‘I didn’t choose the life of glitz, glamour and grit - it chose me.’
Drag Queens Down Under by Art Simone is a tribute to Australia’s diverse and r‘I didn’t choose the life of glitz, glamour and grit - it chose me.’
Drag Queens Down Under by Art Simone is a tribute to Australia’s diverse and resilient drag community, celebrating both historical and modern day figures. In this beautifully illustrated anthology, Simone captures the stories and personalities of 30 influential drag performers. Simone traveled across Australia, gathering voices that reflect the complexity of Australian drag, from its gritty origins to the glitter of Drag Race fame.
What makes Drag Queens Down Under especially compelling is its depth and variety. Through interviews, it dives into humorous, heartfelt, and sometimes harrowing experiences—like Verushka Darling’s story of narrowly escaping a dangerous encounter that ended in an unexpected show of respect. The book covers major moments in the community’s history, such as Maxi Shield’s performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Vanity’s innovations in wig-making. It also tackles the broader cultural impact of drag, especially relevant now amid increasing anti-drag sentiment. This book isn’t just for fans of drag; it’s for anyone interested in LGBTQIA+ culture, Australian history, or the evolution of performance art.
The amount of effort that has gone into creating this marvelous book is second to none. Congratulations Art Simone!
My Highest Recommendation.
Many thanks to Affirm Press for my review copy....more
If you're looking for a read that combines hauntingly beautiful prose with a gripping narrative, Anyone's ‘It took three car crashes to kill Jake’
If you're looking for a read that combines hauntingly beautiful prose with a gripping narrative, Anyone's Ghost by August Thompson is the book for you. Thompson has weaved an intricate, emotional story that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own unique depth that makes them feel incredibly real.
From the very beginning we are told of what's coming, how this story is going to end and what will be lost. But the sorrow, the tenderness and melancholy with which Therron remembers the past shot right through my heart.
I can't believe this is a debut novel. I’m going to have a hard time moving on from this one. The mere mention or thought about this book will bring back the squeeze in my chest and lump in my throat. Is love (and life) worth it if you can't experience it without fear? Is love worth sacrificing everything for? Food for thought.
‘A beginning often signals an end. That's the thing with dawn... you must first get through the night.’
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson is‘A beginning often signals an end. That's the thing with dawn... you must first get through the night.’
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson is a wild, enchanting ride that had me hooked from the first page. Imagine "Harry Potter" meets "The Craft," but with a fresh, contemporary twist and a whole lot of sass!
The story revolves around a group of childhood friends, now adults, who are part of a secret government coven. Each character is beautifully fleshed out, bringing their own quirks, strengths, and baggage to the table. We have Helena, the fierce and slightly controlling leader; Elle, balancing magic and motherhood; Leonie, who’s fiercely progressive and runs her own coven; and Niamh, the healer with a heart of gold.
The plot thickens when an ancient prophecy threatens their world, pushing them to confront their pasts and make tough choices. Dawson’s writing is witty and sharp, blending magical intrigue with real world issues in a way that feels both relevant and thought provoking.
What really stood out to me was how the book tackled themes of identity, power, and the struggle between tradition and progress. Plus, it’s wonderfully inclusive, with a strong LGBTQ+ representation that feels authentic and meaningful.
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts magical adventure, heartfelt drama, and feminist manifesto, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is your next must read. Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine), settle in, and prepare to be spellbound!
‘My father would also tell me about my future. He texted my birthdate and his credit card details to a psychic hotline that did readings on late-ni‘My father would also tell me about my future. He texted my birthdate and his credit card details to a psychic hotline that did readings on late-night television.
Today, my father wrote, 'It isn't great.' The stars indicated I was under the influence of an inverted Mars, which meant I could act like a body possessed.’
Paul Dalla Rosa's collection of stories offer a captivating journey into the depths of human experience. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a world where ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary circumstances. Dalla Rosa has a remarkable ability to breathe life into his characters, making them feel like old friends or intriguing strangers encountered on a journey.
