Empress & Aniya

Candice Carty-Williams, the acclaimed author of "Queenie," makes her Young Adult debut with "Empress & Aniya," a vibrant and moving story set in South London. The narrative introduces two starkly different teenage girls: Empress, the new girl in school, and Aniya, an established presence. Their initial interactions are far from friendly, marked by the typical friction of adolescent social dynamics. However, their lives take an extraordinary turn on their sixteenth birthday when a seemingly innocuous shared moment results in an accidental body swap. Suddenly, the girls find themselves inhabiting each other's lives, forced to navigate unfamiliar routines, friendships, and family dynamics. This unexpected magical twist, reminiscent of "Freaky Friday," serves as a catalyst for a profound journey of self-discovery and empathy. As they struggle to understand each other's worlds, Empress and Aniya gradually learn the invaluable lesson that true friendship is the most potent form of magic, ultimately forging an unbreakable bond amidst the chaos and challenges of their swapped realities.