Two Englishmen in Africa searching for the rare Elephant Orchid in 1892. Philip is an Etonian twit obsessed with class distinctions, there only for the sake of the woman he means to marry. But everything changes when they fall into the heart of darkness. A tale in the classic mode, revealing the corruption that lies within the human heart and also the possibility of redemption. Lois Tilton for Locus Online

 "The Orchid Hunters" is a strong look at class prejudices by Priya Sharma. Set in the 1890s as two Englishman make their way through darkest Africa in search of an elusive orchid, Philip is hoping that his retrieval of the bloom will clear his way to marry Kitty Huntley, whose father is an avid botanist. Philip's partner on the journey is Marcus, the son of their family's long-time servant, and Philip's opinion of Marcus is clearly at odds with the reality of what is happening, clearing demonstrating the way class consciousness effects Philip's perceptions of the world around him. By placing the two men in Africa instead of in London, Sharma also allows herself to present a strong correlation between Philip's class prejudice and his racial prejudices, making the character highly unlikeable, but in a very memorable story. Steven H Silver for Tangent

 "The Orchid Hunters" is a superb story by Priya Sharma following an expedition to Africa to find the rare elephant orchid. Told in diary format, it is elevated above a run-of-the-mill Victorian adventure by excellent characterisation, atmospheric jungle and a plot that is far more involved than it first appears. Gareth D Jones for SF Crowsnest