Picture an Australian storyteller who swapped courtroom battles for epic fantasy showdowns—meet Sam Hawke! With a black belt in jujitsu and a knack for weaving tales of poison and political intrigue, Hawke burst onto the scene with her debut novel, City of Lies, captivating fantasy fans worldwide. Her Poison Wars series blends mystery, magic, and human struggles, earning praise from giants like Robin Hobb.
From her home in Canberra, where she raises two 'small ninjas' and two 'idiot dogs,' Hawke crafts stories that feel both thrillingly fresh and deeply relatable. Ready to dive into her world of treachery and ancient spirits? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this rising fantasy star.
The Making of Sam Hawke
Born with a love for books, Sam Hawke realized as a child that stories didn’t just magically appear in libraries—she’d have to write them herself. Growing up in Australia, she dreamed of diverse careers, from zookeeper to engineer, before settling on law. A black belt in jujitsu, she married her training partner and traveled the world on a shoestring budget, gathering experiences that would later fuel her vivid storytelling. Her legal background sharpened her eye for detail, while her martial arts discipline shaped her ability to craft tense, intricate plots.
Hawke’s writing journey began in earnest when she channeled her lifelong passion for fantasy into City of Lies. Inspired by authors like Robin Hobb and Naomi Novik, she set out to create a world where poisons and politics collide, proving that even a debut author could leave a lasting mark.
Sam Hawke’s Unforgettable Stories
Hawke’s debut, City of Lies (2018), kicks off the Poison Wars duology with a bang. The story follows Jovan, a secret poison-taster, and his sister Kalina, a frail but cunning spy, as they protect their city-state from treachery and a mysterious siege. Readers lauded its political intrigue, likening it to 'Agatha Christie channeled through Robin Hobb,' with a world built on oppression and ancient magic.
The sequel, Hollow Empire (2020), wraps up the series with even more poison, betrayal, and reawakened spirits. Hawke’s strength lies in her character-driven narratives—Jovan grapples with anxiety, while Kalina battles chronic illness, making them flawed yet heroic. Her prose balances nuance and suspense, exploring themes like social inequality and xenophobia, all while keeping readers hooked with murder-mystery vibes.
Hawke’s style stands out for its inclusivity, weaving same-sex relationships and chronic illness into the fabric of her world without fanfare. Her meticulous world-building and slow-drip reveals create a fantasy realm that feels both alien and familiar, earning her comparisons to Terry Brooks and Kate Elliott.
Why Sam Hawke Matters
Sam Hawke’s impact on fantasy is undeniable. Her debut won the 2018 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, the Ditmar Award for Best Novel, and the Norma K Hemming Award for its exploration of gender, race, and disability. She was also a finalist for the 2020 Hugo’s Astounding Award for Best New Writer, cementing her as a fresh voice in the genre. Fans praise her for crafting heroes who aren’t perfect warriors but rely on wits and heart, making her stories resonate deeply.
Beyond awards, Hawke’s work challenges fantasy norms by prioritizing diverse, human characters and real-world issues like chronic pain and societal divides. Her legal and martial arts background adds authenticity to her tales of cunning and survival, inspiring readers and writers to embrace their unique paths in storytelling.
- Born: Australia
- Key Works: City of Lies (2018), Hollow Empire (2020)
- Awards: 2018 Aurealis Award, Ditmar Award, Norma K Hemming Award
- Fun Fact: She’s a black belt in jujitsu and married her training partner!
Snag City of Lies and dive into Sam Hawke’s thrilling world of poisons and political intrigue—you won’t be able to put it down!