Condemnation to Beasts
OUT 18.02.2027
Derryn thought things would be different in Melbourne.
After crossing the world from England on a scholarship to study Animal Science at the prestigious Yarra University, it seems like the perfect chance to leave his troubled past behind. But when he becomes drawn to his classmate Grace, he discovers she’s involved with Colby, a professor specialising in de-extinction science.
Grace tries to walk away, but Colby knows exactly how to make her stay. When she confides in Derryn, he realises he may be the only person who can help without jeopardising her future.
But saving Grace might mean confronting the violent past he was desperate to leave behind in England - a past that might cost them both everything.
"Morally grey on every page, the dark and obsessive characters will make you question everything."
VERONICA LANDO, BANjo prize winner and author of "The whispering"
Meet the Author
Noah Bennett
Noah Bennett is a Melbourne-based thriller author with a lifelong passion for reading, storytelling, and adventure. That same spirit continues to shape his life today—he has travelled around Australia in a camper van, worked as a locum physiotherapist, and gathered inspiration for his future novels along the way.
His writing has been recognised in the Richell Prize longlist, and his second novel, Condemnation to Beasts, was awarded runner-up in the Literary Heart Awards.
Books for Better Beings: empowering young people through books
I didn’t read a single book for fun between the ages of 14 and 18.
Now, my life revolves around reading and writing.
That gap, where so many young people switch off from books, is exactly what Books for Better Beings is built to address.
This project is designed to help young people reconnect with reading by showing them it’s not about schoolwork, pressure, or “being academic.” It’s about finding something that actually matters in a world that has never been more uncertain.
Through engaging school presentations, I work with students to:
-
Understand why so many young people drift away from reading in their teens
-
See how reading builds empathy, perspective, and independence
-
Learn simple, practical ways to start reading again
-
Why it has never been more important to start reading with the rise of AI
-
Access personalised book recommendations through collaboration with library staff.
Each session is tailored to the age group and delivered with humour, honest storytelling, and relatable experiences.
Ready to collaborate? Access our guest speaking inquiry form and our interactive student portal for personalized book recommendations designed for young people.
''As a participant on our author panels, Noah was thoughtful, articulate, and engaging. He presented himself with confidence, warmth, and sincerity. He really connected with the audience and left a lasting impression. Noah is an exceptional emerging writer with a bright future.''
SPEAKING TESTIMONIALS
FRANCES BRYANT, HEAD OF NOORAT WRITER'S FESTIVAL
Get in Touch
Whether you're a curious reader or interested in a speaking event, I'm always happy to hear from you. Use the form below to send your enquiries directly to Noah.