Picture a New Zealand storyteller who pulls literary characters off the page and into the real world—meet H.G. Parry! This acclaimed author of The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep and The Magician’s Daughter spins tales where magic hums beneath everyday life, blending fantasy with the transformative power of stories. With a Ph.D. in English Literature, Parry crafts narratives that feel like stepping into a beloved book, inviting readers to explore worlds where fiction and reality dance.
Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Parry’s work captures the wonder of literature itself, earning praise for its wit, historical depth, and heart. Ready to dive into a story where books come alive? Let’s explore the magic of H.G. Parry!
The Making of H.G. Parry
Hannah Gabrielle Parry, known as H.G. Parry, grew up surrounded by books in New Zealand. With a Ph.D. from Victoria University of Wellington, she dove deep into English Literature, specializing in children’s fantasy. Her academic life, teaching English, film, and media studies, shaped her love for storytelling. Living in a book-filled flat on the Kapiti Coast with her sister, a cat, guinea pigs, and two lively rabbits, Parry’s world brims with inspiration. Her early short fiction appeared in outlets like Intergalactic Medicine Show, hinting at the enchanting novels to come.
H.G. Parry’s Unforgettable Stories
Parry’s debut, The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep (2019), is a love letter to literature. It follows Charley Sutherland, a scholar who can bring book characters—like Dickens’ Uriah Heep—into the real world, sparking a thrilling mystery. Critics, including Hugo Award-winner Alix E. Harrow, called it a “pure delight” for its blend of sibling rivalry and literary magic. The Shadow Histories duology—A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians (2020) and A Radical Act of Free Magic (2021)—reimagines the Age of Enlightenment with magic, weaving historical figures like Robespierre and Toussaint L’Ouverture into a tale of revolution and freedom. The Magician’s Daughter (2023) explores a young woman’s quest in a steampunk-inspired world where magic is fading, earning starred reviews for its heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Parry’s style is a tapestry of historical fantasy and contemporary whimsy, marked by meticulous research and vibrant characters. Her themes celebrate the power of stories to shape reality, often exploring justice, identity, and the human spirit. Her latest, The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door (2024), dives into a magical 1920s academy, blending fairy tale intrigue with emotional depth.
Why H.G. Parry Matters
H.G. Parry’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that blur the line between fiction and reality. Her novels, praised for their rich historical detail and imaginative magic systems, have carved a niche in fantasy literature. By reimagining historical events with magical twists or giving life to literary characters, she invites readers to see books as living, breathing worlds. Her influence is growing, with nominations like the 2021 New Zealand National Science Fiction Convention for A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, signaling her rising star in the genre.
Parry’s ability to weave intellectual rigor with accessible, heartfelt storytelling makes her a standout. She reminds us that stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re a way to understand ourselves and the world.
- Pen Name: H.G. Parry (Hannah Gabrielle Parry)
- Key Works: The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep, The Magician’s Daughter, Shadow Histories duology
- Hometown: Wellington, New Zealand
- Fun Fact: Lives with two overactive rabbits!
Snag The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep and dive into H.G. Parry’s spellbinding blend of fantasy and literary magic!