A former Chronicle writer has turned her attention to fantasy as she launches her first book on the road to literary success.

Jessica Rydill’s new novel Children of the Shaman is influenced by the work of Tolkein and hopes her work will be enjoyed by readers of all ages, from teenagers upwards.

Until recently she reported on the Entry Hill area of Bath for the Bath Chronicle and the paper has featured her book launch and signing at the city’s Waterstones book store.

Her sister, Sarah Ash, is also a published fantasy writer.

But Jessica said: “We are not in competition with each other. Although we are interested in similar things we do not overlap an awful lot.”

Children of Shaman has been a labour of love over the last three years and a sequel is already under way, which will link with the first book.

The paperback is published by Orbit and available in good book shops.

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
0116 227 3122/3121, or to e-mail us now – click here