Fiction
Fiction refers to literature created from the imagination, including a broad range of genres and narrative styles.
Tomorrow, When the War Began
by John Marsden
Series: Tomorrow (#1)
John Marsden's Tomorrow, When the War Began centers on Ellie and her friends, who return from a camping trip to find their Australian town invaded and their families captured. Faced with the horrors of war, the teenagers must adapt quickly, transforming from carefree youths to resistance fighters. The novel explores themes of survival, courage, and the loss of innocence, as the group navigates the challenges of guerrilla warfare. Marsden's gripping narrative offers a realistic portrayal of adolescence thrust into conflict, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
In a Dark, Dark Wood
by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware's 'In a Dark, Dark Wood' is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, memory, and the haunting power of the past. The story follows Nora, who receives a mysterious invitation to a bachelorette party in a remote cabin in the woods, only to find herself trapped in a web of dark secrets and unresolved tensions. As the weekend unfolds, long-buried truths resurface, leading to unexpected twists and chilling revelations. Ware skillfully builds tension and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking conclusion.
Heroes
by Stephen Fry
Following the success of Mythos, Stephen Fry stylishly retells the captivating and enduring tales of Greek heroes. These mortals embarked on extraordinary adventures, facing monstrous threats and outsmarting vengeful gods with remarkable flair. Journey with Jason on the Argo's quest for the Golden Fleece. Witness Atalanta, raised by bears, outpace all men until a golden deception. See clever Oedipus solve the Sphinx's riddle and Bellerophon capture the winged Pegasus to defeat the Chimera. Heroes explores the full spectrum of human potential, showcasing our greatest triumphs and deepest flaws.
Cry, the Beloved Country
by Alan Paton
In apartheid-era South Africa, a Black pastor searches for his missing son in Johannesburg, only to discover the boy has committed a grave crime. Amid sorrow and injustice, the novel weaves themes of reconciliation, hope, and social reform. Cry, the Beloved Country is a poetic, moving examination of racial inequality and moral redemption in a divided nation.
Zone One
In Zone One, Colson Whitehead presents a literary take on the zombie apocalypse genre. The novel follows Mark Spitz, a survivor tasked with clearing Manhattan of residual zombies, known as "stragglers," after a devastating plague. As he navigates the desolate city, Mark reflects on the pre-apocalyptic world and the psychological toll of survival. Whitehead's narrative delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the human condition, offering a contemplative perspective on societal collapse. The book blends horror elements with incisive social commentary, elevating the zombie narrative to a profound exploration of resilience and identity.
Shuggie Bain
Douglas Stuart's Shuggie Bain portrays the harrowing coming-of-age of a young boy in 1980s Glasgow, navigating poverty and his mother's alcoholism. Shuggie's unwavering love for his mother, Agnes, anchors the narrative as he grapples with his identity and the harsh realities of his environment. The novel offers a raw and compassionate exploration of addiction, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family.
Troy
by Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry retells the legendary story of the Trojan War with wit, clarity, and deep respect for the ancient myths. From the judgment of Paris to the fall of Troy, Fry brings to life iconic figures like Helen, Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. Drawing on Homer and other classical sources, Troy blends drama, romance, and betrayal with Fry’s signature humor and storytelling charm. The book is part of a trilogy that includes Mythos and Heroes, offering modern readers a highly accessible and entertaining introduction to Greek mythology’s epic tales.
Girl, Woman, Other
Winner of the Booker Prize, Girl, Woman, Other follows twelve interconnected characters—mostly Black British women—whose lives span generations and geographies. Through poetic prose and experimental structure, Evaristo explores identity, gender, race, class, and sexuality in modern Britain. Each narrative stands alone while contributing to a larger tapestry of shared struggles, joys, and legacies. With empathy and nuance, the novel challenges stereotypes and celebrates multiplicity, offering a rich, panoramic portrait of what it means to be “other” in a changing world.
