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Empress and Aniya
The first YA novel from the bestselling author of Queenie. When Empress starts at Aniya's school, they're not exactly best friends. But, when the two teenage girls accidentally cast a spell on their 16th birthday and end up switching bodies, they quickly learn that friendship is the most important magic of all. South London's answer to 'Freaky Friday', Empress and Aniya is a moving portrayal of the importance of real friendship and the ups and downs of being a teenager.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2021
11 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Candice Carty-Williams
25 books4,488 followersCandice Carty-Williams was born in 1989, the result of an affair between a Jamaican cab driver who barely speaks and a Jamaican-Indian dyslexic receptionist who speaks more than anyone else in the world. She studied Media at Sussex because her sixth form teachers said that she wasn’t clever enough to do English, but she showed them all by first working at the Guardian Guide and then moving into publishing at 23.
Carty-Williams has worked on marketing literary fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels ever since; her first highlight was interviewing David Cronenberg and telling him that if she were a white man she’d like to look like him. In response he called her a ‘delightful person’. In 2016, she created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize, a prize that aims to find, champion and celebrate black, Asian and minority ethnic writers. She also contributes regularly to Refinery29 and i-D.
Carty-Williams has worked on marketing literary fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels ever since; her first highlight was interviewing David Cronenberg and telling him that if she were a white man she’d like to look like him. In response he called her a ‘delightful person’. In 2016, she created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize, a prize that aims to find, champion and celebrate black, Asian and minority ethnic writers. She also contributes regularly to Refinery29 and i-D.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 1, 2021
I really enjoyed listening to this-- a good reminder of how much I enjoy a well written novella. I loved both the main characters and the narrator was excellent.
October 7, 2021
*Thank you to Knights Of for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!*
I'm pretty sure the review I've written is almost as long as the book itself. Damn. Unintentional, but I really struggled to try and put my feelings about this book into words because they were so mixed.
I love the concept behind the book and I can really appreciate what its purpose was and what was trying to be done here - it just didn't work for me as much as I wanted it to. I can see how others might fall in love with this story, but it just fell a bit flat for me. It was good, but nothing I want to scream about. I think most of my feelings stem from how rushed it felt.
I think though this book as marketed as young adult, it definitely fell towards the younger end of that spectrum. It honestly felt more like a middle grade book, despite the characters supposedly being 15. They didn’t really feel like they were 15 in their mannerisms or their speech, and the writing style was very dialogue centred. For the ideas presented in this book, I would have loved for it to have been matured.
Because this book was so short, it made for really quick pacing. It was easy to get into and keep entertained by, because it kept moving forward really smoothly. I read it in just over an hour and it’s definitely something you can binge. CCW also really shone through here in how funny and charming some of this dialogue could be. These characters aren't with you for long, but they have such bright and unique personalities they’ll resonate with you. Empress and Aniya feel like complete opposites but somehow compliment each other perfectly, I loved their dynamic and how they came together throughout the story. I think it captured the coming of age and the angst of growing up well - there were moments in here I found extremely relatable from my own adolescence. It was well captured in that sense.
This book touched on a lot of important things like poverty, classism, bullying and multiple forms of racism. While the inclusion of these issues was great, we never get anything deeper than surface level. For the most part, they’re briefly brought up in a couple of sentences and then dismissed without ever being addressed. And the feelings of the characters in relation to these things are never really delved into either. I just think it was such a wasted opportunity and it really could've added complexity and depth to the narrative.
The relationships in here were a high point for me, probably the best thing about this book. Aniya’s parents were so supportive and really made an effort to try and connect with Aniya through the turbulence of her adolescence, and help with Empress. It was so sweet to see. Obviously, the friendship/sisterhood between Empress and Aniya was the show stopper here, though I think more character development could’ve been on page. On the first page we’re shown Aniya to not be very receptive to having Empress as a friend but a couple of pages she’s doing anything and everything for her - it just felt a bit haphazard. The thing is, there weren’t really many pages in this book to really allow for the development either.
