It's Been A Long Road...

…but Khumalo is finally here.

And folks are talking.

Meg Elison says, "Claybourne has turned out a jewel-toned adventure, full of mischief, mirth, and murder."

Jeffrey Ford says, “With the same unique vision, narrative energy, and humor Zig Zag Claybourne brought to the genre bending, Afrofuturist space operas The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathan and Afro Puffs Are the Antennae of the Universe, in his new fantasy, Breath, Warmth, and Dream, he spins a tale of magic and witchcraft set in a wholly original imaginary realm. Different, deep, and fun.”

Milton Davis. What’s Milton say? “I wondered what would happen if Zig Zag stuck his toe into fantasy fiction, and now I know. Breath, Warmth & Dream is fantasy fiction written as only Zig Zag could, eloquent, witty, and profound. Each sentence flows lightly yet hints at backstory that feels ancient. Mother Khumalo and her daughter Amnandi are wonderful characters, and their adversaries are just as engaging. This is a book that deserves to be in your hands.”

Anna Tambour says, “In Claybourne’s books, the point isn’t the fight, it’s what the fight is for, and he’s done it again. This novel breaks ground that has been so cemented, it's a bunker roof.”

And Robyn Bennis asks, “What do you get when you combine worldbuilding reminiscent of Kai Ashante Wilson, characters as endearingly quirky as Terry Pratchett’s, and prose chock full of delightful turns of phrase that would make Mark Twain wish he’d thought of them? You get this book, which I cannot recommend highly enough.”

These are all authors I respect to call me out if I offer Velveeta as cheese, which I will never knowingly do. Each’s talking about BREATH, WARMTH & DREAM, the first in my trilogy about a Black mother, her young daughter, and the power they bring to the world. World’s called Erah. Mother is Khumalo. Daughter is Amnandi. You’ll get to know them as witches. By the end, maybe the same of yourself.

First there was a short story (free here), but the characters weren’t ready to go home. They wanted a novel. Then they wanted to grow, individually and as a family, which required two more books. I happily agreed YES, YES, AND YES! I love these characters, every single one of ‘em (except one; he’s an ass). I love how they explore; how they defend; how they feel and how they live. I even love how the book feels physically. This is not marketing or imagination; the book feels warm and soft. It finds the space it needs to do what the story needs to do. All told, it’s been a 3-year journey to get here.

Enough blabber, though. What else should I say, as the writer? Simple: The book goes on sale Friday, May 17, 2024, everywhere.

I hope it pleases you.