Sleeves Pushed Back, Surprises Await: Introduction of 5 July Publications from Australian Writers
In the vibrant world of Australian literature, July 2025 promises a captivating array of new releases that cater to various tastes. Here are some of the most anticipated novels set to hit the shelves this month.
John Byrnes' "The Youngest Son" takes a historical approach, delving into the lives of three children from a lower-class Australian family navigating the challenges of 1930s Sydney. Themes of crime, murder, betrayal, war, love, and redemption make for a gripping narrative that promises to be a must-read.
For those seeking a thrilling ride, Candice Fox's "High Wire" offers an intense story set on a dangerous hidden road across Australia. The plot revolves around two damaged protagonists who are kidnapped and forced into a series of violent crimes throughout the outback, creating a high-stakes and memorable experience.
Gail Jones' "One Another," a literary fiction work, has been longlisted for the prestigious 2025 Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award. Though the exact synopsis isn't detailed, it is recognised as a significant new Australian literary work.
In the realm of young adult fiction, "Six Summers of Tash and Leopold" by Danielle Binks and "Look Me in the Eye" by Jane Godwin are both longlisted for major Australian literary awards. Specific plot details aren't provided, but these works are expected to explore themes relevant to their genre.
Moving into the realm of fiction, Brandon Jack's "Pissants" is a unique take on the sports genre, set within an Australian Football League (AFL) club. The novel is raw, darkly funny, and deals with themes such as painkillers, locker room banter, mental health, and the pressure to perform, making it a far cry from typical sports novels.
Katherine Biber's "The Last Outlaws" is a blend of history, true crime, and storytelling. It follows the Governor brothers, Jimmy and Joe, who went on the run in 1900. The novel uncovers the real case that was distorted, buried, and mythologized, providing a fascinating insight into Australia's past.
Stacey McEwan's "A Forbidden Alchemy" is the first book in a new duology and is praised for its high emotion, complex magic, and punchy dialogue. The novel features characters Nina and Patrick, who are initially on opposite sides of a class war. "A Forbidden Alchemy" is suitable for fans of enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, and magical rebellion.
Sam Guthrie's "The Peak" is a political thriller set in Canberra and revolves around political tension and international consequences. The novel features characters like Charlie, a fixer, and Sebastian, an ambitious MP, promising a gripping tale of power, politics, and intrigue.
Lastly, Matt Rogers' "The Forsaken" is an action-packed thriller that follows the story of Logan Booth, a former CIA assassin who discovers that his training was all illegal. When a close friend is murdered, Booth is pulled back into the world he thought he had left behind, creating a fast-paced, redemption story that is compared to the Jack Reacher series but set in Australia.
These new releases showcase the diversity and talent of Australian authors, offering readers a range of genres from historical fiction and thrillers to literary and young adult fiction, highlighting new Australian voices and stories in July 2025.
These anticipated novels, such as John Byrnes' "The Youngest Son" and Candice Fox's "High Wire," provide a remarkable combination of entertainment and enlightenment, offering readers diverse genres like historical fiction, thrillers, and young adult fiction, within the vibrant world of Australian literature. Whether you're drawn to crime dramas or captivating narratives or intrigued by stories that explore the past, these books promise an engaging reading experience.
