Witches Steeped in Gold
Witches Steeped in Gold is a 2021 young adult dark fantasy novel by British Jamaican writer Ciannon Smart. Smart's debut novel inspired by Jamaican mythology was published on 20 April 2021 by HarperCollins and follows two enemy witches who must enter an alliance to fight a common enemy. It will be followed by a sequel, "Empress Crowned in Red" scheduled for release on May 10, 2022. Development. Smart first had the early inspiration for novel when she went on her second family trip to Jamaica when she was twelve years old and she did not  started writing until she read "Ember in Ashes". When she was on the trip to Jamaica, she visited Rose Hall and became obsessed with the idea of black witches. In writing the book she made several research about Obeah and Jamaican culture. In an interview Smart stated that she was compelled to continue with the novel without fear after she heard the announcement of "Children of Blood and Bone" because it gave her hope about writing something different from the ones she had seen. Plot. Set in a Jamaican inspired world, Alumbrar witch Jazmyne Cariot is the only daughter and  heir to the kingdom of Aicya's throne and has been preparing to become a Doyenne — queen ever since she was born. Her mother sees her as a tool to control the kingdom even after her death. For over a decade, Obeah witch Iraya “Ira” Adair the last heir of former Obeah rulers of Aciya has been locked in a dungeon to become a guard. When a group of people plans to remove the doyenne and put Jazmyne, her daughter, Ira is also leading a revolution to put Obeah back as the ruling class. When Jazmyne sister is killed for  a ritual by her mother, she vows to bring her down. Jazmyne and Ira both discovered that they wants the Doyenne dead, they form an alliance with each person having their own personal intentions. Jazmyne wants to crown herself as the next doyenne and Ira plans on reinstalling the Obeah back to the throne. Both of them must work together while trying to outsmart each other and also the Doyenne. Reception. The book received generally positive reactions from reviewers and readers. It was one of the most anticipated book of 2021. and was recommended by several media outlets including "The  Mary Sue" and "USA Today". A review from "Tor.com" stated that "Witches Steeped in Gold is a vicious series opener from a powerful debut novelist." A review from "Kirkus Reviews" called the novel "A richly realized tale for patient readers who enjoy complex language and worldbuilding". "Publishers Weekly" praised Ciannon Smart worldbuilding stating that "Smart’s ornate world succeeds in its fantastical backdrops and frequent action".