Picture an American Muslim storyteller who conjured a magical, Arabian-inspired world in We Hunt the Flame—meet Hafsah Faizal! This New York Times bestselling author and brand designer has captivated young adult fantasy fans with her lush narratives and fearless creativity. From founding her own design company at 17 to crafting tales that challenge stereotypes, Faizal’s journey is as enchanting as her stories.
With her Sands of Arawiya duology and the vampire-infused A Tempest of Tea, Faizal blends ancient Arabian aesthetics with modern themes of identity and courage. Her work isn’t just about magic—it’s about breaking barriers and redefining what fantasy can be. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Hafsah Faizal
Born in Florida and raised in California, Hafsah Faizal is an American Muslim of Sri Lankan and Arab descent. Homeschooled from age 13, she honed her creative skills early, launching IceyDesigns at 17 to craft websites for authors and bookish merchandise. A self-taught designer, Faizal’s love for storytelling sparked with Kristin Cashore’s Graceling, inspiring her to write her first novel at the same age. Influenced by authors like Leigh Bardugo and Roshani Chokshi, she carved her own path, blending her cultural heritage with fantasy.
Hafsah Faizal’s Unforgettable Stories
Faizal’s debut, We Hunt the Flame (2019), is a young adult fantasy set in the richly detailed world of Arawiya, inspired by ancient Arabia. The story follows Zafira, a hunter who disguises herself as a man to brave a cursed forest, and Nasir, an assassin bound to his sultan father. Praised for its lyrical prose and slow-burn romance, it hit the New York Times bestseller list at #5, earning accolades from Booklist and TeenVogue.
The sequel, We Free the Stars (2021), concludes the Sands of Arawiya duology with emotional depth and high stakes, as Zafira and Nasir battle dark forces and their own demons. In 2024, Faizal released A Tempest of Tea, a heist-filled tale blending vampires, a tearoom-turned-blood-house, and King Arthur vibes. Her upcoming The Wishless Ones promises more genre-bending magic. Faizal’s style—vivid, cinematic, and steeped in cultural authenticity—makes her worlds feel alive and her characters unforgettable.
Why Hafsah Faizal Matters
Hafsah Faizal’s impact goes beyond her books. As the first niqabi author to hit the New York Times bestseller list, she’s a trailblazer for Muslim representation in publishing. Her stories challenge Middle Eastern stereotypes, offering nuanced characters and settings that resonate with diverse readers. Through IceyDesigns, she empowers authors with stunning websites and merchandise, while her Forbes 30 Under 30 honor in 2021 cements her influence. Faizal’s work inspires young readers, especially Muslim women, to embrace their identities and tell their own stories.
- Born: 1993, Florida, USA
- Key Works: We Hunt the Flame, We Free the Stars, A Tempest of Tea
- Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021), Ignyte Award (2020)
- Fun Fact: She’s a huge Assassin’s Creed fan, which influences her action-packed plots!
Snag We Hunt the Flame and dive into Hafsah Faizal’s spellbinding fantasy world today!