Join us for an unforgettable evening with Zena Shapter, author of When Dark Worlds Rise, and Ben Ryan, author of Coming Out At The End of the World.

Zena Shapter and Ben Ryan will discuss all things 'other worldly' from dystopian and apocalyptic settings to inner worlds of identity, belonging and selfhood. Doors open at 5pm for a 5.30pm start, followed by an author discussion, then guests will have an opportunity to ask questions and have their books signed. Refreshments will be provided.

When Dark Worlds Rise

It’s dangerous to leave. Outside the secret shack where Sala and her friends have been hiding, foraging among the burnt-out ruins of a raided land, heartless scavengers will kill for any technology they find. Vicious tree cats stalk the night for prey. And giant water-ants have overrun Palude’s carnivorous tree swamps. But when the love of her life needs help, Sala has no choice but to trade everything they possess for his freedom.

She’s not the only one making decisions of course. As ecosystems collapse, and everyday life fractures, desperate leaders will risk everything for control. Soon, no amount of sacrifice can stop the poison of lies and betrayals set to bring the explosive world of Palude to its limits. Sala’s courage to kindle hope from the ashes will only do so much.

The greatest enemy always hides within.

‘When Dark Worlds Rise, like the best speculative fiction, reminds us that individual actions matter, and that even amongst overwhelming turmoil, ecological exploitation and official corruption, a more sustainable world can still be built.’ Dr Craig Cormick OAM, Children’s Book Council of Australia (ACT) Ambassador, author of the Shadow Master series

Coming Out At The End of the World

When his city is overrun by the undying – reanimated, bloodthirsty corpses – Alex realises that simply surviving the apocalypse is not enough. To truly live, he must finally come out to his tough big brother, Brody, before it’s too late. But Alex doesn’t want to make things awkward with the only living family he has left. Not while they’re fighting their way through undying hordes, trying to escape a dead city. And especially not when there is a huge, living-dead beast on their trail. And worst of all...

What if Brody rejects him?