The magical realism element came completely out of the blue with no real explanation but hey - I don’t really wanna criticise that. To be honest it was fun and made for an interesting turn of events so I don’t really care about the logistics of it really, I loved it. The only thing that I will say is that I’d maybe have loved it from the beginning instead of for a short period halfway through? But it was wacky and unexpected and a fun element.
My main hang ups about this book really are the size of it and the ending. I really don’t know how to feel about the last twenty pages or so. The plot just felt like it got a bit far fetched, a bit too dreamlike and utopian and completely unrealistic. Listen, I KNOW we had magical spells and I wasn’t hung up about that but this… I don’t know how to feel but I don’t have ridiculously positive feelings I don’t think. I get it’s for a younger audience so we want easy, quick problem solving and the ultimate happily ever after but it just didn’t work for me here at all. I like the optimism but it just came out of nowhere and seemingly solved everything without actually talking bluntly about the issue at hand properly.
I wish it was longer to actually dive into the issues it brought forward, it feels like the outline of some amazing story but feels incomplete. I still love CCW and know this book will be a favourite for some people, just unfortunately not me. It is a tiny gem and raises some great points and I love the overarching theme of kindness and friendship, but it needed more for me.
I'm pretty sure the review I've written is almost as long as the book itself. Damn. Unintentional, but I really struggled to try and put my feelings about this book into words because they were so mixed.
I love the concept behind the book and I can really appreciate what its purpose was and what was trying to be done here - it just didn't work for me as much as I wanted it to. I can see how others might fall in love with this story, but it just fell a bit flat for me. It was good, but nothing I want to scream about. I think most of my feelings stem from how rushed it felt.
I think though this book as marketed as young adult, it definitely fell towards the younger end of that spectrum. It honestly felt more like a middle grade book, despite the characters supposedly being 15. They didn’t really feel like they were 15 in their mannerisms or their speech, and the writing style was very dialogue centred. For the ideas presented in this book, I would have loved for it to have been matured.
Because this book was so short, it made for really quick pacing. It was easy to get into and keep entertained by, because it kept moving forward really smoothly. I read it in just over an hour and it’s definitely something you can binge. CCW also really shone through here in how funny and charming some of this dialogue could be. These characters aren't with you for long, but they have such bright and unique personalities they’ll resonate with you. Empress and Aniya feel like complete opposites but somehow compliment each other perfectly, I loved their dynamic and how they came together throughout the story. I think it captured the coming of age and the angst of growing up well - there were moments in here I found extremely relatable from my own adolescence. It was well captured in that sense.
This book touched on a lot of important things like poverty, classism, bullying and multiple forms of racism. While the inclusion of these issues was great, we never get anything deeper than surface level. For the most part, they’re briefly brought up in a couple of sentences and then dismissed without ever being addressed. And the feelings of the characters in relation to these things are never really delved into either. I just think it was such a wasted opportunity and it really could've added complexity and depth to the narrative.
The relationships in here were a high point for me, probably the best thing about this book. Aniya’s parents were so supportive and really made an effort to try and connect with Aniya through the turbulence of her adolescence, and help with Empress. It was so sweet to see. Obviously, the friendship/sisterhood between Empress and Aniya was the show stopper here, though I think more character development could’ve been on page. On the first page we’re shown Aniya to not be very receptive to having Empress as a friend but a couple of pages she’s doing anything and everything for her - it just felt a bit haphazard. The thing is, there weren’t really many pages in this book to really allow for the development either.
The magical realism element came completely out of the blue with no real explanation but hey - I don’t really wanna criticise that. To be honest it was fun and made for an interesting turn of events so I don’t really care about the logistics of it really, I loved it. The only thing that I will say is that I’d maybe have loved it from the beginning instead of for a short period halfway through? But it was wacky and unexpected and a fun element.
