‘The Strange Architect,’ New Series by ‘Annihilation’ Author Jeff VanderMeer, Sells to Farrar, Straus and Giroux in Seven-Figure Deal (EXCLUSIVE)
Farrar, Straus and Giroux has acquired “The Strange Architect”, a new four-book series by Jeff VanderMeer, in a seven-figure deal. The announcement is significant because it marks VanderMeer’s first new book project since his commercially successful “Southern Reach” series and extends his work into a more overtly uncanny horror setting.
The first instalment, “How to Be Free”, is scheduled for winter 2029. The series follows Arthur Bream, whose attempt to create a utopian community collapses after his daughter disappears; believing her trapped in a spirit realm, he builds houses marked by a mysterious stairway symbol in hopes of bringing her back. VanderMeer’s “Southern Reach” books sold 1.5 million copies in the US, while “Annihilation” won a Nebula Award and was adapted into an Alex Garland film starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac.
- FSG buys Jeff VanderMeer’s four-book series for seven figures.
- First book is due in winter 2029.
- The series centres on grief, ghosts and mysterious architecture.