IFWG is very pleased to announce the world-wide release of H.K. Stubbs‘ fantasy novel, Staerstone. The amazing cover was created by Greg Chapman.
“Stubbs has been published by IFWG before, with an array of fine short fiction in a number of our premier anthologies,” said Gerry Huntman, Managing Director IFWG Publishing, “and it wasn’t surprising that she has grown to novel-length pieces. Staerstone is a fabulous work, adding romance elements and breathtaking rock climbing detail to an epic fantasy story. A truly unique experience for readers, and we hope that you, too, will dip into this wonderful debut novel.”
Instant attraction between Zericha and Andalu won’t stop them going head to head in the race to climb Staerstone Mountain. Both are stoke-strong and desperate to take the Scepter of Peace—Zericha to protect her Wyld forest home, Andalu to claim more farmland for his starving Plainspeople.
Shocked by the Plains invading the forest, dirtbag Andalu rescues Zericha, beginning a star-crossed relationship that cuts deep across cliff and culture.
Climbing Staerstone Mountain will force them to face lies obscured in their pasts, reveal the dark natures of others, and what lies within their own hearts. It strips them of everything they have, and everyone they care for until, alone, they’re forced to rely upon each other.
Danger presses on their tail and from deep within the mountain. Unseen threats in the darkness and sky blaze closer. As the quest flips and forces them to delve into the mountain and ancient myth, will Zericha and Andalu follow their hearts or their duty? Can they find a way to hold onto their world and each other?
H.K. STUBBS is an Australian writer, climber, and creative producer. Staerstone, her debut novel, materialized from her obsessions with writing, reading and rock climbing.
Helen’s work features in Apex Magazine, Nightmare Fuel Magazine, Kaleidotrope, Midnight Echo, and books published by GSFG, Black Beacon Books and IFWG Publishing (Nosferatu Unbound, Killer Creatures Down Under, Spawn I & II, A Vindication of Monsters, and more).
She read Honours in Creative Writing at Griffith Universityand has run many writing community events and initiatives, including Writers Activation and the national science fiction convention, Contact 2016.
When not writing or caring for her kids she’s rock climbing and exploring the wilds of South East Queensland. Follow her adventures and climbs on TikTok @staerstone, Bluesky @hkstubbs.bsky.social, Instagram @helenstubbs, and Twitter/X @superleni.
Author Website: helenstubbs.wordpress.com
The official book launch will be held at Core Climbing in Carrara, Gold Coast, Australia on the 23rd May 2026, at 12pm. RSVPs to be sent to staerstone@gmail.com.
Staerstone is available from all quality book stores, online and bricks and mortar, in ebook and print formats. THIS LINK will provide you extensive online buying options. Australian and New Zealand print stock will be available for retailer and wholesaler order from approximately 22 May 2026.
IFWG Publishing 