Willow Smith’s Foray into Literary Stardom
The multitalented Willow Smith, daughter of Hollywood powerhouses Will and Jada Smith, is set to captivate readers with the release of her debut fantasy sci-fi novel, “Black Shield Maiden.”
This ambitious literary venture marks a significant milestone in the Smith family’s artistic legacy, as Willow follows in the footsteps of her parents’ own literary successes.
“I’m so grateful to bring the story of ‘Black Shield Maiden’ to the world,” Willow said. “At their core, the issues we’re facing now are the same issues we’ve faced time and again throughout our history. That’s why we create new narratives from different perspectives and even look back into history for deep wisdom that can inspire & help us evolve. My hope is that this story will do that for readers.”
Crafting a Captivating Fantasy Saga
“Black Shield Maiden,” co-authored by Jess Hendel and published by Penguin Random House, is a historical fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey.
The story follows Yafeu, a defiant yet compassionate young warrior who is kidnapped from her West African oasis and thrust into a strange, cold world of savage shield maidens, tyrannical rulers, and mysterious gods.
“This saga begins with Yafeu, a defiant yet fiercely compassionate young warrior who is stolen from her home in the flourishing Ghānaian empire and taken to a distant kingdom in the North. There she is thrust into a strange, cold world of savage shield maidens, tyrannical rulers, and mysterious gods.”
The narrative, steeped in rich cultural influences and historical elements, aims to captivate readers with its intimate, tender, and fiercely epic storytelling, as described by acclaimed author Tomi Adeyemi.
Overcoming Controversies and Criticism
The initial release of “Black Shield Maiden” in October 2022 was stalled after Smith and Hendel faced accusations of creating historically inaccurate and offensive depictions of African people. The revised edition of the book, however, has received a blessing from Adeyemi, further solidifying its literary merit.
“Smith has never responded publicly to the backlash.”
Despite the early controversy, Willow Smith remains steadfast in her vision to inspire readers with this narrative, drawing from the shared experiences and historical wisdom that humanity has faced throughout time.
A Family Legacy of Literary Talent
Willow Smith’s foray into the literary world comes as no surprise, given the Smith family’s deep-rooted connection to the written word.
Her father, Will Smith, is the author of the bestselling memoir “Will,” while the family’s production company, Westbrook Inc., has also ventured into publishing.
“The book is co-authored by Jess Hendel and published by Penguin Random House, which is also the publisher of her father’s self-titled bestseller.”
As Willow Smith prepares to captivate readers with “Black Shield Maiden,” she stands as a testament to the artistic versatility and ambition that has become synonymous with the Smith family name.
Inspiring New Narratives and Perspectives
With the release of “Black Shield Maiden,” Willow Smith aims to contribute to the rich tapestry of literature by offering a unique perspective and narrative that challenges preconceptions and inspires readers to explore the depths of human experience.
“My hope is that this story will do that for readers,” Willow said.
As fans and literary enthusiasts eagerly await the debut of this highly anticipated fantasy saga, Willow Smith’s journey as a published author promises to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
