Books J.R. Ward launching 4-book romantasy series Kingdoms of the Compass (exclusive) "Writing this new world is the adventure of a lifetime," the author tells EW. By Maureen Lee Lenker Maureen Lee Lenker Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight, is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen. EW's editorial guidelines Published on August 7, 2024 08:00AM EDT If you've devoured all the Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros books out there, get ready for J.R. Ward. Entertainment Weekly can exclusively report that Ward is launching a four-book romantasy series, Kingdoms of the Compass, set to be released by Bramble Books. "I can't wait to welcome readers into the Kingdoms of the Compass!" the author said in a statement to EW. "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." J.R. Ward. Andrew Hyslop See the cover for J.R. Ward's next 'Black Dagger Brotherhood' novel Bramble says the series will combine "the star-crossed love of Wuthering Heights" with "the high-stakes intrigue of Game of Thrones." The first book is slated for release in winter 2026. Further details on the plot, an exact publication date, and a cover reveal are still to come. Read an excerpt from J.R. Ward's Devil's Cut "We are absolutely thrilled to work with a romance icon like J. R. Ward," Bramble editorial director Monique Patterson said in a statement. "She has created a stunning world with Kingdoms of the Compass, and as always, her characters will transport you and keep you on the edge of your seat. J. R. Ward is bringing the heat in every way possible." Ward is the author of the best-selling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, about a society of vampire warriors who defend their race against de-souled humans. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.