New Gillion Street - Fly on the Wall

I met Elliot, the author of New Gillion Street, at a book fair in Manchester Central Library. He was proudly displaying his debut novel, an adventurous sci-fi story set on a distant planet that explores the risk of corrupted power.

It was after reading this book that I decided to set up this blog. Northern authors and publishers need more recognition for the hard work and incredible books they are producing, and though it is in just a small way, I wanted to help.

Elliot lives in Leeds, he has written many short stories. His work includes 'Meme,' which was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2021, and In the Garden, which won The Molotov Cocktail magazine's Flash Vision 2021 contest. Like me, Elliot sports a big ginger beard, has no hair on his head, and loves science fiction. In January 2025, he released his short-story horror collection The Strange Tales of Gillion. You can explore his work and learn more about him on his website here: https://www.elliotjharper.com/

New Gillion Street was released on January 26, 2024, and published by Fly on the Wall Press, a Manchester-based press specialising in political fiction, evocative poetry, and genre-defying anthologies that address urgent global concerns.  Since its founding in 2018, Fly on the Wall Press has published fifteen full-length novels, as well as a variety of short stories and anthologies. The press also runs workshops and school visits on topics like environmentalism, author marketing, and entering the publishing industry.

In 2024 they won the Small Press of the Year (British Book Awards, North of England), after previously being a four-time finalist, and have been recognised for their work in promoting environmental sustainability. You can check them out (and purchase their books!) from their website: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/novels

New Gillion Street follows Mr Smith, a mild-mannered settler on the politically-neutral planet Neo-Yuthea, who, like every other settler, lives on New Gillion Street. Smith is an Even. That is, someone who lives on the even side of the street. Like everyone else, he enjoys sipping tea in his well-maintained, beloved garden.

That is until Mr Zand, an Odd, disrupts the balance that existed between the two sides of the street since their arrival. What follows is a story of adventure, exile, working together, and getting help from unexpected places.

New Gillion Street is a fun story with interesting themes and the occasional hilarious drunken exploit. It is a book that feels quintessentially British and simultaneously other-worldly.

If you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy or just enjoy a fun adventure, you can’t go wrong with New Gillion Street. Pick it up from Fly on the Wall Press and let me know what you think!