivers of excitement and surplus (…) about two people, who only wants to be found and loved.” Linda Klakken, Natt & Dag
“Ravatn creates a creeping sense of unease, elegantly bringing the peace and menace of the setting to vivid life. The isolated house on the fjord is a character-like shadow in this tale of obsessions. This is domestic suspense with a twist – creepy and wonderful .“ Good Reading Magazine
“The novel remains with you as an electrical charge under your skin” Thea Urdal, Dagsavisen RIGTHS SOLD
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, UK, USA
S H O R T B I O O N A G N E S R AVAT N Agnes Ravatn (b. 1983) is an author and columnist. She made her literary début with the novel Week 53 (Veke 53) in 2007. Since then she has written three critically acclaimed and award-winning essay collections. In these works Ravatn shows her unique, witty voice and sharp eye for human fallibility. Her second novel, The Bird Tribunal (Fugletribunalet), 2013, was a success with the critics as well among book buyers (sold 30 000). In addition to winning a lot of prizes The Bird Tribunal was also made into a successful play and was played at the theatre (Det Norske Teater) for nearly two years. The book is now being turned into a film.
3
CRIME
the almighty by jørgen jæger GUDEN, 2016, Crime, 486 pages
A book sold every forth minute in Norway last year Lots of people are gathered in the central square of Fjellberghavn when the Mayor and the Chief of Police steps on to the scene. Suddenly someone yells “Allahu Akbar!”, which is followed by three shots. Only a few minutes later a bomb explosion echoes from the main street, the start of well-planned bank robberies. Some very dramatic days is ahead for police officer Cecilie Hopen. Leading the investigation, she needs to find some answers; Who is behind all this, and why? Is it religious terror? A cover up for bank robberies? Or something even more evil? Time is running short, and the people of Fjellberghavn is terrified. Someone is behind all this, and in the shadows lurks an anonymous person – called the Almighty – who will stop at nothing to reach his goals… The Almighty is the tenth book in the series about Ole Vik and Cecilie Hopen. REVIEWS
“Jørgen Jæger has established himself as one of our best crime authors. Once again, he has delivered a crime of the highest quality. The Almighty joins his best novels so far” Sven Gjeruldsen, Tvedestrand Blad “Jørgen Jæger is an ambitious author who combines the thriller with the socially realistic crime novel and creates a universe where everything can happen” Elin Brend Bjørhei, VG “Jørgen Jæger knows how to build a good crime plot. With good assistance from the high pace in this novel, we can gladly accept that the world is so damned that what happens in The Almighty actually can happen in the real world.” Leif Gjerstad, Bok365 “Monster may turn out to be the bestseller that launches Jæger into Nesbø’s league” Stavanger Aftenblad RIGHTS SOLD
Sweden (Lind&Co.) S H O R T B I O O N J Ø RGEN J Æ GER Jørgen Jæger is one of Norway’s best-selling crime authors, his latest book The Concealment became the third most sold Norwegian Crime novel in 2016. The Almighty marks a jubilee for Jørgen, as it is his tenth book about the highly respected police chief Ole Vik and his adept detective Cecilie Hopen. Critically acclaimed Jæger is highly renowned among booksellers, and has been nominated to the prestigious Norwegian bookseller award three times. Homepage: www.krimjager.com
4
CRIME
thomas enger BURNED – P IER C ED – S C ARRED – C U RSED – KILLED
• Sold to 28 countries • More than 500 000 copies sold • TV series is under development On a cold September night, Henning Juul – one of the best crime reporters in Norway - wakes up to the terrible sound of his six-year old son Jonas screaming. His bedroom door is covered in flames, and while Henning does everything to save his son, he fails miserably. Jonas dies, and Henning gets severely damaged. Two years later, tormented by guilt and still deeply traumatised, Henning needs to pick up the pieces of his life again, and get an answer to the question that has tormented him: Why was there a fire in the first place? Henning knows that he, through his work, has made a lot of enemies, and he has a feeling that someone was targeting him, not his son. As he turns back to work, the body of a young woman is found in a tent on the outskirts of Oslo. She has been brutally stoned to death in what appears to be a sharia killing. As Henning starts investigating the case, he becomes the solitary witness to a second murder, and realises that he must get to the bottom of this case before he becomes the next victim. The Henning Juul series consists of Five books: Burned, Pierced, Scarred, Cursed and Killed. “Enger is one of the most unusual and intense talents in the field.” INDEPENDENT, UK “Thomas Enger is yet another author in the band of Scandinavian top thriller authors.” Lähilehti, Finland RIGHTS SOLD
Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Macedonia, The Netherlands, The Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK, USA SHORT BIO ON THOMAS ENGER Thomas Enger (b. 1973) is the author of the critically acclaimed Henning Juul series, so far sold to 28 countries. A TV series based on the series is also under development. Each of the books has an individual story, and can be read separately. Thomas made his debut in 2010. He has also written a dark fantasy suspense thriller for young adults, The Evil Legacy.
