Elizabeth Knox Releases Gripping Young Adult Novel ‘Kings of this World’

Renowned New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox has made her return to young adult fiction with the release of her new novel, Kings of this World. This marks a significant shift for Knox, who has not published a book aimed at younger readers in over a decade. The novel tells the harrowing story of the sole survivor of a cult massacre, a narrative that Knox has cultivated over several years.

In an interview with Newstalk ZB host Jack Tame, Knox shared insights into her writing process, revealing her tendency to work on multiple projects simultaneously. “I had the bad habit of writing several books at the same time,” she explained. This approach helped her manage distractions in her life, allowing her to maintain a sense of control over her writing.

Knox acknowledged the challenges of balancing her creative impulses with the demands of storytelling. “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,” she stated. After navigating through various projects, she realized that her multi-tasking habit was not as beneficial as she had hoped.

Writing for young adults presents its own set of challenges, yet Knox has identified a key principle that guides her work for this audience. She emphasized the importance of hope in young adult literature, stating, “You can’t deprive the readers of hope.” This guiding principle allowed her to craft a thrilling narrative filled with suspense while ensuring that young readers are not shielded from fear and tension.

The novel, Kings of this World, reflects Knox’s belief that young audiences can handle complex themes. “I was able to write a, you know, pretty scary thriller, and I don’t think that young readers need to be defended from suspense and fear and things like that,” she noted. This perspective reveals her commitment to providing a rich and engaging reading experience for younger audiences.

As Knox continues to make her mark in the literary world, her latest work is poised to resonate with both her existing fans and a new generation of readers. The release of Kings of this World not only showcases her versatility as an author but also reinforces her dedication to exploring challenging themes through the lens of young adult fiction.