protean depravity

In a chat with the Shine & Shadow group, author and editor Clarence A. Haynes explains how the project "Nubia: An Awakening" came to fruition, the core ideas and intents behind it and anything you might wonder about the book he co-authored with actor Omar Epps. In order to make full sense of this conversation you may want to read the book or some detailed reviews. In terms of reactions, firstly, I've noticed that some people are picking up on some of the elements of the book that defy expectations of the genre, for instance Zuberi being a girl character who's really unapologetically determined, willful and powerful in the decisions she makes, what makes her feel strong, etc. This was something Omar and I purposely did. In the same way, Uzochi is more sensitive and emotional, internal, overtly frightened, is growing into his role as protector in a way that Zuberi already knows how to handle. Most of the cast we wanted to play with expectations in some way and make ...

I have been told to specify here that one of the co-authors of this book, Clarence A. Haynes, is one of my best friends in life and although I don't think so, I may be biased in my review of his book. Irrespective of my friendship with one of the authors, it is a little hard to review a Young Adult book as someone who doesn't enjoy the genre, but I think it speaks for the book that it was a pleasure to read for me, it doesn't follow the same path conventional YA does and managed to keep me interested through an "adult" approach to the themes it treats. Is it possible for a YA novel to not undermine the intelligence of its readers, represent them with respect and not be condescending? Is it possible for a YA novel to have characters not feel like naive caricatures, but actual people with valid worries and struggles? In the case of the urban fantasy Nubia: The Awakening , yes. Yes, it is. The world building, plot and social commentaries in this debut of actor Omar E...