The year of books

Posted on by Clare

Time to wrap up 2025’s year of books

I reached 128%* of my Goodreads goal of 60 books, and many of them are well worth recommending.

Here’s a list of my 2025 five-star reads, grouped by genre.

I read many more cosy novels last year than I generally do. I suspect that’s because it was a difficult year in some other ways.

Books always help.

Literary Novels:

These stories stayed with me, aided by the beautiful writing and the evocative settings.

The Coast Road, Alan Murrin

Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy

The Land in Winter, Andrew Miller

Sci-Fi and Fantasy:

This is where I am most at home. I write detailed reviews for Aurealis, and so I encounter quite a lot of speculative fiction. I’m currently fan-girling about a Holly Black series, but that will have to go in a later post because I haven’t finished it.

Two Twisted Crowns, Rachel Gillig

Veil, Jeff Clulow

Stone and Sky, Ben Aaronovitch

The Experiment, Rebecca Stead

This Haunted Heaven, Reggie Oliver

The Invisible Woman,  James P Blaylock

Cosy Fiction:

THE ENTIRE PHRYNE FISHER SERIES (yes I read all 24 of them!), by Kerry Greenwood. I  was excited to get my hands on #24, Murder in the Cathedral, in November. Vale Kerry.

Murder on North Terrace, Lainie Anderson

The Last Death of the Year, Sophie Hannah

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin, Alison Goodman

The Impossible Fortune, Richard Osman

Murder Before Evensong, Richard Coles

Popular Fiction:

I know – you’ve all already read these two! And seen the series!

I’m late to the party, and I have audio books to thank. Yes – I’m a very late convert to audio books too. I’m fairly particular about the reader’s voice. But as the year grew darker, I stopped listening to news podcasts and discovered my lovely local library’s BorrowBox! Sheer magic.

This is going to be a wonderful way to catch up on books I *should* already have read.

Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty

Recommendations

So there you have it, my recommended books from my 2025 reading. I’d love to hear what you think of any of these. You are probably way ahead of me.

The good news is that it’s only the 9th of January and already I have a list of three books to recommend in 2026!

Onwards

My own fantasy novel is proceeding apace, and I’ve commissioned an editor to give it a manuscript assessment, as well as seeking feedback from my trusty beta reader (to whom I am forever grateful!). Creating something that’s already spilling over 120,000 words and virtually writing its own sequel is a different kind of juggle.

More about that soon. In the meantime, if you’d like some procrastination fodder, you can check out the Pinterest board I’ve started for the project at: The Traitor Regent inspiration board at https://pin.it/2JhOmjdlM

Until next time – stay safe!

Clare

 

 

Persistence and Change

Posted on by Clare
Author Clare Rhoden signing books

It’s been a while but much has happened this year. Not all of it good, but that is to be expected. In between the sadnesses, there have been many good times, and for that I’m grateful.

As we head into the holiday period and look forward to 2026, I’ve turned my mind to thinking of all the positives. In truth, it’s hard not to, as I’m deep into a new-old novel. First started several years ago, it’s been rebooted by a dream! Now THAT’S the way to solve a plot problem!

Publisher Moves

Soon I hope to be able to report on the new position of Odyssey Books. There is good news, involving another publisher, which we understand will be finalised this month.

I can’t wait to share this with you. Meantime, we await official notification.

wrapping presents for christmas
Christmas closing dates are coming up. Time to email friends!

A Dream Story for 2026

To be honest, a lot of my fiction writing happens through dreams or wakeful-sleeping, when issues resolve themselves through some arcane circuitry in my brain. Actually, I get quite a few nifty ideas for my non-fiction work in the middle of the night too.

But this one! A rollicking fantasy adventure, swords, sorcery and romance, that’s been lying unattended in a drawer* since January 2021 — deep in Covid time.

*Not an actual drawer, sadly. A file tucked away on my laptop. But you get the idea.

Anyway, it’s currently at 120,000 words and is going to make a) the first slab of a trilogy b) two halves of a duology or c) a stand-alone tome. Let’s see how it plays out. These stories have minds of their own.

So that’s my writing goals set for 2026: complete the dream, and seek a publishing home.

cat posing for scratches
Let’s see! Image by rihaij from Pixabay

Stickability — persistence pays off

This month we are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Although the time has gone so quickly for us, I know these things don’t happen by chance.

A PhD, a marathon, a novel, a relationship: success relies on taking the task seriously, putting in the time, energy and care to make the finish line.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year.

a path opening from a book
A path opens for a book …

Until 2026!

Book review: Veil by Jeff Clulow.

Posted on by Clare
The Veil by Jeff Clulow cover image girl in wedding veil

This is a great read.

I’ve encountered Jeff Clulow‘s short stories before in several anthologies (including, ahem, one I edited myself, in which Jeff’s story attracted award nomination – see

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63110139-from-the-waste-land),

and I always thoroughly enjoy them.

