Fiction Archives - Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books

Fiction Literary Fiction Novel Thriller

Empathy
by Bryan Walpert

A 'contemplative novel' – and a 'scared witless' thriller

Guy SomersetOctober 22, 2025

Fiction Literary Fiction Short Stories

Pastoral Care
by John Prins

A witty, nuanced debut story collection.

Rebecca HillSeptember 22, 2025

Anthology Fiction Flash Literary Fiction Māori Short Stories

Short/Poto
edited by Michelle Elvy and Kiri Piahana-Wong

A bilingual 'celebration of flash fiction' that offers brevity, wit and weight.

Di StarrenburgAugust 27, 2025

Children’s Literature Fiction Mystery Novel

The Secret Green
by Sonya Wilson

A 'rollicking adventure' of a sequel set in a magical Fiordland.

Rachel O'ConnorAugust 13, 2025

Fiction Mystery Noir Novel Thriller

The Good Father
by Liam McIlvanney

A psychological thriller 'of riveting twists and turns'.

Guy SomersetAugust 6, 2025

Fiction Literary Fiction Novel

The Stars are a Million Glittering Worlds
by Gina Butson

An accomplished debut novel that is mystery, travelogue and a 'meditation on letting go of the past'.

Di StarrenburgJuly 25, 2025

Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Novel

Wonderland
by Tracy Farr

A lyrical novel imagines Marie Curie in Miramar, in an 'age of discovery and marvels'

Paula MorrisJuly 4, 2025

Fiction Literary Fiction Novel Speculative Fiction

Sea Change
by Jenny Pattrick

After a catastrophic tsunami, a small community fights to survive and evolve.

Rachel O'ConnorJuly 2, 2025

Fiction Literary Fiction Novel

1985
by Dominic Hoey

A novel where 'no-one is watching the kids'.

Angelique KasmaraJune 12, 2025

Fiction Literary Fiction Novel

The Book of Guilt
by Catherine Chidgey

An alternate history 'that not only entertains but acts as a warning'.

Stephanie JohnsonMay 9, 2025

Fiction

Empathy
by Bryan Walpert

Pastoral Care
by John Prins

Short/Poto
edited by Michelle Elvy and Kiri Piahana-Wong

The Secret Green
by Sonya Wilson

The Good Father
by Liam McIlvanney

The Stars are a Million Glittering Worlds
by Gina Butson

Wonderland
by Tracy Farr

Sea Change
by Jenny Pattrick

1985
by Dominic Hoey

The Book of Guilt
by Catherine Chidgey

Sign up for a monthly
newsletter from the ANZRB

Get the latest books and reviews from Aotearoa New Zealand.