Each story is a gem, polished to perfection with exquisite attention to detail. Whether it's a tale of love lost and found, a poignant exploration of grief, or a thrilling adventure through the labyrinth of the mind, Dalla Rosa's writing is evocative, immersive and has a type of voyeuristic quality to it.
As I turned the pages I found myself completely absorbed in each tale, eager to discover where Dalla Rosa would lead me next.
Whether you're a seasoned literary enthusiast or a casual reader in search of a captivating escape, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression. In the hands of Paul Dalla Rosa, the inner life becomes a landscape of wonder, ripe for exploration and boundless in its possibilities.
‘You are not here of your own free will. You are here because I desired you first. I lured you to me using my intentional charms: my ethereal beaut‘You are not here of your own free will. You are here because I desired you first. I lured you to me using my intentional charms: my ethereal beauty, my siren song, my six pack, my tail with scales embroidered in flesh...’
Chlorine is a coming of age tale about a competitive high school swimmer and the pressures placed on young athletes. It’s dark, unsettling, slightly deranged literary horror with hypnotic prose. It explores race, sexuality, familial relationships, mental health and belonging, told by a (slightly unlikeable) very honest narrator.
But the core theme is one of identity and transformation, and the message is about the importance of existing as your true self, your true state of being, whether hidden or free.
In the same vein as The Pisces and The Vegetarian, Chlorine is a debut novel that blurs the line between a literary coming of age narrative and a dark unsettling horror tale.
I Highly Recommend.
I read Chlorine as part of a ‘Girl Horror’ group that I'm a part of. We read Horror by female authors....more
She was smiling, and for the first time, the building, the city, this place… felt like hers. A place she’d still be tomorrow, the week after, next She was smiling, and for the first time, the building, the city, this place… felt like hers. A place she’d still be tomorrow, the week after, next season, next year…. Home.’
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is a delightful blend of fantasy and everyday charm. Set in a cozy coffee shop where mythical creatures mingle, the story takes you on a whimsical journey filled with witty banter, unexpected friendships, and heartwarming moments.
Baldree's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a page turner from start to finish. Witty dialogue, imaginative world building, and heartwarming moments, this book is perfect for anyone looking for a light hearted escape into a world of magic and friendship.
Legends and Lattes is a charming read that will leave you craving both another cup of coffee and another chapter. With its lovable characters and imaginative setting, Legends and Lattes is the perfect read for anyone in need of a magical escape.
I suggest you grab a cup of your favourite brew and dive into this enchanting tale, you won't be disappointed!
‘My mother once told me beautiful was the worst thing a girl could be. I’m now inclined to believe her.’
I eagerly picked up "House of Hunger" by A‘My mother once told me beautiful was the worst thing a girl could be. I’m now inclined to believe her.’
I eagerly picked up "House of Hunger" by Alexis Henderson, hoping for a gripping tale of magic, mystery, and suspense. However, what I found within the pages of this novel left me deeply disappointed and disengaged. Firstly, the pacing of the story felt sluggish and disjointed. Instead of building tension and momentum, the narrative seemed to wander aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or sense of urgency. As a result, I found it difficult to stay invested in the plot or connect with the characters on any meaningful level.
Speaking of characters, I found them to be one dimensional and lacking in depth. The protagonist, in particular, felt more like a caricature than a fully realised individual, with little to no development throughout the story. I struggled to empathise with her plight or understand her motivations, which made it challenging to root for her success or care about her fate.
Furthermore, while the premise of the novel held promise—a remote castle plagued by dark forces and a young woman with a mysterious power—Henderson failed to deliver on its potential. The world building felt shallow and underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers about the magical elements and supernatural beings that populated the story.
Additionally, I found the writing style to be overly verbose and melodramatic, with prose that often distracted from the narrative rather than enhancing it.
House of Hunger left me feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed. While it may appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and eerie imagery, those seeking a compelling plot and well rounded characters are likely to be disappointed by this lackluster novel from Alexis Henderson.