5
SHORT-STORIES
o n c e t h e y w e r e w o lv e s b y t h e r e s e t u n g e n EIN GONG VAR DEI ULVAR, Published March 2017, Short stories, 266 pages, Aschehoug Once they were Wolves is Therese Tungen’s first book, and the attention and critical acclaim has been overwhelming in her own words. She has been compared to Norwegian giants such as Olav Duun and Merethe Lindstrøm as well as classic masters of the short story, like Poe and Chekhov. Once they were Wolves consists of six rather long short stories about people who are confronting something new and unknown in their lives. Three kids have to spend Christmas alone in their apartment, and then the electricity disappears. A hitman awaits his victim outside her house. A father remains in his house with his young daughter, in a village that is departed because a flood is about to hit them. A truly remarkable debut with stories that are both haunting and heartbreaking. The first sentence in the book sets the scene immediately: ”It had been raining for ten days. Thunder filled the air. The houses around his were dark and empty, and the moisture clung to his skin and made breathing difficult. Perhaps Inger-Marie and he were the only ones left in the village.”
REVIEWS
“Therese Tungen makes her debut with super-relevant and affecting short stories [...] Tungen writes short stories that I myself would like to write, but can’t. Her stories are long, but still concentrated. They stop exactly when they should. As if the writer lures the reader to the edge of a cliff, and then disappears, leaving the reader to herself.” Brynjulf Jung Tjønn, VG
“The strength in Tungen’s short stories are … that they push through the barriers of social realism … it is well-written, brave and original …” Live Lundh, Vårt Land “In Therese Tungen’s excellent debut we follow people in extreme circumstances […] the inner lives of brains where cognition is about to break down is described in a language so fluid and alive that I feel like I’m reading my own thoughts” Bjørn Hatterud, Hamar Arbeiderblad
SHORT BIO ON THERESE TUNGEN Therese Tungen has worked as an editor for ten years, starting at the publishing house Oktober, where she co-edited Karl Ove Knausgård’s My Struggle. She later worked at Kagge forlag and is now an editor for non-fiction at Det Norske Samlaget. Tungen has also worked as a literary critic. She studied creative writing at Bø College and at Aschehoug’s in-house academy.
6
NOVEL
the year of the wolf by anders bortne ULVENS ÅR, Published March 5, 2017, Novel, 160 pages, Tiden Norsk forlag ”Master of suspense: Anders Bortne has with The Year of the Wolf found an almost genious way of describing a part of the times we are living in.”
Dagens Næringsliv
A possible terror attack is looming over Oslo. Daniel is about to start his holiday with his 11-year old daughter Sara. But how can he both protect her, and let her enjoy their time together? Fear has become an everyday factor all over the world – how do we respond as parents and what is love in the time of terror? Daniel has planned for an easy day; to have breakfast together with Sara and then visit her grandpa at the nursing home. However, in light of the terror threat, nothing goes according to plan for Daniel and Sara. Instead, Daniel is left fearful that something may happen to those he treasures the most. The Year of the Wolf is about the concerns we have for our loved ones, and what these concerns may end up costing us. What happens when we put restrains on our unconditional love? How does our concern for our children affect our relationship with them? In an era of terror, can moments without fear truly exist?
