Claire North – författare

'ONE OF THE FICTION HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECADE' Judy Finnigan, Richard and Judy Book ClubFeatured in the Richard and Judy Book Club, the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and the Waterstones Book Club Winner of the John W. Campbell AwardShortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke AwardSOME STORIES CANNOT BE TOLD IN JUST ONE LIFETIMENo matter what he does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, Harry always returns to where he began, a child with all the knowledge of a life he has already lived a dozen times before. Nothing ever changes - until now.As Harry nears the end of his eleventh life, a little girl appears at his bedside. 'I nearly missed you, Doctor August,' she says. 'I need to send a message.'This is the story of what Harry does next, and what he did before, and how he tries to save a past he cannot change and a future he cannot allow.This is the extraordinary journey of one unforgettable character - a story of friendship and betrayal, loyalty and redemption, love and loneliness and the inevitable march of time. Perfect for readers of How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.'Utterly readable, utterly believable and compelling' Judy Finnigan, Richard and Judy Book Club'Beautiful and gripping' Guardian'An astonishing re-invention of the time-travel narrative. Bold, magical and masterful' M. R. Carey, author of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS 'Terrific, smart and entertaining' Patrick Ness'The writing is impeccable . . Plus Harry is a fascinating main character' Heat 'I don't say this lightly but The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August is one of the top ten books I've ever read' James Dashner, bestselling author of THE MAZE RUNNER Also by Claire NorthNovels:TouchThe Sudden Appearance of Hope (winner of the World Fantasy Award)The End of the Day (shortlisted for the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award)84K (shortlisted for the Philip K. Dick Award)The GameshouseThe Pursuit of William AbbeyNotes from the Burning AgeIthaca (a Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year)House of OdysseusThe Last Song of PenelopeNovella:Sweet Harmony

'ASTONISHING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING' Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of TimeFrom the million-copy-bestselling Claire North - one of the most original and dazzling voices in speculative fiction - comes an intergalactic tale of conspiracy, war and the fall of empires.***Shortlisted for the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel***My name is Mawukana na-Vdnaze, and I am a very poor copy of myself.In telling my story, there are certain things I should perhaps lie about. I should make myself a hero. Pretend I was not used by strangers and gods, did not leave people behind.Here is one truth: out there in deep-space, in the pilot's chair, I died. And then, I was reborn. I became something not quite human, something that could speak to the infinite dark. And I vowed to become the scourge of the world that wronged me.This is the story of the supernova event that burned planets and felled civilizations. This is also the story of the many lives I've lived since I died for the first time.Are you listening?Discover this thrilling and breathtakingly imaginative space opera from the multi-award-winning Claire North, perfect for fans of Ann Leckie, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Iain M. Banks and Arkady Martine.Praise for Slow Gods:'An extraordinary novel that will surely be shortlisted for multiple awards' SFX 'The best kind of science fiction: mind-blowing and wildly thought-provoking' Kirkus'North's worldbuilding is dizzying and dazzling, full of fascinating and convincing characters (human, AI, and other), and thought-provoking meditations on destiny, duty, and power. Add in a doomed romance and stirring action, and this immersive, inventive space opera proves a sheer delight' Publishers Weekly'Deeply imaginative and achingly human, Slow Gods lures you gently into the dark between the stars' Megan E. O'Keefe, author of Velocity Weapon'A riveting and complex story . . . One of the best science fiction books of 2025' Locus

'Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne***A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year***This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca's shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women - and their goddesses - that will change the course of the world.'The greatest power we women can own is that which we take in secret.'Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom.Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door.No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus's empty throne - not yet. But as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war . . .From the multi award-winning Claire North comes a daring, exquisite and moving tale that breathes life into ancient myth, and tells of the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It's time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . . 'Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece' Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin'Told in the arresting voice of the goddess Hera . . . Ithaca conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies' The Times'Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history' Booklist'Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime' Hannah Lynn, author of Athena's ChildThe Songs of Penelope series:IthacaHouse of OdysseusThe Last Song of Penelope

'CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller AriadneFollowing the critically acclaimed Ithaca and House of Odysseus comes the final novel in Claire North's Songs of Penelope trilogy - an exquisite, gripping tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before.Many years ago, Odysseus sailed to war and never returned. For twenty years his wife Penelope and the women of Ithaca have guarded the isle against suitors and rival kings. But peace cannot be kept forever, and the balance of power is about to break . . .A beggar has arrived at the Palace. Salt-crusted and ocean-battered, he is scorned by the suitors - but Penelope recognises in him something terrible: her husband, Odysseus, returned at last. Yet this Odysseus is no hero. By returning to the island in disguise, he is not merely plotting his revenge against the suitors - vengeance that will spark a civil war - but he's testing the loyalty of his queen. Has she been faithful to him all these years? And how much blood is Odysseus willing to shed to be sure?The song of Penelope is ending, and the song of Odysseus must ring through Ithaca's halls. But first, Penelope must use all her cunning to win a war for the fate of the island and keep her family alive, whatever the cost . . .Praise for the Songs of Penelope series:'Darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne'Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history' Booklist'Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece' Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin'Penelope is proving to be an outstanding epic hero in her own right. The world building is sensational' Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den'Conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies' The Times'Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime' Hannah Lynn, author of Athena's ChildThe Songs of Penelope series:Ithaca House of OdysseusThe Last Song of Penelope

'CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller AriadneFrom the author of the critically acclaimed Ithaca - A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year - comes an exquisite and gripping new tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before.On the isle of Ithaca, Queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband, Odysseus, sailed to war with Troy and never came home. In his absence, Penelope uses all her cunning to keep the peace - but this is shattered by the arrival of Orestes, king of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra.Orestes's hands are stained with his mother's blood. Not so long ago, the son of Agamemnon took Queen Clytemnestra's life on Ithaca's sands. Now, racked with guilt, he is slowly losing his mind.Penelope knows destruction will follow in his wake as surely as the Furies circle him. His uncle, Menelaus, the battle-hungry king of Sparta, longs for Orestes's throne - and if he can seize it, no one will be safe from his violent whims.Trapped between two mad kings, Penelope fights to keep war from Ithaca's shores. Her only allies are Elektra and Helen of Troy, Menelaus's enigmatic wife. And watching over them all is the goddess Aphrodite, who has plans of her own.Each woman has a secret. And their secrets will shape the world.Praise for the Songs of Penelope series:'Darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne'Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history' Booklist'Penelope is proving to be an outstanding epic hero in her own right. A sensational retelling' Elodie Harper, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wolf Den'Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece' Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin'Conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies' The Times'Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime' Hannah Lynn, author of Athena's ChildThe Songs of Penelope series:Ithaca House of OdysseusThe Last Song of Penelope

'ASTONISHING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING' Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of TimeFrom the million-copy-bestselling Claire North - one of the most original and dazzling voices in speculative fiction - comes an intergalactic tale of conspiracy, war and the fall of empires.***Shortlisted for the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel***My name is Mawukana na-Vdnaze, and I am a very poor copy of myself.In telling my story, there are certain things I should perhaps lie about. I should make myself a hero. Pretend I was not used by strangers and gods, did not leave people behind.Here is one truth: out there in deep-space, in the pilot's chair, I died. And then, I was reborn. I became something not quite human, something that could speak to the infinite dark. And I vowed to become the scourge of the world that wronged me.This is the story of the supernova event that burned planets and felled civilizations. This is also the story of the many lives I've lived since I died for the first time.Are you listening?Discover this thrilling and breathtakingly imaginative space opera from the multi-award-winning Claire North, perfect for fans of Ann Leckie, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Iain M. Banks and Arkady Martine.Praise for Slow Gods:'An extraordinary novel that will surely be shortlisted for multiple awards' SFX 'The best kind of science fiction: mind-blowing and wildly thought-provoking' Kirkus'North's worldbuilding is dizzying and dazzling, full of fascinating and convincing characters (human, AI, and other), and thought-provoking meditations on destiny, duty, and power. Add in a doomed romance and stirring action, and this immersive, inventive space opera proves a sheer delight' Publishers Weekly'Deeply imaginative and achingly human, Slow Gods lures you gently into the dark between the stars' Megan E. O'Keefe, author of Velocity Weapon'A riveting and complex story . . . One of the best science fiction books of 2025' Locus

'CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller AriadneFollowing the critically acclaimed Ithaca and House of Odysseus comes the final novel in Claire North's Songs of Penelope trilogy - an exquisite, gripping tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before.Many years ago, Odysseus sailed to war and never returned. For twenty years his wife Penelope and the women of Ithaca have guarded the isle against suitors and rival kings. But peace cannot be kept forever, and the balance of power is about to break . . .A beggar has arrived at the Palace. Salt-crusted and ocean-battered, he is scorned by the suitors - but Penelope recognises in him something terrible: her husband, Odysseus, returned at last. Yet this Odysseus is no hero. By returning to the island in disguise, he is not merely plotting his revenge against the suitors - vengeance that will spark a civil war - but he's testing the loyalty of his queen. Has she been faithful to him all these years? And how much blood is Odysseus willing to shed to be sure?The song of Penelope is ending, and the song of Odysseus must ring through Ithaca's halls. But first, Penelope must use all her cunning to win a war for the fate of the island and keep her family alive, whatever the cost . . .Praise for the Songs of Penelope series:'Darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne'Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history' Booklist'Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece' Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin'Penelope is proving to be an outstanding epic hero in her own right. The world building is sensational' Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den'Conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies' The Times'Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime' Hannah Lynn, author of Athena's ChildThe Songs of Penelope series:Ithaca House of OdysseusThe Last Song of Penelope

The electrifying new thriller from the author of the acclaimed The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August.Kepler is like you, but not like you. With a simple touch, Kepler can move into any body, live any life - for a moment, a day or for years. And your life could be next.SOME PEOPLE TOUCH LIVES. OTHERS TAKE THEM. I DO BOTH.'Just extraordinary' Clare Mackintosh, author of I Let You Go'North's talent shines out' Sunday Times'Dazzlingly imaginative' Sunday Mirror'Breathless and brilliantly original' Love Reading'Destined to be one of the biggest thrillers of the year' Rick O'Shea, radio presenterDiscover the mesmerising new novel from one of the most original new voices in modern fiction.Also by Claire NorthThe First Fifteen Lives of Harry AugustThe Sudden Appearance of Hope (winner of the World Fantasy Award 2017)The End of the Day (shortlisted for the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award 2017)84KThe Gameshouse

***SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES / PFD YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD***'Funny, ambitious, immensely humane and full of philosophical panache' Sunday Times'Extraordinary . . . wildly impressive" Lucy Hughes-Hallett, BBC Radio 4'Wholly original and hauntingly beautiful' Kirkus Sooner or later, death visits everyone. Before that, they meet Charlie.Charlie meets everyone - but only once. Sometimes he is sent as a courtesy, sometimes as a warning. Either way, this is going to be the most important meeting of your life.The End of the Day is the stunning new story from Claire North, the voice behind the word-of-mouth bestseller The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August.'Reaffirms the passion and ambition that have made North such a consistently intriguing writer' Locus'Every one of the chapters is shaped with philosophical panache' Guardian'Compelling . . . keeps the surprises coming until the very end' San Francisco ChronicleWorks by Claire North:Novels:The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August TouchThe Sudden Appearance of HopeThe End of the Day 84K The GameshouseThe Pursuit of William AbbeyDigital novellas:The Serpent: Gameshouse Novella 1The Thief: Gameshouse Novella 2The Master: Gameshouse Novella 3

'AN EXTRAORDINARY NOVEL THAT STANDS WITH THE BEST OF DYSTOPIAN FICTION, WITH ECHOES OF THE HANDMAID'S TALE' Cory Doctorow*CLAIRE NORTH SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES/PFD YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD*From one of the most original new voices in modern fiction comes a startling vision of a world where you can get away with anything . . .Theo Miller knows the value of human life - to the very last penny. Working in the Criminal Audit Office, he assesses each crime that crosses his desk and makes sure the correct debt to society is paid in full. But when his ex-lover is killed, it's different. This is one death he can't let become merely an entry on a balance sheet. Because when the richest in the world are getting away with murder, sometimes the numbers just don't add up.From the award-winning Claire North comes an electrifying and provocative new novel which will resonate with readers around the world. Praise for Claire North:'Poignant and intensely gripping' Guardian'Little short of a masterpiece' Independent'Ambitious, immensely humane and full of philosophical panache' Sunday Times'One of the fiction highlights of the decade' Judy Finnigan, Richard and Judy Book Club