My main hang ups about this book really are the size of it and the ending. I really don’t know how to feel about the last twenty pages or so. The plot just felt like it got a bit far fetched, a bit too dreamlike and utopian and completely unrealistic. Listen, I KNOW we had magical spells and I wasn’t hung up about that but this… I don’t know how to feel but I don’t have ridiculously positive feelings I don’t think. I get it’s for a younger audience so we want easy, quick problem solving and the ultimate happily ever after but it just didn’t work for me here at all. I like the optimism but it just came out of nowhere and seemingly solved everything without actually talking bluntly about the issue at hand properly.
I wish it was longer to actually dive into the issues it brought forward, it feels like the outline of some amazing story but feels incomplete. I still love CCW and know this book will be a favourite for some people, just unfortunately not me. It is a tiny gem and raises some great points and I love the overarching theme of kindness and friendship, but it needed more for me.
October 21, 2021
I love a YA drama...who knew?! 😍😍
Read
October 20, 2021this was fine but it’s definitely a much younger kind of YA. It was a nice story with interesting themes but the execution felt quite rushed & surface level. The narrator on the audiobook is great though, I really enjoyed listening to her voice. It’s currently free to audible members so it was a nice little listen for my commute.
October 1, 2021
RATING: Okay, despite the marketing campaign, I can’t review this like it’s a YA novel. Everything about the book, from the pink cover to the short length; the writing style focused on dialogue over description to the simple characters is middle grade. Therefore, I need to review it in the context of the target audience – 9- to 12-year-old girls. And, for that audience, I’d say it’s good. So, although I wouldn’t recommend it to a fourteen-year-old, I would buy it for an 11-year-old, and therefore I’m giving it three stars.
GOOD BITS: This is a well-written book with interesting and loveable characters. What it lacks in description, it makes up for in witty dialogue. The plot is very basic, but let’s be honest – white people have been writing freaky Friday-style narratives for years, so I don’t think it’s fair to criticise this book on originality. In fact, this is a somewhat fresh take on body-swapping and the South London setting reminded me of home. Well, it is home… Anyway, the multiplicity of black characters demonstrates good representation for younger readers.
NOT SO GOOD BITS: My (rightly) calling this novel middle-grade isn’t a criticism. However, when I compare it to other middle-grade novels that I’ve loved (as both an adult and a child), it doesn’t have enough nuance or layered themes. It’s just that the book is very one-note, everything is on the surface and there is no subtlety. Plus, even though I liked the characters, there is no way they were sixteen. The dialogue was well-written and natural, but everything about their voices screamed thirteen to me, and I found it hard to picture them as older.
GOOD BITS: This is a well-written book with interesting and loveable characters. What it lacks in description, it makes up for in witty dialogue. The plot is very basic, but let’s be honest – white people have been writing freaky Friday-style narratives for years, so I don’t think it’s fair to criticise this book on originality. In fact, this is a somewhat fresh take on body-swapping and the South London setting reminded me of home. Well, it is home… Anyway, the multiplicity of black characters demonstrates good representation for younger readers.
NOT SO GOOD BITS: My (rightly) calling this novel middle-grade isn’t a criticism. However, when I compare it to other middle-grade novels that I’ve loved (as both an adult and a child), it doesn’t have enough nuance or layered themes. It’s just that the book is very one-note, everything is on the surface and there is no subtlety. Plus, even though I liked the characters, there is no way they were sixteen. The dialogue was well-written and natural, but everything about their voices screamed thirteen to me, and I found it hard to picture them as older.
January 2, 2022
Actual rating : 3.5 ⭐
Empress and Aniya are two different people who are thrown together by their teacher.On their sixteenth birthday they cast a spell that results in them switching bodies.What follows is a story of two girls walking in each other’s shoes and discovering what it truly means to be a friend
Empress and Aniya are two different people who are thrown together by their teacher.On their sixteenth birthday they cast a spell that results in them switching bodies.What follows is a story of two girls walking in each other’s shoes and discovering what it truly means to be a friend
October 31, 2021
Empress & Aniya is a sweet and endearing young adult read highlighting the magic of genuine friendship with a Freaky Friday-esque twist.
After Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams can write anything and it will make my must-read list. With Empress & Aniya, I chose to listen to the audiobook, and Nia Deacon’s brilliant narration brought this story to life. Empress and Aniya are great characters, easy to identify with, and have likeable personalities. It’s encouraging to meet two young Black female characters with energy and heart.
The contrast between the lives of Empress and Aniya is really well presented. I enjoyed the way Carty-Williams used the girls’ differences to pinpoint disparities in race, class and privilege. But what struck me the most was the portrayal of mental health in teens. Sometimes, in adolescence, you find yourself feeling angry, upset, or deflected, but can't exactly work out why. And this book explores how mental health is affected by both loving and unloving environments.
Yet, I found Empress & Aniya reads more like middle grade fiction than young adult. If the themes were explored with more depth or maturity, I think it could be a story that would really appeal to an older audience - especially with two strong protagonists. And due to its short length, the book lacks the layers or complexities that will make it memorable.
Overall, this was a satisfying read. It touches on important issues young people face but with the natural appeal and wit of Candice Carty-Williams’ writing style. An audiobook I’d happily repeat!
After Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams can write anything and it will make my must-read list. With Empress & Aniya, I chose to listen to the audiobook, and Nia Deacon’s brilliant narration brought this story to life. Empress and Aniya are great characters, easy to identify with, and have likeable personalities. It’s encouraging to meet two young Black female characters with energy and heart.
The contrast between the lives of Empress and Aniya is really well presented. I enjoyed the way Carty-Williams used the girls’ differences to pinpoint disparities in race, class and privilege. But what struck me the most was the portrayal of mental health in teens. Sometimes, in adolescence, you find yourself feeling angry, upset, or deflected, but can't exactly work out why. And this book explores how mental health is affected by both loving and unloving environments.
Yet, I found Empress & Aniya reads more like middle grade fiction than young adult. If the themes were explored with more depth or maturity, I think it could be a story that would really appeal to an older audience - especially with two strong protagonists. And due to its short length, the book lacks the layers or complexities that will make it memorable.
Overall, this was a satisfying read. It touches on important issues young people face but with the natural appeal and wit of Candice Carty-Williams’ writing style. An audiobook I’d happily repeat!
July 31, 2022
This on was on Audible Plus - and I didn't realise quite how short it was! It's more a novella than a novel, to be honest - it has one storyline rather than interlocking ones and there's only really one major 'event' which is very short.
I haven't ever seen/read Freaky Friday or any films like it, but I assume this is how it usually works? The two MCs temporarily switch bodies - allowing them to understand more about the other. Aniya gets to see the extent of Empress' poverty and home life, and Empress sees that Aniya does really care. Neither of them behave ANYTHING like sixteen-year-olds; they seem like they're about twelve. And the ending is ridiculously saccharine.
It was more like a dainty little mouthful, barely tasted it. It was okay I guess.
I haven't ever seen/read Freaky Friday or any films like it, but I assume this is how it usually works? The two MCs temporarily switch bodies - allowing them to understand more about the other. Aniya gets to see the extent of Empress' poverty and home life, and Empress sees that Aniya does really care. Neither of them behave ANYTHING like sixteen-year-olds; they seem like they're about twelve. And the ending is ridiculously saccharine.
It was more like a dainty little mouthful, barely tasted it. It was okay I guess.
October 12, 2021
3.5* A short, sweet and emotional exploration of class, privilege and the strength of true friendship.
Whilst I do think this is better targeted at a younger audience (maybe 11-13ish?) rather than YA and felt more like a short story or an anthology entry, this was a quick, enjoyable and fun read and one I happily spent a lunch break with.
TW: child neglect, neglectful parent, sexual harassment
Whilst I do think this is better targeted at a younger audience (maybe 11-13ish?) rather than YA and felt more like a short story or an anthology entry, this was a quick, enjoyable and fun read and one I happily spent a lunch break with.
