New Zealand author Juliet Marillier, now based in Perth, sets Dreamer's Pool, the first of her Blackthorn and Grim series, in mediaeval Ireland. Blackthorn, an aptly named prickly healer, can only escape her wrongful imprisonment and impending execution if she agrees not to seek vengeance on her oppressor. She must also aid anyone who asks for her help. When Prince Oran seeks assistance with nuptial problems, she embarks on a dangerous journey with her former prison companion, the silent giant Grim. Both she and Grim, however, have been scarred by their pasts and must also fight their own demons. An excellent start to the series, with three strong main characters.

CLARIEL: THE LOST ABHORSEN
By Garth Nix
Allen and Unwin. $22.99.

Fans of Garth Nix have been waiting for 11 years for a new book in The Old Kingdom series (Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen). They won't be disappointed in the prequel Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen, which follows a resolute, if headstrong teenager who doesn't want to be sent to the city to gain a profession and a husband. Clariel confronts machiavellian court politics, a dangerous Free Magic creature and the need to find and then contain her own magical powers. While fans will be well aware of Clariel's dark future, Nix creates an engrossing narrative and a character with whom many will empathise, particularly her passion for personal freedom.

SHATTERWING and SKYWATCHER
By Donna Maree Hanson. Momentum
$19.99 each. E-books $5.99 each.

Donna Maree Hanson is a long-time stalwart of the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild. The first two books, Shatterwing and Skywatcher in her Dragon Wine series, set on the post-apocalyptic planet Margra, have been 10 years in the making. A brutally oppressive regime forces prisoners to work in vineyards that produce a life-sustaining wine made from the essence of dragons. Hanson uses her viticultural expertise in the Canberra region to good effect. Twenty-five-year-old Salinda, the best prison vintner, joins forces with Brill, a young rebel, and others, to foment revolution against the brutal Inspector to save the planet. Hanson's compelling novels, however, decidedly fall into the dark fantasy category.