J.R. Ward Announces New Romantasy Series with Bramble Books
Bramble Books, an imprint of the Tor Publishing Group, has revealed an exciting new acquisition: the “Kingdoms of the Compass” series by acclaimed author J.R. Ward. Best known for her “Black Dagger Brotherhood” series, Ward’s latest venture into the world of “Romantasy” promises to captivate readers with a blend of star-crossed romance and high-stakes intrigue, reminiscent of “Wuthering Heights” and “Game of Thrones.”
The four-book series, which was secured in a lucrative seven-figure deal by Bramble’s Editorial Director Monique Patterson, is set to begin publication in Winter 2026. Patterson expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “J.R. Ward has crafted a stunning world in ‘Kingdoms of the Compass,’ and her ability to transport readers with her complex characters and gripping narratives is unparalleled. We are thrilled to be working with a romance icon of her calibre.”
J.R. Ward, a #1 New York Times bestselling author with over 20 million copies of her books in print, shared her excitement about the new series: “Writing this new world is the adventure of a lifetime, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in bringing this series to life than Bramble.”
Bramble Books is known for its diverse range of romantic stories, spanning genres from science fiction and fantasy to contemporary sagas. Their collaboration with J.R. Ward further cements their commitment to delivering extraordinary love stories that appeal to a broad audience.
The key players in the deal are:
- J.R. Ward: A #1 New York Times bestselling author, known for her popular “Black Dagger Brotherhood” series. She has written over thirty novels, with more than 20 million copies in print globally. Ward is the creator of the new “Kingdoms of the Compass” Romantasy series, set to debut in Winter 2026. Her background includes working in healthcare and serving as Chief of Staff at a premier academic medical centre.
- Monique Patterson: The Editorial Director at Bramble Books, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group. She played a crucial role in acquiring the “Kingdoms of the Compass” series, securing the rights in a seven-figure deal. Patterson expresses significant enthusiasm for working with Ward and bringing this new series to readers.
- Meg Ruley: An agent from The Jane Rotrosen Agency who brokered the deal for the “Kingdoms of the Compass” series on behalf of J.R. Ward.
- Bramble Books: An imprint of Tor Publishing Group, dedicated to publishing a wide array of romantic stories across various genres. Bramble Books is positioning itself as a key player in the romance publishing market, and its acquisition of J.R. Ward’s new series is a significant addition to its catalogue.
- Tor Publishing Group: The parent company of Bramble, which is part of Macmillan Publishers, a major U.S. trade publishing company. Tor Publishing Group is known for its diverse imprints and award-winning books across various categories and formats.
- Caroline Perny: The Senior Publicity Manager at MacMillan, who plays a role in the promotion and publicity of the new series.
These key players are instrumental in the development, acquisition, and promotion of J.R. Ward’s new series and represent significant forces in the publishing industry.