Books matching: melbourne setting
36 result(s)
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- #1
Save:Aurora, a no-nonsense and sassy witch, transitions from being part of a magical SWAT team to a witchy social worker for supernaturals in Melbourne. The story unfolds with Aurora dealing with a pack of Lycans she is tasked with overseeing, navigating through a world filled with shifters, vamps, wizards, and witches. The author creates a relatable world with a strong heroine, Aurora, who is vulnerable yet strong. The plot is filled with romance, violence, magic, and mayhem, keeping readers engaged with a fast-paced urban fantasy setting.
The book follows Aurora as she is thrown into the deep end, investigating the murder of the previous Social Worker witch and dealing with potential love interests that complicate her life. With a touch of spice and a touch of punk neuromancer vibes, the story builds quickly, introducing a variety of characters that readers are eager to learn more about. The writing style is praised for its relatable main character, likable and capable, who navigates through a supernatural world while maintaining a sense of humanity and vulnerability.
- #2
Save:One Hundred Days by Alice Pung follows the story of Karuna, a sixteen-year-old girl living in Australia with her Chinese mother and Australian father. After her parents' divorce, Karuna faces a turbulent relationship with her overprotective mother, who confines her to their small apartment. The novel illustrates the struggles they face, especially when Karuna becomes pregnant, leading to a deeply emotional exploration of family dynamics, culture, and identity. Karuna’s journey of self-discovery unfolds as she learns to navigate her relationship with her mother while documenting her pregnancy in letters to her unborn child.
Pung's writing style is lyrical and engaging, capturing the challenges of being a mixed-race teenager. Readers can feel the tension and claustrophobia of Karuna’s situation, as well as her resilience and humor. The book portrays the complexities of motherhood with compassion, blending moments of sadness and hope. It's a poignant reflection on family love that often straddles cultural expectations and personal freedom.
- #3
Save:'Begin Again Again' by Eve Dangerfield is a contemporary romance novel set in post-COVID lockdown Melbourne, focusing on the journey of complex and flawed characters, Beth and Byron. The story delves into themes of sobriety, career-ending injuries, and reinvention, all while navigating real issues and relationships. The writing style is described as beautiful, real, and intelligent, with witty banter, palpable emotions, and a diverse cast of characters, including a non-binary individual.
She was driving down a quiet rose-strewn street, Charli XCX blaring from her speakers, and there he was, striding across the footpath holding a big metal thing. Three weeks out of lockdown, Beth still... - #4
Save:No Hard Feelings by Genevieve Novak tells the story of Penny, a twenty-something woman grappling with the chaos of adult life. Set in Melbourne, the novel captures her struggles with a toxic relationship, a demanding job, and evolving friendships. Penny's journey is both painful and relatable as she navigates the pressures of adulthood while feeling left behind by her more successful friends.
The writing style is engaging and humorous, making the reader feel connected to Penny's inner turmoil. Novak uses authentic dialogue and witty asides, creating a confessional tone that draws in the audience. The book is a light-hearted exploration of modern woman's challenges, ensuring it resonates with many readers who find themselves in similar situations.
- #5
Save:A fresh, addictive YA mystery that nails both swoony romance and a Sherlock-tinged whodunit. Highly recommended - especially if you love clever characters, strong friendships, and teen intrigue.
I whip the gauze pad off Mycroft’s eyebrow with one hand and stick the butterfly closure on with the other. Before he has a chance to wriggle again, I fix a Melolin pad in place with a piece of paper... - #6
Save:'Full Moon Rising' by Keri Arthur follows the story of Riley Jenson, a rare hybrid of vampire and werewolf, who works for Melbourne's Directorate of Other Races alongside her twin brother, Rhoan. When Rhoan goes missing, Riley teams up with a powerful vampire, Quinn, to unravel a mysterious case involving an unholy cloning project. The plot revolves around Riley's struggle to balance her supernatural urges with her mission to find her brother, all set in a world filled with paranormal creatures. The writing style combines elements of urban fantasy, romance, mystery, and action, creating a fast-paced and steamy narrative that keeps readers engaged.
Though it was after midnight, it was a Friday night, and Friday nights were usually party nights—at least for those of us who were single and not working night shift. This section ofMelbourne wasn’t e... - #7
Save:The Housemate is a gripping standalone crime thriller by Sarah Bailey, centered on investigative journalist Olive Groves (Oli) as she delves into a cold case from her past. Set in Melbourne, the story unfolds in dual timelines, revealing the tragic murder of a young student named Evelyn and the complicated interplay among her housemates. When new evidence resurfaces, prompting Oli to revisit the case ten years later, she teams up with Cooper Ng, a young podcaster whose fresh perspective clashes with her traditional journalism approach. Together, they navigate a web of secrets and lies, leading to unexpected twists and a shocking conclusion that keeps readers on their toes.
Bailey's writing style is engaging and sharp, skillfully balancing character-driven narratives with a taut, suspenseful plot. The dynamic between Oli and Cooper adds depth to the story, as their strong personalities influence the investigation's progress. While some readers may find parts of the plot convoluted and the pacing slow in the beginning, the book ultimately delivers a satisfying mystery filled with intrigue and emotional complexity. The themes of journalism, personal growth, and the darkness of human nature resonate throughout, making The Housemate a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers.
- #8
Save:A visceral, unflinching look at ambition, class, and the cost of failure - brilliantly written, but not for the faint of heart.
- #9
Save:A quietly mesmerizing novel about art, longing, and growing up on the edges of bohemia - perfect for readers drawn to beautifully crafted prose and unforgettable characters.
I ONCE READ THAT the heart’s magnetic field radiates up to five metres from the body, so that whenever we are within this range of another person our hearts are interacting. The body’s silent communic... - #10
Save:Short, sharply written, and deeply authentic - "The Spare Room" is a moving (and sometimes uncomfortable) exploration of friendship under pressure. Not an easy read, but definitely a worthwhile one.
