Petrichor by Melanie Rees

Set in South Australia, this short story starts at a very bleak time for Clayton and his family. The drought has dug in deep on their family property and his older brother is gone. Clay is left feeling powerless and frustrated by his family’s reluctance to speak about emotional issues. 

The Ruby Locket by Melissa Wray

Set in a dystopian future, the novel begins with Saxon and Manny finding a young girl (Kerina) in the wasteland at the edge of their village, presumed dead. The distance between towns is large and the terrain is unforgiving. To their complete surprise the young woman is alive and despite potential ramifications for hiding rambler, they decide to take her in.