People are dying in Blackriver.

Mikel Ofeli is tired. He has been commander of the guard at Sheerwall Castle for decades. As he mourns the passing of his wife, Mata, and with his son Tuomas away on a diplomatic mission, he is confronted by horrifically maimed bodies discovered near the castle walls.

Mikel will avoid the interference of godlings and question the benevolence of Mercy's Shield as he searches for the cause of these murders before anyone else is put in danger. He is the only one who can face down mercenaries, religious leaders, and the Lord of the Castle, one of his oldest friends.

Events in his past continue to affect his present, and his decisions will be influenced by memories that won't let him rest.

There Is A Stranger Here is a fantasy thriller that places familiar action into a new world. The damaged detective with personal issues is commander of the castle guard. He has to stop a serial killer before they strike again, but this killer is not human. Settle into the lush world-building, danger, and excitement of Aotearoa New Zealand author Aaron Dick's latest novel.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473731724
Language: English

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally and teaching them signs gives you and your little one a helping hand as they connect with the world around them, develop interests, and (most importantly) learn basic language skills.

‘First Signs - animals’ paves the way with some favourite animal signs as a fun extension or introduction to pre-verbal communication skills.

Series: First Signs

Published: October 1st, 2023
ISBN: 9780473674120
Language: English, NZSL

About the Author
Jenna lives in Auckland with her husband, three-year old daughter, and new born baby boy. Her signature style and quality craftsmanship made her a hit at craft markets where she built a passionate following of fellow art lovers. It was these same followers (along with family and friends) who encouraged her to do what she loved and to never stop creating – a journey which culminated in her first published book A, B Seek in 2017. She has then gone on to create 3 more books including the new sign language books.

Jenna taught her daughter sign as a baby but found it hard to find resources with NZ sign. After learning sign through classes and feedback from people in the deaf community she went on to create these resources in hope to help others.

In between creating she focuses her time on her children, raising them with an appreciation and respect for her Cook Island and Māori heritage.

Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally, and teaching basic signs to children benefits both them and their parents by providing a means of communication before and during speech development. “First Signs” gets you started with key signs to help you communicate with your little one, easing frustration (for everyone!) by giving them a means to express their wants and needs.

You can begin introducing signs as early as you want (the earlier you do means more practice for you!), but studies show babies as young as six months old can remember and recognise a sign. By eight months some children are able to imitate gestures or communicate using simple one-word signs.

First Signs contains 13 New Zealand Sign Language signs with details and illustrations on how to do them.

Series: First Signs

Published: January 1st, 2022
ISBN: 9780473651923
Language: English, NZSL

About the Author
Jenna lives in Auckland with her husband, three-year old daughter, and new born baby boy. Her signature style and quality craftsmanship made her a hit at craft markets where she built a passionate following of fellow art lovers. It was these same followers (along with family and friends) who encouraged her to do what she loved and to never stop creating – a journey which culminated in her first published book A, B Seek in 2017. She has then gone on to create 3 more books including the new sign language books.

Jenna taught her daughter sign as a baby but found it hard to find resources with NZ sign. After learning sign through classes and feedback from people in the deaf community she went on to create these resources in hope to help others.

In between creating she focuses her time on her children, raising them with an appreciation and respect for her Cook Island and Māori heritage.

Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally, and teaching basic signs to children benefits both them and their parents by providing a means of communication before and during speech development. “First Signs – Everyday Words 2 builds upon the foundation of the first book by introducing even more essential signs. This expanded collection helps you continue to enhance communication with your little one, easing frustration by empowering them to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively.

You can begin introducing signs as early as you want (the earlier you do means more practice for you!), but studies show babies as young as six months old can remember and recognise a sign. By eight months some children are able to imitate gestures or communicate using simple one-word signs.

First Signs contains 13 New Zealand Sign Language signs with details and illustrations on how to do them.

Series: First Signs

Published: October 1st, 2024
ISBN: 9780473716813
Language: English, NZSL

About the Author
Jenna lives in Auckland with her husband, three-year old daughter, and new born baby boy. Her signature style and quality craftsmanship made her a hit at craft markets where she built a passionate following of fellow art lovers. It was these same followers (along with family and friends) who encouraged her to do what she loved and to never stop creating – a journey which culminated in her first published book A, B Seek in 2017. She has then gone on to create 3 more books including the new sign language books.

Jenna taught her daughter sign as a baby but found it hard to find resources with NZ sign. After learning sign through classes and feedback from people in the deaf community she went on to create these resources in hope to help others.

In between creating she focuses her time on her children, raising them with an appreciation and respect for her Cook Island and Māori heritage.

