Vanessa Len is Australian author of Chinese-Malaysian and Maltese heritage. An educational editor, she has worked on everything from language learning programs to STEM resources, to professional learning for teachers. Vanessa is a graduate of the Clarion Workshop in San Diego, and she lives in Melbourne.
Strange Familiars (2026) (Seamere College Duology, book 1) Keshe Chow "I loved Strange Familiars! This is a true comfort read-fun and magical, with a delightful academic rivals-to-lovers romance, whimsical worldbuilding and heart-pounding stakes (and my new favourite character, a sardonic cat named Percy!) Don't miss this one!"
Of Flame and Fury (2025) Mikayla Bridge "Of Flame and Fury sizzles with romantic tension and thrills with its action-packed world of deadly phoenix racing. Mikayla Bridge's debut is a wildly fun, page-turning ride."
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom (2025) (Three Realms , book 1) Amélie Wen Zhao "In a world of long nights, where mortals are dying out, An'ying sets out to win a pill of immortality to save her mother's life. Amelie Wen Zhao has crafted an exquisite moonlit story that is both thrilling and romantic. Gorgeously written and impossible to put down."
Cruel Is the Light (2025) (Cruel Is the Light, book 1) Sophie Clark "A powerhouse debut from Sophie Clark! Cruel is the Light pulls you into a dangerous world of exorcists, demons and forbidden love - and doesn't let go until the last page. Gripping, vivid and beautifully written!"
Darker by Four (2024) (Darker by Four, book 1) June CL Tan "I adored this! Darker By Four is a rich and vividly drawn world of revenants, exorcists, death gods and stolen magic. Rui, Zizi, Yiran and Nikai will all be your new favorite characters in this thrilling new fantasy from June CL Tan."
Somewhere in the Deep (2024) Tanvi Berwah "Thrilling, bloody and action-packed, Somewhere in the Deep is a page-turning adventure in a world full of monsters, both beast and human. Tanvi Berwah's follow-up to Monsters Born and Made is a breathtaking, fast-paced thrill ride, and I loved following the battle-scarred and fiercely brave Kress Dune as she faced the dangerous world of the deep."
The Scarlet Alchemist (2023) (Scarlet Alchemist!, book 1) Kylie Lee Baker "Vivid, twisting and thrilling! I loved this morally grey rollercoaster through an alternate Tang Dynasty with ruthless competition, intrigue and dark magic. Zilan is a captivating and complex protagonist, by turns relatable, loveable and monstrous-and always fascinating."
If I Have to Be Haunted (2023) Miranda Sun "I loved every minute of Miranda Sun's charming and imaginative debut! The romance between Cara the ghost speaker and Zach, her recently dead rival, is adorable, bantery fun -- I couldn't get enough of it!"
Stars, Hide Your Fires (2023) Jessica Mary Best "A delightful and gripping space mystery with twists and more twists; a charming and unlikely detective team; an adorable, bantery romance; and an extravagant sci-fi ball! I thoroughly enjoyed this fun romp of a read!"
City of Nightmares (2023) (City of Nightmares, book 1) Rebecca Schaeffer "Thrilling, atmospheric and wonderfully original! In a world where people become their worst nightmares, Ness has to contend with explosions, monsters, assassins - and a cute vampire boy! Rebecca Schaeffer's City of Nightmares is a page-turning read full of twists and mysteries. I loved it!"
Deep in Providence (2022) Riss M Neilson "Riss M. Neilson's debut, Deep in Providence, is an unmissable read--a haunting and moving story about three girls who turn in desperation to magic after their friend dies in a car accident. This is a beautiful exploration of grief, love, friendship and family. And Miliani, Inez and Natalie have an intense depth that will make readers fall in love with them all."
