She was raised in the Middle East until her formative years, when her family swapped the Abu Dhabi desert for the English Peak District hills. This change of climate had a significant impact on her growth—not physically, she’s nearly 6ft—and she learned what it was to be Black in a white world.
Saara knew she was a storyteller from the moment she told her first lie. Though her stories have developed beyond the ramblings of a child, she still appreciates the thrill of a well-told tale.THE FINAL STRIFE is Saara El-Arifi's debut novel, the first part of a trilogy inspired by Ghanaian folklore and Arabian myths.
Genres: Fantasy
New and upcoming books
Series
Saara El-Arifi recommends
Mindbreaker (2023)
Kate Dylan
"A frenzied feat of genius. Dylan is an auto-buy author for me, her writing always promises an invigorating ride at breakneck speed -- MINDBREAKER is no exception. An electric plot is interspersed with touching moments of resilience from a magnetic cast of characters, whose stupid decisions still have you rooting for more. Oh and it's queer. Need I say anything else?"
Forged by Blood (2023)
(Tainted Blood , book 1)
Ehigbor Okosun
"Ehigbor Okosun has called on the winds of worldbuilding and the gales of great writing to create a tempest of a novel. Forged by Blood is an enchanting tale of sacrifice and power. Found family, mated love and unexpected twists only add to its depth of heart."
Shanghai Immortal (2023)
A Y Chao
"Shanghai Immortal is a gritty, glittering tale of gods and monsters in a reimagining of 1930s China. The fearsome half-vampire half-deity Lady Jing swaps anger management lessons for a crash course in the mortal realm and you can't help but root for her and the chaos she leaves in her wake. Full of fury, passion, and beauty, this is a debut that will grip you in its fangs and make you bleed-all the while wanting more."
More recommendations
Anthologies containing stories by Saara El-Arifi
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