Picture a Pakistani storyteller who conjured a world where djinns clash with gun-toting paladins—meet Zamil Akhtar! This Dubai-based fantasy author has taken the literary scene by storm with his Gunmetal Gods series, a thrilling blend of Middle Eastern mythology and gritty, Game of Thrones-style realism. With a knack for weaving cosmic horror and political intrigue, Akhtar’s tales have captivated readers worldwide.
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and later moving to Western Massachusetts at age thirteen, Akhtar’s multicultural upbringing infuses his work with vibrant authenticity. His stories aren’t just fantasy—they’re a love letter to the histories and mythologies of the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this rising star!
The Making of Zamil Akhtar
Zamil Akhtar’s journey to becoming a fantasy powerhouse began in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Of Pakistani descent, he grew up immersed in Middle Eastern culture before relocating to chilly Massachusetts as a teenager. He wasn’t a fan of the cold—or the sun, for that matter—preferring to spend his days indoors, devouring A Song of Ice and Fire, binging horror movies, and playing video games. These passions shaped his vivid imagination. After earning a BBA in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts and an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins, Akhtar could’ve pursued a corporate path. Instead, he chased his dream of crafting fantastical worlds, inspired by a friend’s challenge to write a Middle Eastern Game of Thrones.
Zamil Akhtar’s Unforgettable Stories
Akhtar’s Gunmetal Gods series, launched in 2020, is his magnum opus. The debut novel, Gunmetal Gods, follows a holy war between a janissary and a crusader, blending Lovecraftian gods, mischievous djinns, and astral magic. Critics call it “Game of Thrones meets Arabian Nights,” praising its breakneck pace and intricate worldbuilding inspired by the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires. Its semi-finalist nod in the SPFBO (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off) cemented Akhtar’s reputation.
The series continues with Conqueror’s Blood, a tale of two women shaping a kingdom’s fate, and Elder Epoch, which dives deeper into cosmic conflicts. The 2024 release, Dark Drinker, further expands this dark fantasy epic. Akhtar also penned Lightblade, a progression fantasy series, showcasing his versatility. His prose, laced with poetic flourishes and horror elements, creates immersive worlds where no character is safe, and every page brims with tension.
What sets Akhtar apart is his fusion of historical authenticity with fantastical flair. Drawing from Middle Eastern myths like simurghs and djinns, he crafts magic systems—elemental, blood, and star magic—that feel both wondrous and menacing. His themes of religious zeal, moral ambiguity, and cosmic dread resonate with fans of grimdark fantasy, earning him a devoted following.
Why Zamil Akhtar Matters
Zamil Akhtar is more than a fantasy author—he’s a trailblazer bringing Middle Eastern representation to epic fantasy. His work challenges the genre’s Eurocentric norms, offering readers lush, authentic worlds rooted in underrepresented cultures. As an indie author, his success, from Reddit buzz to Kickstarter-funded collector’s editions, proves that self-publishing can rival traditional routes. Akhtar’s ability to blend horror, history, and heart has made him a rising star, with fans eagerly awaiting his next release.
His influence extends beyond books. By engaging with readers on platforms like Reddit and sharing his creative process, Akhtar inspires aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices. For readers of color, his stories are a powerful reminder that fantasy can reflect their heritage in bold, unapologetic ways.
- Born: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Key Works: Gunmetal Gods, Conqueror’s Blood, Elder Epoch, Dark Drinker, Lightblade
- Awards: SPFBO Semi-Finalist for Gunmetal Gods
- Fun Fact: He lives in Dubai with his wife and a mischievous pet rabbit!
Ready to lose yourself in a world of djinns, gods, and epic battles? Snag Gunmetal Gods and dive into Zamil Akhtar’s thrilling dark fantasy!