With the romantasy genre continuing to captivate readers worldwide, Australian author Braidee Otto is celebrating the release of her debut novel Songbird of the Sorrows.
From secret princesses to spies uncovering dangerous truths and unlikely heroes facing impossible odds, fantasy readers know these beloved tropes well. In Songbird of the Sorrows, Braidee Otto weaves them together into a tale of magic, high stakes and romance.
‘Songbird of the Sorrows’
The novel follows undercover princess and newly trained spy Aella as she navigates her first mission as a ‘Songbird.’
In the ‘Aviary,’ trainees are Fledgelings, assassins are Nightwings, spies are Songbirds, and Flights are their squads.
In an adventure inspired by Greek Mythology, the avian motif is a symbol of both captivity and freedom.
“They should be free, and they should be out there and flying and spreading their wings,” said Otto, “[yet] so often, we just capture them and put them in cages.”
This idea of being trapped resounds throughout the story, particularly in the protagonist’s character arc.
“[When] I started writing this story, I was very much feeling like I was trapped within the life that I had created for myself,” Otto reflects.
While she no longer feels as if there is no way out, she hopes to inspire courage in those finding themselves in a similar situation.
The dedication of the novel reads:
“To anyone trapped in a cage. // Break free, spread your wings. // May your flight be long.”
Light in the Dark
Aella’s story does get quite dark, and the author’s note in the front of the book hints at these ‘darker waters.’ A full list of trigger warnings can be found here.
Otto believes providing these warnings is a sign of respect to readers, as they have a right to know what they are getting into when they pick up a book.
With themes of trauma, grief, captivity and survival, Otto emphasises the importance of weaving in moments of romance and friendship.
Being a romantic fantasy, there is male love interest to bring both tension and fan-girling. Raven is a Nightwing and the commander of Alpha Flight, rendering him an interesting and layered character. On Instagram, Otto posted ‘His secrets have secrets.’
However, friendship is just as important within the story.
“For me personally, I have found such support in my life through friendships and sibling bonds,” said Otto, “and that’s always been something that I wanted my main character to have as well.”
This most often takes form in Aella’s best friend and fellow Songbird Nyssa, but also in friendships developed along the way.
Braidee Otto’s Literary Evolution
As a child, Braidee Otto always loved fantasy, but she struggled with reading.
In primary school, she recalls picking up a book that was beyond her reading level. In front of the class, her teacher told her she was unable to read something that difficult and took it away from her. “It was the most embarrassing experience of my life,” said Otto.
She retrieved the book and continued reading it in secret but was ashamed to find her teacher was right.
This experience motivated her to improve her reading.
After receiving the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda, she dedicated every spare moment to forcing herself to read until she got through the whole series. “And then I sat down and I read it again.”
She said this process “unlocked something” in her brain, and she quickly became a voracious reader.
Otto went on to love English throughout high school and later studied Literature at Deakin University.
“I really didn’t know what I was gonna do [with the degree]. I just knew that I absolutely loved books, I loved words, I loved learning all about the history of literature and studying classic texts, and then also analysing how those classic texts can influence what we call modern literature today.”
She admits she had wanted to be an author since the age of twelve but spent so much time during her degree studying other people’s literature that she never focused on crafting her own.
She worked in events, sports and recreation, and eventually the arts industry. “Being around all of these creative people who are working towards their own dreams was probably the motivation that I needed to start working on mine as well,” she reflects.
A Unique Publishing Journey
Songbird of the Sorrows was originally self-published in 2024. While it didn’t go viral, it caught the attention of a few publishers. “Within two weeks of releasing my book, I was agented and had offers on the table,” said Otto.
In February 2026, the novel was republished with Penguin Random House and The Dial Press.
What’s Next?
The sequel to Songbird of the Sorrows, is slated for release in October 2026, entitled Daughter of the Tempest.
Otto promises burning questions will be answered, but new ones will also be ignited.
“People can definitely look forward to finding out more about Aella, and everything she is capable of,” said Otto. “And… we will get to see a lot more of the world of the Empyrieos.”
While readers eagerly await this next instalment, Otto will be appearing at the Penguin Fantasy Fest in March. On a panel with fellow authors Bronte-Marie Wesson, Lily Crozier and Stacia Stark, the panel will tour Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.
“I’m just so excited to meet other authors and other readers,” Otto said. “And to be honest, I’m actually just incredibly grateful that Penguin are sending me on my very first tour, because it wasn’t something that I would have ever anticipated I would be able to do as a debut author.”
From the upcoming tour to the highly anticipated sequel and beyond, we can expect exciting things from Braidee Otto.
