Author: Jodie Sloan

Blood & Steel

Book Review: Defy prophecy and fate in Helen Scheuerer’s new fantasy romance Blood & Steel

March 8, 2023

Thea Zoltaire wants to be a Warsword, a legendary warrior of Thezmarr. There’s just two problems. One, thanks to a prophecy, women are forbidden to wield blades. And two, Thea only has a few years left to live. Her time is running out. After years of training in secret, she finally has an opportunity to […]

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The Grief Nurse

Book Review: Sorrow, jealousy, and the pursuit of power come to a head in Angie Spoto’s speculative fiction debut The Grief Nurse

February 20, 2023

Only the wealthiest and most influential families can boast of having their own Grief Nurse. Shunned, feared, and revered in equal measure, Grief Nurses ensure their families are free of negative emotions, freeing them from sadness, anxiety, and heartache. Lynx is the Asters’ Grief Nurse, removing their Sorrow and replacing it with Bright. Taken as […]

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Philip Fracassi

Book Review: Creativity comes at a heavy, horrific cost in Philip Fracassi’s Gothic

February 17, 2023

On his 59th birthday, Tyson Parks, a famous but fading horror writer, receives a desk from his partner. It’s hoped that the piece will get his creative juices flowing again, and rekindle his passion for his work. And it seems to be working. His agent is more excited than Tyson has seen him in years, […]

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Book Review: A delightfully spooky new series enters the arena, with Reece Carter’s A Girl Called Corpse

October 5, 2022

Off the coast of a tiny forgotten town called Elston-Fright, lies a rock-that-doesn’t-exist. On that rock live three wicked child-snatching children. But someone else lives there too. A ghost. She’s fashioned a body made of wax with seaweed for hair and abalone shells for eyes. She’s found a friend, a huntsman spider named Simon. And […]

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Book Review: Return to Lyndall Clipstone’s atmospheric world with sequel Forestfall

September 28, 2022

The curse on Lakesedge and its young lord has been lifted. But it has come at a great cost. Leta, desperate to save the boy she loves, has made a deal with the Lord Under. Sacrificing herself to mend the Corruption that has ravaged Lakesedge, she is damned to walk the world Below. Yet her […]

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Book Review: J.M. Miro launches stunning new fantasy series with Ordinary Monsters

September 15, 2022

The Cairndale Institute isn’t like other schools. Taking in children with specific skills, known as Talents, it’s not only a chance to grow and learn; but also a refuge from a world not ready for their powers. Charlie Ovid can heal himself from just about any injury. Komako can manipulate dust to do extraordinary things. […]

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Theatre Review: La Boite stuns with Lewis Treston’s reimagining of Wilde’s An Ideal Husband

July 21, 2022

1996-ish. Canberra-ish. Artie Whig (Will Carseldine) is facing an uncertain future, about to be cut off by his no-nonsense father John (Kevin Hides). Unless he marries and finds a career, the young gadabout can kiss his allowance goodbye. Meanwhile, Minister for the Environment Robyn Shi (Hsiao-Ling Tang) and her advisor Gertrude (an absolute scene-stealing Emily […]

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Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Queensland, with Warner Bros. Movie World’s upcoming Wizard of Oz precinct

July 20, 2022

Gold Coast theme park Warner Bros. Movie World will be putting the ‘Oz’ in The Wizard of Oz, with a brand new precinct themed around the classic film set to open in 2024. Taking over the space previously occupied by the Arkham Asylum coaster (some may also remember it as Lethal Weapon – The Ride), […]

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Opera Review: Opera Queensland turns the tragic into magic with Verdi’s La Traviata

July 18, 2022

With Moulin Rouge wowing audiences in Sydney, Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre is hosting its own tragic tale of Parisian courtesans and ill-fated love affairs. Verdi‘s iconic La Traviata opened last week, led by Lorina Gore and Kang Wang as star-crossed lovers Violetta and Alfredo. A joint venture between Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia, and West […]

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Ellery Cohen “Demons”

July 13, 2022

Alt-pop artist Ellery Cohen is about to drop latest single “Demons” and we’re stoked to be able to bring you an exclusive look at the track’s music video! “Demons” was a long-time coming for Ellery, who emerged from the Melbourne lockdowns with a newfound approach to both life and music. Working with No Frills Twins’ […]

