Exploring mystical lands with author Shabbeer Ahmed

First-time author Shabbeer Ahmed talks about his book Djinns & Kings: The Curse of Zoa, set in the mystical city of Afra-Zun

Sitting across debutant author Shabbeer Ahmed at one of the many coffee shops in Bengaluru, and immersed in an effortless conversation, it is easy to understand how the pages of his book follow a similar free-flowing manner.

Shabbeer, whose diverse career has taken him through the corridors of engineering, radio jockeying, game designing, and now, writing, exudes a palpable passion for storytelling. As he talks of his writing journey, one can sense his fascination for words.

“I used to read a lot as a child, and writing is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” says Shabbeer. It is from this well of literary inspiration that he draws his creative energies, weaving together aspects of Eastern mysticism and Western fantasy in his debut novel, Djinns and Kings (Om Books International).

Inspired by The Arabian Nights and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Shabbeer set out to craft his tale. “I always wanted to write something that involved travel, an amalgamation of magical elements, and I finally put pen to paper.”

Shabbeer believes fiction is a superpower that humans possess. “The ability to write fiction distinguishes us from animals around us,” he says, his face lighting up as he discusses Tolkien as well as the works of Sufi and Persian writers that find a reflection in his book.

“Ferdowsi is a wonderful writer and his Tale of Rostam holds special place in my heart. The Iliad, Odyssey, Ramayana and Mahabharata are brilliant mythical works that leave an imprint on you.

Djinns and Kings is populated by djinns (naturally), perilous journeys and thrilling adventures. “It is easy to write about something or someone that you already know. When you create something new, however, you don’t know where you’re going with it. So it’s both a challenge and a pleasure.”