A story about two conflicted brothers with superhero powers will be on bookshelves this autumn, much to the delight of its 12-year-old creator.

Ethan Iveson, a pupil at Hull’s Malet Lambert School, wrote The Mutated Man, with no real thought that the work would be destined for a publishing deal. His proud mum Jayne Mather said she thought it was “amazing” that her son was about to be a published author.

“To think that a 12-year-old is going to have a book out, that doesn’t happen for some adults,” she said. “Writing is one of those things Ethan has always wanted to do.

READ MORE:

“It’s his favourite subject and he has a very good imagination. He talks a lot as well, which comes through in his writing!”

Jayne, of Garden Village, east Hull, said Ethan’s book began as a short story and he “kept thinking of more ideas for it” until he was up to 15,000 words. “I decided I’d send it to some publishing houses, fully expecting to just get some letters back telling Ethan ‘well done’ and encouraging him as a young writer.

The cover of the book written by Ethan Iveson, 12, of east Hull
The cover of the book written by Ethan Iveson, 12, of east Hull

“A couple came back offering a deal and we decided to go with one of them. Ethan’s signed his contract and The Mutated Man, published by Austin Macauley, will be in bookshops and in the usual online stores in October.”

Jayne said the book was aimed at ages eight to early teens, any young person interested in sci-fi fantasy and superheroes. Ethan has created the characters PowerSource and Mayhem over several months of writing.

If he sometimes “got stuck”, Ethan would leave the project for a while until his ideas started flowing again. Then it might have become a battle between him and his mum about who needed to use the laptop.

“He says he wants to write some other books about these same characters,” his mum said. “It could end up being turned into a series. He has ideas for what happens next, as this book ends on a cliffhanger.

“The publishers have been really good, saying where Ethan has needed to explain or expand things a bit more. They have worked with him on developing the story; Ethan has also had his say on what the cover should look like.

“Ethan’s friends are really excited about the book coming out. Obviously, as his mum, I’m incredibly proud, and a little biased, but everyone has been really encouraging.”

  • The Mutated Man, by Ethan Iveson and published by Austin Macauley is due to be released on October 11, 2024.

Get breaking news in Hull straight to your phone

Don't miss a thing. Get all the latest breaking news in Hull straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here.

If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.