Witches Steeped in Gold
Author | Ciannon Smart |
---|---|
Language | English |
Genres | Young adult, dark Fantasy |
Publisher | HarperCollins |
Publication date | April 20 2021 |
Publication place | Jamaica/UK |
ISBN | 978-0-06-294598-3 |
Followed by | Empress Crowned in Red |
Witches Steeped in Gold is a 2021 young adult dark fantasy novel by British Jamaican writer Ciannon Smart.[1][2] Smart debut novel inspired by Jamaican mythology was published on 20 April 2021 by HarperCollins and follows two enemy witches who must enter an alliance to fight a common enemy.[3][4] It will be followed by a sequel, Empress Crowned in Red scheduled for release on May 10 2022.[5]
Development
Smart first had the early inspiration for novel when she went on her second family trip to Jamaica when she was twelve years old and she did not started writing until she read Ember in Ashes. When she was on the trip to Jamaica, she visited Rose Hall and became obsessed with the idea of black witches. In writing the book she made several research about Obeah and Jamaican culture.[1][6] In an interview Smart stated that she was compelled to continue with the novel without fear after she heard the announcement of Children of Blood and Bone because it gave her hope about writing something different from the ones she had seen.[1]
Plot
Set in a Jamaican inspired world, Alumbrar witch Jazmyne Cariot is the only daughter and heir to the kingdom of Aicya's throne and has been preparing to become a Doyenne — queen ever since she was born. Her mother sees her as a tool to control the kingdom even after her death. For over a decade, Obeah witch Iraya “Ira” Adair the last heir of former Obeah rulers of Aciya has been locked in a dungeon to become a guard. When a group of people plans to remove the doyenne and put Jazmyne, her daughter, Ira is also leading a revolution to put Obeah back as the ruling class.
When Jazmyne sister is killed for a ritual by her mother, she vows to bring her down. Jazmyne and Ira both discovered that they wants the Doyenne dead, they form an alliance with each person having their own personal intentions. Jazmyne wants to crown herself as the next doyenne and Ira plans on reinstalling the Obeah back to the throne. Both of them must work together while trying to outsmart each other and also the Doyenne.
Reception
The book received generally positive reactions from reviewers and readers. It was one of the most anticipated book of 2021.[7][8][9] and was recommended by several media outlets including The Mary Sue[10] and USA Today.[11]
A review from Tor.com stated that "Witches Steeped in Gold is a vicious series opener from a powerful debut novelist."[12] A review from Kirkus Reviews called the novel "A richly realized tale for patient readers who enjoy complex language and worldbuilding".[13] Publishers Weekly praised Ciannon Smart worldbuilding stating that "Smart’s ornate world succeeds in its fantastical backdrops and frequent action".[14]
- ^ a b c "Q&A With Ciannon Smart, Witches Steeped in Gold". We Need Diverse Books. 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "Black History Month – Interview with Ciannon Smart, Author of Witches Steeped in Gold; On Her Jamaican-Inspired Fantasy Debut, Worldbuilding, and its Gorgeous Cover". The Quiet Pond. 2021-02-11. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "10 Contemporary Witchy Reads for a Magical Spooky Season". Nerdist. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "Ask a Bookseller: 'Witches Steeped in Gold' is a Jamaican-inspired YA fantasy". MPR News. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "All the 2022 Book Sequels & Additions We're Most Excited About (Part 1)". The Mary Sue. 2022-01-06. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "Q&A: Ciannon Smart, Author of 'Witches Steeped In Gold'". The Nerd Daily. 2021-04-15. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "10 Contemporary Witchy Reads for a Magical Spooky Season". Nerdist. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "15 Best New Novels By Black Authors 2021". Greatist. 2021-02-24. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ Bowman, Sabienna (2021-04-01). "The 25 Best Books of April Will Take You Around the World (and Beyond)". POPSUGAR Entertainment. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "The Mary Sue Book Club, April 2021: Myths, Romcoms, and Murder Mystery-Solving Aunties". The Mary Sue. 2021-04-05. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ "13 witch books that cast a spell on us, including 'Hour of the Witch,' 'The Ex Hex'". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ Brown, Alex (2021-04-20). ""Blood Follows Vein": Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart". Tor.com. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
- ^ WITCHES STEEPED IN GOLD | Kirkus Reviews.
- ^ "Children's Book Review: Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart. HarperTeen, ISBN 978-0-06-294598-3". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2022-02-11.