Seven New Titles from Seren Books You Need to Know About
Welsh independent publisher Seren Books continues to showcase the breadth and vitality of contemporary writing from Wales with a new collection of forthcoming titles spanning history, memoir, cultural exploration and nature writing. As Wales’ leading literary publisher for over forty years, Seren has built a reputation for championing bold voices across poetry, fiction and non-fiction, with many of its books going on to be shortlisted for and win major UK literary prizes. This latest set of releases reflects that ongoing commitment, bringing together works that illuminate Wales’s landscapes, identities and histories while also reaching far beyond its borders in subject matter and ambition.
Storm
Alex Hubbard
Set against the windswept backdrop of Aberystwyth, Storm is a haunting and atmospheric debut that blends contemporary student life with chilling Gothic mystery. Josephine arrives at university determined to escape the shadows of her past, but the memory of her dead mother continues to follow her. When she meets the enigmatic Glynn, everything begins to change. As a violent storm traps the town, strange and unsettling events unfold — a whale appears on the shore, mysterious strangers drift into town, and the old buildings seem to awaken with a life of their own. Rich in suspense, emotion, and supernatural intrigue, Alex Hubbard’s debut explores love, grief, friendship, and the lingering pull of history in a novel that will resonate with anyone nostalgic for their university days.
£10.99 | Release Date: 8 October 2025
Glimmering: Healing in 21 Wild Swims
Megan Hayes
Lyrical, moving and deeply restorative, Glimmering: Healing in 21 Wild Swims is a powerful memoir about trauma, healing, and the profound connection between people and the natural world. Travelling from the wild waters of Wales to the sunlit coastlines of Western Australia, Megan Hayes reflects on the transformative experiences she encounters through swimming in nature. Along the way, she discovers the importance of “glimmers” — fleeting moments of joy, safety and human connection that help counter the effects of trauma and build resilience. Both haunting and hopeful, this beautifully written memoir is a celebration of wild swimming, self-discovery, and the redemptive power of the natural world.
£12.99 | Release Date: 14 May 2026
In Search of Sea Dragons: A Fossil Hunter’s Odyssey by Matthew Myerscough
After a life-changing avalanche on Yr Wyddfa forced him to reassess his future, mountaineer Matthew Myerscough returned to a childhood passion that would ultimately transform his life: fossil hunting. In In Search of Sea Dragons, Myerscough traces his journey from amateur enthusiast to respected fossil hunter, documenting years spent combing the beaches of South Wales, Somerset and North Yorkshire in search of extraordinary marine reptile remains. Part memoir, part adventure narrative and part love letter to the Jurassic coastline, the book follows his pursuit of a complete ichthyosaur while reflecting on personal growth, perseverance, and the enduring thrill of discovery.
£12.99 | Release date: 23 March 2026
The Waters That Raised Us: Personal Reflections from Wales, edited by Taylor Edmonds
Water has long shaped Wales—its landscapes, communities and cultural identity—and The Waters That Raised Usexplores that enduring relationship through the voices of ten contemporary Welsh writers. Edited by Taylor Edmonds, this thoughtful essay anthology brings together personal reflections, family histories, folklore and local legends inspired by the seas, rivers, reservoirs, waterfalls and swimming pools that have defined the contributors’ lives. At once intimate and urgent, the collection also confronts the growing threat of climate change, offering a powerful meditation on memory, belonging and the need to protect the waters that continue to sustain and connect us.
£12.99 | Release date: 9 March 2026
Film & TV Places of Wales by Celyn Jones and Frances Turpin
From Hollywood blockbusters to cult television classics, Wales has become one of the most recognisable and versatile backdrops in modern screen history. In Film & TV Places of Wales, Celyn Jones and Frances Turpin celebrate the nation’s remarkable contribution to film and television, exploring the landscapes, landmarks and studios that have helped bring unforgettable stories to life. Featuring striking location photography and behind-the-scenes insights, the book journeys through Wales’ starring role in international productions and homegrown favourites alike, while highlighting the creative talent, innovation and distinctly Welsh identity driving the country’s thriving screen industry.
£19.99 | Release date: 20 October
Muslim Wales: A History in 9 Places by Abdul-Azim Ahmed
Muslim Wales: A History in 9 Places offers an accessible and richly engaging exploration of the long and often overlooked connections between Islam and Wales. Abdul-Azim Ahmed traces this shared history through nine significant locations across the country, revealing how people, artefacts, and architecture reflect centuries of cultural exchange, migration, and influence shaped by trade, empire, and colonial histories. From early medieval frontier landscapes to modern urban communities, the book reframes Wales as a deeply multicultural and multireligious nation with one of the oldest Muslim presences in Britain. The narrative moves through sites such as Offa’s Dyke, Valle Crucis Abbey, Lundy Island, Powis Castle, Bethlehem Chapel, Anglesey, Cardiff, Rhyl, and Cadair Idris, each representing a different era from the eighth century through to the end of the Second World War. Together, these chapters form a vivid, illustrated account of belonging, identity, and the evolving place of Muslim life within Wales.
£14.99 | Release date: 23 February 2026
Gwrachod Cymru | Welsh Witches
Efa Lois
Introduction by Juliette Wood
Gwrachod Cymru | Welsh Witches is a beautifully illustrated and culturally fascinating exploration of the witches woven throughout Welsh folklore, history, and myth. Drawing on stories from across Wales, Efa Lois breathes new life into these mysterious and powerful figures through vivid retellings and striking artwork. From shapeshifters and weather-workers to women connected with water and the natural world, these witches reveal the darker anxieties and enduring fascinations within Welsh culture. Accompanied by an insightful introduction from folklorist Dr Juliette Wood, the book examines the historical treatment of women and the misogyny often embedded within these tales, while also celebrating female resilience and power. Richly designed and deeply atmospheric, this remarkable collection brings together over 100 Welsh witches in a compelling tribute to Welsh storytelling traditions.
£19.99 | Release Date: 1 October 2025
What stands out across this forthcoming list is the sheer breadth of subject matter and genre, offering something for every kind of reader. From deeply personal journeys and natural history to cultural scholarship and explorations of identity, Seren Books continues to reflect the richness and diversity of Welsh writing today. Whether you are drawn to adventure, history, or thoughtful reflection on place and belonging, there is a title here to spark curiosity and conversation. So get reading, one of these books might just be the next pick for your book club!
