The Drakensberg has become the backdrop of new Young Adult fiction, in which epic battles unfold and dragons spread their wings.
South Africa (26 May 2024) – Anyone who has been blessed to drive through the Drakensberg on a winter’s day to see the clouds rolling over the snow-capped mountain range can attest to how magical it feels. Debut author Anoshi Saretzki put that magical feeling onto paper in the form of a new Fantasy novel for young adults. Julhuan is about teen Zanna and her life feeling lost in her own life. Bring in epic battles and several dragons, Zanna’s journey is a coming-of-age tale about a young woman trying to find herself.
Zanna’s journey to finding her bravest, most confident self was so relatable, even if one no longer falls into the “young adult” fiction category. The debut novel highlights real-life battles and the battles we fight within ourselves to feel worthy in life, to have confidence in our abilities and to escape the mental demons that try to break us down.
Anoshi Saretzki used her passion for the area, where she spent many family holidays, and her background in Industrial Psychology to create the world of Julhuan, a hidden city up in the Drakensberg mountains. The fantasy novel has some great lessons about family, friendship, and being determined to overcome one’s fears.
This is the perfect purchase for any teen or young adult in your life. Would totally recommend this book (says the mid-30s writer who is addicted to reading Harry Potter every 2 years)!
The back of the book
Ever since Zanna can remember, she’s been tormented by a recurring nightmare which has only served to complicate her life. Determined to escape its clutches, she embarks on a multi-day hike into the expanse of the Drakensberg mountains, accompanied by her best friend, Seb.
Their trek through the increasingly treacherous terrain unveils a series of peculiar phenomena. Little do they know that these strange occurrences will ultimately lead them to the Julhuasi, an ancient, hidden tribe, blessed with magical powers and protected by dragons who have coexisted with them in Julhuan for millennia.
As Zanna delves deeper into this new world, she discovers that her true identity is far more extraordinary than she could have ever imagined. Her nightmares, previously deemed simply as bad dreams, now hold very real implications for her and the Julhuasi. As a sworn enemy. relentless in her pursuit, draws nearer, Zanna must tap into her inner strength and self-belief. Only then will she be able to face the impending battle that has shadowed her existence since her birth.
You can find out more about Julhuan via the Krest website here.
Interested in more proudly South African books? You can find more of our book reviews here.
Sources: Book Supplied for Review by Krest Publishing
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