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Theatre Review: Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook brings a new repertoire to Queensland Theatre

July 5, 2022

After a delayed start, Robyn Archer: An Australian Songbook has finally made its way to the Bille Brown Theatre stage and, happily, it was more than worth the wait. Setting aside the assumed Aussie repertoire, An Australian Songbook explores the history of our country through a rather unexpected collection of Australian music, anchored by the […]

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Robyn Archer takes a trip through Australia’s melodic history

July 1, 2022

National treasure Robyn Archer has set up home at Queensland Theatre for the next couple of weeks. Alongside her long-time band members, George Butrumulis (Zydeco Jump), Cameron Goodall (The Audreys) and Ennio Pozzebon (Keating: The Musical), she’ll be taking audiences on a journey through Australian song – and it won’t always be the tracks you’re […]

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SXSW to head to Australia in 2023

June 30, 2022

SXSW have announced an annual Asia-Pacific installment, with Sydney set to host in October 2023. It’s the first time the iconic conference and festival of creativity has expanded beyond North America since its inception in 1987. A joint collaboration between the NSW Government, Destination NSW, TEG, and SXSW, SXSW Sydney will bring together the world’s […]

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Book Review: An Echo Through The Veil is the best yet from Bonnie Wynne

June 29, 2022

The sorceress Ailbhe Ahriddin is continuing her onslaught. As plague ravages the land, she has thrown open the gates of Death, setting her demons loose to claim the corpses left behind. For Gwyn and her comrades, still reeling from the events of Jhabahabi, it’s yet another huge setback. But all is not lost. Deep in the […]

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Woodlock “Sunday Drive” (2022)

June 23, 2022

Today we’re sharing the exclusive video premiere of Woodlock‘s “Sunday Drive“! It’s the third single to come from the trio’s upcoming Bermuda Sea EP, due for release in early August. Woodlock, consisting of brothers Zech Walters (guitar/vocals), Eze Walters (guitar/vocals), and friend Bowen Purcell (drums,), describe the new EP’s theme as “yearning”, of wanting to […]

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Exclusive Album Premiere: Matthew Gilbert, Getting Over All Of It

June 22, 2022

Let’s us help you get through Hump Day with some new music! Today we’re sharing an exclusive look at Getting Over All Of It, the latest from indie-folk singer-songwriter Matthew Gilbert. Funded by Gilbert’s fans through a Kickstarter campaign, the sophomore release was penned and produced during the Melbourne lockdowns last year. Mixed by Jacob […]

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Book Review: Tom Watson’s Metronome is a compelling dystopian debut

June 21, 2022

For twelve years, Aina and Whitney have lived in exile. Imprisoned on an isolated island, their lives are measured by the clock in the kitchen that dispenses the pills that keep them alive. Hobbies keep them busy while they await their release. Whitney tinkers, sculpts, maps the island. Aina does jigsaws, gardens, writes music. But, […]

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Exclusive Single Premiere: Josh Needs “Silver Sheets”

June 13, 2022

How about some brand new music to help celebrate the long weekend? Today we’ve got the exclusive premiere of Josh Needs’ “Silver Sheets”, a grungy slice of post-punk that we’ve not been able to shake since our first listen. “Silver Sheets” is the latest glimpse we’ve had of Needs’ upcoming EP Fault Line, covering one […]

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Theatre Review: Theresa Rebeck‘s Bernhardt/Hamlet lights up the Bille Brown Theatre

June 6, 2022

It is 1899 and the world’s most famous actress, Sarah Bernhardt, is rehearsing for Hamlet. But, to the horror of critics and the delight of the Parisian gossip mills, she won’t be reprising her role as Ophelia. Nor will she be embracing the age appropriate Gertrude. Bernhardt craves something more audacious, something bold. Something that […]

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Guest Playlist: Yoste provides the perfect soundtrack to accompany new track “Violet”

June 3, 2022

Brisbane’s Yoste has just dropped his third EP, Never The Same, a six strong collection that showcases the very best of the alt-pop artist. It’s a gorgeous release, packed with earnest song-writing and irresistible hooks. Of the EP, Yoste – otherwise known as Kurt Sines – says: “This record is focused on growing up, but […]

