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New Gillion Street
Straight-laced and content with the comforts of his home on politically-neutral Neo-Yuthea, Albert Smith leads a quiet and unremarkable life. His days are filled with sipping tea with his beloved wife and tending to his cherished garden—a picture of tranquillity in an otherwise chaotic universe. Little does he know that destiny has extraordinary plans in store for him.
When Mr. Zand, an agent of extra-terrestrial chaos, launches his mayoral campaign, the once peaceful colony faces uncertain and unsettling times.
Striking deaths attributed to mysterious forest creatures, forced arranged marriages, and a looming threat of suppressing secret garden meetings propel
the community toward the edge of turmoil. In the face of this encroaching darkness, Albert and his neighbours must band together to resist oppression and fight for their freedom before their world collapses
When Mr. Zand, an agent of extra-terrestrial chaos, launches his mayoral campaign, the once peaceful colony faces uncertain and unsettling times.
Striking deaths attributed to mysterious forest creatures, forced arranged marriages, and a looming threat of suppressing secret garden meetings propel
the community toward the edge of turmoil. In the face of this encroaching darkness, Albert and his neighbours must band together to resist oppression and fight for their freedom before their world collapses
252 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2024
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Elliot J. Harper
4 books10 followersElliot J Harper is a speculative fiction writer who lives in Leeds, England. He is the author of New Gillion Street, a sci-fi/fantasy novel published by Fly on the Wall Press.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 2, 2024
Having lived on New Gillian Street since their ancestors crash landed on Neo-Yuthea, life has been fairly idyllic and cooperative. When one of the residents from the Odd number houses decides to run for Mayor (a position previously never needed), loyalties are divided and paradise is most definitely lost.
Following the journey into exile of Albert Smith and his closest neighbours, we learn more about the strange new home they've previously been encouraged not to explore including lots of strange and dangerous monsters and the indigenous residents of the planet.
Fantastical, suspenseful and containing elements of threat. This is an intriguing look at human nature and the worst elements of ourselves.
Following the journey into exile of Albert Smith and his closest neighbours, we learn more about the strange new home they've previously been encouraged not to explore including lots of strange and dangerous monsters and the indigenous residents of the planet.
Fantastical, suspenseful and containing elements of threat. This is an intriguing look at human nature and the worst elements of ourselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
I’m not usually a reader of sci fi; I find the real world confusing and amazing enough as it is, I hardly need to be dragged a thousand years into the future to see what mad shit is happening there. And yet sometimes I break form when the genre truly calls to me. I recently read the first book in the Foundation series, because who isn’t going to read Asimov, the father of robotics? I’ve read Vandermeer’s Southern Reach Trilogy, because who isn’t going to read a book called Annihilation, then love it and read the next two? I fucking loved China Mieville’s New Crobuzon trilogy: Perdido Street Station one of the best book I’ve ever read, regardless of genre.
New Gillion Street is up there with it.
I’m always in awe of writers of sci fi purely for their imaginations. As a writer of literary fiction - for the most part - I find that creating worlds can be fairly straight forward, as I’m simply describing - usually - places that already exist, that I’ve been to and seen, and simply need to paint on paper. When a writer such as Harper creates not only a world entirely from scratch, but so far removed from the real world, it blows my mind. And from a man who doesn’t drink or take drugs either: where from does the madness come!?
But that’s one of the best things about New Gillion Street: the world in which it takes place. To sum the plot up briefly: many years ago, a group of humans left earth - known in this universe as Yuthea - to find a new home. Along the way the ship crashed and ended up on a strange, distant planet. The native residents of the planet helped the survivors create a new society, in exchange for peace: both species will leave each other alone. The new society is called New Gillion Street, and has lived in happy peace for three generations, until now.
Without any spoilers, that’s pretty much the book. Or at least, that’s the context and the opening. Because from where my description ends up, the book goes mad. Actually, scratch that. Mad? The book goes absolutely fucking nuts. In the best possible way.
