Saudi Writer Kendah Jambi Bridges Fantasy and Heritage in Groundbreaking Trilogy
From manga adaptations to cultural reimagining, Jambi's trilogy captures readers' imaginations while staying true to Saudi heritage.
Riyadh: When Saudi writer Kendah Jabi released "The Epic of Frost" in 2024, she concluded a fantasy trilogy that had been nearly a decade in the making.
Spanning three titles published by Adab Book — "The Voyagers" (2021), "The Historian" (2023), and "The Epic of Frost" (2024) — the trilogy showcases a burgeoning interest in Arabic speculative fiction, cementing Jambi's ascent within Saudi Arabia's evolving literary scene.
With her series complete, the 25-year-old author embarks on a new project: "Khalil," a standalone novel rooted in Saudi heritage scheduled for release this year.
Reflecting on her journey, Jabi told Arab News, "In comparison to when I first started, it has definitely become a lot easier to write and complete a novel in shorter amount of time." Her works have resonated with readers across Saudi Arabia, who seek her out at the region's various book fairs.
Jambi expressed gratitude for the kindness and connection she receives from her audience: "I have young authors flooding my socials daily talking about how my work inspired them to write and stay persistent." The highlights of Kendah Jambi's career include the momentum gained by her fantasy trilogy through its Manga Arabia adaptation, as well as her upcoming standalone novel "Khalil," which is rooted in Saudi heritage.
Her works have struck a chord with readers across Saudi Arabia, who appreciate her literary contributions at book fairs.
While her earlier work was heavily influenced by fantasy, her upcoming novel represents a shift towards more grounded narratives that reflect modern-day Saudi Arabian settings and cultural traditions while drawing inspiration from Arabian mythology.
Jambi has emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy in portraying southern Saudi characters, ensuring that they resonate with readers who hold similar values and have familiar upbringings.
Her ability to seamlessly blend fantastical elements with familiar narratives sets her apart as a rising literary talent.
Critics like Maram Al-Samman acknowledge Jambi's boldness in introducing new ideas and creating complex characters.
Overall, Jambi has established an expansive literary ecosystem that brings the fantastical and familiar together.
Spanning three titles published by Adab Book — "The Voyagers" (2021), "The Historian" (2023), and "The Epic of Frost" (2024) — the trilogy showcases a burgeoning interest in Arabic speculative fiction, cementing Jambi's ascent within Saudi Arabia's evolving literary scene.
With her series complete, the 25-year-old author embarks on a new project: "Khalil," a standalone novel rooted in Saudi heritage scheduled for release this year.
Reflecting on her journey, Jabi told Arab News, "In comparison to when I first started, it has definitely become a lot easier to write and complete a novel in shorter amount of time." Her works have resonated with readers across Saudi Arabia, who seek her out at the region's various book fairs.
Jambi expressed gratitude for the kindness and connection she receives from her audience: "I have young authors flooding my socials daily talking about how my work inspired them to write and stay persistent." The highlights of Kendah Jambi's career include the momentum gained by her fantasy trilogy through its Manga Arabia adaptation, as well as her upcoming standalone novel "Khalil," which is rooted in Saudi heritage.
Her works have struck a chord with readers across Saudi Arabia, who appreciate her literary contributions at book fairs.
While her earlier work was heavily influenced by fantasy, her upcoming novel represents a shift towards more grounded narratives that reflect modern-day Saudi Arabian settings and cultural traditions while drawing inspiration from Arabian mythology.
Jambi has emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy in portraying southern Saudi characters, ensuring that they resonate with readers who hold similar values and have familiar upbringings.
Her ability to seamlessly blend fantastical elements with familiar narratives sets her apart as a rising literary talent.
Critics like Maram Al-Samman acknowledge Jambi's boldness in introducing new ideas and creating complex characters.
Overall, Jambi has established an expansive literary ecosystem that brings the fantastical and familiar together.
