Dark Hearts & Dangerous Heroines

Naomi Kelsey and Heather Askwith What happens when Shakespeare, folklore and gothic horror collide? Acclaimed YA authors Naomi Kelsey and Heather Askwith invite you into worlds where ancient myths, dangerous secrets and fearless young women take centre stage. In Pale Mistress, Naomi Kelsey brilliantly reimagines Shakespeare's Othello as a gripping psychological thriller, weaving together jealousy, ambition, manipulation and revenge in a story praised for its lyrical prose, haunting atmosphere and deliciously gothic edge. Heather Askwith's Half a Dark Heart is a spellbinding blend of romance and gothic horror. When her sister disappears, Alice is forced to confront the terrifying shadow creatures she has spent her life trying to ignore, embarking on a race against time through a world where darkness has a heartbeat of its own. Together they'll discuss reimagining classic stories, building unforgettable fantasy worlds, writing complex heroines and why readers of all ages can't resist a touch of the gothic. Perfect for fans of fantasy, romance, folklore and dark academia, this is a thrilling event for young adults—and anyone who still loves to lose themselves in magical, haunting stories.