Author Wela Kabane, at the age of 10, wrote her first book mostly because she was frustrated with how the books she was reading ended.
Last year, Kabane self-published her fantasy fiction 373 page novel at the age of 34.
Formerly from the Transkei region, the small town of Butterworth, she moved to the South Coast in 2014.
“I found my love for reading in our school library. After years of writing for myself and friends, I decided to take a risk,” she said.
Kabane said she didn’t think anyone would buy it, and it was a ‘passion project’. But, it sold.
This year, she released her second book in the trilogy, with the final installment coming next year.
While she has created her own continent and countries in the book, Kabane uses her Xhosa culture and African mythology as the basis of the Kenryk (pronounced Kenrikh) tribe.
The books follow Amari, a 20-year-old woman who decides to become the first woman Sage Warrior in the patriarchal Kingdom of Sagar.
It is an honour only afforded to men, but that does not deter her. Along the way, she meets two companions who become an invaluable source of support for her. While she navigates danger in her journey, she discovers truths about her origins. She is the Avaris of the fire tribe, the Kenryk. She is the protector of the sword of fire, the Endric Sword forged upon the Kathraga Mountains. She has to choose, pursue her dream to become the first female Sage Warrior or assume her duties, living among people she doesn’t know as an Avaris.
“I know, books need tropes. I know, mine isn’t romance-driven, there is no love triangle, but there is self-discovery. There is the realisation that you are your own knight in shinning armour. There is brotherhood and friendship. There is diversity, growth and an understanding that the responsibilities of being special are not so glorious after all.
“I have always loved writing and reading. It was an escape for me and I always wanted to create characters that anyone can find themselves in.”
Her books are now available at local book stores and online.
“What a glorious feeling to finally see my books on the shelf!,” she added, smiling.
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