Imagine my delight at receiving an advance copy of Clulow’s first novel, Veil.

Clulow’s writing is impeccable: so succinct, evocative, and accomplished that the story almost reads itself to you. I love clever writing that masters expression so well that the reader doesn’t notice the exquisite crafting of every paragraph and page. There is such care for each of the characters that each one is fully rounded, even the horrid ones – we can see where they are coming from.

Protagonist Suze — ex-orphange girl — is a first-rate survivor, and her haunted house story combines all the best elements of fantasy, family, and freedom.  The retro 20th century setting is also spot-on — take it from someone who was there LOL.

I wish there could be more stories about Suze (that should have you thinking just WHY I’m not expecting any more — although…).

This is a gripping tale of loss and redemption (of sorts), the terror balanced finely with life’s beauty. Clulow writes dark fantasy with a great big heart. A brilliant read. More please.

Wait! There IS more!

If you’d care to check Jeff’s writing for yourself, I recommend that you sign up for his fantastic Remixed Myths collection – FREE for his newsletter subscribers.  I’ve read them all (I’m a fangirl, yes!) and I highly recommend them. They come in audio or ebook form. Such a generous gift to the reading public.

Remixed Myths – highly recommended reading
Jeff Clulow author head shot
Author Jeff Clulow

An era ends, another begins

Posted on by Clare

Long time, no post. Life doesn’t stop for writers anymore than it does for anyone else.

Here are some recent changes:

FIRST:

I’ve said GOODBYE to my 60s and embarked on a new decade.

Here’s an interesting take on growing old, by Jonathan Rauch writing in The Atlantic:

Copious evidence shows that most of what people think they know about life after 50 is wrong. Aging per se (as distinct from sickness or frailty) is not a process of uniform decline. It brings gains, too: greater equanimity, more emotional resilience, and … the positivity effect — a heightened appreciation of life’s blessings. Partly for that reason, the later decades of life are, on average, not the saddest but the happiest.

We’ll see!

SECOND:

My long-time publisher Odyssey Books is restructuring — or words to that effect; it’s not completely clear what the status is. I’m a bit dizzy as I watch the changes unfold before me, and see friendly, familiar fellow authors leave the group. It’s rather sad.

But publishing is a mighty tough industry. Onwards and upwards is the only way. Time doesn’t spool in reverse.

THIRD:

I’m writing two new novels and I hope to have news on them soon.

Glass of champagne in Reims
Here’s to the future.

 

Writers’ Perks

Posted on by Clare

Some awesome Writers’ Perks have had me smiling recently. A writer’s life is not all “stare at the keyboard until blood spurts from your eyes”, to paraphrase Hemingway. Sometimes you get to meet readers and interact with real people!

Writers’ Perk #1

In October, I spoke with three groups of young artists about the magic of writing, creating rounded characters, and my book How to Survive Your Magical Family. Creation is its own kind of magic, right? Before you write the story or paint the picture, that little piece of wonder doesn’t exist.

This was part of the awesome painting competition organised by my local art school Art Academica. What fun!

Writers’ Perk #2

Also in October, I attended a book launch for Fleetwalker by Judith Michael. It was so much fun to meet other writers and Judith’s fans, friends and family. A great day was had by all!

fleetwalker cover
Fleetwalker, the long-awaited #3 in the GriffinSong trilogy

Writers’ Perks #3

And on the last Friday in October, I attended the Founders & Benefactors Dinner at St Hilda’s College at the University of Melbourne, along with my fellow writing team member Louise Zedda-Sampson. It was a fabulous night where we met some amazing people and made connections to will go a long way towards setting the tone for our big project: Communitas-the first 60 years of St Hilda’s.

Once We Flew: book review

Posted on by Clare
Cover of Once We Flew by Nikky Lee

Once We Flew by Nikky Lee* is an intriguing sci-fi novella that ponders how we, as humans, survive beyond our coping strategies. On the sand-ridden planet Savene, survivors of a colony-destined space mission struggle to cope in a world not completely suited to human life, and without the support of their failed technology.

The Plot

Our protagonists are not the first to investigate Savene as a home world. An alien race, visiting the planet long before the crash-landing of the humans, did what they could to life-form the place for future residents even as their own chance at survival disappeared.

The only problem is that their well-meaning alien safety methodology isn’t particularly suited to human life.

Marsa, one of the elders, is called from her chosen hermit-style life by Koby, the son of her old friend. A dying vision, gifted by the crystal ‘curse’ that affected both women, offers hope in the face of futility.

Marsa and Koby race across the sands to find a possible way forward for the entire space-ship-wrecked community.

