AN AUTHOR and former Isle of Wight resident has published the first book in her fantasy trilogy.

Katharine Adams grew up on the Island and was schooled at Mayfield Middle School and Ryde High School.

She was also a member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, but after marrying in 2008, she moved to New Zealand.

Her debut offering, Tonight, I Burn, has been published by Orbit UK as part of an international book deal, and printed in countries including New Zealand, Australia, the UK and USA.

The story follows Penny Albright – a thorn witch with the power to walk between the realms of the living and the dead.

She finds herself at the centre of a magical rebellion – and a dangerous romance – which could destroy her coven and her soul.

Penny is a daughter of the thorn coven, and each night, one thorn witch – and only one – must cross the veil by burning at the stake.

Each morning, that witch draws on their magic to return.

Failure to follow the rules risks the veil, and risks them all, but one morning, Penny's favourite sister Ella doesn't return.

And that night, determined to find her, Penny breaks the rules.

She burns in secret, and discovers all is not as it seems, in life and in death.

“My childhood was spent travelling the world, and I finally settled in glorious Oceania, more specifically in New Zealand,” says Katharine.

“I just adore the name Oceania. It reminds me of mermaids and sea witches and Neptune ruling beneath the waves.

“I'm passionate about positive LGBTQ+ representation, and love blending my own bisexuality into my character's journeys.

“I write. A lot. 

“No matter where I am, I'm never happier than those moments when my writing truly takes me away, and I'm in a realm where death is a place, the future is woven from silk, and love can be found in the most unexpected places.”