Stories of Your Life and Others
by Ted Chiang
Ted Chiang's Stories of Your Life and Others is a collection of eight thought-provoking science fiction tales that delve into themes of language, time, and human experience. The titular story, "Story of Your Life," explores a linguist's interaction with alien visitors and the nonlinear perception of time, inspiring the film Arrival. Each narrative challenges readers to contemplate philosophical and ethical dilemmas, blending scientific concepts with emotional depth. Chiang's meticulous storytelling invites reflection on the complexities of existence and the boundaries of human understanding.
American Psycho
American Psycho is a satirical novel set in 1980s Manhattan, following Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. Through Bateman's chilling narrative, the book critiques the superficiality and moral decay of yuppie culture. Ellis presents a disturbing portrait of a man consumed by materialism and devoid of empathy, highlighting the dark undercurrents of consumerist society. The novel's graphic content and unreliable narration challenge readers to question the nature of reality and the depths of human depravity.
The Promise
by Damon Galgut
Damon Galgut's The Promise chronicles the decline of the Swart family in post-apartheid South Africa, centered around a broken vow to grant their Black housekeeper, Salome, ownership of her home. Spanning four decades and narrated through a series of funerals, the novel examines themes of guilt, racial injustice, and the complexities of familial relationships. Galgut's innovative narrative style offers a poignant commentary on the unfulfilled promises of a nation grappling with its past.
The Line of Beauty
Set in 1980s London, The Line of Beauty follows Nick Guest, a young gay man navigating the complexities of class, politics, and sexuality within the affluent Fedden family. As Nick becomes entangled in the family's social circles, he grapples with his identity and desires amidst the backdrop of Thatcher-era Britain. Hollinghurst's novel offers a satirical and intimate portrayal of privilege, hypocrisy, and the pursuit of beauty, culminating in a poignant exploration of love and loss during the AIDS crisis.
The Testaments
Series: The Handmaid's Tale (#2)
A sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments is set fifteen years after the original novel. It follows three female narrators—Aunt Lydia, a powerful enforcer of Gilead’s laws; Agnes, a girl raised in Gilead; and Daisy, a Canadian teenager unknowingly tied to the regime. Their stories intertwine to expose the fragility and hypocrisy of Gilead’s power structure. Atwood crafts a thrilling and timely narrative that explores resistance, indoctrination, and female agency in a dystopian society. The novel deepens the world of Gilead while offering a glimmer of hope for its collapse.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
by Joan Lindsay
Joan Lindsay's Picnic at Hanging Rock is a haunting novel set in 1900 Australia, where a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College embark on a Valentine's Day picnic to the enigmatic Hanging Rock. During the outing, several girls and a teacher mysteriously vanish without a trace, sending shockwaves through the community. The narrative delves into the ensuing hysteria, the unraveling of the school's facade, and the lingering questions surrounding the disappearances. Lindsay's atmospheric prose and open-ended mystery invite readers to ponder themes of repression, the unknown, and the thin veneer of civilization.
The Canterbury Tales
Written in Middle English during the 14th century, The Canterbury Tales follows a group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury, each sharing a story to entertain their fellow travelers. Through tales of love, greed, chivalry, and trickery, Chaucer paints a vivid and satirical portrait of medieval society. The collection is celebrated for its diverse voices, rich characterizations, and enduring insight into human nature.
The Lost Apothecary
by Sarah Penner
In 18th-century London, a hidden apothecary secretly aids women seeking revenge, dispensing poisons to free them from abusive men. Its owner, Nella, is careful—until a bold twelve-year-old customer makes a fatal error, setting off a chain of events with lasting consequences. Two centuries later, Caroline Parcewell, alone in London on her tenth wedding anniversary, uncovers a clue to the long-unsolved apothecary murders. As she delves deeper, past and present entwine in unexpected ways. The Lost Apothecary is a gripping debut about betrayal, resilience, and the power of female connection—across generations and against all odds. Not everyone will survive the truth.
