Ever-popular member of our WordPress community, Jude Itakali, is back in the spotlight after the well-received release of his poetry collection, Crossroads (Winds of Love) last year. Hot on the heels of its publication, Jude set about penning his first novel, which is now on the brink of publication.
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Realms of the Mist opens with a beautiful lyrical description which sets the scene and the tone of the book. Here, in the remote and rugged hills of eastern Africa we meet Kamau, a young man on the brink of his coming-of-age ceremony. But Kamau is no ordinary young man. He is one of the Gifted, a member of the Hadiza, a spiritual and stoical people with the ability to transform into wild animals, and whose duty it is to keep darkness and evil from entering the world. Kamau is burdened with grief over the untimely and unexplained death of his younger sister and his desire to obtain justice and peace for her spirit drives him onwards throughout the story.
Soon we learn that Kamau is tasked with a crucial mission, although the details remain unclear. He must join forces with other members of the Gifted, and through their collaboration, fulfil a destiny that only he can.
The quest begins and we learn that although there are powerful friends on Kamau’s side, even more formidable forces are at work; evil so great that it threatens the entire world unless Kamau and his small band of friends can complete their mysterious mission.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to other members of the Gifted. Those like exotic Ninuwe, one of the Femi, who radiates charm and oozes sensuality, so contrary to the rigid and unemotional culture that Kamau and his proud and beautiful friend Irina share. The rivalry and banter between the two young women heap up further confusion on Kamau as he puzzles his way through his mission, while bringing sympathetic smiles to the reader’s face.
The narrative builds towards a terrifying battle as Kamau is betrayed and the most potent of all evil is unleashed. Although one battle might seem to have been won, the story ends on a huge cliff-hanger, leaving the reader open-mouthed and anxious to pick up the next book in the trilogy.
Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy, adventure and fast-paced action. This is another great story to add to the pantheon of modern literature emerging from the African continent.
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Disclaimer: I did have a bit of behind the scenes input in the Jude’s book, but I can honestly say that it has not affected my review. From the first few chapters which Jude sent my way, I was bowled over by the story, Jude’s poetic use of language, his wonderful world-building and his charming and conflicted characters in whom I quickly became so invested.
I had such a blast discussing Jude’s emerging narrative via the magic of WhatsApp. Jude could have been in the next room, not 3000 miles away! Only authors could spend a happy ten minutes agonising over a particular word. There were many interesting asides too. Most memorable for me was our discussion of local food (that won’t surprise anyone who knows either of us).
I also sent myself down several rabbit holes between our discussions, such was my interest in the unspoilt and remote locations which Jude weaves into his book; places which I long to visit, from the lowland savannahs to the remote mountain ranges of eastern Africa.
Realms of the Mist is due for release on 14th March 2022
Be sure to look out for it. You won’t be disappointed!
Keep an eye out for it on Jude’s blog: Tales Told Different
Exciting news, this sounds like an amazing book! Congratulations to Jude 👍🏻
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It is! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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It sounds like it will be an exciting and entertaining read!
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Definitely! The world Jude has created is compelling and original. Lots of drama too!
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Seems a very interesting book Chris. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m sure you can tell how captivated I was by Jude’s story, Sadje!
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Yes, it shows and has convinced me to buy his book when it comes out.
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Hear that, Jude? Thanks, Sadje 🙂
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My pleasure.
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haha, i’m just peeping in, lol.
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Sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation Chris.
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My pleasure, Chris. It really is a gripping story!
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I have finished reading ‘Spirit of the Shell Man’ and left my review on Booksprout BTW, which I hope has come through ok. Really enjoyed it!
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Your review has come through, I just checked now. Thanks so much, Chris. I’m honoured by your words!
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Glad about that – one never knows when using technology for the first time! I shall now be filling my time waiting for a sequel to the sequel! Now there’s a challenge for you!!
