Picture a South African storyteller weaving realms where gods and demons clash in a tapestry of magic and betrayal—meet Kerstin Hall! This rising star in speculative fiction has captivated readers with her vivid imagination and intricate narratives. From her debut novella The Border Keeper to her haunting novel Star Eater, Hall’s work blends dark fantasy with profound themes, earning her a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Born and raised in Cape Town, Hall’s unique perspective as a writer is shaped by her journalistic roots and her passion for the stark, inspiring landscapes of South Africa and Namibia. Her stories don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to explore power, identity, and sacrifice in worlds that feel both alien and achingly human.
The Making of Kerstin Hall
Kerstin Hall grew up in Cape Town, where her love for storytelling took root early. She pursued journalism at Rhodes University, honing her ability to craft compelling narratives. As a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree at the University of Cape Town, blending academic rigor with creative passion. Her early career included roles as a submissions manager for a local literary magazine and an editorial assistant at Beneath Ceaseless Skies, where she noticed a lack of African submissions—a gap she’s determined to bridge.
Hall’s journey to authorship wasn’t overnight. She dabbled in short fiction, publishing in outlets like Strange Horizons and Fireside Magazine, before her big break with The Border Keeper in 2019. Her persistence and knack for worldbuilding have made her a standout voice in speculative fiction.
Kerstin Hall’s Unforgettable Stories
Hall’s debut novella, The Border Keeper, introduces the Mkalis Cycle, a series set in an underworld of 999 realms ruled by warring deities. The story follows Eris, a psychopomp navigating treacherous divine politics, and was a finalist for the Nommo Award for best speculative fiction by an African. Its sequel, Second Spear, dives deeper into the bodyguard Tyn’s identity crisis, showcasing Hall’s knack for flawed, relatable characters.
Her novel Star Eater tackles darker themes, following Elfreda, a woman trapped in a sinister Sisterhood preserving a magical bloodline. Critics praise its blend of opulent settings and gut-wrenching choices, calling it a “phantasmagorical indictment of hereditary power.” Hall’s latest work, Asunder, explores resentment and connection in a realm of gods and demons, cementing her reputation for layered, emotionally resonant tales.
Hall’s style is marked by lush prose, intricate worldbuilding, and a focus on power dynamics. Influenced by authors like Ann Leckie and China Miéville, she crafts stories that feel mythic yet grounded, often tinged with humor and horror. Her South African roots subtly inform her work, though she resists being pigeonholed as “African fiction,” advocating for universal storytelling.
Why Kerstin Hall Matters
Kerstin Hall is more than a writer—she’s a trailblazer for African speculative fiction. Her efforts to amplify African voices, from founding an SFF magazine to editing for international publications, address the genre’s historical Eurocentrism. Her Nommo Award nomination highlights her role in elevating African SFF on a global stage.
For readers, Hall’s stories offer a thrilling escape and a mirror to human struggles. Her worlds, brimming with gods, demons, and moral ambiguity, invite us to question power and identity. As she continues to write, Hall is shaping the future of speculative fiction, proving that diverse voices can redefine the genre.
- Key Works: The Border Keeper (2019), Second Spear (2022), Star Eater (2021), Asunder (2023)
- Awards: Nommo Award finalist for The Border Keeper
- Hobbies: Photography, inspired by South African and Namibian landscapes
Snag The Border Keeper and dive into Kerstin Hall’s mesmerizing dark fantasy! Her worlds are waiting to pull you in.