Picture a British storyteller who sailed into history’s shadows and brought forgotten women to life—meet Nikki Marmery! With a knack for blending historical fiction and feminist fantasy, Marmery crafts tales that resurrect silenced voices from the past. Her novels, like On Wilder Seas and Lilith, pulse with adventure and defiance, making her a rising star in reimagining history’s untold stories.
From her days as a financial journalist to spinning myths in a quiet village, Marmery’s journey is as captivating as her books. Let’s dive into the world of this Greek-Cypriot heritage author who’s rewriting the past with a feminist flair!
The Making of Nikki Marmery
Nikki Marmery’s story begins with a history degree from the University of Nottingham, followed by a 15-year career as a financial journalist specializing in credit derivatives and foreign exchange markets. The 2008 financial crisis, paired with the arrival of three children, prompted a bold pivot. Swapping spreadsheets for stories, Marmery enrolled at Faber Academy to hone her creative writing. Now based in a quaint Chilterns village near Amersham, UK, she channels her Greek-Cypriot roots and feminist passions into fiction that breathes life into overlooked figures.
Nikki Marmery’s Unforgettable Stories
Marmery’s debut, On Wilder Seas (2020), is a historical fiction gem inspired by a true story. It follows Maria, the lone woman aboard Francis Drake’s Golden Hind during his 1577–1580 circumnavigation. Facing pirates and perilous seas, Maria’s wit and courage shine in this tale of freedom. The novel’s early drafts earned shortlist spots in the Myriad Editions First Drafts Competition (2017) and the Historical Novel Society’s New Novel Award (2018), and it was selected for the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation’s #AdventureSociety book club.
In 2023, Marmery ventured into mythological fantasy with Lilith, a feminist retelling of Adam’s first wife. Banished from Eden for refusing submission, Lilith embarks on a millennia-spanning quest to restore balance, aided by figures like Mary Magdalene and Jezebel. Critics, including Laura Shepperson, praised its “exquisite prose” and relevance, calling it a “compelling, highly relevant tale.” Marmery’s style—lyrical, action-packed, and fiercely feminist—weaves suppressed myths and historical records into narratives that challenge patriarchal norms.
Her research is meticulous, diving into Elizabethan shipcraft, pre-colonial cultures, and ancient scriptures. This depth grounds her stories, making characters like Maria and Lilith feel vividly real. Marmery’s focus on “lost voices” glimpsed through history’s gaps sets her apart in historical and fantasy genres.
Why Nikki Marmery Matters
Nikki Marmery’s work resonates because it amplifies women history forgot or vilified. Her novels don’t just entertain—they provoke thought, questioning why figures like Lilith or Maria were sidelined. By blending rigorous research with feminist ideals, she’s carving a niche in historical fiction and fantasy, inspiring readers to rethink the past. Her growing acclaim, from shortlists to Stylist’s 2023 feminist retellings list, signals a lasting impact on how we view women’s roles in history and myth.
- Key Works: On Wilder Seas (2020), Lilith (2023)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Historical Novel Society’s New Novel Award (2018)
- Fun Fact: Marmery’s Greek-Cypriot heritage fuels her passion for restoring lost voices.
Snag Lilith or On Wilder Seas and dive into Nikki Marmery’s thrilling, feminist worlds—your bookshelf will thank you!