We are thrilled and delighted to announce that debut YA author Graham Akhurst’s Borderland is a finalist, X2 on the Aurealis Awards shortlist!

Borderland has been recognised in two Aurealis categories;
◘ Best young adult novel
◘ Best horror novel

These annual awards are administrated by the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild. Winners will be announced at an event in May. And it’s a huge achievement for Graham’s debut to rack up two nods. We wish him hearty congratulations!

Borderland is a heart-pounding horror gothic that follows Jono on an epic quest to find himself in the face of unbelievable challenges. Graham Akhurst, the brilliant mind behind this coming-of-age gem, is a Fulbright scholar from the Kokomini of Northern Queensland. A fresh, mind-bending tale exploring Indigenous identity, the impact of colonization, and what happens when you take a stand – endorsed by legendary author Markus Zusak as ‘A hell of a debut novel from a writer at once daring, insightful and heartfelt.’