Given
Author: Nandi Taylor
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Release Date: January 21st 2020
Genre: Fantasy
View on Goodreads
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A subversive fantasy-romance steeped in West-African and Caribbean traditions.
Yenni has never been this far from home. With only her wits, her strength and her sacred runelore, the fierce Yirba warrior princess is alone in the Empire of Cresh. It’s a land filled with strange magics and even stranger people—many of whom mistrust anyone who’s different. But Yenni will prove herself, and find a cure for her father’s wasting illness. She will not fail.
No one warned her about the dragons. Especially not about him.
Yes, there is something powerful and compelling about the violet-black dragon known as Weysh. In human form he’s muscular, beautiful—and completely infuriating. What kind of arrogant creature claims a stranger as his Given; as his destined mate? Yenni is no man’s—or dragon’s—plaything. But other magics must be at work here, because Weysh might just be her best hope at finding the answers she seeks.
Only now Yenni can’t tell if she’s fighting her attraction to a dragon…or fighting fate itself.
Exclusive playlist created by the author
- Seventh Heaven by Dreamcatcher: This one reminds me of Yenni and her cousins stalking the N’ne on the plains.
- Jin go lo ba by Babatunde Olatunji: This is what would be playing at Yenni’s birthday feast.
- Streets of Rabanastre by Hiroki Sakimoto (From the Final Fantasy 12 OST): Helped me shape the streets of Imperium Centre
- The Dalmasca Esthersand by Hiroki Sakimoto (From the Final Fantasy 12 OST): Played this for flying scenes
- Simmer by Mahalia and Burna Boy: No particular scene for this one, it’s just a jam, and the lyrics remind me of Yenni and Weysh’s relationship
- Tapha Niang by Toumani Diabaté: This is what plays in the restaurant on the docks
- Dancé by Machal Montano: The vibe fits the docks (area of Imperium Centre heavily populated by Islanders) and Sainte Ventas.
about the author
Nandi Taylor is a Canadian writer of Caribbean descent based in Toronto. She’s a two-time Watty award winner, and her Wattpad story Given has garnered over one million reads and earned the 2018 Worldbuilders Watty award.
Nandi grew up devouring sci-fi and fantasy novels, and from a young age wrote books of her own. Her books are an expression of what she always wanted more of growing up—diverse protagonists in speculative settings. Common themes she writes about are growth, courage, and finding one’s place in the world.
Her debut novel Given will be published by Wattpad Books in January 2020.