Harper creates a world inhabited by the most fascinating of creatures, coming in all shapes and sizes. The world itself is a melting pot too, all kinds of strange flora accompany the fauna, and to read Harper writing about it is a pleasure. At times this book almost borders on an environmental handbook, but that’s ok for two reasons: 1) it’s necessary to create the world for the story to take place in, but mainly 2) Harper’s writing is such a pleasure to read that you could have him describe the colour beige to you and it’d still be gripping.
All good science fiction has roots in the political, and New Gillion Street is no different. It soon becomes a tale of what happens when one person’s ambition andmanipulation overcome innocent bystanders; it also becomes a cautionary tale of what happens when there are bystanders, what happens when good people do nothing. Spoiler alert: it’s bad for everyone.
Reflective and reminiscent of recent political struggles in the author’s country, not
only is New Gillion Street a beautifully written sci fi masterpiece, it’s also a cautionary tale of
how fragile happiness can be, and how quickly everything we love can be taken from us if
we’re not careful. But also, even if we are careful: New Gillion Street perfectly illustrates
how fragile is the life we’ve built, one that only exists because we all mutually allow it to.
New Gillion Street shows us what happens when some factions stop allowing that fragile life
to exist because they want to exploit it for their own personal gain.
As terrifying as it is incredible, New Gillion Street is a beautiful book. Whilst this is the first time I’m reading it, I know full well it won’t be the last. Its political undercurrents will be as relevant then, whether it’s two weeks into the future or 200 years, as they are now. This is a book everyone must read, whether you’re a fan of sci fi or not. It’s set to be one of the best new releases of 2024, so make sure you’re ahead of the conversation, not
left behind by it.
New Gillion Street is up there with it.
I’m always in awe of writers of sci fi purely for their imaginations. As a writer of literary fiction - for the most part - I find that creating worlds can be fairly straight forward, as I’m simply describing - usually - places that already exist, that I’ve been to and seen, and simply need to paint on paper. When a writer such as Harper creates not only a world entirely from scratch, but so far removed from the real world, it blows my mind. And from a man who doesn’t drink or take drugs either: where from does the madness come!?
But that’s one of the best things about New Gillion Street: the world in which it takes place. To sum the plot up briefly: many years ago, a group of humans left earth - known in this universe as Yuthea - to find a new home. Along the way the ship crashed and ended up on a strange, distant planet. The native residents of the planet helped the survivors create a new society, in exchange for peace: both species will leave each other alone. The new society is called New Gillion Street, and has lived in happy peace for three generations, until now.
Without any spoilers, that’s pretty much the book. Or at least, that’s the context and the opening. Because from where my description ends up, the book goes mad. Actually, scratch that. Mad? The book goes absolutely fucking nuts. In the best possible way.
Harper creates a world inhabited by the most fascinating of creatures, coming in all shapes and sizes. The world itself is a melting pot too, all kinds of strange flora accompany the fauna, and to read Harper writing about it is a pleasure. At times this book almost borders on an environmental handbook, but that’s ok for two reasons: 1) it’s necessary to create the world for the story to take place in, but mainly 2) Harper’s writing is such a pleasure to read that you could have him describe the colour beige to you and it’d still be gripping.
All good science fiction has roots in the political, and New Gillion Street is no different. It soon becomes a tale of what happens when one person’s ambition andmanipulation overcome innocent bystanders; it also becomes a cautionary tale of what happens when there are bystanders, what happens when good people do nothing. Spoiler alert: it’s bad for everyone.
Reflective and reminiscent of recent political struggles in the author’s country, not
only is New Gillion Street a beautifully written sci fi masterpiece, it’s also a cautionary tale of
how fragile happiness can be, and how quickly everything we love can be taken from us if
we’re not careful. But also, even if we are careful: New Gillion Street perfectly illustrates
how fragile is the life we’ve built, one that only exists because we all mutually allow it to.
