Song of the Slums

An absorbing, page-turning story about fame, changing fortunes and music, set in an alternative Victorian world, from the brilliant creator of Worldshaker.

What if they'd invented rock 'n roll way back in the 19th century? What if it could take over the world and change the course of history?

In the slums of Brummingham, the outcast gangs are making a new kind of music, with pounding rhythms and wild guitars. Astor Vance has been trained in refined classical music. But when her life plummets from riches to rags, the only way she can survive is to play the music the slum gangs want.

Charismatic Verrol, once her servant, is now her partner in crime...and he could be so much more if only he'd come clean about his mysterious past...

'I loved the music, the syncopated rhythm, the dark, smoky atmosphere, the call to arms, the love story...this is gaslight fantasy at its best.' Kate Forsyth

About the Author

Richard Harland was born In England and migrated to Australia at the age of 22. He spent many years as a singer/songwriter and many more years as a lecturer at Wollongong University before finally overcoming writer's block and finishing his first novel in 1993.

He resigned to become a full-time writer in 1997, and has been busy ever since producing fantasy, steampunk, SF and horror fiction for all ages. He has won six Aurealis Awards in Australia and the prestigious Tam Tam Je Bouquine Award in France.