The rights have been acquired from Stevie Finegan at the Zeno Agency Ltd, with Cat Aquino co-editing, Bindery Books publishing in the US, and Bolinda for the UK & Commonwealth audiobook. Releasing in early 2027, Megan’s debut is a science-fiction fantasy pitched as Cyberpunk 2077 with a Studio Ghibli atmosphere. Set in the city of Starga where refugees from across the universe fall mysteriously from the sky, the story follows a winged woman from the wrong side of the tracks and a clone who can't get out of his father's shadow as they discover a shapeshifting creature who knows the dark truth behind their world. Chee’s short fiction has appeared in Clarkesworld, Uncanny, and Lightspeed.
Lancett says, “Megan has created such a wonderful, captivating mix of sci-fi and fantasy in this unique melting pot of a world, built from the remnants of lost civilisations across the universe to create one last sanctuary. It is a timely exploration of themes such as class inequality, migration, and refuge brought to life by endearing characters and Megan’s heartfelt writing.”
Megan adds, “I am beyond thrilled that Daphne Press will be publishing my debut novel in the UK and Commonwealth. The Daphne Press team is behind some of the most innovative and beautiful books in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, and I'm delighted that my novel is joining their list. Archaeology is a book full of weird worldbuilding and vivid imagery, and I'm so excited to work with Daphne Press to bring this vision to life. Thank you to my amazing agent Stevie for making this happen, and to Cat and Davi for believing in this book!”
Finegan says, "I have to thank both another Zeno author, Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, and our wonderful agency assistant Kirsten Lang, who both told me in no uncertain terms that I would love Megan's writing—they were 100% correct. From the moment I immersed myself in Megan's incredibly imaginative world, I couldn't put her manuscript down. And I'm delighted that the duology has found the perfect home at Daphne Press. Davi Lancett and Cat Aquino's visions for the story have been incredibly exciting and we can't wait to see the publication take shape."