Well, I think it’s fair to say I’ve been fairly hopeless at writing these monthly wrap-ups. The idea was to post one at the end of every month, but I can see the last time I actually did that was in April!
However, lots has been happening behind the scenes so here’s the September wrap-up (and an optimistic but vague ambition to keep them coming more frequently!)
The Mirrordom Legends
The final books
I submitted the last two novels in The Mirrordom Legends series to my publishers at Fire and Ice YA. If they are accepted, the series will finally be complete and I have no plans to write any further about the world of Mirrordom – although you never know! The next two books are entitled Flame and Phoenix and Quiver and Arrow – and take the series down an even darker path. I’ll announce any further updates on the blog.
City and Shadow
City and Shadow made it to the Bookstagram Awards finals in the Fantasy Of The Year category! While it didn’t win, I was just thrilled it was nominated and want to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for it. Of all the Mirrordom books, I am proudest of this one and I’m so glad quite a few people have enjoyed reading it.
City and Shadow also went on tour with Love Book Tours this month. It was so interesting to hear readers’ opinions. Some of my favourite comments are:
This was a great read, I think it was a really interesting and enjoyable story. I thought the writing style was great and there were some fab plot twists, and I wasn’t expecting that ending.
The overall premise of the book is brilliant and really pulls you right in. I really enjoyed this book.
This book had me in actual tears!! it was dramatic and poetic and deeply satisfying!
I absolutely loved the idea of people in this world being born as a twin, with one being born inherently “good” and not able to lie, kill, steal etc, and their Mirror twin being born immediately afterwards and being “only capable of doing bad things” and where all Mirrors are removed from their families after birth, and sent to live on a remote island. It was such a unique and intriguing concept, so I was instantly hooked right from the start, and it did not disappoint!
I loved how the author created characters which are morally grey, and throughout their self exploration we get to see them challenge the restraints of their ‘black and white world’.
A Wild Run anthology
I was delighted to contribute a short story to this glorious anthology. My standalone fantasy story is called The Girl With The Heart Of Glass and you can read more about what inspired it here.
A Wild Run is a gorgeous anthology, showcasing the full range of human creativity in a world increasingly complacent about AI. The concept came from author, Melanie Mar, who gave us all one single prompt.
New deal announcement
In September, I also signed another contract with Evernight Teen for my YA standalone sci-fi novel, The Boy With Wings For Hands. The book will be out no later than September 2026 and I can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime, here’s the blurb:
Seventeen-year-old Sparrow has never known freedom. An alien from the planet Mykzon, she’s caged and forced to perform in Obsidian’s Travelling Show of Rarities and Fascinations.
That is, until Felix crashes into her world. He’s human, reckless and has wings where his hands should be. And when Felix’s arrival attracts powerful enemies, Sparrow’s world is thrown into chaos.
As Sparrow is drawn into a rebellion she never asked for, she must choose between staying hidden or risking everything to fight back.
Because Obsidian doesn’t just want the spotlight.
She wants the world.
Evernight Teen also published my first YA sci-fi novel, January. Why not give it a read while you’re waiting for The Boy With Wings For Hands?
What have you been up to this month? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
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