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Exclusive Single Premiere: JaZZella “Quit Bitchin'”

June 2, 2022

Today we’re stoked to be premiering the new track from JaZZella! “Quit Bitchin’” is the latest from the travelling musician, showcasing a playful, soulful sound that’s the perfect antidote to the current cold snap – even if those cheeky lyrics bite just as hard as the wind! “Quit Bitchin’” is the third glimpse we’ve had […]

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Theatre Review: Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years comes to life at La Boite

June 2, 2022

Intimate, heart-breaking and occasionally very funny, Jason Robert Brown‘s The Last Five Years has taken to the La Boite Roundhouse stage under the direction of Darren Yap. Chronicling two 20-somethings as they fall in and out of love, the musical navigates the years of miscommunications, crossed wires, and heartfelt attempts to salvage something that perhaps […]

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Track by Track: Lewis Goldmark takes us through debut solo album Cut and Flash

May 30, 2022

Belles Will Ring‘s Liam Judson, otherwise known as Lewis Goldmark, has unleashed a glorious mix of vintage haze, experimental pop, and indie-disco on the world, in the form of debut solo album Cut and Flash. Judson did it all, writing, producing and engineering the entire project from his Blue Mountains studio. Well, almost – we’ve […]

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Track by Track: Jem Cassar-Daley takes us through debut EP I Don’t Know Who to Call

May 27, 2022

Singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley has been wowing us with her talents since last year, with tracks “Letting Go,” “Changes,” and “Like it More” showcasing a soulful indie-pop sound, backed by stunning vocals. Today, it’s all coming together with the release of debut EP I Don’t Know Who To Call. Of the release, Jem says: “This project is very close […]

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Diana Reid, Anita Heiss, and Hannah Kent get nods as ABIA announces 2022 shortlist

May 25, 2022

The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) have today announced their 2022 shortlist, with a star-studded awards ceremony set to take place in Sydney on June 9th. The gala event will take place at ICC Sydney, hosted by actor, singer, and musical theatre star Alinta Chidzey, and with Wendy Whiteley, The Wiggles, Michelle Law, Peter Fitzsimons, […]

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Hedy Blaazer “Lying Flat”

May 24, 2022

We’re stoked to be wrapping up our Tuesday with an exclusive look at the new video for Hedy Blaazer‘s “Lying Flat” – and after late 2021’s haunting “Fluorescent“, which quickly made its way into rotation on ABC Rage, we’re more than ready to wrap our ears around Hedy’s latest. Teaming with Marcella Tonini, Jo Pall, […]

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Filipino and Aboriginal rapper DOBBY releases new single “Walk Away”, featuring The Merindas

May 20, 2022

Multi-instrumentalist and rapper DOBBY today released new single “Walk Away“, a commanding indictment of the lingering after effects of colonialism, and the years of systemic racism and cultural erasure suffered by Indigenous Australians. Otherwise known as Rhyan Clapham, DOBBY is a proud Filipino and Aboriginal musician, whose family hails from Murrawarri and Ngemba lands. Stints […]

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Explore the Australian Museum after dark with Nights at the Museum

May 18, 2022

Museum-goers will finally be able to live out their Larry Daley dreams, with the Australian Museum keeping the doors open a little later every Thursday throughout May and June. Not only will you be able to explore the AM’s current exhibitions after dark, but Nights at the Museum will also be offering a stacked roster […]

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Queensland Theatre announces Bernhardt/Hamlet, starring Angie Milliken

May 18, 2022

Queensland Theatre‘s second production of 2022 sees Australian screen and stage legend Angie Milliken return to her Brisbane roots. And she won’t be the only theatrical icon in the building when Theresa Rebeck‘s Bernhardt/Hamlet opens later this month. Set at the turn of the 20th century, when famed French actress Sarah Bernhardt staged a performance […]

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Young Henrys teams with Byron Bay’s The Rails for Best Served Loud

April 5, 2022

Free up your Saturday nights, Byron Bay, because Young Henrys is taking over The Rails for the latest edition of Best Served Loud, a huge series of free gigs kicking off this weekend. Presented with Tiny Minds Agency, Best Served Loud champions some of the best in emerging and established Aussie music. Expect great music, […]

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