Malibu Rising
In 1983, the four Riva siblings—surfers and celebrities—throw their annual Malibu party. But as the night spirals, long-buried secrets rise, culminating in a fiery climax. Set against the backdrop of sun, surf, and fame, Malibu Rising explores family bonds, identity, and the cost of survival. Reid masterfully intertwines past and present in a fast-paced, emotionally rich novel about reinvention and resilience.
Slaughterhouse-Five
As a young man and a prisoner of war, Kurt Vonnegut witnessed the 1945 US fire-bombing of Dresden in Germany, which reduced the once proudly beautiful city to rubble and claimed the lives of thousands of its citizens. For many years, Kurt tried to write about Dresden but the words would not come. When he did write about it, he combined his trademark humour, unfettered imagination, boundless humanity and keen sense of irony to create one of the most powerful anti-war books every written, and an enduring American classic.
Gone Girl
When Amy Dunne goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary, suspicion quickly falls on her husband Nick. As media scrutiny intensifies, a chilling portrait of their marriage emerges, revealing secrets, lies, and manipulation. Flynn alternates perspectives between Nick and Amy, crafting a psychological thriller full of twists and moral ambiguity. With razor-sharp prose and dark humor, Gone Girl explores the complexities of marriage, identity, and media perception. It became a cultural phenomenon, redefining the modern domestic thriller with its unforgettable characters and shocking narrative turns.
The Invisible Woman
by Erika Robuck
The Invisible Woman is a groundbreaking examination of gender bias in data and design. Caroline Criado Perez exposes how the world is built around a “default male,” leading to systemic inequalities in everything from healthcare and workplace policies to urban planning and technology. Using a wealth of research and real-world examples, Perez shows how women are often overlooked in data collection, making them invisible in decision-making processes. Urgent and eye-opening, the book is a rallying cry for inclusive design and policy. It challenges institutions to confront the hidden ways women are excluded.
The Blade Itself
Series: The First Law (#1)
Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled and increasingly bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer extraordinaire, is trapped in a twisted and broken body - not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers. Nobleman, dashing officer and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. Vain, shallow, selfish and self-obsessed, the biggest blot on his horizon is having to get out of bed in the morning to train with obsessive and boring old men. And Logen Ninefingers, an infamous warrior with a bloody past, is about to wake up in a hole in the snow with plans to settle a blood feud with Bethod, the new King of the Northmen, once and for all - ideally by running away from it. But as he's discovering, old habits die really, really hard indeed...especially when Bayaz gets involved.
The Bluest Eye
Toni Morrison’s debut novel examines the destructive effects of racism and internalized self-hatred on a young Black girl in 1940s America. Pecola Breedlove longs for blue eyes, believing they would make her beautiful and worthy. Through shifting perspectives, the novel reveals the systemic abuse, trauma, and societal pressures that shape her world. Morrison’s lyrical and unflinching narrative critiques dominant beauty standards and racial injustice. Though brief, the novel is emotionally powerful and thematically profound, establishing Morrison as a leading voice in American literature.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter (#6)
In the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series, Voldemort’s power grows stronger, threatening the wizarding and Muggle worlds alike. As Dumbledore reveals memories critical to understanding Voldemort’s past, Harry discovers a mysterious potions book once owned by the “Half-Blood Prince.” Romance, jealousy, and betrayal swirl at Hogwarts, culminating in a devastating loss that changes the course of the war. Rowling deepens her exploration of identity, destiny, and sacrifice, setting the stage for the series’ emotional and epic conclusion.
Sacred Games
Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra is a sprawling, multi-layered novel that blends crime thriller with political and philosophical themes. Set in Mumbai, it follows Sartaj Singh, a weary Sikh police inspector, who becomes entangled in a decades-long mystery after receiving a cryptic tip from notorious gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. As the narrative unfolds, it interweaves personal histories, underworld violence, religious tension, espionage, and the legacy of colonialism. Written in rich, lyrical prose and incorporating multiple languages and cultural references, Sacred Games offers a gritty yet deeply introspective portrait of modern India, questioning fate, morality, and the nature of power.