On a planet oppressed by parasitic gods, a young prince possessed by a god-killing demon, and the unlikely allies—a disgraced exorcist and the boy’s estranged mother—must decide whether to save the world or conquer it.

Editor Aranya Jain has acquired World rights in a two-book pre-empt deal for THE DEMON STAR, an epic science fantasy by Jesse Aragon, which will sit comfortably on your shelves besides Dune, Red Rising, and the Sun Eater series.

Of the acquisition, Jain praised the novel, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be publishing THE DEMON STAR. This novel is pacey, cinematic, and has exquisite worldbuilding. I couldn’t stop highlighting passages as I read it, and certain visuals are still burned into my brain. Get excited for a truly epic story!”

On joining the DAW, Aragon says, “DAW’s roster of SFF authors is absolutely legendary, and I’m thrilled and honored that my book landed here. I can’t wait to introduce readers to this world I’ve been crafting for many years, as well as its characters and all their horrifying misadventures.”

Coming in Spring 2026, readers have much to look forward to in this horror-tinged science fantasy loosely inspired by the author’s Hispanic heritage and set in a world where survival is secured by the favor and worship of strange, parasitic gods.

The author’s agents, John Baker and Julie Gourinchas from Bell Lomax Moreton, write, “We knew from our first encounter with Jesse’s gruesome, gorgeous writing that we were in for something truly special: demonic brain parasites and space gods? Mercenary women and disgraced priests? Say no more! We are thrilled that Jesse’s found such a phenomenal champion in Aranya and DAW, and cannot wait to see this book and these characters take over the world.”

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