Katharine reviews ‘Hawk Quest’ by Robert Lyndon, a tale of how birds of prey were used as ransom payments during the middle ages, written by a man who’s been a falconer since he was a boy. This may be his debut novel, but I challenge anyone to read it and not think he’s had a dozen published already instead.

Katharine reviews ‘Blue Remembered Earth’, the first of a new series called Poseidon’s Children by Alastair Reynolds. This new series is set one hundred and fifty years from now, just when humans are expanding their way into the galaxy – colonising the Moon and beyond.

Katharine reviews ‘The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy & Horror’, an anthology edited by Liz Grzyb and Talie Helene. It is comprised of 33 carefully selected short stories of fantasy, dark fantasy, horror and paranormal romance and very much worth a read.

We are proud to present the winning short story by Elizabeth Gatens. Read it and you’ll understand why she deserved the award – and trust us, she did.

Katharine reviews ‘The Hall of Lost Footsteps’, a collection of short stories by Sara Douglass (with one co-authored with Angela Slatter). Sara Douglass is well known for her Axis Trilogy and has won many awards.

Katharine reviews ‘The Final Empire’ – book one of Mistborn, by Brandon Sanderson. This book quickly claimed a top three position in all books she has ever read, and if you enjoy fantasy she demands you read this book right now, if you haven’t already.

Katharine reviews ‘Netherwood’ the debut novel by Jane Sanderson – the perfect book for those who are enjoying Downtown Abbey or just enjoys glimpsing what life was like back in the Edwardian period.

Katharine reviews ‘The Cold Commands’ – the second book in the ‘A Land Fit for Heroes’ series by Richard K Morgan.

Our second place winner, the very talented Jared Campbell.

Katharine reviews ‘The House of Silk’ by Anthony Horowitz, a Sherlock Holmes book that’s officially recognised by the Conan Doyle Estate and well worth the approval!