Historical writer Philippa Gregory’s first YA novel is to be called Changeling, and will form the first of a four-book series titled Order of Darkness.

Simon & Schuster, who acquired world rights in the four titles in a joint acquisition with S&S US, will publish the first title in hardback on 24th May 2012. The books will receive a coordinated worldwide publication in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and India, according to the publisher.

Changeling is set in 1453; 17-year-old Luca Vero has been expelled from his monastery and recruited by a stranger to record the end of times across Europe. On his journey, he meets 17-year-old Isolde, a lady abbess who has been trapped in a nunnery to prevent her claiming her rich inheritance.

Publishing director Ingrid Selberg said: “We are tremendously excited to welcome Philippa Gregory to the Simon & Schuster Children’s list. Her magical storytelling, combined with romance and strong characterisation, will have enormous appeal to the young adult audience. We look forward to working with our colleagues across all of Simon & Schuster to bring her stories to young readers worldwide.”