The Civilization
“I’m not in my world anymore.” The Civilization is a teen/YA fantasy about a girl caught between the modern world and an ancient, cursed kingdom that remembers her as a gift from the gods. Kadsa has spent years wandering across Africa with her grandfather, chasing stories of a buried homeland called Marut and the dull crystal he swears is their way back. When she slips away to reclaim her stolen identity as Skylar Labelle and find her mother in Toronto, she uncovers a missing child case with her own face at the centre—and a web of lies that began long before she could remember. Just as she starts to pull her life toward the ordinary—school, city streets, a future she chooses herself—the crystal opens a passage into Marut, a sun blasted kingdom trapped in perpetual darkness, ruled by a frail king, threatened by a witch, and waiting for a stranger it calls Abnr’s Gift. In Marut’s walled cities and shadow choked forests, Kadsa must decide who she is: the kidnapped Canadian girl hoping for a new start, or the young woman whose presence can break the Dark Enchantment that has twisted people into beasts, turned warriors into stone, and cut a whole world off from the light. To survive, she has to navigate palace politics, old gods, and the expectations of a hidden prince and a shapeshifted warrior who both believe her arrival changes everything. The Civilization explores what happens when Kadsa’s three worlds—her mother’s Toronto, her grandfather’s Marut, and the African roads between—collide and ask her to choose, told through a portal fantasy narrative that weaves together family drama, political intrigue, mythic cosmology, and survival adventure, told in accessible, character focused prose for teen readers.
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Bestselling author of mystery novels, weaving suspense and intrigue. Captivating readers with every page turn.
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"An original blend of African-inspired mysticism and adventure."
“The World Building is lush and robust… a riveting fantasy novel, The Civilization incorporates African mythology into its story of a whip-smart heroine who learns to claim her destiny and newfound ancestry with pride.”
The Civilization is a great Africa-based YA Fantasy that I will happily recommend to all my friends, family, and the random person walking by on the sidewalk. I enjoyed that there was a little bit of romance in the book…The character development was great and I found myself rooting for our main characters and deeply despising the enemy.
"The Civilization is an awesome Africa-based YA fantasy that I can't wait to recommend to everyone… With great character development and just a touch of romance, it's a thrilling read"
"I really liked this book. Kadsa was a great character to read… I loved how the two worlds connected and the accurate history inclusions about Africa... I can’t wait for this book to be released"
"The Civilization is a fantastic debut, blending sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery with an engaging plot. It follows 17-year-old Kadsa and her Grandpa Edoje as they navigate their magical homeland. When her Grandpa is kidnapped, Kadsa embarks on a quest to save him and prevent the world's annihilation. While I wished for more action in the fight scenes and found the genre blend a bit clunky at times, I highly recommend this novel. Thanks to NetGalley & Iskanchi Press for the eARC!"
"This fantasy set in Africa explores mythology as Kadsa embarks on a journey to confront dark magic and save the land. She discovers her destiny along the way. I loved the character development, though I wished for more tension and anticipation."
"The Civilization is a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery. It features themes of good vs. evil, light vs. dark, and a mix of talking animals and magical elements. However, the numerous storylines made it feel a bit clunky and lacking in flow."