PRAISE
The Iceman was nominated for The Youth Critic´s Prize in 2011 «Literature about terror is emerging in Norway. Anders Bortne delivers a thoughtful and wily contribution” Ingunn Økland, Aftenposten
“Rarely one reads a novel where so little happens, but where the tension is so high” Bjørn Gabrielsen, Dagens Næringsliv BOOKS The Year of the Wolf, (Ulvens år) 2017 The Caricature, (Karikaturen) 2014 The Ice Man, (Ismannen) 2011 Nighty Night (Natt’a der oppe, natt’a der nede) Short stories, 2008 A Good Band, (Et bra band) 2005
SHORT BIO ON ANDERS BORTNE Anders Bortne is a writer and musician. He has written five acclaimed books and has released eight albums (one was even nominated as album of the year in Norway). Anders is now facing his literary breakthrough with his last novel The Year of the Wolf, which has just been released.
7
NOVEL
the beauty drifting by ida løkås DET FINE SOM FLYTER FORBI, 2012, Novel, 187 pages, Schibsted Forlag Little Venice, London.14 year old Jamie lives on the wrong side of the river and feels as
Winner of Nationwide novel competiton
if his life is standing still. But during a few summer weeks his life will change in ways he never expected. The Beauty Drifting by is a strong and beautiful portrayal of a young man’s journey into adulthood. Love and sex, crime and violence, family and friendship - Jamie tries as best he might to cope with everything. But good intentions are not always enough.
PRAISE
“Ida Løkås’ debut novel is an ever so small gem. It is a lovely and well-told story that quietly drifts by.” Tom Egeland, VG “The Beauty Drifting by is a charmer of a debut, where the novels structure and protagonist mirror each other.” Maya Troberg Djuve, Dagbladet “The Beauty Drifting by is not only a solid, but also an exciting debut.” Bjørn Gabrielsen, Dagens Næringsliv “A sensational strong and beautiful tale of an environment we rarely read about.” Anne B. Ragde
to the waves by ida løkås TIL BØLGENE, 2016, Novel, 176 pages, Vigmostad og Bjørke Zahl wishes everything could just stay the same. But how can he possibly stand still while everything around him is changing? Since an accident in his youth, Zahl has lived a quiet and secluded life on a small island. But when the house he lives in is sold against his wishes, and the new doctor starts questioning his injury, he is forced to move forward, even if he doesn’t want to… To the waves is a novel about a man trapped in his own quiet life. It is a warm and intimate portrait of a man who is too afraid to live. Ida Løkås once again proves her unique ability to describe the lives of those on the outside.
S H O R T B I O O N IDA L Ø K Å S Ida Løkås (b.1985) is one of the most promising young writers in Norway. She won a nationwide novel competition with over 300 submissions with her debut novel The Beauty Drifting By. The Chairman of the Jury, the acclaimed Norwegian author, Ingvar Ambjørnsen, stated: “A beautiful, mature and different novel. It is a great pleasure to find a talent like this.” The novel was published to much critical acclaim. In 2015 she was named Artist of the Year in her hometown Stavanger.
8
ESSAYS
t h e w o r l d i s a s c a n d a l b y a g n e s r avat n VERDA ER EIN SKANDALE, 2017, Nonfiction, 95 pages, Samlaget After a hectic decade in the capital, the author Agnes Ravatn with husband and baby temporarily settles in the small and sparsely populated Valevåg in the western part of Norway, to spend some calm months together during the maternity leave. In a dilapidated little farm without internet connection, surrounded by forests, mountains and sheep, miles away from the cultural elite of the capital, days are slowly passing by for the little family. The evenings are spent in conversation with the nearest neighbor; the older and wise friend and author Einar Økland. The World is a scandal are small reflections and insights from the six months in Valevåg, a temporary move that took an unexpected turn for the family. And it’s also about happiness, writing, the easy life and the hunt for the perfect crispy bread. The first print run of the book was quickly sold out from the publisher. The book has now spent five weeks on the best seller list.
