TIGEST GIRMA’s Eternal Ruin is the sequel to her bestselling dark and romantic vampire novel, Immortal Ruin. Read on for a Q&A with the author.
Eternal Ruin is the second instalment in your vampire trilogy – what challenges will Kidan face in this next chapter?
Kidan is grappling with a close betrayal in the beginning of this sequel. This leaves her eager for a sense of control over certain events as well as her relationships. She is also willing to go to great lengths to ensure she’s not abandoned again, but learns such security comes at a great cost.
Kidan and Susenyos have a complex relationship. What can you tell us about how their dynamic evolves in this book?
The main conflict between the two will always be who gets to wield power over the other. The university society and the magic system further fans this silent war between them and though they can unite to defeat their enemies, the real question is will they be able to choose one another in the end.
Are there specific myths or pieces of folklore that influenced the vampire mythology or worldbuilding in Eternal Ruin?
I used to read a lot of Ethiopian fables as a child. Animals and dark creatures were always used to explore deep moral questions which I found fascinating. This is why you find the humans in Eternal Ruin symbolised by impalas and the vampires mirror fearsome lions. To me, an origin tale often begins with a fable.
What sets the Nefrasi apart from more traditional vampire portrayals in fiction?
The Nefrasi originate from an Ethiopian court in the 19th century. They have strict customs which are quite unique to them and have spent their immortality being fiercely loyal to their ruler while collecting magical and historical artifacts.
What were the most fun or challenging parts of creating your vampire mythology?
The fun part was incorporating African characters that reminded me of home. I’d say the most challenging was balancing the pre-exiting vampire lore with my own new world. It required fine tuning certain aspects so the essence of what a vampire was wouldn’t be lost but rather reimagined.
Can you tell us a little about your journey to becoming a writer?
I’ve always been an avid reader, particularly paranormal romance had me entirely captivated. When I was about 15, I discovered Wattpad, an online reader and writer platform that changed my life. I began to write my own stories and finished my first novel when I was 18. I’ve been writing since then.
What’s next for Kidan?
Kidan will be facing more sinister enemies and taking on a new important role in the third and final instalment of the ‘Immortal Dark’ series. The world of Uxlay University has always tittered between civilisation and total anarchy so hopefully it’ll be thrilling to watch that scale tip.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tigest Girma is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Immortal Dark. After graduating with a Bachelor of Education, she splits her time between writing and teaching. Passionate about exploring East African characters and myths, her work weaves Black stories with the dark and fantastical. In her free time, she can be found rewatching her comfort shows where the villain gets the girl. Originally from Ethiopia, she is now based in Melbourne, Australia.
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