Kevin Costner Signs Book Deal for Adventure Series

Kevin Costner is now an author: the multi-hyphenate star will author an adventure series, per a deal he's signed with Simon & Schuster imprint Atria Books.

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The first book, The Explorers Guild, Volume One: Passage to Shambhala, arrives in 2014.

The plot involves members of the Explorers Guild, "a clandestine group of adventurers," embarking on an expedition to locate the Shambhala, a mythic Buddist city.

"Each member is driven toward the City for a different reason: one believes that finding it will save his brother’s life; another hopes that it will reveal a path to spiritual enlightenment," said a release. "Some believe the power of the city can be used to restore peace, while others are certain that Shambhala is responsible for bringing mankind to the brink of apocalypse.”

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According to Atria, the series, set in the WWI-era, is "reminiscent of Conrad and Kipling, with the epic sweep of Raiders of the Lost Ark," and "will appeal to readers from young adult to more mature mystery and adventure enthusiasts."

Costner is collaborating on the series with writer Jon Baird and illustrator Rick Ross. Rob Weisbach Creative Management's Rob Weisbach and Fonda Snyder led negotiations with Atria publisher and executive vp Judith Curr.

"A heroic quest with the vivid wildness of Jules Verne, and steeped in world history but with mystical overtones, I believe that The Explorers Guild series will engage readers of all ages in a multi-generational experience that will lend itself to a host of entertainment platforms," said Costner in a statement. "As a storyteller and filmmaker, I am intrigued by the inherent resourcefulness, wit, and at times violent nature these characters embody, and I am truly excited to partner with Judith Curr and her team at Atria to bring this epic tale to readers around the world.”