REVIEWS
“The World is a scandal could just as well have been a self-help book as essays. Many of Ravatn’s essays are to be understood as chapters in the author’s own life adventure. Not in the sense that the text is just about how we should live. Just as much is it that we consider ourselves while we try to live.” Knut Hoem, NRK ”Playful and entertaining about life in the countryside.” Marius Wulfsberg, Dagbladet, 5 of 6. “Well-written, entertaining and wise book.” Silje S. Norevik, Bergens Tidende
S H O R T B I O O N AGNES RAVATN Agnes Ravatn (b. 1983) is an author and columnist. She made her literary début with the novel Week 53 (Veke 53) in 2007. Since then she has written three critically acclaimed and award-winning essay collections. In these works Ravatn shows her unique, witty voice and sharp eye for human fallibility. Her second novel, The Bird Tribunal (Fugletribunalet), 2013, was a success with the critics as well among book buyers (sold 30 000). In addition to winning a lot of prizes The Bird Tribunal was also made into a successful play and was played at the theatre (Det Norske Teater) for nearly two years. The book is now being turned into a film.
9
NON-FICTION
f o l l o w t h e f i s h / t h e f i s h t h at d i s a pp e a r e d b y t o r o l f k r o g l u n d FISKEN SOM FORSVANT, To be published September 2018. The story of the eel is truly fascinating. From Aristotle, via Freud to todays marine biologists. Actually we do know very little about the slimy, snake-like and slivering fish. What we do know is that the eels are disappearing. And in such rapid speed that this is one of the species that might be extinct in our lifetime (like the Dodo, the Geir-bird or the Mammoth). European eels have lost well over 90% of its numbers the last ten years.
The Norwegian author, journalist and sportsfisherman Torolf Edgar Kroglund focuses on why the eel is dissapearing, and what effects that can have, on both nature and culture.
His quest for answers starts on an remote island in the middle of the long Norwegian coastline - Frøya - where he first caught eel. The Norwegian coastline is the the main-road for eel migration on its long journey from lakes, rivers and waters from all the rest of Northern Europe, via Norway to the never-seen depths of the Sargasso sea (where the danish marine biologist Johannes Schmidt found significant evidence that this is the breeding place for all the eels).
The author follows a marin biologist up rivers in the southern part of Norway, helping migrating eels pass through dams and turbins. He meets with aquaculture big industry, speaks with marine eel biologists and with cooks and chefs. He eats eel in traditional eastern Londons pie, eel & mash shops, he tastes the eel specialities in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. And he discusses his findings with some of the very last eel-fishing fishermen.
Through this research the author tells the extraordinary tale of the eel, and connects this unto a bigger and broader tale. A tale of how every living creature on earth, even the more unlikely and ugly, reflects man and mankinds doings and undoings of mother earth (and sea).
And the truth is that if the eel disappears completely this would not only affect ecological chains in sea, rivers and waters - it would ultimately affect man and mankind, as a loss of culture in many European countries.
10
NON-FICTION
i am the people. by simen ekern the rise and future of european right wing populism FOLKET DET ER MEG, Den europeiske høyrepopulismens vekst og fall, 2017, nonfiction, 300 pages, Spartacus 2017 was the year when right-wing populism should win in country after country. Inspired by the shock of Brexit and Donald Trump’s victory in the US, Europe’s right-wing populists got together in Koblenz in Germany. At place were a confidant and intense Marine Le Pen. The uncompromising Dutch politician Geert Wilders held a speech, smilingly in his designer suit. On the scene was the strict Frauke Petry from Germany and the common north Italian Matteo Salvini. These leaders represent the future of Europe – according to themselves – because they are leading in the fight against EU, against immigration and for a new patriotism. “History is written before our eyes”, exclaimed an excited Marine Le Pen. Author Simen Ekern has travelled through Europe and met party leaders, ideologists and voters to learn about our most discussed political movements. French Le Pen is the front woman in this alliance and Ekern shows how she made her fathers party, National Front, into a modern party. When she lost the presidential election spring 2017, the president of the EU-parliament concluded, “The growth of Populism is over”. Simen Ekern explains why it may be too early to breathe easy. AW A R D S
Winner of The Brage Prize 2011 BOOKS
Europeans. (Cappelen Damm 2015) Rome. New Fascists, Red Terrorists and the Dream of the Dolce Vita (Cappelen Damm 2011) Berlusconi’s Italy (Cappelen 2006) REVIEWS
“It’s the reasoning assembly of historical facts, the simultaneous observation and the players’ own unfiltered statements, which make Simen Ekern’s well-written text to a – excuse the expression – book bomb. Because the content is explosive.” VG “Simen Ekern has written a knowledgeable, frightening story about the right-wing movement in Europe…. It’s an exciting, educational and not at least relevant book.” Klassekampen
11
NON-FICTION SHORT BIO ON SIMEN EKERN Simen Ekern (b 1975) has worked as a correspondent in Brussels for several years, and is currently living in Rome. He has covered European politics and culture for several media, including Dagbladet, TV2 and Morgenbladet. Ekern is a trained social and political historian who has for many years been considered one of Norway’s leading experts on Italy. He made his debut as an author in 2006 with Berlusconi’s Italy. He was awarded the Brage Prize for Rome. New Fascists, Red Terrorists and the Dream of the Dolce Vita in 2011. Simen Ekern is one of four participants chosen for NORLA’s development programme for new literary talents “New Voices”, a part of the project of Norway as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2019.
