Author of the fantasy thriller The Seventh Kill and working on other standalone novels.
New year, new novel
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Dear Reader, I wanted to let you know that a new novel is almost ready. In two weeks, When Oceans Dream will be released. It’s in final proofing now, which means the story itself is finished—sealed, for better or worse—and I’m living in that strange in-between space where the book is no longer mine, but not yet yours. This novel is very different from my first. Where my debut lived in a fantasy city with an ensemble cast, this one is firmly set in contemporary South Africa, in a small coastal town at the end of the road. I limited myself to just two main characters—Gideon and Nina—and followed them closely, both structurally and emotionally. From the beginning, I conceived this as a standalone story with a true ending: not a door left ajar, not a promise of more, but a conclusion that accepts finality. From a craft perspective, my main focus was point of view. I wanted to stretch myself in close third person—to stay intimate without slipping into first, to let grief, longing, and wonder leak through the smallest observations. The book came together quickly, just under four months from start to finish, even with a complete change of setting and register. That speed gave it a kind of inevitability I didn’t want to over-polish away. When Oceans Dream is a quiet apocalypse. The sea begins to dream, and reality loosens its grip: fish swim through the air, radio static whispers, clothing made of paper and kelp shifts with emotion and weather. People begin walking into the water—not in panic, but in answer. There are no monsters, no violence, no battles to be won. Instead, the story lingers on loss, companionship, and the strange comfort of surrendering to something vast and ancient. At its heart, this is a novel about grief—about the lives we thought we’d live, and what it means to let go of them. It’s also about place: a South African coast rendered as fragile, beautiful, and half-forgotten, where land and sea slowly stop agreeing on their boundaries. I’m really looking forward to sharing more with you soon. For now, I just wanted you to know it’s coming—and that this book asked something very different of me than the last one did. Thank you, as always, for reading, and for walking alongside these stories while they’re still becoming. *** Novels available on AmazonWhen Oceans Dream (pre-order)The Seventh Kill*** This Month's Reading PromosThe Volcan Knights: Originsby Laurie Bowler When darkness bleeds into reality, five immortal warriors stand between humanity and cosmic annihilation. A dark fantasy epic of immortal warriors, cosmic horror, and the ultimate question: what makes consciousness worth preserving when corruption promises an end to all suffering? Universal Book Link to Buy the The Volcan Knights: Origins (Kindle) *** Becca Princess of Sonaby Luna Fox Eighteen-year-old Becca is a regular kid. At least on the outside. Everything is fine until she dials 9-1-1 after waking up from a terrifying vision of the future. The cops come banging at her door at midnight, but she can't open or leave the house. There's a man in her room with a strange blade, staring at her with his red eyes. Download a free copy of Becca Princess of Sona if you sign up to Luna Fox's newsletter *** Free Stories to ReadHere is a promotion for short stories, novellas, or even full novels to download when signing up to the author's mailing list. Not So Cozy ReadsAll genre Dark Fiction Giveaway More than 25 stories to read and enjoy. Get these books fast. This promotion ends on 1 February 2026. *** Kindle Unlimited BooksHere is a promotions for books you can read for free if you are signed up for Kindle Select. Or you can buy the ebooks or other formats if you don't. New Year, New World (all genres)More than 50 stories to read and enjoy. Get these books fast. This promotion ends 1 February 2026. Fantasy and paranormal talesMore than 30 stories to read and enjoy. Get these books fast. This promotion ends 1 February 2026. *** Keep on ReadingThank you for being part of this journey. Whether you've been with me from the beginning or just joined, your readership means everything as I keep on writing. Best regards, Gerhi Janse van Vuuren |
Gerhi Janse van Vuuren
Author of the fantasy thriller The Seventh Kill and working on other standalone novels.
Dear Reader, You don't care about the minutiae of my life. I get that. You are here for the free books and information about exciting fiction. But this is still my newsletter, which means I can only share the news I have. And for me Spring is always a season of changes and I am here to note some of those. And yes, I know some of you are heading into winter, but her in sunny South Africa it is mid-spring, and it is hot! Changes to note: I have stopped my current subscription to StoryOrigin....
Dear Reader, It is always nice to find a book that excites you and then take it home. It is a little present between covers that you can savour at your leisure. But when I says taking a book home here I mean taking a book back to the place that made it what it is. When Oceans Dream is set in the Overberg in the Western Cape in a small coastal village called Plaatjieskraal. This is both a real place, and nowhere at all. Plaatjieskraal is a ghost town and the former settlement had been...
Dear Reader, I have a new novel on the way. Drafting is going very well because I am releasing it as a serial as I am writing. What is the story about? Run Toward Ruin Every year, the five families gather for a conclave to determine the affairs of the Prince they have served for generations. While the families debate the work of the coming year, Darius’s crippled grandfather pursues a far darker goal: overthrowing the Prince and seizing power for himself. Trapped in the old man’s service,...