Candice Carty-Williams

Empress & Aniya

Empress and Aniya

Elizabeth Denny

Helen Borham

I really enjoyed listening to this short story. It is a Freaky Friday style story which gave me nostalgic feels throughout. However the book also explores class and race, showing the need for sensitivity and understanding of other peoples circumstances. Watching Aniya learn about Empress and understand the difficulties she faces was very powerful. This book was inclusive including POC characters and mental health representation

Anika | @chaptersofmay

Empress and Aniya is a sweet and endearing young adult read highlighting the magic of genuine friendship with a Freaky Friday-esque twist. 

After Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams can write anything and it will make my must-read list. With Empress and Aniya, I chose to listen to the audiobook, and Nia Deacon’s brilliant narration brought this story to life. Empress and Aniya are great characters, easy to identify with, and have likeable personalities. It’s encouraging to meet two young Black female characters with energy and heart.

The contrast between the lives of Empress and Anaya is really well presented. I enjoyed the way Carty-Williams used the girls’ differences to pinpoint disparities in race, class and privilege. But what struck me the most was the portrayal of mental health in teens. Sometimes, in adolescence, you find yourself feeling angry, upset, or deflected, but can't exactly work out why. And this book explores how mental health is affected by both loving and unloving environments. 

Yet, I found Empress and Aniya reads more like middle grade fiction than young adult. If the themes were explored with more depth or maturity, I think it could be a story that would really appeal to an older audience - especially with two strong protagonists. And due to its short length, the book lacks the layers or complexities that will make it memorable. 

Overall, this was a satisfying read. It touches on important issues young people face but with the natural appeal and wit of Candice Carty-Williams’ writing style. An audiobook I’d happily repeat!

Empress & Aniya

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