New Gillion Street shows us what happens when some factions stop allowing that fragile life
to exist because they want to exploit it for their own personal gain.
As terrifying as it is incredible, New Gillion Street is a beautiful book. Whilst this is the first time I’m reading it, I know full well it won’t be the last. Its political undercurrents will be as relevant then, whether it’s two weeks into the future or 200 years, as they are now. This is a book everyone must read, whether you’re a fan of sci fi or not. It’s set to be one of the best new releases of 2024, so make sure you’re ahead of the conversation, not
left behind by it.
January 18, 2024
New Gillion Street is a sci-fi book set in a dystopian world where our residents of New Gillion Street had crashed into another world and have settled in their own little patch of civilisation.
I've only read one or two sci-fi books in the past and I don't know why so little because I absolutely loved this one! There were thrilling parts to the book but also comedic scenes too (mainly including a very sweary gnome!).
I liked the beginning of the book where we learn about the main characters routine and how it may come across a little repetitive. I think this shows a great comparison to when Mr Zand then starts making decisions for the whole community not joint decisions like they had always done. It shows maybe how much he doesn't want to lose this type of life after all.
I really loved the fantasy aspect of the book where we travel to through the forest and finally meet Dehdru who introduces us to a whole new magical world. It was really enjoyable reading about all of the magical different species and actions that the nandru could create too.
Mr Zand was gradually giving 'Handmaids Tale' vibes with arranged marriages and security guards following him around!
This was a brilliant sci-fi book that kept me intriguing from start to finish and I would 100% recommend!
I've only read one or two sci-fi books in the past and I don't know why so little because I absolutely loved this one! There were thrilling parts to the book but also comedic scenes too (mainly including a very sweary gnome!).
I liked the beginning of the book where we learn about the main characters routine and how it may come across a little repetitive. I think this shows a great comparison to when Mr Zand then starts making decisions for the whole community not joint decisions like they had always done. It shows maybe how much he doesn't want to lose this type of life after all.
I really loved the fantasy aspect of the book where we travel to through the forest and finally meet Dehdru who introduces us to a whole new magical world. It was really enjoyable reading about all of the magical different species and actions that the nandru could create too.
Mr Zand was gradually giving 'Handmaids Tale' vibes with arranged marriages and security guards following him around!
This was a brilliant sci-fi book that kept me intriguing from start to finish and I would 100% recommend!
February 13, 2024
4.5⭐️
Full review posted on my blog tour date 1st March 2024!!
Full review posted on my blog tour date 1st March 2024!!
January 8, 2024
A superb sci-fiction with an underlying political message, a story that entertains and inspire whilst chortling along the way.
I found this a fascinating read set in a different planet where humans have landed after being pushed to leave Yuthea. After crashed onto the new planet the settlers struck an agreement with the indigenous population to leave separate lives and for the humans to keep to their assigned territory. This way of life has so far worked really well, especially for Albert Smith, content with the joy that his garden and his family provide. That is until one of the residents Mr. Zand decides to stir the population, convincing them to elect him mayor, something that has never been done before. And with that, the serenity of Neo Yuthea and its human residents begins to crack with unimaginable events unfolding.
I loved the world building, the characters and the whole story really! My favourite character being Gnome obviously. It reminded me a bit of Avatar and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, whilst being something else completely! There is everything in this book, monsters, aliens, action, adventure, humour, but it also carries a powerful message of unity and collaboration that often gets lost and overlooked. Although this is a work of fiction, it mirrors very scarily actual events, describing accurately how easily is to fall victim of something terrible without even realising it. And I think the Turkish proverb at the beginning of the book perfectly summarises this: "The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them".
I'm very impressed by the author's writing and I'll be definitely check out all their books.
