A kidnapped girl. A lost kingdom smothered in night. A YA portal fantasy rooted in African mythology—perfect for readers searching for books about witches and parallel worlds

Seventeen-year-old Kadsa has crossed deserts with her grandfather chasing the myth of Marut. Then a shattering truth strikes: she was kidnapped from Toronto, her real name is Skylar, and the life she longs to reclaim is an ocean away. One fateful choice hurls her through a portal between parallel worlds into a kingdom where gods walk beside mortals, a dark witch commands legions of shadow, and a hidden prince bound to darkness may be the last spark of hope. To save Marut, Kadsa must master a crystal’s light, outwit deadly court intrigue, and decide where she truly belongs—home with the mother who’s been searching for Skylar, or in a realm that now looks to her as Abnr’s Gift.

Why readers will love The Civilization
*African mythology and gods-and-goddesses lore woven into an epic coming-of-age quest
*Portal fantasy/parallel worlds stakes with a ruthless witch, cursed prince, and kingdom in eternal night
*Found family, identity, and resilience—YA heart with crossover appeal for adult fantasy readers
*Court intrigue, survival, and a heroine learning to wield light against the longest dark

Perfect for fans of Michael Wisehart (Street Rats of Aramoor) and readers who enjoy parallel-world adventures like Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody. If your “top fantasy books 2025” list includes books about witches, lost kingdoms, and fierce heroines, add The Civilization today.