Nigerian-British writer and TV producer, Deborah Somotun, has been captivated by speculative fiction since discovering Frank Herbert’s Dune at the age of eight. A lifelong love affair with the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Michael Crichton, J.K. Rowling, and other genre giants fueled her own creative aspirations. As a devout Christian, the events surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement sparked a profound dialogue with her faith, leading to the creation of her debut fantasy novel, Ileri: Spirit Over Shade. This book, the first in the Ileri series, delves into themes of prejudice, power, corruption, and the liberating power of faith. Deborah’s writing blends her heritage, vivid imagery, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes to offer a unique voice within the fantasy genre.