My take

With a rare gift for narrative, Lee delivers a great deal in this slim, elegant novella. Her characters are instantly likeable, and the reader quickly gets onside with the older, disabled woman (Marsa) who leads the way for young, confused but brave teen Koby. It’s rather nice not to be looking to the east for a hero or a wizard on a white horse. These characters are much more relatable.

For me, this little gem is up there with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (and the others in the Wayfinders series.) In fact, I’d love Lee to craft some companion novellas to flesh out this world! Please?!

Just released, this is perfect for Christmas! Just saying …

And another thing…

*You might remember Nikky as one of the AWESOME authors who contributed to From the Waste Land! Her story there is amazing too!

New! A magical blend of art, literature, and imagination

Posted on by Clare
happy kittens

I have to share this amazing post! I’m very excited about this collaboration in October.

Keep an eye out because I’ll be posting pictures!

Exciting News from Art Academica! 🎨🌟

Term 4 is just around the corner, and we can’t contain our excitement! We’ve been working tirelessly to create something truly special for you, our amazing students and parents.

We are thrilled and privileged to announce a remarkable event in October at Art Academica. 📚✨ We will be hosting a special guest, none other than Clare Rhoden (@clarerhodenauthor), the author of the captivating book for teenagers, “How to Survive Your Magical Family“! 📖✨

“How to Survive Your Magical Family” is a new fantasy novel that’s been sweeping readers off their feet with its loveable characters, clever plot twists, and a world that wraps around you like a warm embrace. Published by Odyssey Books, where books are an adventure, this book is a must-read for young and old alike! 🌍📚

But that’s not all!

We have an exciting competition in store for all the students of our school, and we promise to reveal all the enchanting details very soon!

For our “Procreate. Character design” and “Creating a Strong Folio” students, the third week of the term is going to be extra special. They’ll have the unique opportunity to meet and chat with the author Clare Rhoden herself! 🖌️📝✨She will have a conversation with kids about what strategies she uses to build up interesting characters, where she finds inspiration and how to identify your reader. Kids will ask her any questions they have and we know they will have them because we know some of them already writing their first book.

We can hardly contain our excitement, and we hope you’re just as thrilled as we are for this incredible Term 4 journey at Art Academica.

Prepare for a magical blend of art, literature, and imagination like never before!
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#ArtAcademicaMagic #ClareRhoden #Term4ArtAdventures #MagicalJourney #bestartschoolforkids #art #artacademica #artclassesforadults #bestartschool #artclasses #artschool #parents #family #onlineartclasses #familyfun #artschoolforadults #artschoollife #artschoolforkids #bentleigheast #artschoolmelbourne #artcoursesonline #artschoolstudent
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How to Enjoy a Review!

Posted on by Clare
happy kittens

I’m very grateful to author Patricia Leslie for reading and reviewing How to Survive Your Magical Family. Yes, I did warn you I’d be sharing reviews 🙂

 

https://www.patricialeslie.net/single-post/book-review-how-to-survive-your-magical-family-by-clare-rhoden

A small extract from Patricia’s review:

 

I’d recommend How to survive your magical family for any reader young adult and up. No need to limit yourself if you’ve passed that age bracket. Clare Rhoden is an excellent author. Her storytelling will draw you in. An afternoon of entertaining reading pleasure awaits you.

Thank you so much Patricia!

Review Magic: How to Survive Your Magical Family

Posted on by Clare
cat dreaming of lucky owner

How to Survive Your Magical Family has been meeting reviewers, and I’m excited to share extracts from one of these with you. It’s Review Magic as far as I’m concerned!

girl reading book

Magpies Magazine: Talking About Books For Children

Volume 38, Number 1, March 2023

Reviewed by Marie Alafaci

Right from the opening line, How to Survive Your Magical Family is a delight. This novel for younger readers delivers magic, mystery and mayhem… plus credible characters, lots of humour and action aplenty.
Toby is the youngest of the Dartin family and has the least magic. His sister, Helen, has much more practical magical abilities, such as healing animals, ‘imagining a parking spot into existence’ and turning off the iron after she’s left home. All Toby can do is charm any cat that comes to him.

…
Told between Toby’s point of view and that of his best friend Mia, How to Survive Your Magical Family leaps between normal family dynamics and kidnapping, bribery and vengeance.

…
Rhoden has created a completely believable alternative world where magical people and ‘flats’ – those who can’t see magic – interact happily, mostly without the ‘flats’ knowing. But she has also created credible child characters, Toby and Mia, who show courage and
intelligence, and have real agency throughout, even in the most hopeless situations. It’s also refreshing that she shows them as young people clearly out of their depth at times, kids who need to rely on the adults in their lives (most of whom are loving and capable) to help them.

…
How to Survive Your Magical Family is great fun, and there are enough loose ends to mean that a sequel could be on the cards, to which I say, ‘Deal me in!’ A fabulous read. Highly recommended.