I love reading diverse fantasy written by diverse authors, but a sad truth with the publishing industry is that diverse authors, LGBT writers, and People of Color are still underrepresented. The world is a diverse place; readers want to see more LGBT and more cultures represented with their #OwnVoices. The best way to support your favourite diverse authors is to buy their books, shout about how great they are, and leave a glowing review.
So this blog post is to fully implore you to read and support YA fantasy written by Muslim authors who have created their own authentic tales and worlds. Here are a mix of books by Muslim authors which are either out now or coming soon! Some of which I have read, and others I can’t wait to get my hands on. Find out more through GoodReads and consider buying/pre-ordering if they excite you as much as they do me.
An Ember in the Ashes
One of the most popular YA fantasy series out there, you can read the first three books in the explosive An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir now. The third book, Reaper at the Gates, was released earlier in the year and I can’t wait to see where the series will end. Journey with Laia, Elias, and Helene in a brutal world inspired by the oppression of the Roman Empire as each character takes on their own unique quest to help their people against threats, both man and magical. Hopefully we’ll get news on the last book in the series soon, but until then, you’ve got time to read the first three.
We Hunt the Flame
My most anticipated book of 2019, We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal is a fiery debut about Zafira, the Hunter, who disguises herself as a man and enters a rivalry against Nasir, the Prince of Death, whilst traversing a cursed forest to find a magical artifact. Set in a world inspired by ancient Arabia, it promises swashbuckling action and an enemies-to-lovers romance to die for. And just look at that gorgeous cover! This is definitely my kind of fantasy.
The Candle and the Flame
Due in early 2019, The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad is a debut set along the Silk Road and features legendary djinn, fire magic, and empowered women who work together in a world of different cultures, religions and languages. The cover itself is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to delve into the rich world.
The City of Brass
An honorary mention, as The City of Brass is technically an adult fantasy novel (though older YA readers may enjoy it). The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty is out now and I loved it enough to write my own review. Journey to the magical city of Daevabad with Nahri, an opportunistic thief in search of a better life, and discover djinn and royal plots. The sequel, The Kingdom of Copper, is due to be released in January 2019. I was lucky enough to get an ARC that I’m reading now <3
The Light at the Bottom of the World
Technically a sci-fi story, The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah is set in a futuristic London which is underwater! It that didn’t sound intriguing enough, the story follows a British Muslim teen who lives in a submarine which she uses to take part in the London Marathon. She must use her racing skills to save her dad. It doesn’t have a book cover yet as it’s due late 2019, but take a look at the pretty aesthetic image on London Shah’s website.
Know of any other YA fantasy out now or coming soon by Muslim authors? Please share them with me!
Thank you so much for featuring THE CANDLE AND THE FLAME!
I read a fantasy novel called Arias Archer and the Shadow Cloak by a Muslim author called Hamzah Malik, and found it really fun to read! A little bit dark in places, but a great ‘out of this world’ type read 🙂
Thank you for sharing this, Sadia! This sounds like my kind of book! 🙂