Historical Fantasy/Mythical Realism
Date Published: November 20, 2018
Publisher: Afrocentric Books | Mugwump Press
Amina is heir apparent to the throne of Zazzau and must prove she is worthy of the crown. As foreign invaders close in on them, she is all that stands between her people and destruction. Caught in a web of prophecies, she must defend Zazzau, but cannot do so if she wants to prevent the future that was foretold. She did not seek war yet it finds her. Unwilling to be the plaything of gods or men and determined to take control of her own destiny, she tracks down the god of war himself. But has her destiny already been written? Can she choose her own fate? And can she protect her kingdom, no matter what price she must ultimately pay? Because, gods always want something in return.
Queen of Zazzau is an Historical Fantasy that takes place in precolonial West Africa. It chronicles the life of one of the most famous W. African queens, Amina of Zazzau (or Zaria). At 139,000 words, the novel features several W. African historical figures and a pantheon of W. African gods. The story is told in first-person and gives the reader an intimate look at some of the lifestyles and cultures--many of which are still alive today--of medieval W. Africa.
Interview
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
The research is, by far,
the hardest part. Because the stories that I write take place (mostly) in precolonial
West Africa, much of the available information has been cobbled together from
oral stories and is frequently contradictory from one Historian to the next.
What songs are most played on your Ipod?
I have Android 😉. I mostly play classical music. I especially
love Vivaldi. My next favorite playlist is the African music. Followed by dance
music of various genres. My tastes are very eclectic.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Not really. I have
friends who are willing to read and critique when necessary. I did join a
critique group (several, in fact) when writing Queen of Zazzau. I’m debating whether to do it again for my next
novel.
What book are you reading now?
I have been reading
French classics. I recently finished The
Count of Monte Cristo (Dumas) and am currently reading L’Etranger
(Camus) and Les Misérables (Hugo). I’m reading them
simultaneously, but I’m reading Camus in French, trying to up my language game.
How did you start your writing career?
My writing career is just beginning, so you get to watch it unfold.
I wrote Queen of Zazzau because I
felt a compulsion to do so. I am when I began channeling the spirit of Amina
herself. She wanted the world to know her story and picked me to tell it.
Tell us about your next release.
I’m currently working on
more African monarch novels. Because I write multiple books at a time, I can’t
say for certain which one will be next. But I’m also
getting organized for an AfroMyth Volume 2 anthology. So, it could be that.
You’ll have to wait and see!
About the Author
J.S. Emuakpor was born and raised in West Africa. She is a married mother of four, a scientist, and owner of Afrocentric Books. She currently lives in North Carolina and is very much allergic to it. Most of her writing draws upon the spiritual beliefs of the ancestors who frequently whisper in her ear and on the superstitions that she refuses to relinquish.
Purchase Link
Coming Soon... Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, or Play.
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