Picture a storyteller who spun a dazzling tale of djinn and Silk Road magic—meet Nafiza Azad! This Fiji-born Canadian author has captivated young adult fantasy readers with her lush, multicultural narratives. Her debut, The Candle and the Flame, blends Islamic mythology with fierce female leads, proving Azad’s knack for crafting worlds that feel like home to diverse readers.
With a voice shaped by her Indo-Fijian Muslim Canadian identity, Azad weaves stories that celebrate cultural harmony and empowerment. Her love for languages—she speaks four—and her passion for K-dramas and mangoes infuse her work with vibrant authenticity. Let’s dive into the journey of this rising star in YA fantasy!
The Making of Nafiza Azad
Born in Lautoka, Fiji, Nafiza Azad grew up in a multicultural society where Diwali, Eid, and Christmas were celebrated with equal zeal. With only one library in her hometown and a two-book borrowing limit, she and her friends turned to storytelling for entertainment. At 17, she moved to Canada, carrying a tattered copy of Anne of Green Gables. Initially a biology major at the University of British Columbia, Azad switched to English literature after discovering G. Willow Wilson’s Alif the Unseen, which inspired her to tell her own stories. Her master’s in children’s literature, guided by author Maggie de Vries, solidified her path as a writer.
Nafiza Azad’s Unforgettable Stories
Azad’s debut, The Candle and the Flame (2019), is a William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist set in the fictional Silk Road city of Noor. The story follows Fatima, a human with djinn powers, navigating a world of Ifrit, Shayateen, and cultural harmony. Critics, including Ausma Zehanat Khan, praised its intricate world-building and evocative prose, rich with Arabic, Urdu, and Punjabi words. The novel’s themes of grief, identity, and tolerance resonate deeply.
Her second novel, The Wild Ones: A Broken Anthem for a Girl Nation (2021), is a feminist fantasy about magical girls fighting oppression. Road of the Lost (2022) explores self-discovery through Croi, a brownie uncovering her true heritage. Azad’s writing shines with vivid descriptions—think gulmohar trees and silk kurtas—and a focus on strong, independent women. She’s also co-edited anthologies like Writing in Color and has a forthcoming project, A Thousand Nights, inspired by Arabian Nights.
Azad’s style is a tapestry of multiculturalism, blending South Asian and Middle Eastern folklore with universal themes. Her use of omniscient narration and detailed settings, like bustling bazaars, immerses readers in worlds where names hold power and women shape destinies.
Why Nafiza Azad Matters
Nafiza Azad’s work is a beacon for diversity in YA fantasy. By centering marginalized voices and exploring themes of cultural harmony, she offers young readers mirrors to see themselves and windows to other worlds. Her stories challenge stereotypes, as noted by reviewer Alex Brown, who lauded her nuanced portrayal of Muslim women. Azad’s influence extends beyond books—she inspires aspiring writers through her advocacy for inclusive literature and her website, The Book Wars.
As a trailblazer, Azad is carving a space for Indo-Fijian and Muslim narratives in a genre often dominated by Western perspectives. Her ability to blend mythic storytelling with modern sensibilities ensures her legacy will grow as more readers discover her work.
- Born: Lautoka, Fiji
- Key Works: The Candle and the Flame (2019), The Wild Ones (2021), Road of the Lost (2022)
- Awards: William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist (2020), Short-listed for Sunburst Award (2020)
- Fun Fact: She dreams of living on mangoes and pineapple!
About Nafiza Azad
Ready to explore a world of djinn, magic, and fierce heroines? Grab The Candle and the Flame and dive into Nafiza Azad’s spellbinding YA fantasy!