Shanti has been living in the city of Gorduum for two years, working alongside her shrewd uncle Dunin and exploring streets lit by shining plants. But the excitement of such wonderful places palls over time, and now she has an opportunity to follow investment opportunities to strange distant lands. Her desire to explore has been awakened once more.

Travelling to the canals and jungle of Chechezuk will bring her the same awe and joy as her first journeys to Gorduum. But unfamiliar customers bring new dangers in the watery canals of this city and desperation hides in plain sight.

When Hidden Eyes Grow Dim is a standalone sequel to Where The Fields Grow Light, by Aotearoa New Zealand author Aaron Dick. Follow Shanti as she delves into a city built on water, and finds her faith and relationships challenged by the people she meets there.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473639136
Language: English

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Shanti is a young woman who spends her days helping out behind the counter of the family general store in the small village of Graama. Seeing as her family and friends are content to remain working hard in the shops and fields of Graama, Shanti feels she must restrain her dreams of seeing far off places from the stories she heard as a child.

But when a chance comes up to travel to the distant city of Gorduum, as part of her mother’s business, she leaps at the opportunity; though she worries about leaving her family to cope without her. She doesn’t know how she feels about leaving behind two young men who often seek her company either.

Before long she is caught up in the world of the lights traders, companies that grow plants which glow and illuminate the city. With her uncle’s help she begins to navigate through this shining unfamiliar city to complete her business, but finds herself spending more and more time with a man pursuing darker goals.

Where The Fields Grow Light is the first full-length novel by New Zealand author Aaron Dick. This fantasy story features family left behind in search of something more, beautiful sights and luxurious places, strange technologies, the perilous navigation of a new and unfamiliar society, chances for romance, and a slow descent into something dark and dangerous.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473523442
Language: English

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Madeline is on the lookout for love in her final year of university when she meets Daniel. Attractive, funny, charming, and a musician just like her. He seems to understand her in a way no one has before. Could he be everything she has ever wanted in a boyfriend?

It doesn't take long before something forms between them — but what that is, Madeline isn't sure. As Madeline navigates the rhythms of her connection with Daniel, she also has life's ups and downs to face.

Study stress, family dramas, loss, and friendships both new and old press in on Madeline. It's up to her to find who she wants to be — and who she wants to be with — before stepping into the big world beyond.

Will Madeline be able to deal with the insecurities that have been brought to the surface? Is she destined to remain stuck in toxic relationships or will she find the strength within herself to change her situation?

The book contains five original songs written and recorded by the author, with QR codes to stream the songs online.

Published: March 21, 2025
ISBN: 9780473731380
Language: English

About the Author
Martinette is a graduate from the University of Otago.
She lives in Dunedin with her husband and two children.
'Everything She Wanted' is her debut novel. Also a songwriter, her original music is available on all streaming platforms.

A Kiwi Christmas Tale about a wee tree who believes in himself to shine brightly.
With not a snowflake in sight, it is enjoyed by Kiwi kids at Christmas, asking for it to be read "again".

Published: November1st, 2023
ISBN: 9780473605834
Language: English

About the Author
Debbie is a self published, kids author who is loving the process of words on paper becoming words in a book, read by our gorgeous Kiwi kids.
My first book Taika's Christmas Tale is also available in Te Reo.

A Kiwi Christmas Tale about a wee tree who believes in himself to shine brightly.
With not a snowflake in sight, it is enjoyed by Kiwi kids at Christmas, asking for it to be read "again".

A tale of Christmas acknowledging our unique summer celebration and encouraging tamariki to read Te Reo.

Published: November1st, 2023
ISBN: 9780473713232
Language: English

About the Author
Debbie is a self published, kids author who is loving the process of words on paper becoming words in a book, read by our gorgeous Kiwi kids.
My first book Taika's Christmas Tale is also available in Te Reo.

Jayden hasn't been having a good year. He's probably not going to keep his job long. His two oldest friends are getting way too judgy as they go about cleaning up their act and becoming "mature". To make things worse they keep expecting him to do the same. As if they're so perfect? But what's the point, why bother? Jayden knows what sort of person he is, and aiming to "improve" himself is just a waste of everybody's time.

Then those friends decide to introduce him to someone new; Katie. Katie seems to get it. Katie sees how pointless people can be. Now dinner is eaten and the four of them are going to the movies together. Will this be a chance for Jayden to turn over a new leaf and begin something new? Or is it all true what they say about him, what he thinks about himself? Is he really that awful?

But what happens among the dark seats of the cinema will start a chain reaction for Jayden and everyone around him. Still dripping from the rain outside, grotesque things will force all who encounter them to uncover their true selves, if they want any chance to survive.