Many thanks to Fly on the Wall Press for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I found this a fascinating read set in a different planet where humans have landed after being pushed to leave Yuthea. After crashed onto the new planet the settlers struck an agreement with the indigenous population to leave separate lives and for the humans to keep to their assigned territory. This way of life has so far worked really well, especially for Albert Smith, content with the joy that his garden and his family provide. That is until one of the residents Mr. Zand decides to stir the population, convincing them to elect him mayor, something that has never been done before. And with that, the serenity of Neo Yuthea and its human residents begins to crack with unimaginable events unfolding.
I loved the world building, the characters and the whole story really! My favourite character being Gnome obviously. It reminded me a bit of Avatar and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, whilst being something else completely! There is everything in this book, monsters, aliens, action, adventure, humour, but it also carries a powerful message of unity and collaboration that often gets lost and overlooked. Although this is a work of fiction, it mirrors very scarily actual events, describing accurately how easily is to fall victim of something terrible without even realising it. And I think the Turkish proverb at the beginning of the book perfectly summarises this: "The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them".
I'm very impressed by the author's writing and I'll be definitely check out all their books.
Many thanks to Fly on the Wall Press for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
July 2, 2025
New Gillion Street follows Mr Smith, a mild-mannered settler on the politically-neutral planet Neo-Yuthea, who, like every other settler, lives on New Gillion Street. Smith is an Even. That is, someone who lives on the even side of the street. Like everyone else, he enjoys sipping tea in his well-maintained, beloved garden.
That is until Mr Zand, an Odd, disrupts the balance that existed between the two sides of the street since their arrival. What follows is a story of adventure, exile, working together, and getting help from unexpected places.
New Gillion Street is a fun story with interesting themes and the occasional hilarious drunken exploit. It is a book that feels quintessentially British and simultaneously other-worldly.
If you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy or just enjoy a fun adventure, you can’t go wrong with New Gillion Street. Pick it up from Fly on the Wall Press.
Read my full review with details of the author and publisher on my blog: https://www.northernbooks.org/
That is until Mr Zand, an Odd, disrupts the balance that existed between the two sides of the street since their arrival. What follows is a story of adventure, exile, working together, and getting help from unexpected places.
New Gillion Street is a fun story with interesting themes and the occasional hilarious drunken exploit. It is a book that feels quintessentially British and simultaneously other-worldly.
If you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy or just enjoy a fun adventure, you can’t go wrong with New Gillion Street. Pick it up from Fly on the Wall Press.
Read my full review with details of the author and publisher on my blog: https://www.northernbooks.org/
June 1, 2024
Tengo terribles conflictos con este libro. Por una parte, no puedo negar que me entretuvo. Pero por otra, esperaba una novela new weird, y me encontré con un tintín mezclado con un final pulp. En resumen, sensación muy agridulce
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
AD/PR - 4.5* - I only knew the synopsis of New Gillion Street when I went in. I was drawn in because I love dystopian sci-fi and the idea of us colonising a new planet and making it identical to Earth is hilarious but authentic sounding 😂. It’s also believable that a non-political utopia with humans involved would be destined to fail. I was excited to read it but I wasn’t expecting that to only be 50% of the story! The other half was SO unexpected. I urge any sci-fi/dystopian lovers to pick it up and go in blind!
I loved the first half where we meet Albert and the other residents of New Gillion Street. After the first generation’s ship crashed, most on board died. The indigenous population saved the rest and agreed they could stay if they kept within the borders of a small plot of land. For a few generations they’ve lived a peaceful life, happy in a mundane existence where their world is no more than a tiny street. There’s no economy or politics and everyone gets on (even with a divide between ‘Odds’ and ‘Evens’ living on each side of the street). I meannnn, OF COURSE it wouldn’t last!! Of course someone would want power and authority. The second part is what happens next… 👀.
I enjoyed all of it but the second half was just so vividly detailed, imaginative and thoroughly gorgeous to read. @elliotjharper’s brain must be a crazy place to be 😂😂. I felt like I was tripping (FACKING GNOME THOUGH - IYKYK 😂). I pictured everything so clearly and I think the fact I had no idea it was coming made me love it more! I’m aware this is vague but I can’t give anything else away 🤐. It really is just an all round wonderful story of both the best and worst of humanity, and surprisingly short for sci-fi!
