Article contributed by Annie McCann
This debut novel inspired by West African culture and mythology was very detailed, intricate, haunting, and intense! Following Arrah’s story was a heart pounding experience and it was a book I couldn’t just devour overnight. I purposely took my time with it, really getting enriched in this poetic storyline.
Born into a family of powerful witch doctors, Arrah yearns for magic of her own. But each year she fails to call forth her ancestral powers, while her ambitious mother watches with growing disapproval. There’s only one thing Arrah hasn’t tried, a deadly last resort: trading years of her own life for scraps of magic. Until the Kingdom’s children begin to disappear, and Arrah is desperate to find the culprit.
Kingdom of Souls moved at a steady pace but along the way, we discovered something new whether it was Arrah or her family or a West African legend relating to witch doctors and demons. Although Arrah is about 11 years old when this story starts, the content and themes of this book is definitely more suitable for older readers. I really enjoyed this as I love books that have a cultural inspiration or infusion with a fantasy or fiction story and with this book, you’ll really felt Rena’s purpose in writing this book. I cannot thank her enough for opening up a gateway to her culture and legends.
We had the pleasure of chatting to author Rena Barron about her incredible debut novel Kingdom of Souls, writing, and more! Check out the interview below!
Hi Rena! Tell us a little about yourself!
Hi Annie! I’m a space nerd who loves all things science fiction, ghosts, and superheroes. My favourite genre to write and read is hands down fantasy, and magic is my favourite story element.
What can readers expect from Kingdom of Souls?
At the core of Kingdom Of Souls is this idea that you don’t have to be special to affect positive change in your community and the world around you. There is also the question of how much one person is willing to sacrifice to save their loved ones. Finally, there is a coming of age thread in the story that explores the dynamics of developing your own opinions and actions that may not align with what you’ve been taught.
Why did you feel it was so important to write Kingdom of Souls?
It was important for me to tell a story that felt true to my identity while not feeling like I needed to live up to anyone’s else expectations.
Were a lot of the characters in your book inspired by your own family and friends? Where did you draw your inspiration from?
I always draw inspiration from the people around me, whether it be family, friends, or a stranger at a café or on the train. I’ve always been fascinated with the human psyche and how, when faced with the same challenges, people have such a varied range of reactions.
Do you have a favourite legend from home and was it featured in Kingdom of Souls?
I don’t, which is part of the complicated history that I carry with me as a descendant of a people stolen from their lands and forced into slavery. The mythology in Kingdom Of Souls was initially sparked by snippets of rumors I heard about people in my community who practiced voodoo, turned into a story completely of my own imagination.
Is it challenging for you to write a book that represents your own culture and heritage or did it come easy as it is an own voice story?
I don’t think it’s ever easy to write about oneself. There is so much self-exploration that has to happen, and moments of feeling vulnerable that you have to push through. When you haven’t read many books that reflect your experience or culture, there’s always the fear that people won’t get it or think it’s weird.
What are you hoping for your readers to take away from this book?
I hope that readers will connect with the universal themes in Kingdom Of Souls of love, sacrifice, family, and friendship.
Who are your author role models?
Margaret Atwood, Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, Octavia Butler, Suzanne Collins, N.K. Jemisin and Toni Morrison, to name a few.
When you are not writing, what would you be doing?
I love hiking and traveling to new places.
What advice or tip could you give to someone who is an emerging writer, trying to bring their own culture, legend and heritage out onto the page?
It’s so easy to self-censor or make your story more palatable for the masses, but the world needs your story in your own voice filled with your spirit and your heart. Write your truth as no one else can.