Rotten is the latest novel by New Zealand author Aaron Dick. This nauseating horror story follows Jayden as he is confronted with the up close and personal faces of both death and deep regret. Not to mention he must face the unnatural things that just keep coming, keep crawling, keep stumbling closer every moment; while he scrambles to finally find somewhere he feels safe.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473539160
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Violent Death

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Thrust into a world previously unknown to her, Agatha fumbled her way through bouts of depression as the desperation of her situation hits home, the denial of her new life, and the brutality of war that ensues, and magic that she never knew was in her. Can she pull herself back into reality, to help those who love her the most?

The crew living in the castle, help with fortification and safety, but what will happen if more join? Will the balance of calm and support hold, or will it teeter on the edge.

Lord Caspian has his tricks with control, deceit, and manipulation, not to mention the growing unease of a town that supported and cared for Agatha’s aunt. As Agatha grows in strength the young woman that first walked through the oak doors, clueless to the unravelling events to face how life is teetering on a thin line stretched over a cavern filled to the brim with Daemons raged and bloodthirsty. Will it be Caspian that breaks the line or will the stress of the new life become all to much for our beloved Agatha.
And don’t forget our beloved Fey and their new home, reveling in their newfound freedom, no more the kamikaze Fey that were only destined to be caged and used as subjects of war.


Reviews:

JD ‘if you’re into epic fantasy with magic, adventure, and a dash of romance, you’ve got to check this series out! Trust me you won’t regret it!’

Grungy_fairy_reader: ‘Here we go! Are you ready for the second book in this series because I loved it even more than the first one!’.

Published: 22 June, 2024
ISBN: 9781067014018
Language: English

From the author of LIMELIGHT ON LOVE and DRAGONUS CHRONICLES comes this sensual, heart-warming story of second chances and rediscovered love.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"A lovely read. I loved the story and characters. I do love this author. 5*."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "A steamy but romantic read!"

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I absolutely love this author and this book didn’t disappoint."

Thirty-two years ago, sixteen-year-old Emily had a crush on Noah Hayes—the boy next door and captain of the high school volleyball team. She had hoped he would finally notice her. But Fate had other ideas, and Noah went off to university, leaving his family, friends, and Emily, behind.

As a reward for finishing her latest manuscript, bestselling romance author, Emily Reid, signs up for a four-day Autumn Colours photography workshop in Otago, New Zealand. While she sits waiting for the bus to head out, a tall, gorgeous stranger with broad shoulders and dark tousled hair, comes on board. She’s never met him before, yet there’s something familiar about him, an inexplicable magnetic attraction that sets her heart racing.

The last person Noah expects to run into on a photography workshop is his high school crush. But he isn’t going to waste the opportunity. With green eyes, fiery auburn hair, and a smile that takes his breath away, she is even more captivating than he remembers. And if she’d let him, he would spend every possible moment in her company.

Can Noah and Emily use the second chance Fate gives them to focus on love?

Find out in book one of Jay Shaw’s new series: Seasons Of Romance.


Content advisory: This book contains adult content and themes best suited to readers over 18 years old.


What people are saying about FOCUS ON LOVE:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...Gently told with a real sense of place (New Zealand) that figures heavily in the story the author slowly unfolds the tentative exploration of two older people trying to recapture the potential of the past. Kristin Gleeson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...An amazing love story of a couple that are of a non-traditional age - they are 48 + 50 - and this was a long awaited reading treat. Too many stories are based on the 18- 28ish age range with the writing styles reflecting that age. The writing in this book reflects the maturity of our characters and that is refreshing for the older reader. Jay's character development and world building brings the reader into the heart of the story and you won't want to leave. Donna

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...What a lovely heart-warming book. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their journeys. Life has a habit of showing us the unexpected. Amazing after all those years their paths would cross again. Highly recommended. Angela Taylor
Content Advisory: Contains adult themes that are best suited to readers 18 years old and over.

Tigger Warnings/Age Restrictions: R18+ for sexual situations and occasional swearing

Published: 11 July, 2021
ISBN: 9798535196763
Language: English

Meet the Author

Jay was raised on a balanced diet of Star Wars, 80's TV, and romance novels. So, naturally, she has a partiality for tall, dark-haired, space heroes and military men in thigh holsters.

When I'm not lunching with my most-excellent author friends or marathoning Netflix, you can catch me writing sexy space adventures, wolf-shifter escapades, contemporary second-chance romances, and steamy action/adventures.

Despite the many trials and tribulations of her characters, it is universally acknowledged that they will discover their one great love. A love all time and space will lie down and be still for.