IFWG is pleased to announce a book deal with New Zealand author, Piper Mejia, for her young adult novel, Dispossessed. “I am continually astounded by the speculative fiction talent that can be found in New Zealand,” said Gerry Huntman, Managing Director IFWG, “and Piper’s novel is no exception. It is original and steeped in its New Zealand setting. A wonderful acquisition.”

Dispossessed will be released in the first or second quarter of 2021.

Piper Mejia is an advocate for New Zealand writers and literature. Her short fiction has appeared in a range of publications including; Room enough for Twoin Te Korero Ahi Ka (2018) and a collection of her short stories will be published by Breach in 2019. In addition to writing, Piper is a founding member of Young NZ Writers – a non-profit dedicated to providing opportunities for young NZ writers. As a child, Piper stayed up late laughing at horror films. As an adult, she spends a lot of time being disappointed by plot holes and yet somehow she has never lost her love for Science Fiction and Horror; two genres that continues to ask the question “What if…”

Dispossessed:

Nobody likes you when you’re the ugly new kid. A hoodie and a new foster home won’t hide the creeping dread that you are dangerous. So, when you’re offered the chance to meet a grandfather you never knew, you jump on a plane to the bush-covered mountains of New Zealand.

Slate longs for a home when he finds himself living among an ancient race masquerading as travelling performers. Dispossessed and disillusioned, Slate fears being trapped in a life hiding from the world; one his own father had to run from.

However, the decision to stay or leave is taken from him when he is held captive by hunters on the trail of the ultimate game trophy. Tortured and alone Slate fears that the only way to escape is to become the monster he never wanted to be.