News Articles
Young author Oliver Smuhar releases sequel to fantasy novel
University student Oliver Smuhar has just released The Gifts of Happiness, the sequel to his contemporary fantasy novel, The Gifts of Life.
Released on November 20, the book is the second in The Colours of Humanity series planned by the former St Columba's High School student.
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X-Press Magazine
Oliver Smuhar a whole new world
Award-winning Australian author Oliver Smuhar will be re-releasing his original debut novel, The Gifts of Life on June 1, 2020, in preparation for its sequel, The Gifts of Happiness. MELISSA KRUGER had a chat with this prodigy to see what makes him tick.
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X-Press Magazine
Oliver Smuhar to release sequel to award-winning novel
Oliver Smuhar was still in high school when he released his first award-winning novel. Now he has plans for the second in the midst of a pandemic.
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The Daily Telegraph
Oliver Smuhar A novel approach to re-gifting
Award-winning Australian author Oliver Smuhar will be re-releasing his original debut novel, The Gifts of Life on June 1, 2020, in preparation for its sequel, The Gifts of Happiness.
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X-Press Magazine
Young author Oliver Smuhar releases new edition of debut novel
While most young people confronted with their Higher School Certificate exams try their best to study, hang with friends or practise past papers, Oliver Smuhar decided to release a book.
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Blue Mountains Gazette
Blue Mountains student's book now stocked at Library
Blue Mountains student Oliver Smuhar is a young writer with big ambitions. His first book, The Gifts of Life, has now made it onto the shelves of Blue Mountains Library, while the 18-year-old has already penned his second novel and is working on a third.
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Blue Mountains City Council
A Young Author is Rewriting the Limits with his First Novel
When most HSC students were preparing for their final exams and planning for their future, Oliver Smuhar was turning his dream into reality.
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Penrith Press
HSC and a Debut Novel for St Columba's Student: No Worries!
The HSC year is stressful enough without adding in the publication of a novel. But St Columba's Catholic College student Oliver Smuhar has taken it all in his stride.
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Blue Mountains Gazette
St Columba's Catholic College Celebrates
Congratulations to Oliver Smuhar (Year 12) who has had his first novel 'The Gifts of Life' published! Oliver has managed to write his novel along with studying for his HSC! Amazing!
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St Columba's Catholic College
HSC Student Writes Debut Novel on the Side
To stress less during his Year 12 studies, St Columba's Catholic College Springwood student Oliver Smuhar committed up to three hours of an evening to creative writing. As a result, Oliver has self-published his first novel, The Gifts of Life, all before doing his HSC exams!
The aspiring journalist started writing the fantasy novel in January 2017 and finished at 486 pages six months later.
“I have always enjoyed writing as a kid and one day I mentioned to my mum and dad that I wanted to write this novel and they liked the idea,” Oliver said.
“It was a huge commitment, especially when I had assessment tasks for school to complete and at times I felt it was a bit crazy, but it was also a good project to focus on instead of getting stressed out about upcoming exams.
“The biggest headache was all the paperwork attached to getting the book self-published, but it was good to see what it is like to have responsibilities like in the adult world,” Oliver said.
Oliver was inspired by the classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as the experience of travelling to Europe.
“The main character is a lot like myself and my friends and family also played a big part in forming the other characters throughout the book,” he said.
“The book is about a world called Oberon, which is similar to Australia. It is about a 16-year-old boy, Perry Caduca, who lives in a city called Kelton Whide. “Together with his best friend Faith, Perry attends the annual Ascension Ceremony to celebrate the switching on of Kelton Whide’s beacon. It is here that they are made aware of their super powers.
“Something sinister forces Perry to abandon his home city and go on a journey which results in him and his friends being forced to fight for their survival. As it becomes more dangerous, their powers begin to mutate. The only resolution comes in finding the Gifts of Life, truth that has the power to change the world.”
St Columba's College Assistant Principal Carol Muscat said the school is very proud of Oliver, especially as he managed to write his fantasy novel during his HSC year.
“It is an enormous achievement for anyone, but especially for a student who was also completing Year 12,” Ms Muscat said.
“I hope this inspires other students to follow their dreams and persevere. Always set high expectations for yourself and never give up.”
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
