Sylvia Bishop

Sylvia Bishop is a British author. She writes fiction for children and teens, and runs workshops for children, teens and adults. Her latest books include On Silver Tides, a sweeping YA fantasy novel inspired by ancient folklore, and Under Golden Seas. Her own books and recommendations can be found here.

Interviews by Sylvia Bishop

The Best Fantasy Book Series, recommended by Samantha Shannon

A fantasy series allows us to explore the complexities of characters, the far corners of their worlds, and the consequences of their actions – for best-selling author Samantha Shannon, this is “a privilege, and such a joy.” Here she recommends five rich, sustained fantasy worlds, featuring old gods, spymasters, witches, plagues, and the land of the dead – and above all, characters who keep surprising us.

The Best Science Fiction Books of 2025, recommended by Andrew M. Butler

The Arthur C Clarke award highlights six outstanding science fiction books every year. The judges look for books that reward re-reading and make them think, says chair of judges Andrew M. Butler. He introduces this year’s shortlist, taking in everything from time travel to heist novels: books that provoke questions, confront crises, and make us laugh.

The Best H.P. Lovecraft Books, recommended by Jeffrey Weinstock

H. P. Lovecraft has been hugely influential on many leading names in speculative fiction today, and is also frequently adapted – and frequently subverted. Jeffrey Weinstock, co-editor of The Age of Lovecraft, introduces five stories that best illustrate the themes and range of this influential figure: the anxieties, the typical Lovecraftian twists, and the ‘cosmic indifferentness’ that set his work apart.