FICTION

Cure‘a gloriously distinctive writer: brava, brava!’— Michelle de Kretser, Miles Franklin award-winning author of The Life to Come and Theory & Practice‘Cure lures you in with mesmeric prose then startles with profound insights on pain, faith, motherhood and, above all, love.’—Diana Reid, bestselling author of Love & Virtue and Signs of Damage‘An utterly joyful reading experience. I inhaled it.’—Jessie Tu, bestselling author of A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing and The HoneyeaterHer body hurts her all the time now. It is separate, a thing apart. In her mind it has become a person or an object that is not quite her, that she doesn’t know.Vera and Thea are mother and daughter. Vera writes for the internet: she constructs identities and scenarios for brands to cater to the ideal consumer. Yet she also consumes the offerings of the online world herself: the addictive pursuit of a cure, the narratives she craves in which mother and daughter find a way out of the shared experience of chronic illness. She becomes preoccupied with a blog written by a woman named Claudia, a mother whose daughter also has a chronic illness.While on holiday in Italy, Thea writes in her journal. She is also constructing a character: an image of herself as she grapples with having the same illness as her mother, Vera. But gradually another person emerges in her journal, through her imaginings of her mother in the same house, the same city, at the same age. They have come to Italy to see where Vera’s family originates, but also to chase a promised cure in the form of a man said to be able to heal Thea’s illness.As they both grapple with their own narratives about their bodies and their wellness, all may not be as it seems. Perhaps a story does not necessarily need to be true for us to believe in it?PRAISE FOR CURE:‘As you reach the end and Brabon draws the threads together, a wise, tender portrait of the relationship between a mother and daughter emerges. Cure is a beguiling and resonant novel, in which the process of belief and the difficulty of integrating the experience of illness into self-identity is revealed to be extraordinarily fraught.’— ABC Arts‘Capturing the difficult intimacies between a mother and daughter, Cure questions the stories they tell about their bodies, wellness, healing and memory.’—The Guardian‘brilliant meditation on the self’—The Saturday Paper‘In a novel less committed to nuance, and to resisting easy answers and straightforward binaries, reading and writing might come to represent something like a cure. Brabon, however, is far too clear-eyed and thoughtful a writer for that.’—The Conversation‘Brabon’s elegant, poetic prose is transporting; she probes our human vulnerabilities with deep insight, empathy, and restraint. Cure is timely and entirely compelling.’—Sarah Holland-Batt, Stella Prize-winning author of The Jaguar‘an eerie dream of a book.’—Madeleine Watts, author of The Inland Sea and Elegy, Southwest‘A tender, delicately woven story that explores the boundaries between a mother and daughter who both live with chronic illness. Sharply intelligent and deeply felt, Cure has much to say about the unreliability of the body, the alienating nature of pain, and the cacophony of voices – scientific, religious, online – offering comfort, promising relief. An intimate and imaginative novel about family, faith, and the healing power of human connection.’—Kylie Needham, author of Girl in a Pink Dress‘Accomplished, gentle and illuminating.’—Alice Bishop, author of A Constant Hum‘Cure is a timely look at our preoccupation with wellness. Brabon's poetics around the body and female constructions of self and identity and myth are breathtaking.’—Kavita Bedford, author of Friends and Dark Shapes‘Brabon explores the search for healing – physical, emotional and generational – with exquisite finesse and sophistication.’—Books + Publishing'Brabon’s ambition in crafting this layered narrative makes Cure worth a look, especially for those interested in stories that tackle illness, identity and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.' —Good Reading

SHORTLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY AWARD FOR BEST CRIME FICTION 'the Queen of tech noir' – ?The Australian When you can fake anything, how do you know what’s real? Harlow Close has made a career as an influencer uncovering the secrets of Winnipeg, dubbed ‘North America's strangest city’. The region is renowned for its sub-zero temperatures, dropping to minus 40 degrees – sometimes for months at a time. Yet, it’s not just the frigid winters and geographic seclusion that render Winnipeg peculiar. When Harlow’s father mysteriously disappears amid a brutal cold snap, suspicions of foul play arise. It’s not like Scott to miss phone calls – and he’s been even more cautious since that time he was catfished by a romance scammer. Unhappy with the pace of the police investigation, Harlow launches her own search, enlisting her sister Blaise’s reluctant help. As Harlow struggles to uncover what happened to her father, she’s forced to question everything and everyone around her – including herself. PRAISE FOR COLD TRUTH: ‘an enjoyably chilly read.’ – ?The Australian ‘hard to put down.’– Artshub ‘Featuring some great twists, vivid locations and a well described cast of credible characters, Cold Truth is a highly entertaining and gripping read.’– Canberra Weekly ‘A hostile landscape, malicious tech and blood ties bring the chills.’–The Newcastle Herald ‘With Dark Mode, Ashley Kalagian Blunt announced her arrival on the thriller scene with a bang. In this follow-up, we would expect nothing less than a smart, twisty plot, set in an unforgettable place and populated by deeply human characters – but Cold Truth does even more than that. In bringing us into the depths of Canadian winter, Ashley takes us right into what makes us who we are. Blood ties and shady online dealings come to the fore in this enthralling novel. I adored this book – compelling crime fiction at its absolute best.’ – Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town and Girl Falling ‘Cold Truth is bone-chilling in every way: a missing father, a complicated relationship between sisters and a taut mystery in an icy Canadian winter. With twists that had me gasping, the story rocketed towards a gripping finale. I could not put it down! Another explosive thriller from the master of the cliff-hanger.’ – Petronella McGovern, author of The Liars and The Last Trace ‘Ashley Kalagian Blunt has done it again, delivering another propulsive psychological thriller that filled me with dread from the first page to its shocking conclusion. Set in the depths of the Canadian winter, Cold Truth was truly chilling; a relentless ride that had me guessing at every turn and reading into the early hours of the morning. Kalagian Blunt has established herself as the master of terrifying, addictive thrillers that will leave you questioning your own safety.’ – Shankari Chandran, author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens and Unfinished Business ‘Vivid, twisty, fast-paced and action-packed, I tore through Cold Truth in two days. It left me shivering – with both cold and the stark reminder that in this world where anything can be faked, truth is as stable as quicksand.’ – Pip Drysdale, author of The Next Girl and The Close-Up ‘Atmospheric, twisty and terrifying, Cold Truth is a taut and pulse-racing thriller that left me with an icy shiver. A story of sisterhood, loss, deceit and triumph – laced with the menace (and malice) of the dark web. I devoured this moreish book and was devastated to finish it. Ashley Kalagian Blunt just keeps on getting better and better.’ – Ali Lowe, author of The School Run and The Running Club

Three women. A baby rescued from the sea. Lives forever changed. When Sapphie, a passionate environmentalist, goes on a camping trip in the bush, she miraculously rescues a baby from the sea. The baby belongs to Candace, a charity worker struggling with new motherhood. The act of rescue throws these strangers together and inspires an intense friendship. Candace’s best friend Alexia, a legal academic, has her reservations about the unconventional new woman in their lives. When Alexia investigates Sapphie’s background, she discovers … nothing. As far as the internet is concerned, Sapphie doesn’t exist. This compels Alexia to ask: What is Sapphie hiding? As the novel dives into the turbulent waters of love, duty and control, the women must navigate the powerful currents of their fears and desires to discover who they really are. All We Need is whip-smart fiction that shines a light on how we live today. It holds a mirror to contemporary parenting, economic insecurity, sibling rivalry, the environment, gender divides and the joy of dress-ups. Acutely observed, funny and tender, this tell-your-friends-about-it book will keep you gripped until the last page. PRAISE FOR ALL WE NEED ‘All We Need is a clever and compassionate story brimming with truth about the beautiful mess that is contemporary life.’ – Melanie Cheng, author of The Burrow ‘This book may be all you need right now - spend some quality time with these wonderful characters who will remind you of why all the best things in life are always worth fighting for: love and loyalty, hope and healing.’ – Ceridwen Dovey, author of Mothertongues ‘richly layered with vivid imagery, texture, sensory description, talismans, costumes, and bountiful nature’ – Kali Napier, author of The Secrets at Oceans Edge

The Ever King The first in the series that took the world by storm, The Ever King is full to the brim with magic, pirates, fae and sizzling romanceThey stole his crown, so he stole their daughter...For years Erik, the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, has thought of nothing but vengeance against the man who killed his father and trapped him beneath the waves, making him a prisoner in his own realm.Until his enemy's daughter unintentionally breaks the chains on the Ever, and Erik makes her the unwitting pawn in his vicious game of revenge.She's innocent. He's vicious. But he will take back what he lost, no matter the price.Unless she steals his heart first.

Scrublands Set in a fictional Riverina town at the height of a devastating drought, Scrublands is one of the most powerful, compelling and original crime novels to be written in Australia.

Circe: The Stunning New Anniversary Edition From The Author Of International Bestseller The Song Of Achilles A FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHORWoman. Witch. Myth. Mortal. Outcast. Lover. Destroyer. Survivor. CIRCE.In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is a strange child not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. Scorned and rejected, Circe grows up in the shadows, at home in neither the world of gods or mortals. But Circe has a dark power of her own- witchcraft. When her gift threatens the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her occult craft, casting spells, gathering strange herbs and taming wild beasts. Yet a woman who stands alone will never be left in peace for long and among her island's guests is an unexpected visitor- the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything. So Circe sets forth her tale, a vivid, mesmerizing epic of family rivalry, love and loss the defiant, inextinguishable song of woman burning hot and bright through the darkness of a man's world.Companion to the bestselling special hardback edition of The Song of AchillesShortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction

