The Broken Binding Publishing has acquired Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian’s contemporary fantasy The Strata Wars in a three book deal for physical book and ebook rights. Marcus Gipps, Publishing Director at The Broken Binding Publishing, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Stevie Finegan of the Zeno Agency Ltd acting on behalf of Joshua Bilmes at the JABberwocky agency.

The first book, Songs of the Dead,  will be co-written by Sanderson and Orullian, and Orullian will write the two sequels based on the extensive plotting, ideas and world building the two authors have discussed at length.

Songs of the Dead will be published in Hardback and eBook on 16th June 2026, matching the US publication date with Saga Press, Simon & Schuster US. Bolinda is publishing the audio for UK and Commonwealth.

A London rocker is faced with a life-or-death choice when he realizes that a powerful society of magic wielders are the only ones keeping London safe in this deft contemporary fantasy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson with author and musician Peter Orullian.

Both Peter and Brandon will be in the UK for MCM Comic Con in May, where eager fans will have a chance to get their hands on early copies, exclusive merch and potential signed editions.

Orullian: “I’m stoked to be working with The Broken Binding on The Strata Wars. Above even their top-shelf creativity and agility, I prize their enthusiasm for the series. These folks rock!”

Sanderson: “Songs of the Dead is a long-time passion project of mine that I'm eager to finally see emerge from the shadows into a fully-fledged novel. I'm pleased to have found someone to give the story to — and am excited to see what Peter does with it in the coming years."

Gipps said:  “Brandon needs no introduction, but Peter's skill as a writer is what makes this book work. It's a brilliant concept, expertly delivered, and I can't wait to see what Peter does with the world in the next two books.”

Finegan said, "As a long time fan of fantasy and metal music, it's been a dream to work on Songs of the Dead. Brandon and Peter have done a fantastic job in realising this magical world and as a Londoner born and bred, I've been delighted to have them write a story in my city! The Broken Binding have been incredible champions of this work and I can't wait to see them publish it for its home setting."

About Brandon Sanderson:

BRANDON SANDERSON grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He lives in Utah with his wife and children and teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University. His bestsellers have sold 50 million copies worldwide and include the Mistborn saga; the Stormlight Archive novels; and other novels, including Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Rithmatist, Steelheart, and Skyward. He won a Hugo Award for The Emperor’s Soul, a novella set in the world of his acclaimed first novel, Elantris. Additionally, he completed Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time®. For behind-the-scenes information on all his books, visit brandonsanderson.com.

About Peter Orullian:

PETER ORULLIAN has two abiding passions—writing and music. As an author, Orullian’s published works include The Vault of Heaven series and novelizations of chart-topping concept albums by Grammy Award-winning metal giant Dream Theater. In 2012, he was shortlisted for the David Gemmell Morningstar Award. As a musician, Orullian has toured internationally, written and released multiple albums, and founded Symphony North, a symphonic rock group that combines music and narrative in unique theatrical productions. The first of these, The Bell Ringer, recently debuted as a full concept album and will embark on a 2026 tour, with the novelization releasing this holiday. Visit Peter at: www.orullian.com

About The Broken Binding Publishing:

A new publishing imprint spinning off from the incredibly successful special edition and subscription box company The Broken Binding, TBBP has already had a Sunday Times bestseller with its debut publication by Ryan Cahill. Focusing on epic and traditional fantasy, with some SF and horror to come, TBBP will be bringing its publications to a wide market thanks to physical, ebook and audio distribution deals worldwide. The carefully curated list will focus on high-quality production values as well as providing bespoke publishing plans for authors new, established or hybrid.

Publication details:

16th June 2026, 9781836980186 (HB) £20, 9781836980209 (eBook) £4.99