Picture a Manchester-born storyteller who weaves ancient African folklore into epic fantasy worlds—meet Micah Yongo! A journalist, videographer, and proud Mancunian, Yongo stumbled into writing as an escape from life’s hustle, only to captivate readers with his debut novel, Lost Gods. With a knack for blending rich mythologies and complex characters, he’s carving a unique space in the fantasy genre.
Born and raised in Manchester, England, Yongo’s Nigerian heritage and childhood tales of West African folklore sparked his imagination. His journey from casual scribbler to acclaimed author is as thrilling as the worlds he creates, earning him nominations for prestigious awards and a growing fanbase eager for more.
The Making of Micah Yongo
Growing up in Manchester with a single mother who raised five children, Yongo’s early life wasn’t exactly a writer’s cliché. His mother, a teacher, instilled a love for stories, but writing wasn’t on his radar until adulthood. After stints as a delivery driver, community support worker, and data inputter, he found solace in crafting fiction, using it to unwind from life’s pressures. His Nigerian roots and West African folklore, shared through family stories, became the heartbeat of his creative vision. Yongo’s diverse career as a journalist and videographer sharpened his storytelling, leading to his breakout moment with Angry Robot, a publisher known for bold voices.
Micah Yongo’s Unforgettable Stories
Yongo’s debut, Lost Gods (2018), is an epic fantasy thriller that follows Neythan, a teenage assassin betrayed by his brotherhood, as he unravels supernatural conspiracies in a world inspired by ancient African and Middle Eastern mythologies. Shortlisted for a British Fantasy Award and Starburst Magazine’s Brave New Words Award, it’s praised for its vivid world-building and morally gray characters. Critics like Adrian Tchaikovsky lauded its fresh take on epic fantasy, calling it “striking and thoroughly enjoyable.”
The sequel, Pale Kings (2019), picks up where Lost Gods left off, diving deeper into Neythan’s quest amid a war-torn world. Reviewers noted its noirish, grimdark vibe and intricate plotting, with Publishers Weekly calling it a “ringing follow-up” that builds fascinating mysteries. Yongo’s style—blending fast-paced action, intricate political landscapes, and themes of identity and belonging—sets him apart. He describes his process as a hybrid of planning and pantsing, likening it to driving with a satnav: aware of the destination but open to surprises along the way.
His works stand out for their non-European settings, drawing from sub-Saharan Africa and Arabia to create immersive worlds. Yongo’s prose is confident, laced with aphorisms and dynamic action scenes, making his stories both thought-provoking and thrilling. His love for sci-fi, anthropology, and philosophy also seeps into his narratives, adding depth to his fantastical realms.
Why Micah Yongo Matters
Micah Yongo’s impact lies in his ability to diversify epic fantasy, bringing African-inspired settings to a genre often rooted in European traditions. His stories resonate with readers seeking fresh perspectives, tackling themes like culture, religion, and identity with nuance. As a coach for aspiring writers and a speaker on creative courage, Yongo inspires others to embrace their unique voices. His work with outlets like The Voice and WritersMosaic amplifies underrepresented narratives, making him a vital voice in modern fantasy.
Despite being early in his career, Yongo’s nominations and critical acclaim signal a bright future. Fans and critics alike see his stories as ripe for adaptation, with many envisioning Lost Gods as a Netflix series. His ability to craft worlds that feel both epic and personal ensures his place as a rising star in fantasy literature.
- Born: Manchester, England
- Key Works: Lost Gods (2018), Pale Kings (2019)
- Awards: Shortlisted for British Fantasy Award, Starburst’s Brave New Words Award
- Fun Fact: Yongo dreams of writing in a Batman suit!
Snag Lost Gods and dive into Micah Yongo’s thrilling, folklore-infused fantasy world—you won’t be disappointed!