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Magical Atmosphere
Whispers in the Breeze follows the mystery of the missing kings of the Wangoorie tribe and their fight to keep evil from taking over the tribe. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The idea that I had to write Whispers in the Breeze was one of many reasons. It was always going to be a narrative with a lot of twists and turns and the unexpected with a splash of mystery. I wanted to express my ideas on how to be resilient and have the faith and strength to overcome any obstacles that life has thrown at you. Another is to educate in a positive way on how society is judgemental with the slightest imperfection in people who have a disability. Acceptance of yourself and a strong will to thrive and be successful in all that you do was a key message. Also having faith and love from your family is the most powerful weapon one has, and with that support, you can conquer the world.
Whispers started out with a boy with a disability in mind. Then I thought about what lessons he could learn and what troubles he could find himself in. The story was built around his character. While I worked in the primary school, I used my knowledge from one of our school’s teaching tools that helped build up students’ confidence. So I wanted to share that with others. The thoughts of good versus evil added to the storyline as well as a love story between the parents and the bond they shared as a family. Justice also played a huge part in the outcome for the family and their tribe. I first wanted to write 3 books. The first was all about Zengie and his mother Mallee. The second one was about his Father Wango and the third was about the three of them together. In the end, I changed it to three parts.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
The inspiration for the culture of the characters was formed in my mind by the beauty of the jungles and rainforests. The magical atmosphere of mists and the aromas of moist foliage reminded me of my childhood growing up near the mountains and the time we played as children hiding in the giant trees and vines of the rainforest. The cold trickling streams and waterfalls with the crisp breezes also became part of the story. I remember my imagination used to run wild with fairies and magical beings while in the mountains, also the eeriness of silence when you wandered away from the others and how scary thoughts would take over reality. This also formed part of the emotions in the characters. I modelled my tribes on a mixture of African tribes and their spiritual and religious beliefs as well as my own.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The important themes in the book were. Love, honour, loyalty, compassion, respect, resilience, and empathy. A think ‘outside the box’ and follow your heart and dreams. Life is full of highs and lows and how you deal with these become the person you are.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on the next book called Shifting Sands. It is a continuing story of the Wangoorie people. This time the story is about Zengie’s sister Veelah and her struggles with depression and anxiety as she struggles with the loss of her mother Mallee and her inner self doubts as her psychic abilities grow stronger and more erratic. I don’t know how long it will take to write, but it is a work in progress.
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When ancient traditions are broken, spirits are called upon. The ancestors are furious as their deep slumber is disturbed. To their despair, chaos, mayhem, and unjust, greet them on their resurrection. When the two rightful heirs mysteriously disappear, the scales of justice and order are off balance and unpredictable.
Wango and his son Zengie are of royal blood, destined to join the line of successors as their forefathers before them.
Wango and his wife Mallee were the protectors of Zengie and the Wangoorie tribe. Now, Mallee is alone, vulnerable, and in danger. Will she find strength and gain her freedom from the manipulative clutches of the evil Zulu?
Follow this intriguing mystery as trust is shattered and lives are ruined. Survival is the key to unlocking the past and building a future, where the foundations of the Wangoorie tribe depend on the survival of humanity.
Will balance and stability return to reclaim the peace and harmony of the Wangoorie people? Read on, and solve the mystery of the missing kings.
Whispers in the Breeze
Maggie Bain’s Whispers in the Breeze is a riveting exploration of tribal politics, survival, and justice set within the seclusion of the African jungle. The narrative revolves around Wango, the Chieftain of the Wangoorie tribe, who embarks on a journey in search of food due to severe scarcity, leaving behind his wife, Mallee, and son, Zengie. However, as the season passes, Wango fails to return, sparking a cauldron of troubles within the tribe.
Adding to the turmoil, Wango’s malicious and cunning brother, Zulu, sees this as an opportunity to lay claim to the chieftainship. In his relentless pursuit of power, Zulu dispatches his henchmen to bring back Zengie, the rightful heir to the leadership. His nefarious plans, however, lead to unexpected chaos across the tribe, raising critical questions – Will Wango ever make a comeback? Will Zengie inherit the position that is his birthright?
From the onset, Whispers in the Breeze is a deeply immersive narrative that held my attention until the very last page. The unrest, deception, and ancestral wrath triggered by the Zulu’s unjust actions against the Wangoorie tribe make for a compelling storyline. Bain skillfully portrays Zulu’s character, emphasizing his manipulative nature and desperate power grab. Interestingly, the influence of the ancestors, voicing their dissent from beyond the grave, provides a fascinating layer to the plot.
The character of Zengie, a courageous young soul thrown into survival mode early on, is captivating. His father’s disappearance and the absence of guidance from his mother and tribal elders present him with extraordinary challenges. The narrative takes a suspenseful turn as Zengie, having escaped Zulu’s henchmen, must navigate the ruthless African wilderness on his own. Is he resourceful and resilient enough to survive?
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. Bain evokes a gamut of emotions, providing a rollercoaster ride of a reading experience. As the plot unfurls and the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the reader can’t help but hope for Zulu’s comeuppance for his atrocities against the Wangoorie tribe. The believability of the characters, the vividly described landscape, and the gripping storyline make one feel as though they are witnessing the events firsthand. The author’s ability to resolve loose ends ultimately results in a rewarding reading journey. Whispers in the Breeze is a must-read for all lovers of engaging and emotive literature.
Pages: 119 | ASIN : B0C3WMDCS1
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