12
NON-FICTION
the letters in history by øyvin rannem BOKSTAVENE I HISTORIEN, Published May 2017, Nonfiction, 388 pp
“World class geeky nonfiction”
DN
Letters surrounds us all the time. But there are not many who know their story or background. In The Letters in History typographer Øyvin Rannem teaches us the West European writing-and letter culture, which extends for more than 2000 years, from antiquity to fascism. Why do letters look like they do? What is their origin? And why was it the Latin letters that won and not the Greek? In the background there’s politics and power struggle, Rome against Constantinople, east against west – north against south, Christianity against paganism. For the first time the development and history of letters is put into a historical context – against the development of society and culture in Europe. A truly remarkable book – which inspires and teaches you everything you didn’t think you needed to know about letters. A perfect companion on a trip to Rome.
REVIEWS
”You will never read or write in the same way after reading this book. Øyvin Rannem’s The Letters in History is a Norwegian nonfiction book of international format.” Dagens Næringsliv “A brilliant book.” Klassekampen “The context between power and typography is a complex and exciting story.” Le Monde diplomatic
S H O R T B I O O N Ø YVIN RANNEM Øyvin Rannem is typographer and Assistant Professor at Buskerud University College. He has for years been engaged in analytic work with new technology within the graphic industry. He’s earlier written two academic books on typography and history of fonts.
13
YOUNG ADULT
branded by asbjørn rydland GALDERSTJERNA, 2016, YA, 334 pages, Samlaget
THE BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK IN NORWAY 2017 (Uprisen) A story about magic, gaming, ancient gods and the end of the world. Erik is test-driving when he suddenly hits something crossing the road. A silver grey fox is lightly injured and he brings it home. This leads to a visit by an unknown man who assaults Erik. He wakes up in the hospital the day after with a strange symbol tattooed on his chest. Who could have branded him like this, and why? The clues point Erik towards the computer game Reborn, and before he knows it, he’s pulled deeper into the game than anyone would have thought possible. Branded is a tense, action packed story for both teens and adults, where cold, hard sci-fi meets Norse mythology in a fantasy novel outside the norm.
REVIEWS
“The author understands how young people are and act. It feels familiar, and many of us empathised strongly with the characters. They seemed to be picked straight out of real life. In the book, there are characters you grow fond of, including several strong female characters, among others a badass woman. She’s the best fighter, and smartest. The characters are neither perfect nor average, but human and realistic.” From the jury’s statement, Uprisen 2017 AW A R D S
Uprisen for best Norwegian YA book 2017 Fable Prize 2012 New-Norwegian Children’s Literature Award 2011
SHORT BIO ON ASBJØRN RYDLAND Asbjørn Rydland (b. 1976) appeared on the Norwegian literary scene in 2010 with the fantasy novel The Dragon Boy, the first of a critically acclaimed series of five. He was awarded both Fabelprisen and Nynorsk Barnelitteraturpris for the series, and his debut book was listed among the best loved Norwegian books for youth/children from 2005 to 2015. His sixth book, Branded, marks the beginning of a new series, and has been hailed as a unique, innovative and fresh take on the fantasy genre. In 2017, he was awarded Uprisen for it – Norway’s top award for young adult fiction.
