Trending 30th March 2026 by Bronwyn O'Neill

By The Book: Venetia Constantine On Becoming An Instant Bestseller

It’s not an easy feat becoming a Sunday Times best selling author. But Venetia Constantine makes it look easy.

Her debut fantasy novel, The Last Starborn Seer, was an instant bestseller. And we can see why, we couldn’t put it down after we cracked it open.

Here we sit down with Venetia to chat about becoming an author, the books that made her and what’s next…

Talk to me about your new book, The Last Starborn Seer!

The Last Starborn Seer is the first book in an epic romantic fantasy trilogy. It’s set in a dying world of feuding realms and cursed elemental powers, and follows Leilani Stellarion – a shunned princess in possession of dangerous Starborn magic, as she embarks on a perilous quest to find a lost relic with the power to save her kingdom.

The reaction has already been incredible before it’s been published. How does that make you feel?

The support has been amazing. It’s overwhelming and very humbling and I’m so grateful to all those who have been championing my book ahead of its release.

What’s the first thing you do when you sit down to write?

As a busy mother of three, I don’t really have time for intricate writing rituals, but I do have playlists I like to put on to immerse myself in the mood of the book or chapter that I’m working on.

What is that childhood book that you still think about to this day?

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle – it’s haunted me all my life (in the best way).

Who are three authors that inspire you?

Margaret Atwood, Samantha Shannon and J.R.R. Tolkien

What’s a book that you’ll never forget?

If This is a Man by Primo Levi.

Who is the favourite character you’ve ever written?

I love the arc that my second POV character Astrophel Vesparion has in The Last Starborn Seer. He evolves a lot and he’s a character that constantly surprises me. He’s Leilani’s childhood rival and they’re being forced into an arranged marriage.

If you could go into a book universe, which would it be?

Middle Earth and specifically Rivendell. I love Tolkien’s elves.


What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

You can’t edit a blank page.

Is there a book you wish you could read again for the first time?

N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season trilogy.

Forget dinner party guests, what are the three books that define you?

The Lord of the Rings, Wuthering Heights and Alias Grace

What is your most prized possession – book-wise or otherwise?

In terms of books, it would probably be my Folio edition of The Last Unicorn. Limited to 500 copies, it’s a stunning, signed heritage edition and its illustrations are beautiful.


Do you read reviews?

No. I did glance at them when they first started coming in, but quickly realised that – good or bad – they’re distractions that make it harder to write. I’m a chronic people pleaser so it’s important I listen to my own writerly instincts and not get swayed by external opinions, especially while I’m still drafting books in the same series.

What is your favourite genre to read? Is it the same one you write?

Fantasy will always be my first love, but I have eclectic reading tastes and also really enjoy reading historical fiction, mythological retellings, literary fiction and some cosy crime. Children’s books continue to hold a special place in my heart too.

The Last Starborn Seer is out now