By: Elowen Gray
When Andre Jackson talks about his first book, Naomi: The Lost World of Atlantis, his voice exudes the same energy that propels his book: vision, perseverance, and the conviction of heroes emerging from humble beginnings.
“I wanted to write an all-female hero,” Jackson explained to NY Weekly during a recent interview. “Someone who could save the world on her own.”
It is this desire that gave rise to the name Naomi, the young heroine at the center of Jackson’s epic fantasy adventure. Naomi was inspired by his niece and painted as a heroine of will and grit, a woman who refuses to quit, regardless of the hurdles she faces.
A Story Tied to Myth and Tradition
Naomi: The Lost World of Atlantis is more than a fantasy novel, but a blend of Egyptian mythology and Atlantean legend. Naomi and her brother, Nuru, are the protagonists in the novel as they embark on a perilous quest to discover their mother’s destiny and the reason behind their bloodline.
Guided by visions and gifted with a golden spear inherited from their mother, Naomi is a symbol of bravery. She and Nuru cross deserts, abandoned villages, living forests, and old pyramids. Each step brings them closer to Atlantis and headlong into battle against two powerful enemies: the Keeper of the Clock, a one-eyed man who controls time, and Kaelen, a dark betrayer of the past.
For Jackson, the spear itself has more than one meaning. “Her mom gave it to her a long time ago,” he said. “It became complete after both parts of the spear came together as a whole. To me, it stands for memory, family, and truth.”
The Birth of Naomi
When questioned about the creation of Naomi, Jackson hesitated not at all: “I modeled her after my niece. She’s so sweet, and she does just what Naomi does. I wanted her to symbolize young women who never quit, even when the world tries to bury their light.”
Through Naomi’s struggles, readers are invited to see reflections of their own resilience. Her journey is not only a fight against mythological forces but also a metaphor for overcoming adversity, holding on to truth, and honoring family legacies.
A Vision Turned into a Book
Jackson’s journey to becoming an author is as fascinating as the tale that he’s sharing. While the concept, in fact, hit him years ago in a dream, he was seeing Egyptian legends crash into Atlantis, it wasn’t until recently that he molded it into a manuscript.
“I had the vision a long time ago,” he said. “But when I sat down, it only took me about a month and a half to write. Once I had the vision, I knew how to put everything together.”
The outcome is a book that reads both quickly and intensely personal, setting up what Jackson assures will be a sequel.
Influences and Inspirations
Jackson is quick to credit the authors who influenced his imagination. “Stephen King is the GOAT to me,” he chuckled. “And S.A. Cosby, too, he’s from right near where I grew up in Virginia. Their styles gave me a blueprint for storytelling, combining imagination with what’s really going on in the world.”
It’s a combination that’s experienced in Naomi: The Lost World of Atlantis: magical worlds overlaid with emotional realities about family, loss, and determination.
Who Can Resonate with Naomi?
Jackson views his readership as young adults and adults alike. “The young readers will relate to the journey of Naomi and Nuru, seeking truth while coming of age. But adults will realize why their mother kept secrets for their protection. It’s the best of both worlds.”
A Story Built for the Screen
With its blend of mythology, fantasy, and action, Naomi already feels cinematic. When asked who he’d like to see play Naomi in a film or series adaptation, Jackson admitted he hasn’t chosen specific actors yet. “I’d want strong, young, and mature actors who can bring depth to Naomi and her mother,” he said. For now, he’s focused on letting the book reach readers and spark imaginations.
A Legacy in Motion
Naomi: The Lost World of Atlantis is not just an adventure; it’s a tale of courage, family, and the strength of memory. Naomi and Nuru’s adventure is just beginning, and Jackson is already creating the next installment of their story.
For readers, the novel is a welcome into a mythic realm in which the past and future intersect, and where a young heroine demonstrates that the struggle for truth and heritage is worth it all.
As Jackson said best: “Naomi shows that no matter how hard things get, you don’t give up. You keep searching, you keep fighting, and you keep the light alive.”
