Picture an American-Egyptian storyteller weaving tales of scorched kingdoms and forbidden magic—meet Sara Hashem! This Sunday Times bestselling author burst onto the fantasy scene with her debut novel, The Jasad Heir, captivating readers with her intricate worldbuilding and morally complex characters. Inspired by her time in Egypt during the Arab Spring, Hashem’s stories blend cultural richness with epic fantasy flair, making her a rising star in the genre.
Born in Southern California, Hashem’s unique perspective as an American-Egyptian infuses her work with authenticity and depth. Her love for fantasy took root during her family’s two-year stay in Egypt, where she soaked up stories and sipped sugar cane juice amidst historic upheavals. Now, she’s crafting novels that resonate with readers worldwide, all while naming stray cats after her favorite authors!
The Making of Sara Hashem
Growing up in sunny Southern California, Sara Hashem was more likely to be found indoors with a book than basking in the sun. Her family’s move to Egypt during her formative years sparked a lifelong passion for fantasy and magical realms. Living through the 2011 Arab Spring, she witnessed a nation in transformation, an experience that later shaped her storytelling. Back in the U.S., Hashem pursued legal studies, even interning at the Sacramento Superior Court, but her heart remained with her coffee-ringed notebooks. Writing became her outlet, blending her cultural heritage with her love for epic narratives.
Sara Hashem’s Unforgettable Stories
Hashem’s debut, The Jasad Heir, published in July 2023 by Orbit Books, is the first in the Scorched Throne duology. This Egyptian-inspired fantasy follows Sylvia, a fugitive queen hiding her identity as the lost heir of Jasad, a kingdom destroyed for its magic. Forced to strike a deal with her enemy, Arin, the Nizahl Heir, Sylvia navigates a deadly game of intrigue and slow-burn romance. Readers praise its vivid worldbuilding and enemies-to-lovers tension, earning it a spot on the Sunday Times bestseller list.
The upcoming sequel, The Jasad Crown, promises to expand this richly layered universe. Hashem’s style shines through her ability to craft authentic, multifaceted characters who grapple with identity, loyalty, and power. Her narratives weave Egyptian mythology and Arabic cultural elements, like the nisnas (a mythical creature), with universal themes of survival and self-discovery. Critics laud her for subverting fantasy tropes, like the hidden heir, with political complexity and emotional depth.
Hashem’s writing is both atmospheric and accessible, balancing lush prose with sharp dialogue. Her focus on forbidden magic and colonized kingdoms reflects her interest in history’s hidden truths, inspired by her father’s words during the Arab Spring: “They will know even the movements of the ants in Egypt.” This perspective drives her to explore what one owes to a lost homeland, making her stories resonate with diverse audiences.
Why Sara Hashem Matters
Sara Hashem’s impact lies in her ability to bring Egyptian-inspired fantasy to a global stage, offering Arab-American readers a chance to see their culture celebrated. Her characters, like Sylvia, mirror real-world struggles, forging connections with readers who see their own journeys reflected. By tackling themes of colonization and identity, Hashem challenges fantasy norms, earning praise from authors like Chelsea Abdullah and Shelley Parker-Chan. Her debut’s success marks her as a talent to watch, with fans eagerly awaiting The Jasad Crown.
Hashem’s influence extends beyond her books. As an American-Egyptian author, she’s breaking barriers in a genre often dominated by Western perspectives, enriching fantasy with diverse voices. Her playful engagement with fans on social media, under @shashemwrites, adds to her charm, making her a beloved figure in the literary community.
- Key Work: The Jasad Heir (2023)
- Upcoming: The Jasad Crown
- Fun Fact: She names stray cats after authors!
Ready to dive into a world of cunning royals and forbidden magic? Snag The Jasad Heir and lose yourself in Sara Hashem’s spellbinding fantasy!