Picture a storyteller who spun a Jamaican-inspired fantasy world so vivid you can almost taste the jerk-scented air—meet Ciannon Smart! This rising star in young adult fantasy has captivated readers with her debut novel, Witches Steeped in Gold, blending rich cultural heritage with magical intrigue. With a knack for crafting fierce, unpredictable heroines, Smart is carving a unique space in literature, proving that stories rooted in diverse traditions can enchant a global audience.
Born of Jamaican heritage and raised in a small town in South East England, Smart’s journey from a book-hungry child to a celebrated author is as compelling as her novels. Her work pulses with the rhythms of her Caribbean roots, offering readers a fresh lens on fantasy that’s both thrilling and deeply personal.
The Making of Ciannon Smart
Growing up as the only daughter in a house full of boisterous brothers, Ciannon Smart found solace in books, diving into tales of anarchy and adventure. Her love for storytelling was sparked by childhood favorites like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Goosebumps, but it was a trip to Jamaica’s Rose Hall at age eleven that ignited her fascination with folklore. The legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall, a figure steeped in mystery, planted the seeds for her future works. By sixteen, inspired by fantasy novels like An Ember in the Ashes featuring Black protagonists, Smart resolved to write stories GatsbySmart herself as a lead character.
Smart’s writing career took shape after a pivotal meeting with agent Davina Andrew Lynch at a writer’s festival. Initially crafting a Western-inspired story, she pivoted to a Jamaican-inspired setting at her agent’s suggestion, creating the vibrant world of Witches Steeped in Gold. Her dedication to authentic representation and immersive world-building has since defined her storytelling.
Ciannon Smart’s Unforgettable Stories
Ciannon Smart’s debut, Witches Steeped in Gold (2021), is a Jamaican-inspired fantasy duology opener that follows two rival witches, Iraya Adair and Jazmyne Cariot, forced into a tense alliance to overthrow a tyrannical ruler. Set in the lush, perilous island of Aiyca, the novel weaves Obeah mythology, political intrigue, and betrayal into a gripping narrative. Readers praise its vibrant world-building, with cultural nods to Jamaican patois, food, and history, though some note its dense lore can be challenging.
The sequel, Empress Crowned in Red (2022), escalates the stakes as Iraya and Jazmyne face a new threat, deepening the duology’s exploration of resistance and identity. Smart’s middle-grade novel, Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters, shifts to a lighter tone, following a young hero battling villains with humor and heart. Her writing style—lush, rhythmic, and steeped in Caribbean oral traditions—creates worlds that feel alive, with morally grey characters who blur the line between hero and villain.
Smart’s stories stand out for their celebration of Black girl magic, placing powerful women at the heart of her narratives. Her ability to fuse Jamaican folklore with universal themes of vengeance, loyalty, and resilience has earned comparisons to Killing Eve and Children of Blood and Bone, marking her as a bold voice in YA fantasy.
Why Ciannon Smart Matters
Ciannon Smart’s impact lies in her fearless embrace of Jamaican heritage in a genre often dominated by Western narratives. By centering Obeah magic and Caribbean culture, she offers readers a window into a vibrant, underrepresented world, resonating deeply with those who see their identities reflected in her work. Her stories challenge stereotypes, showcasing Black women as complex, powerful protagonists who shape their destinies.
Smart’s influence extends beyond her books. Through social media, she engages fans with wit and warmth, amplifying Black voices and inspiring aspiring writers. Her duology’s critical acclaim and growing fanbase signal a lasting legacy, proving that diverse stories can captivate and inspire. As she continues to write, Smart is redefining fantasy, one magical, rebellious tale at a time.
About Ciannon Smart
- Key Works: Witches Steeped in Gold (2021), Empress Crowned in Red (2022), Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters
- Heritage: Jamaican, raised in South East England
- Passions: Painting, playing netball, and learning piano
Ready to dive into a world of magic, vengeance, and Jamaican flair? Grab Witches Steeped in Gold and let Ciannon Smart’s spellbinding storytelling sweep you away!