FANTASY fans in Wokingham have been flying with dragons and discovering ancient Chinese secrets in the town’s Market Place.
The man who has led them on a trail which also uncovered forgotten Egyptian treasures is author Justin Newland who is on a book signing tour of the south east.
Justin is regarded as one of Britain’s leading authors of historical novels which have a supernatural twist.
His latest offering, The Genes of Isis, is an epic fantasy set beneath Ancient Egyptian skies which had dozens of fans lining up for a copy.
“I was delighted to meet so many fans and gaining new ones on my visit to Wokingham,” said Justin.
“When you spend a lot of time in a room on your own writing, it is so good to get to meet readers face to face. I loved my time in the town where even the staff in WH Smith’s bought copies of my latest book.”
Justin writes histories in which real events and historical personages are guided and motivated by numinous forces. The Genes of Isis focuses on a young woman’s spiritual journey from maiden to mother and from apprentice to priestess. The novel speculates on the origins of human genetics.
“I would describe it as a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. It is a re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind.”
The author, who regularly appears at literary festivals, took up writing after a career as a mathematician.
“I used to write mainly management reports so it was quite a change to start fiction,” he explained.
“Many of my characters are young protagonists who experience a coming of age. The stories are set in an historical setting but I take it on further inviting readers to ask if history tells the full story. I love to write about supernatural things like dreams and ghosts.”
A Doctor of Mathematics, he lives with his partner in Somerset.
“I live in a county which is home to many myths and fantastic tales with places like Glastonbury and the Tor drawing people from all over the world.
“It is certainly inspirational although all my novels take place in places such as China or Egypt. I am fascinated with history and characters and telling their stories.”
