New books to look out for… The Crimson Road by A.G. Slatter -

You might know that I adore A.G. Slatter’s writing, so it will come as no surprise that one of my most anticipated books for 2025 is her next gothic fantasy novel The Crimson Road, which comes out from Titan Books (New South Books here in Australia) in February. I touched a tiny bit on how excited I am about this one in my post about my favourite 2024 reads (Slatter’s new novel release last year, The Briar Book of the Dead made the list, natch). Here’s the synopsis from the publisher’s website:

Violet Zennor has had a peculiar upbringing. Training as a fighter in underground arenas, honing her skills against the worst scum, murderers and thieves her father could pit her against, she has learned to be ruthless. To kill.

Until the day Hedrek Zennor dies. Violet thinks she’s free – a rich young heiress with a world of possibilities in front of her. Then, to her horror, Violet learns that her father planned to send her into the Darklands, where the Leech Lords reign. Where Violet’s still-born brother was taken years ago after Hedrek sold him to a man bearing the mark of the mysterious Anchorhold.

Her father’s solicitor and the city’s bishop are insistent she fulfil her duty, but Violet steadfastly refuses. Until one night two assassins attempt to slaughter her – and it becomes clear: if she wants to enjoy a future free of the interference of either solicitors, bishops or assassins, she’s going to have to clean up the mess her father made.

On her journey, Violet seeks the help of Miren O’Malley in the hidden estate of Blackwater, whose family once produced the purest, strangest silver; Ellie Briar of Silverton, the Briar Witch who guards the gateway to the realm of the Leech Lords; and Asher Todd of Whitebarrow, who did terrible things and found The Three Who Went Beneath.

Ultimately, Violet must go alone. Into the Darklands. To the Anchorhold where it all began. Where it will all end. To do what must be done.

I am particularly excited about the fact that this novel is going to bring together the fabulous protagonists of the previous stories. I’m determined to exercise some restraint with this one and reread those other books first to get deep into the world before I head off with Violet on her journey.