There’s nothing like getting lost in a piece of fiction and we love nothing more than discovering new authors, particularly ones who themselves have a story. Kudos to the authors.
The space for YA readers of colour is quite underrepresented and so we are thrilled to share two books aimed at this audience, as well as a good old-fashioned crime who dunnit!
Emily Knight… I am awakened by Abiola Bello
Abiola wrote her first novel at just eight years old and then went on to write the first in the Emily Knight saga when she was 12, after getting frustrated at the lack of strong, female protagonists in children’s fiction who could fight like a man.
The long awaited second instalment of the Emily Knight series has finally landed. It’s great to see this wonderful addition to the YA readers of colour demographic. Fans of the original book will be thrilled to see that the heroine, Emily is back and she is stronger, faster and sharper. Can she save the day again?
Buy here
Dead Lands by Lloyd Otis
Dead Lands is the debut novel of Lloyd Otis, who in his day job as an editor, has interviewed a host of bestselling authors, such as Mark Billingham, Hugh Howey and Kerry Hudson. No doubt he picked up a few tips along the way to writing his crime fiction.
Dead Lands is a thrilling crime story set in the 1970s. When a woman’s body is found, a special team is called in to investigate and the prime suspect, Alex Troy, is arrested for the murder. Desperate to remain a free man, Troy protests his innocence, but refuses to use his alibi. Trying to protect the woman he loves becomes a dangerous game – questions are asked and suspicions deepen.
Buy here (from 12 October 2017)
The Secret of the Purple Lake by Yaba Badoe
This book is a collection of five interlinked stories for young adults by Ghanaian-British writer, Yaba Badoe, who is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker. The Secret of the Purple Lake joins Cassava Republic’s growing stable of Young Adult and Children’s fiction.
Moving from a small fishing village in Ghana, through to the savannah lands of Senegal – and with stops in Spain, Thailand and the Orkney Islands along the way – this magical collection illustrates the interconnectedness of our world. Filled with dancing octopuses and singing walruses, Badoe has created delightful new fables for these globalised times. With an eclectic setting and an even pace, Badoe recreates an ancient world filled with adventures, moral justice, family and love, brought to life with 24 beautiful black and white illustrations.
Buy here book
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