EdenFrom the bestselling author of Wimmera comes a compelling literary thriller that shows we all have secrets, but some are deadlier than others.Big city. Deadly secrets.Cities are tough when you've grown up as a country kid. They're even tougher after nine years inside. Tom Blackburn is fresh out of jail and not sure where his future lies. He knows what he wants. But he's pretty sure she doesn't want him.Tom's left his old life and his old name behind. But his options aren't great. He knows sleeping on the streets is the quickest way back to a cell. And then, his luck turns around. A chance encounter leads to a job and somewhere to stay. A place in the dead centre of Melbourne. Eden, his new boss calls it.Honest, physical work. Bit of gardening, bit of gravedigging, bit of whatever he's told to do. Fresh air, currawongs, a bed and some peace and quiet. It's the perfect place to save some money and make some plans. A place to keep his head down and stay out of trouble.But trouble finds him. Serious trouble. He's missed the signs, again. Going back to jail might be the safest option. Unless he can figure some way out of the danger he's in . . .From much-loved Australian crime author Mark Brandi comes a gripping new story that answers old questions.'Mark Brandi's writing sings. Eden is a vivid portrait of a young life gone awry. Of choices and repercussions . . . and how hard it is to move beyond the past.' MICHAEL BRISSENDEN'Raw and compelling, with a twist you won't see coming. Eden is Brandi at his very best.' MARK SMITH'A captivating exploration of crime and redemption . . . Destined to be a classic' BOOKS+PUBLISHING'An enthralling story with wonderful characters, mystery, moral dilemmas' READINGS'[Brandi] has an unerring eye' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD'Exquisite . . . Eden has all the hallmarks of a great Australian novel' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY'The novel explores gritty social and ethical problems with intelligence and conscience' THE AGE

The FarmJessica Mansour-Nahra was a communications consultant and writer in Brisbane, London and Sydney, before tree-changing to a hamlet in Wiradjuri Country, where she lives with her husband and their beloved dog. Jessica holds degrees in history and law from The University of Queensland. The Farm is her first novel.

The Wolf Who Cried Boy ‘If you know where to look, kiddo, the world is full of magic and monsters.’Six-year-old Henry believes his life is a fairytale. He’s a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from Henry’s father, the mysterious ‘Wolf King’.When news arrives that his Grandma is gravely ill, Henry and his mum must take a road trip across the country and back into the Wolf King’s orbit. Henry isn’t afraid: he knows his magic powers will save them. But as the King draws ever closer, Henry’s world starts to fall apart. Who is the real baddie in his life? Who can he trust? And why don’t his powers seem to work?In this astoundingly original story of heroes, villains and the messy reality between them, a world of violence and fear can be wildly funny and streaked with magic. Through its unforgettable narrator, The Wolf Who Cried Boy explores how cycles of violence, misogyny and corruption must be broken if we ever want our children to grow up free

Dust Lake Herrod, a once-thriving community, now lies in the shadow of a nearly dry lake. The town, like the water, is evaporating and its residents are left clinging to what little remains.When Aaron Love discovers a fresh corpse near the cracked lakebed – along with evidence his missing father is alive and linked to a web of organised crime – he is thrust into a world of deception, injustice, and betrayal. With the town on the brink of collapse, Aaron and a haunted detective, Martyn Kravets, uncover a web of conspiracy that reaches far beyond the small community.Dust is a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity, a search for truth, and the unyielding forces of corruption in a world where lives are lived on the fringe and nothing is as it seems.

The Anatomy Of Songs Bestowedthe Songs of both Life and Death,Kasira Severen spends her daysas a Daughter of Silba, curingthe Lowtown of their ailments.When the sun sets, however,she becomes the city's mostnotorious assassin. Now underher father's command, she'shunting her biggest target yet.Veridian Erris is the Crown Princeof Livadha, and he fears hiswhisky-fuelled life is about to end.With the bodies of soldiers pilingup on the northern borders, andnobles turning up dead on the docks,he has no choice but to try andbroker peace with the exiled Queen.As long as he survives the attemptson his life before they arrive.With dark twisting conspiracies,treacherous ancestors and ahair-raising night watcher stalkingthe streets, the two fated enemieshave far more to be wary of thaneach other.

Anatomy Of GodsKasira Severen broke her mother’s dying wish to secure the prince his throne – her betrayal carved into the foundation of his rule. Now as a sworn assassin of the Sect, she has nothing left to lose. But when a hidden truth unveils the God’s true plan, she realises fate was never hers to command.Veridian Erris wears the crown of Livadha, but the weight of it is crushing. His family lost to the exiled Queen, his kingdom teetering on the brink of war and the only woman he ever loved swallowed by the city’s underbelly. Poised on the frontline, revenge could be his. But with a fractured kingdom and a council that questions his every move, his longing for Kasira might just cost him everything.With a twisted prophecy, gods holding grudges and a sisterhood guarding a dangerous secret, Livadha stands on the edge of ruin.