Slush Pile Success! Assistant Editor snatches brilliant Icelandic fantasy debut from open submissions!

Gollancz, is delighted to announce the acquisition of a brilliant, genre-defining fantasy duology by debut author Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson. SHADOWS OF THE SHORT DAYS, is a strikingly original Icelandic debut set in a strangely familiar alternate Reykjavík where wild and industrialised magic meet. Perfect for fans of China Miéville, Lev Grossman and Paulo Bacigalupi, this is a strange and wonderful tale of damaged characters forging a revolution against an oppressive government. Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson is a fantastic new voice in the genre that will speak to a new generation of readers.

Gollancz assistant editor, Craig Leyenaar, acquired World Rights to two novels from Jennifer Jackson of the Donald Maas Literary Agency.

Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson said: ‘Signing with Gollancz and Jennifer Jackson has been an incredible turn of events for me. When I sent the manuscript in to the open submission I had absolutely zero expectations – it’s been a daydream come true. I am humbled and honoured to have signed not one but two books of the HRÍMLAND SAGA with Gollancz. I look forward to working with Craig and the incredible team at Gollancz on these weird Icelandic novels.’

Craig Leyenaar said: ‘It’s an absolute dream to bring Alexander to the list.  His writing instantly stood out as incredibly original and special. It’s haunting, compelling and beautifully written – and I know readers will devour such a striking world and mythology.’

Jennifer Jackson said: ‘I knew when I started reading Alexander’s tale of an alternate Iceland that this was a journey I wanted to take! I’m so pleased he’s found a home with Gollancz and that Craig and his team will bring this bold new talent to readers.’

 Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson is an Icelandic author who lives in Reykjavík. SHADOWS OF THE SHORT DAYS is his first novel. He writes in both Icelandic and English as the story requires, translating back and forth as necessary, and is the founder and editor of Iceland’s first SFF magazine, Furðusögur (Weird Stories). Alexander is also the vocalist and lyricist for Icelandic black metal band Carpe Noctem.

SHADOWS OF THE SHORT DAYS will be published in 2019.