Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves magic with her twin sister, crafting worlds where twins swap lives and battle dark prophecies—meet Sarena Nanua! Born on Diwali in Ontario, Canada, Sarena, alongside her sister Sasha, has enchanted young adult fantasy fans with their vivid imaginations and South Asian-inspired tales. From self-publishing as teens to landing major book deals, their journey is as magical as their stories.
The Making of Sarena Nanua
Sarena and Sasha Nanua, born ten minutes apart in Mississauga, Ontario, grew up immersed in stories of twins and magic. Their South Asian heritage, rooted in the vibrant festival of Diwali, shaped their love for rich cultural narratives. By age nine, the twins were writing together, inspired by fantasy and mystery novels. At the University of Toronto, they honed their craft through English and Professional Writing programs, running the UTM Scribes creative writing community and blogging about Canadian books. Their early self-published works laid the foundation for their breakout success.
Sarena Nanua’s Unforgettable Stories
Sarena and Sasha’s debut, The Pendant Trilogy, introduced readers to Arica Miller, a student at a prestigious arts academy who uncovers a magical gemstone necklace. Self-published as teens, the trilogy blends mystery and fantasy, showcasing their knack for immersive world-building. Their Ria & Rani duology, starting with Sisters of the Snake (2021), is a South Asian-inspired retelling of The Prince and the Pauper. It follows Ria, a street-smart thief, and Rani, a sheltered princess, whose identical appearances spark a daring swap that unveils deadly magic and dark conspiracies. The sequel, Daughters of the Dawn (2022), escalates the stakes with a Blood Moon prophecy and treacherous quests across vivid kingdoms. Known for lush descriptions and elemental magic systems, the Nanuas infuse their stories with Punjabi cultural elements, like the five kingdoms mirroring Punjab’s five rivers, creating a 'lived-in' world that resonates with readers.
Their writing style is character-driven, with dual perspectives that highlight sisterhood, identity, and resilience. Critics praise their ability to balance fast-paced plots with rich cultural details, making their books a standout in YA fantasy. Their upcoming middle-grade fantasy, Spirit Service, promises to bring their signature magic to younger readers.
Why Sarena Nanua Matters
Sarena and Sasha Nanua are trailblazers in YA fantasy, bringing South Asian representation to a genre often lacking diverse voices. Their stories, steeped in Indian culture, offer readers a window into vibrant traditions while tackling universal themes like fate and family. Their school visits inspire young writers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to tell their own stories. As twin authors, their seamless collaboration—described as being each other’s beta readers—sets a unique example of creative partnership. Their work, lauded by authors like Dhonielle Clayton for its 'intoxicating magic,' continues to captivate and empower a global audience.
- Born: Diwali, in Mississauga, Ontario
- Key Works: The Pendant Trilogy, Sisters of the Snake, Daughters of the Dawn
- Education: University of Toronto, English and Professional Writing
- Notable: Co-authors with twin sister Sasha Nanua
Snag Sisters of the Snake and dive into Sarena Nanua’s spellbinding YA fantasy world today!