14
YOUNG ADULT
killerinstinct by thomas enger KILLERINSTINKT, 2017, 256 pages, Kagge forlag How well do you really know the people closest to you? That’s the question Even Tollefsen must find the answer to when his ex-girlfriend Mari is found dead at Fredheim High School, the morning after the premiere of the School cabaret. One of Even’s friends – and the lead singer in the school band Even plays guitar in - is also found brutally molested and murdered at the same school. The suspicion is quickly turned towards Even. Everyone knows that Mari broke up with him just days earlier, they know he is frustrated, and that he never got an answer to why she did it. Soon Even realizes that his father’s accidental death ten years earlier plays an important part in solving these murders. At the same time, Even starts doubting who of his closest friends or family he can really trust. The next few days will be intense for Even, who must fight against the rumors spreading in the village. And against a killer who will stop at nothing in order to cover his tracks. PRIZES
Winner of U-prisen 2014 - Best Young Adult Novel of the Year Nominated to the Riverton Prize – 2012 Nominated to the Petrona Awards – 2013 RIGHTS SOLD
Germany (Cbj-Verlag Randomhouse), Iceland (Draumsyn) SHORT BIO ON THOMAS ENGER Thomas Enger (b. 1973) is the author of the critically acclaimed Henning Juul series, so far sold to 28 countries. A TV series based on the series is also under development. The Henning Juul saga consists of five novels (Burned, Pierced, Scarred, Cursed and Killed). Thomas made his debut in 2010. Thomas writes books for Young Adults as well, and has just launched a new Crime: Killerinstinct. He has also written a dark fantasy suspense thriller for young adults, The Evil Legacy. Thomas has a degree in journalism, sports and history, and worked in the online newspaper Nettavisen for nine years before becoming an author. He lives in Oslo with his wife and two children. Thomas is also a composer. In addition to writing movie scores, he is working on a musical. Homepage: www.thomasenger.net
15
YOUNG ADULT
t h e n i g h t g a r d e n e r b y j o n at h a n a u x i e r THE NIGHT GARDENER, 2014, YA, 368 pages. The night gardener follows two abandoned Irish siblings who travel to work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house. But the house and its family are not quite what they seem. Soon the children are confronted by a mysterious spectre and an ancient curse that threatens their very lives. PRAISE
“Auxier’s creepy Victorian ghost story is an allegory on greed and the power of stories … Lots of creepiness, memorable characters, a worthy message, Auxier’s atmospheric drawings and touches of humor amid the horror make this cautionary tale one readers will not soon forget.” Kirkus Reviews RIGHTS SOLD
Canada, Bulgaria, China, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, US
p e t e r n i m b l e a n d h i s fa n ta s t i c e y e s PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES, 2011, YA, 400 pages. Peter Nimble is a blind 10-year-old orphan who has been schooled in a life of thievery. One fateful afternoon, he steals a box from a mysterious traveling haberdasher—a box that contains three pairs of magical eyes. When he tries the first pair, he is instantly transported to a hidden island, where he is presented with a special quest: to travel to the dangerous Vanished Kingdom and rescue a people in need.
PRAISE
“What begins Dickensian turns Tolkien-esque in this quest replete with magic and mystery. . . Auxier has a juggler’s dexterity with prose that makes this fantastical tale quicken the senses.” Kirkus Reviews RIGHTS SOLD
Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, US
S H O R T B I O O N J O N AT H A N A U X I E R Jonathan Auxier is a NYT Bestselling author of strange stories for strange children. His first novel Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes was an ABA New Voices pick and a BookPage Magazine “Best Book” of 2011. His bestselling Night Gardener is a Junior Library Guild selection, an ABA IndieNext pick, an Amazon Editor’s Pick of the Month, and winner of the TD Book Prize and ILA Book Award. Northern Stories has the Nordic Rights to The Night Gardener, Peter Nimble and Sophie Quire
16