Launch party of Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones

On Tuesday 24th June, we had the absolute best time celebrating the launch of Arcana: The Lost Heirs, the debut YA graphic novel from the brilliant Sam Prentice-Jones.

Held at Family Stores in Brighton — a fun, creative, queer space that felt completely in tune with the book — this launch was full of joy and magic. We had food, drinks, stacks of books ready to be signed and Sam’s stunning tarot deck and prints for sale.

Photos by Beckie Fraser

Sam gave a beautiful speech, thanking everyone involved in the book’s journey. They spoke about how they first started Arcana during what felt like a golden age of queer media, but how its message has become even more important today. As queer and trans rights continue to be challenged, this story about a diverse group of young people, some queer, some not, coming together to fight injustice — feels powerfully timely.

Photos by Beckie Fraser

Arcana: The Lost Heirs is a cosy, dark-magic fantasy full of heart, humour, and gorgeous, expressive illustration. It launched in the US this week with Feiwel & Friends and has just been acquired for UK publication by Hot Key Books, who we’re so excited to see bring this story to even more readers.

Photos by Toby Lamborn

It was such a joyful night and a real reminder of why books like this matter. We couldn’t be prouder of Sam, and we know readers are going to fall in love with this story and the characters too.

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