Fiction Archives - Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books

Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Short Stories

All Her Lives
by Ingrid Horrocks

Short stories about women embroiled in protest, revolution and dark discoveries.

Karin WarnaarNovember 5, 2025

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