'AN EERILY PLAUSIBLE DYSTOPIAN MASTERPIECE' Emily St. John Mandel, author of STATION ELEVEN'AN EXTRAORDINARY NOVEL . . . with echoes of The Handmaid's Tale' Cory Doctorow***SHORTLISTED FOR THE PHILIP K. DICK AWARD***From one of the most original new voices in modern fiction comes a startling vision of a world where you can get away with anything . . .Theo Miller knows the value of human life - to the very last penny. Working in the Criminal Audit Office, he assesses each crime that crosses his desk and makes sure the correct debt to society is paid in full. But when his ex-lover is killed, it's different. This is one death he can't let become merely an entry on a balance sheet. Because when the richest in the world are getting away with murder, sometimes the numbers just don't add up.From the award-winning Claire North comes an electrifying and provocative new novel which will resonate with readers around the world. Praise for 84K:'Another captivating novel from one of the most intriguing and genre-bending novelists' Booklist'Claire North goes from strength to strength . . . A tense, moving story' Guardian'Absolutely breath-taking... An early and compelling candidate for best novel of 2018' SciFi Magazine'A dystopian anthem for the modern activist . . . 84K is an important book but also a cracking thriller . . . Quite simply, North's best book so far' Starburst'North is an original and even dazzling writer' Kirkus'North's talent shines out' Sunday TimesWorks by Claire NorthNovels:The First Fifteen Lives of Harry AugustTouchThe Sudden Appearance of HopeThe End of the Day84KThe GameshouseThe Pursuit of William Abbey

'MESMERIC, TERRIFYING AND WONDERFUL' M. R. Carey, author of The Girl With All the Gifts'I was cursed in Natal, in 1884. Cursed by truth and by blood. The shadow took to me, and we have been together since.'From the bestselling and award-winning author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and 84K comes a powerful new novel about a young man haunted by a ghost from his past, and by the dark crimes committed in the name of the British empire.'North's talent shines out' Sunday Times'An irresistible haunting thrill' Joe Hill author of Horns and Locke and Key'Remarkable . . . One of the most moving, horrifying and gut-wrenching novels of the year' NPR'A suspenseful tale of the truths that lie hidden in the human heart' Kirkus'North goes from strength to strength' Guardian'North's most ambitious novel to date' Locus'A master of ingenious plotting and feats of imagination' Alex Marwood, author of The Wicked GirlsNovels by Claire North:The First Fifteen Lives of Harry AugustTouchThe Sudden Appearance of HopeThe End of the Day84KThe GameshouseThe Pursuit of William AbbeyNotes from the Burning AgeIthaca

Everyone has heard of the Gameshouse. But few know all its secrets . . . It is the place where fortunes can be made and lost though chess, backgammon - every game under the sun.But those whom fortune favours may be invited to compete in the higher league . . . where the games played are of politics and nations, of economics and kings. It is a contest where Capture the Castle involves real castles and where hide and seek takes place on the scale of a continent.Among those worthy of competing in the higher league, three unusually talented contestants play for the highest stakes of all . . . From Claire North, author of word-of-mouth bestseller The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and one of the most original new voices in modern fiction, comes the mesmerising tale of the Gameshouse, where games of chance and skill control the fate of empires.*Originally published as three digital-only instalments: The Serpent, The Thief and The Master.*Praise for Claire North:'One of the fiction highlights of the decade' Judy Finnigan, Richard and Judy Book Club'North's talent shines out' Sunday Times'Little short of a masterpiece' Independent'Poignant and intensely gripping' Guardian'Terrific, smart and entertaining' Patrick Ness