Picture a British storyteller who swapped the Abu Dhabi desert for the misty hills of England’s Peak District, weaving epic fantasies that pulse with rebellion and diversity—meet Saara El-Arifi! This rising star in fantasy literature has captivated readers with her debut novel, The Final Strife, a vibrant tapestry of Ghanaian folklore and Arabian myths that challenges genre norms with its bold take on oppression and identity.
With her multicultural Sudanese and Ghanaian heritage, El-Arifi crafts worlds where blood color dictates destiny, and her stories sing of courage, love, and defiance. Her unique perspective and masterful storytelling are shaking up the fantasy scene, making her a must-read for fans craving diverse, thought-provoking tales.
The Making of Saara El-Arifi
Born to a Sudanese father and Ghanaian-British mother, Saara El-Arifi grew up in Abu Dhabi, immersed in a blend of cultures that shaped her storytelling. Her family’s move to a predominantly white village near Sheffield, England, during her formative years brought new challenges, teaching her what it meant to be Black in a white world. This experience fueled her passion for narratives that explore identity and resistance. Initially a theatre director with a degree from Kent University and training from RADA, El-Arifi later pivoted to film marketing before embracing writing full-time, earning a master’s in African Studies to deepen her craft.
Saara El-Arifi’s Unforgettable Stories
El-Arifi’s debut, The Final Strife (2022), kicks off The Ending Fire Trilogy with a bang. Set in a stratified empire where blood color—red for elites, blue for workers, clear for the oppressed—defines status, it follows three women sparking a revolution. Inspired by Ghanaian folklore and Arabian myths, the novel’s intricate world-building, sapphic romance, and themes of rebellion have earned it a spot as one of Amazon’s best books of 2022. Its sequels, The Battle Drum (2023) and The Ending Fire (2024), amplify the stakes with sea monsters and war.
In 2024, El-Arifi launched Faebound, the first in a romantasy trilogy. This lighter, queer-normative tale dives into an elven world steeped in Afro-Arabian lore, blending drum magic and rivals-to-lovers tension. Her upcoming historical novel, Cleopatra (2025), promises a feminist reimagining of the iconic Pharaoh. El-Arifi’s style—raw, immersive, and unflinching—tackles racism, colonialism, and queerness, all wrapped in vivid prose that feels like a storm brewing.
Her worlds are alive with details, from deadly tidewinds to griot tales, and her characters, like the flawed revolutionary Sylah or the cunning spy Hassa, leap off the page. El-Arifi’s ability to weave allegory with heart-pounding action makes her books both thrilling and profound, redefining epic fantasy for a new generation.
Why Saara El-Arifi Matters
Saara El-Arifi is more than a fantasy author; she’s a trailblazer. By centering Black and queer voices in epic fantasy, she challenges the genre’s Eurocentric roots, offering readers worlds where diverse identities shine. Her exploration of systemic oppression and resistance resonates deeply, especially for marginalized readers seeking representation. As a Sunday Times bestseller, her influence is growing, inspiring a wave of inclusive storytelling. El-Arifi’s work proves that fantasy can be a mirror for real-world struggles and a spark for change.
- Key Works: The Final Strife, Faebound, Cleopatra (forthcoming)
- Notable Achievement: #1 Sunday Times bestseller for Faebound
- Fun Fact: El-Arifi once owned many cats, proving she’s a storyteller with a penchant for purr-fect companions!
Ready to dive into a world of rebellion and magic? Snag The Final Strife and let Saara El-Arifi’s epic fantasy sweep you away!