Aurealis #132

Let editors Dirk Strasser, Stephen Higgins and Michael Pryor introduce you to the world of New Zealand speculative fiction in Aurealis #132. Get entangled in the Greek myths of James Rowland’s ‘Arachne’s Web’, re-imagined as humanity’s victories rather than its punishments. Spend some time with Andi C Buchanan’s ‘Like Clocks Work’ and explore the banality of evil in Peter Friend’s ‘DogWorld’. Then leave New Zealand briefly and enter the new world of Dirk Strasser’s latest instalment of the Conquist saga ‘Part 6 – In the Palace of Angels’.

The fascinating article on the history of New Zealand SF&F in this issue of Aurealis begins with the question ‘How has the most remote English-speaking country on the planet managed to develop fantastical worlds, visions, and futures that have gained so much international recognition and popularity?’ After reading this latest issue you’ll have the answer to that question.

Lucy Sussex’s article on Julius Vogel tells story of the man who both led his country and was the first New Zealander to write a science-fiction novel. Simon Litten and Sean McMullen look at the history of New Zealand Science Fiction and Fantasy from 1872 to 2019. And if you want to find out more about the current SF&F scene in New Zealand, move onto Marie Hodgkinson’s article where she declares ‘If you’re waiting for the great renaissance of Aotearoa science fiction and fantasy, we’re already there.’

Our reviewers have outdone themselves with this issue with a record 26 reviews of recently-released New Zealand works of SF&F. These books should become your go-to list for contemporary NZ speculative fiction. Reviewed books include The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach, From A Shadow Grave by Andi C Buchanan, and Year’s Best Aotearoa New Zealand Science Fiction & Fantasy Volume #1 edited by Marie Hodgkinson.

Aurealis #132 – All science fiction, all fantasy, all New Zealand!