19 Aug 2013

Successful Samoan author releases final book in young adult series

6:52 pm on 19 August 2013

Samoan author Lani Wendt Young has released the final book in her young adult, fantasy fiction series, Telesa, 'The Bone Bearer.'

The series, described as a contemporary thriller-romance interwoven with Pacific mythology, has sold more than 15,000 copies.

E-books have been available since June, but the Samoa Business Network hosted the launch of physical copies of the book in Auckland over the weekend.

Lani Wendt Young says one thing the success of the series has shown her is that there is a hunger for Pacific stories, worldwide.

"I wrote this book, the first book, because it's the kind of book I wanted to read. I wanted to read a book where I could see myself and in a culture and a place that I could connect with. And I think that's what many of the readers are responding to, because there is a huge gap I think in the market for that, there is a need for us, to be sharing our stories."

Lani Wendt Young says that although digital publishing was key to her success in the beginning, it's very important to her that she releases the books in Samoa, and in print.

She is to release the book in Samoa during the week of the Teuila festival.