Today is Saturday and you all know what that means here on The Bibliophagist…Saturday Spotlight!! I am so thankful that I am able to support authors by doing something such as this. I have had nothing but fantastic experiences with every author that has taken part.
I am super excited about today’s author. Her novel is highly anticipated and she is overall an amazing person. Every time I spoke with her she was beyond helpful and I am honored to have her on today’s Saturday Spotlight. Without making you all wait any longer in anticipation, let’s get to know Emiko Jean! (cue fangirl screams….no? Just me? Ok…let’s move on.)
About the Author
When Emiko is not writing, she is reading. Most of her friends are imaginary. Before she became a writer she was an entomologist (fancy name for bug catcher), a candle maker, a florist, and most recently a teacher. She lives in Washington with her husband and children (unruly twins). She loves the rain.
Emiko’s Novel
Empress of All Seasons
Guest Post
My second novel, EMPRESS OF ALL SEASONS, published this week. I’m so thrilled that it is out in the world. This book marks a significant personal milestone for me. Long before I was a writer, I was a reader. I grew up devouring fantasy novels such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and Harry Potter. All of the fantasy novels I read were heavily dominated by western mythology and most featured white characters and their perspectives. I longed to see myself in the pages of the books I loved. When I began to draft EMPRESS I thought of my teenage self.
Since I’ve been in middle and high school, there has been an uprising of fantasy novels featuring POC written by POC. I’d like to take some time to recommend some of these excellent novels. Here are my top three:
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor—Short on pages but not on substance, Binti packs a powerful punch. In this novella, the protagonist, Binti, leaves Earth to attend university. While on board her ship is attacked. What ensues is a fascinating space opera that manages to explore issues of race, identity, and class.
The Grace of Kings by Kevin Liu—This book features a combination of East Asian and Western historical elements. It is an epic fantasy with rich mythology and even a touch of steampunk.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin—Hands down my favorite sci-fi/fantasy novel to date. The world building and writing are exemplary. Jemisin creates a post-apocalyptic world called the Stillness, where catastrophic environmental events continually re-shape the earth. The story is as vast as the world Jemisin created, and it centers around Essun, Damaya, and Syenite—all characters of color.
I do hope you’ll consider picking up one of these excellent novels. After all one of the strengths of fantasy is that it holds up a looking glass to the world we live in. That being said, it’s only fair that all people are represented.
I loved the recommendations Emiko gave, I actually have the first three books of The Broken Earth series by N.K. Jemisin sitting on my shelf waiting for me to have time to read it! I agree that all people should be fairly represented in fantasy novels, we all need to be able to look into books and see ourselves, connect with characters, and simply escape reality at times.
Giveaway
Emiko is graciously giving away a finished copy of her novel along with a swag pack. The swag pack will include a set of Yokai cards, Bookmark, and a signed bookplate. This is an amazing giveaway so be sure to enter!!
I want to thank Emiko Jean again for being a wonderful participant in Saturday Spotlight! I really love that she is so down to earth and approachable. My favorite thing about her guest post is that not only did she talk a little about her book, hoping everyone will buy it, but she also offered suggestions of other POC representation written by POC. How amazing is that?
Disclaimer: This Post may contain affiliate links.
Pingback:October Monthly Wrap-up – The Bibliophagist