So I looked to some of the things that did that well. J.Elle: I wanted to craft stories that inspired readers with pride and passion. I know this is a question that authors get asked a lot, but I really do have to know: What inspired Wings of Ebony, and how has your story evolved since its first draft? J.Elle: I’m a former educator, turned writer and the author of Wings of Ebony, a young adult fantasy novel about a Black teen from an inner-city neighborhood who must lean into her ancestor’s magic to protect her community of violence and crime.ĬW: Wings of Ebony released just last week – congratulations on publishing your debut! When I first read the summary for Wings of Ebony, I have to admit: it took my breath away because it just sounds absolutely stunning. I’m excited! But, just in case any of our friends out there are meeting you for the first time, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Goodreads | IndieBound | Bookshop | Barnes and NobleĬW: Hi J.Elle! A huge and warm welcome to The Quiet Pond – it’s so awesome to have you here visiting us today, especially since Wings of Ebony is one of my most anticipated books releasing in 2021. Rue must embrace her true identity and wield the full magnitude of her ancestors’ power to save her neighborhood before the gods burn it to the ground. Worse still, evidence mounts that the evil plaguing East Row is the same one that lurks in Ghizon-an evil that will stop at nothing until it has stolen everything from her and everyone she loves. And her sister, Tasha, is in danger of falling sway to the very forces that claimed their mother’s life. Miserable and desperate to see her sister on the anniversary of their mother’s death, Rue breaks Ghizon’s sacred Do Not Leave Law and returns to Houston, only to discover that Black kids are being forced into crime and violence. Rue is the only half-god, half-human there, where leaders protect their magical powers at all costs and thrive on human suffering. Rue’s taken from her neighborhood by the father she never knew, forced to leave her little sister behind, and whisked away to Ghizon-a hidden island of magic wielders. But when her mother is shot dead on her doorstep, life for her and her younger sister changes forever.

“Make a way out of no way” is just the way of life for Rue. Wings of Ebony released late last month, and I cannot wait to dive into this when I get my hands on a copy! Therefore, I am so honoured and thrilled to have J.Elle visiting us at the Pond today (as a phoenix with naturally curly hair!) for Black History Month, and I hope you all enjoy the author interview as much as I did.īut, before we dive into the interview, allow me to properly introduce you to Wings of Ebony! As it is one of my most anticipated books this year, I knew that I wanted to invite the author, J.Elle, to the Pond for an interview.

Wings of ebony by j elle