"A story about the way we heal together", that's how a friend of mine recently described my fantasy series Shirareta Sekai (the known world). And I think that description really suits my series and my own priorities as an author. I explore heavy themes, especially regarding psychological problems, but also leave space for the heartwarming moments, for all the ways in which we help each other persevere.
These days you'll find a lot of enemies to lovers in fantasy, and I completely understand why that's popular, but my series is a love letter to friendship. For that reason I give you enemies to besties.
So, if you're looking for a series with emotional depth, in which a heartwarming friendship gets to blossom, look no further!
This book is not only a beautiful literary gem, but also a story with an old soul. You want to know more, I want to know more! [original review in Dutch]
Nakita’s Library – 04/13/2019 – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What about the world? you might wonder. I've used Japan's Edo period (1600-1868) as inspiration for my world building. So you can expect kimono, shape-shifting foxes and houses with tatami mats, among other things. The world, characters and events contain lots of elements of and references to Japanese history and folklore (you can read more about that in my articles). Despite that, it's also definitely western. Apart from the fact that it was written by a Dutch woman, the world contains elves, dwarves and nymphs (and western dragons in the west).
Are you actually not a Japan enthusiast at all? No problem! This fantasy world might differ from what you're used to, but don't let that stop you. The appeal of a fictional world resides in the unfamiliar, does it not? 😉
