Elizabeth Knox Returns to Young Adult Fiction with ‘Kings of this World’

Elizabeth Knox, a prominent New Zealand author, has made her return to young adult fiction with the release of her new novel, ‘Kings of this World’. Known for her critically acclaimed works such as ‘Vintner’s Luck’ and ‘The Absolute Book’, Knox has not written for younger audiences in over a decade. Her latest book, which explores the harrowing story of the sole survivor of a cult massacre, marks a significant shift in her literary journey.

The development of ‘Kings of this World’ spanned several years, during which Knox juggled multiple writing projects. In an interview with Newstalk ZB host Jack Tame, she reflected on her writing process. “I had the bad habit of writing several books at the same time,” she shared. “I developed the strategy when I had a lot of distractions in my life, and I decided to distract myself, so I had some power over that.” Despite her attempts to manage her writing habits, Knox admitted, “I thought I’d solved the problem and could always keep doing that, but no,” adding that it became a “bad habit.”

Creating Hope in Young Adult Fiction

Knox’s approach to writing young adult fiction emphasizes a crucial element: hope. While crafting ‘Kings of this World’, she adhered to the principle that young readers should not be deprived of optimism, even in a narrative filled with suspense and fear. “You can’t deprive the readers of hope,” she explained. This philosophy allowed her to create a gripping thriller that she believes can engage young readers without shielding them from the complexities of fear and tension.

The novel’s central theme of survival in the face of trauma resonates with many young adults today. Knox has a deep understanding of her audience, which was cultivated during her years of writing for both adults and younger readers. She emphasizes that writing for young adults is not fundamentally different from writing for adults, but the stakes are often perceived differently.

Knox’s return to this genre not only highlights her versatility as a writer but also reflects her ongoing commitment to addressing complex themes relevant to young audiences. As she navigates the delicate balance between fear and hope, ‘Kings of this World’ is poised to capture the attention of readers eager for compelling narratives that mirror their life experiences.

In a literary landscape that increasingly values diverse voices and stories, Knox’s latest work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling. With her rich background and thoughtful approach, she continues to make significant contributions to both adult and young adult literature, reinforcing her status as one of New Zealand’s most esteemed authors.