australian fantasy novels

One characteristic is the use of Australian landscapes as a backdrop. For example, deserts, rainforests, and coastlines often play important roles in the stories, adding a distinct and vivid setting. Another is the incorporation of Aboriginal mythology and folklore, which gives a unique cultural flavor. For instance, in many Australian fantasy novels, Dreamtime stories might be reimagined or incorporated in some way.

One more to mention is 'The Book of the Unnamed Midwife' by Meg Elison. It's a dystopian fantasy set in a world where most of the population has been wiped out by a plague. The midwife in the story is a strong and complex character, and the book offers a unique take on survival in a harsh and changed world.

Another is 'The Slain' series by J.A. Culican. It features an exciting adventure in an Australian - inspired fantasy realm, with unique characters and a complex plot that keeps you hooked.

Australian fantasy stories frequently feature a connection to nature. The harsh yet beautiful Australian environment can be almost a character in itself. There is often a sense of the unknown and the mysterious, perhaps related to the unexplored parts of the continent. And, they can have a down - to - earth quality, even when dealing with magical elements, not overly grandiose but rather grounded in the Australian way of life.

There's also 'The Gilded Cage' by Vic James. It's a YA fantasy novel that deals with themes of class struggle and magic. It's set in a world where the lower classes are magically oppressed by the upper classes. The story follows a young girl who tries to fight against this system and is full of twists and turns.

Among the 10 best Australian novels, 'True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey stands out. It offers a different perspective on the famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas is also notable as it delves into contemporary Australian society and family values. Also, 'The Book Thief' (while Markus Zusak is of Austrian - German origin, the story is set in Australia during the war) is a powerful novel that shows the impact of war on people and their love for books.

Some of the well - known Australian novels could include 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' by Joan Lindsay. It has an air of mystery and the story of the disappearance of schoolgirls is both haunting and thought - provoking.

There's 'The Tree House series' by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton which has some Australian - themed fantasy adventures. The characters go on all sorts of wacky and magical adventures in a tree house. It's full of humor and imagination and gives a taste of Australian - style fantasy.

They often show the isolation in Australian outback areas. For example, in 'The Dry', the small town setting reflects how a community can be both a support and a threat. Crimes in these areas can be more hidden and the life - or - death situations can be exacerbated by the lack of immediate help. The novels also show the impact of environmental factors like drought on people's mental states, which can lead to crimes and dangerous situations.

Many of them have strong connections to the Australian landscape. For example, they often use the unique Australian outback or coastal settings as backdrops. This gives the stories a distinct Australian flavor.