Ismail Ahmed released his debut novel this October with the publication of his book, Fury’s Survival, which is interstellar in scope yet grounded in mythology. The 24-year-old South Newton resident is not just a writer, but a director who works as a freelance video editor and brings his cinematic vision to bear in his books. “I would say, ‘Greek gods versus aliens!’ Are you interested in reading something like that?” Read more: Salisbury turned into fiction by debut writer this November Ismail's book was meant to a graphic novel at first (Image: Ismail Ahmed) The Wiltshire-based author was challenged to pass the ‘pub test’ and it would challenge even the most sceptical readers not prick their ears and listen.
His story follows Alexis Grace, a green-eyed and fiery haired artist on a creative retreat, who unexpectedly is thrust into a dangerous, magical world of Greek myth and galactic terror. At the beginning of 2024 Ismail finally took the time to sit down and dedicate himself to writing the book to a gruelling schedule. “That was my sort of New Year’s resolution.
When it comes to writing, I’m quite serious in the sense that, once I start something, I will stick to my schedule,” Ismail asserted. He also completed the book without the help of an editor, let alone the publishing houses he says he rejected because they wanted to control his intellectual property. Instead, he turned to his younger cousin, a fellow literature lover and fan of science-fiction .