Veronica Wood

Adult and Young Adult Fiction

Veronica Wood has written numerous short stories some of which have been published in local and national anthologies, others have won literary prizes.Veronica lives in Oxfordshire.

Veronica Wood - Books

Beyond the Valley is a futuristic coming-of-age novel that explores conflict, responsibility, and personal growth through a narrative rich in excitement, adventure, and romance.Two siblings from an isolated farm find different ways to confront the challenges of reaching maturity in a world emerging from the collapse of society. Fifteen-year-old Joel flees with a circus troupe and faces a series of adventures, which include overseas travel, imprisonment, and inter-island strife. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Sissy's quest leads to romance, involvement with hostile intruders, the discovery of a mysterious affliction, and knowledge that some family members possess extrasensory abilities.Now available online from Waterstones and Amazon.Also available at the Wallingford Bookshop, the Red Lion Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, direct from Veronica, or order from your local bookshop or library.E-book version coming soon - watch for news.

Beyond the River is the second book following the adventures of Sissy, Joel and the Woodall family.Six months after the Meet at the Woodalls' Farm, eighteen-year-old Sissy's gifted twin brothers are kidnapped. The family's search draws them into a web of intrigue and deception, testing their resilience as they travel beyond the river. They meet new allies and dangerous enemies among factions fighting to control a society emerging from chaos.Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Joel, who spent the winter on Loren Island with the Circus, is on the move again as he becomes entangled with criminals and faces challenges to his loyalty.Their journeys eventually bring them together in an unexpected reunion.Available October 2026

Veronica Wood - Events

Veronica Wood - Reviews

Praise for "Beyond the Valley":

“Beyond the Valley, written by Veronica Wood, is an immersive futuristic epic that will resonate with young and older adults alike as they navigate their way through the colourful and compelling storyline. Woven around the lives and dreams of two teenage siblings, an undercurrent of extra sensory perception adds another dimension that will keep you hooked until the last page. I'm looking forward to the sequel.”
Sheila

“I don’t read many novels but I found I could not put this one down.”
Graham

“I was lucky enough to have Beyond the Valley recommended to me on my recent visit to the UK, and as I was on holiday, was able to binge-read to my heart's content; I finished it in a day and I already miss the characters! I see from other reviews that there will be a sequel, and my only hope that it is soon, and available in the States, so I don't have to wait until my next visit here to find out what happens to Sissy, Joel, and the others.The characters are thoughtfully and well-drawn out, and the plot is immediately intriguing. Joel and Sissy are teens who, along with their family, are living in some sort of post-society collapse, and though it doesn't seem terribly futuristic - there are farms and families and relationships that feel very warm and familiar and current - they face certain trials that aren't common in our world today. It is a rare literary find, in that the author has somehow managed a rare feat in presenting prescient characters with extrasensory abilities, combined with modern day relationships, all while giving them some old-fashioned, quaint mannerisms, and it is done seamlessly. The story was left on a cliff-hanger of sorts, and I am so looking forward to what happens next, at the family Meet.”
Caitlin

“I really enjoyed this book, it has a bit of everything you could want in a great read! I loved spending time in this world and hope there is a sequel on the way.”
Susannah

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end. The story tells of a family living on an isolated farm in a dystopian world and the frustration of the two main characters Sissy 18 and Joel 15, realising they want more from their dreary lives. Joel runs away to join a Circus and has adventures on the way and Sissy experiences a brief romance which gives her more self worth and assentiveness and the discovery of her extrasensory abilities.The book has an exciting and imaginative storyline, very well written and researched. The ending hints of a sequel which I very much hope will be publish soon.Beyond The Valley would appeal to young adults and older readers.”
Jessica

“A cracking adventure story, which I devoured in one go. I found it fun and fast-paced, focusing on the two major characters Joel and Sissy and all their shenanigans in a futuristic world. Well worth a read!”
Amazon Customer

“Veronica Wood's first published novel 'Beyond the Valley' has a first-rate storyline and her writing style flows effortlessly! Her characters are brought to life and grow through Veronica's accurate observations of human nature and emotions. I was taken on a journey of discovery where Veronica's vivid imagination made me believe she had actually travelled to the unknown places, set in the future, and had witnessed first-hand all the events that followed.I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and hope there will be a second book published very soon continuing the journey - if not a trilogy!”
Jill

“An absorbing adventure story in a futuristic setting. The young adult protagonists should appeal to a YA readership, as well as older readers familiar with the sci-fi and fantasy classics of (e.g.) John Wyndham, Alan Garner and John Christopher.”
Myron E

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