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Albertina is already tugging at my sleeve… notes are emerging on the whiteboard. So yes, good sir, I accept the challenge! (although it might take a while).
Meantime, I’ve almost finished reading a particularly well-crafted collection of short stories 🙂
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Thank you – I know that the wait will be worthwhile (but no pressure!).
And thank you – I’m delighted that you found something that you enjoyed.
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Hi Chris, I think you’ll find me swearing crossly in your spam. I commented on your post about The Candle Game yesterday and I was back again just now with a link to my review of The Beautiful Silence (it’s so, so good!).
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I am so pleased that you enjoyed reading the book – one never really knows how well their writing will go down until you receive feedback, so thank you. I’m also glad that you finally managed to get your copy after it went missing!
I would check my spam but the email attached to WP is an old one connected to my Internet Provider. When I tried to change it they locked the account and, despite several phone calls, I am unable to access mail! Upshot is I get ally WP notifications and comments but if something goes astray I can’t get to it! Anyway, enough moaning! Thanks once again!
Take care
Chris
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Gosh, Chris, I’ve just been over to Goodreads and read your lovely review. To say that I am humbled is an understatement! To have such a testament coming from someone who writes as well as you is an honour. I shall now have to work twice as hard with my writing in order to try and maintain the qualities that you have enjoyed.
Thank you so much.
Chris
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My pleasure, Chris. I was bowled over by your short stories! The whole collection was a real pleasure to read.
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🙂 I hope that you enjoy The Candle Game as much.
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Thanks so much Chris for this blockbuster review. xo
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My pleasure, Jude 🙂
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[…] Review by Chris Hall […]
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Great insightful review, Chris! Sounds very intriguing 🙂
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I think you’d enjoy it, Tom, especially the climactic battle scene!
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Great review, Chris. I loved Jude’s poetry collection, and it’s cool to see that he’s expanding into novels. And of course the writing would be lyrical. Thanks so much for the review and recommendation and many congrats to Jude. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana. You can hear the poet’s voice in the narrative really clearly: a seamless transition from poetry to prose. Very impressive!
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That sounds so appealing to me! Thanks
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Btw there were so many memorable and fruitful discussions and arguments, the one closest in my mind was about the term “skeletal dread” It brought back so many nostalgic childhood horror tales and i had fun forcing it upon you, lol.
About the food, be sure i’ll be disturbing you when a couple of our heroes come South in the next book. just subtle inquiries to add flavour to the story, not much.
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Oh yes, I well-remember the skeletal dread (still no clue what it is). Always up for a culinary chat, “adding flavour” good one!🤣
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Hehe you will know them soon. I just sent you an email btw.
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Just getting to it… 🙂
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Thank you for the great review, Chris! It sounds like an enjoyable novel with lyrics. Congratulations to Jude.
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Thanks, Miriam! You’d especially appreciate the poetic element, I’m sure.
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I surely would, Chris!
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thanks alot.
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All the best to Jude for his fiction debut!
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Jude has really come up with something special!
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cheers Liz.
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You’re welcome, Jude.
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Great review, Chris. 🙂
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Thanks, Maria! 🙂
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What a wonderful review, Chris! Jude is an amazingly gifted and talented writer. The way he weaves poetry, I am sure his prose will be very lyrical too. I wish him all the success.
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Thanks, Punam. You can hear Jude’s poetry in his prose. It’s distinctive, yet subtle.
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thanks a lot punam.
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Wonderful review. Love the ending, Chris. Best of luck to Jude on this new book.
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Thanks, Jacqui! I had to give the African connection a plug. 🙂
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thanks a lot.
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Hi Chris, I have read an earlier version of this book and enjoyed it very much. I think it was unique and interesting and I enjoyed the African slant.
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I guessed you might have, Robbie!
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hugs and more hugs Robbie.
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Ohh this is very interesting book from Jude..
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It certainly is! Poet turns novelist to great effect 🙂
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[…] Review by Chris Hall […]
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