Witches Steeped in Gold is a 2021 young adult dark fantasy novel by British Jamaican writer Ciannon Smart.[1][2] Smart's 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 was followed by a sequel, Empress Crowned in Red released on June 7, 2022.[5]
 First edition | |
| 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 |
Development
editSmart first had the early inspiration for novel when she went on her second family trip to Jamaica when she was 12 years old and she did not start writing until she read An Ember in the 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
editIraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom - and vengeance.
Jazmyne is the Queen's daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother's power.
Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain - except the lengths they will go to win this game.
This Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut about two enemy witches who must enter into a deadly alliance to take down a common enemy has the twisted cat-and-mouse of Killing Eve with the richly imagined fantasy world of Furyborn and Ember in the Ashes.
Reception
editThe book received generally positive reactions from reviewers and readers. It was one of the most anticipated books of 2021,[3][7] and was recommended by several media outlets including The Mary Sue[8] and USA Today.[9]
A review from Tor.com stated that "Witches Steeped in Gold is a vicious series opener from a powerful debut novelist."[10] A review from Kirkus Reviews called the novel "A richly realized tale for patient readers who enjoy complex language and worldbuilding".[11] Publishers Weekly praised Ciannon Smart's worldbuilding stating that "Smart’s ornate world succeeds in its fantastical backdrops and frequent action".[12]
References
edit- ^ a b c Lavoie, Fin (20 April 2021). "Q&A With Ciannon Smart, Witches Steeped in Gold". We Need Diverse Books. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "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. 11 February 2021. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ a b Knight, Rosie. "10 Contemporary Witchy Reads for a Magical Spooky Season". Nerdist. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "Ask a Bookseller: 'Witches Steeped in Gold' is a Jamaican-inspired YA fantasy". MPR News. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ Shotwell, Alyssa (9 June 2022). "All the 2022 Book Sequels & Additions We're Most Excited About (Part 2)". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
- ^ "Q&A: Ciannon Smart, Author of 'Witches Steeped In Gold'". The Nerd Daily. 15 April 2021. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ Bowman, Sabienna (1 April 2021). "The 25 Best Books of April Will Take You Around the World (and Beyond)". POPSUGAR Entertainment. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "The Mary Sue Book Club, April 2021: Myths, Romcoms, and Murder Mystery-Solving Aunties". The Mary Sue. 5 April 2021. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "13 witch books that cast a spell on us, including 'Hour of the Witch,' 'The Ex Hex'". www.usatoday.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ Brown, Alex (20 April 2021). ""Blood Follows Vein": Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart". Tor.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ WITCHES STEEPED IN GOLD | Kirkus Reviews. 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Children's Book Review: Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart. HarperTeen, ISBN 978-0-06-294598-3". PublishersWeekly.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.