I loved the first half where we meet Albert and the other residents of New Gillion Street. After the first generation’s ship crashed, most on board died. The indigenous population saved the rest and agreed they could stay if they kept within the borders of a small plot of land. For a few generations they’ve lived a peaceful life, happy in a mundane existence where their world is no more than a tiny street. There’s no economy or politics and everyone gets on (even with a divide between ‘Odds’ and ‘Evens’ living on each side of the street). I meannnn, OF COURSE it wouldn’t last!! Of course someone would want power and authority. The second part is what happens next… 👀.
I enjoyed all of it but the second half was just so vividly detailed, imaginative and thoroughly gorgeous to read. @elliotjharper’s brain must be a crazy place to be 😂😂. I felt like I was tripping (FACKING GNOME THOUGH - IYKYK 😂). I pictured everything so clearly and I think the fact I had no idea it was coming made me love it more! I’m aware this is vague but I can’t give anything else away 🤐. It really is just an all round wonderful story of both the best and worst of humanity, and surprisingly short for sci-fi!
February 27, 2025
Like all the best Science Fiction, this novel is not really about strange planets, aliens and the future. It is a message about our own time. A man with charisma and evil intent pits half the population against one another and scare-mongers about the threat posed by those from outside and the need to expand borders.
But it also is about an alien planet, and what a beautifully conceived and built world it is. I’m not going to spoiler anyone, but beyond New Gillion Street is an environment in the traditions of HG Wells, Jules Verne and — I thought of it because I read it recently — Perkins Gilman’s Herland. It’s a wonderful creation, revealed in perfect ways.
The characters are well-rounded and generally well-meaning. The descent into politics and division is not just believable, but recognisable. The narrator, Albert, is likeable, with his gardening, cups of tea, and deep love for his family foremost, but all mankind after that, too.
Overall, this was a fun read, but one with an important message.
But it also is about an alien planet, and what a beautifully conceived and built world it is. I’m not going to spoiler anyone, but beyond New Gillion Street is an environment in the traditions of HG Wells, Jules Verne and — I thought of it because I read it recently — Perkins Gilman’s Herland. It’s a wonderful creation, revealed in perfect ways.
The characters are well-rounded and generally well-meaning. The descent into politics and division is not just believable, but recognisable. The narrator, Albert, is likeable, with his gardening, cups of tea, and deep love for his family foremost, but all mankind after that, too.
Overall, this was a fun read, but one with an important message.
March 14, 2024
I measure the greatness of a book by a particular emotion... the simultaneous need to get to the end of the book and never wanting the book to end. This one hit that!
I don't know where to start. I don't typically read sci-fi but enjoy a good dystopian read. This gave me all the dystopia I needed with the dash of Sci fi I didn't know I needed but loved.
The imagery Elliot creates is up there with some of my most memorable reads. So original yet not impossible to imagine a world that exists just as described.
So many great messages in this book for me. Thought provoking, exciting, thrilling and just on overall fantastic story.
No spoilers but if you read this book (go read it now...don't wait), I am sure you will agree we all need a little Orenu in our lives.
I don't know where to start. I don't typically read sci-fi but enjoy a good dystopian read. This gave me all the dystopia I needed with the dash of Sci fi I didn't know I needed but loved.
The imagery Elliot creates is up there with some of my most memorable reads. So original yet not impossible to imagine a world that exists just as described.
So many great messages in this book for me. Thought provoking, exciting, thrilling and just on overall fantastic story.
No spoilers but if you read this book (go read it now...don't wait), I am sure you will agree we all need a little Orenu in our lives.
February 27, 2024
What a fantastic read. Well written - clever - brilliant! I highly recommend this book to all fans of superb writing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews