Hopefully, George R. R. Martin will talk about his classic 1982 vampire novel Fevre Dream when he appears at Supanova, Brisbane, from November 8-10. Fevre Dream is a real page-turner. It’s about a down-on-his-luck steamboat captain, Abner Marsh, who in 1857 is contacted by a strange, pale gentleman, Joshua York. They become business partners, sailing along the Mississippi River with some of Joshua’s friends. But Joshua stipulates that Abner Marsh isn’t to enquire too closely into Joshua and his friends’ business. And Joshua and his associates are odd passengers, rarely venturing out in daylight.
There are a lot of other good authors appearing at Supanova, which focuses on the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Creative people from the games and comics industry appear, too, and give inspiring talks. Supanova is basically a comic-con, and one of the good things about Supanova is anyone can display their books by simply hiring a table. So readers can hear about good literature by writers with all sorts of world views. I attended the Gold Coast Supanova last April and picked up some good reading tips from authors.
K.J. Taylor is an Australian fantasy author whose books appeal to a wide span of ages. Her novels include The Shadow’s Heir, The Griffin’s War and The Dark Griffin. I’m currently reading The Shadow’s Heir and enjoying it. Laela Redguard lives with her foster father who tells Laela about the death of her father while trying to escape prison guards. When her foster father dies, Laela goes on a journey to the Northern kingdom, which is ruled by the ruthless King Arenadd and the dark griffin Skandar.
K. J. Taylor liked Clive Barker’s novel, Cold Heart Canyon, A Hollywood Ghost Story. A fading actor moves into 1920s movie star Katya Lupi’s old Hollywood home, to recover from unsuccessful plastic surgery. He finds he’s not alone.
K. J. Taylor also liked William Horwood’s Duncton Wood series, which includes six novels. The books tell of moledom: a society of anthropomorphic moles, with their own history, religion and written communication.
China Melville’s book Perdito Street Station was another favorite. In New Crobuzon, a scientist, Isaac, is asked by Yagharek, a Garuda, to restore his ability to fly. But while studying a mysterious caterpillar, Isaac unintentionally causes a metamorphosis, and a moth-like creature starts feeding on the sub-conscious of sentient beings. Isaac has to stop it and redeem himself.
K. J. Taylor also liked The Son of the Light by Christian Jacq. This 1995 novel was Volume 1 of five books in the fictionalized biography of Pharoah Ramses II, and it follows the life of the teenage Ramses.
George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones was another favorite.

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-copyright Simon Sandall