TW: child neglect, neglectful parent, sexual harassment
October 28, 2021
Star Rating: —> 3.5 to 4 Stars !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WARNING: IF YOU NEED ROMANTIC LOVE IN YOUR YA CONTEMPORARY, THIS IS NOT THE BOOK FOR YOU!
This is an AMAZING book about friendship love turned sistership love <3
Wow what a great premise & story! I really enjoyed it & it had definite potential to be AMAZING, but it fell just a bit short, both literally—it was a fluffity, fluffity, fluff fluff (which def nothing wrong with that! I LOVE fluffy YA contemporaries ! They are like palate cleansers 😉), & fun read, but it was also such a SHORT, QUICK read. Which is great, gotta love a short novel(la) from time to time ;)), but AGH IT SHOULD'VE BEEN LONGER! THE POTENTIAL HERE. 🥺
;
BUT— it also addressed some very serious issues as well—such as bullying, child abuse/ neglect, etc., that deserved some more page time & exploration as well.
ANOTHER THING THAT ACTUALLY DROVE ME CRRRRAZZZZZYYYYYYY, was that there was some 'witchy' stuff (WOO FOR BLACK GIRL MAGIC, BABY!) in there with ZERO explanation or background info. Like... WHA? But yeah it resulted in a freaky friday type of thing but honestly there was ZERO info behind it! Comeeeee on! Sigh. Lol
Anyway. It was still worth a read IMO for SO many reasons, but especially the for the poc reps, girl damn POWER, strong female friendships (one of my fav tropes when there is no love interest— is an AMAZING best friend/ sister, ride or die, no drama—just a deep, pure, & wonderful relationship/sistership (A BIFFLE 4EVA :-P *cannot believe I just said biffle* 😂 literally people used to say stuff like that all the time in middle & hs LOL . That kind of harmonious, OTPBFF f—no joke they are just PERFECTION(!) so you know, etc.etc.
There truly IS PLENTY to like, even some parts to love, for sure, but it let me down a bit because of the wasted potential 🤷🏼♀️. lt could've been SO MUCH MORE. That is what is SO frustrating! (Sorry I know i've said this like ten thousand and two times— mmmk, yeah, clearly there's no hyperbole here. 😂 i'm such a dork. Lol) ANYWAY, B2B—The prose is very simple, a little overly simple for my tastes IMHO, but that DOES make it super readable!
I'd recommend for any age, honestly. It is technically YA, but I can see pre-teens- college age reading it, as well as adults who want to read a fluffy YA contemporary with a great, happy ending !
[ Plus its a short & sweet read to help you along with your 2021 Reading Challenge because the end of the year is coming to a close TOO SOOOON, (only two months :(AGHHHH!!! Can't believe its basically November al, AMIRIGHT?! 😅 ]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WARNING: IF YOU NEED ROMANTIC LOVE IN YOUR YA CONTEMPORARY, THIS IS NOT THE BOOK FOR YOU!
This is an AMAZING book about friendship love turned sistership love <3
Wow what a great premise & story! I really enjoyed it & it had definite potential to be AMAZING, but it fell just a bit short, both literally—it was a fluffity, fluffity, fluff fluff (which def nothing wrong with that! I LOVE fluffy YA contemporaries ! They are like palate cleansers 😉), & fun read, but it was also such a SHORT, QUICK read. Which is great, gotta love a short novel(la) from time to time ;)), but AGH IT SHOULD'VE BEEN LONGER! THE POTENTIAL HERE. 🥺
;
BUT— it also addressed some very serious issues as well—such as bullying, child abuse/ neglect, etc., that deserved some more page time & exploration as well.
ANOTHER THING THAT ACTUALLY DROVE ME CRRRRAZZZZZYYYYYYY, was that there was some 'witchy' stuff (WOO FOR BLACK GIRL MAGIC, BABY!) in there with ZERO explanation or background info. Like... WHA? But yeah it resulted in a freaky friday type of thing but honestly there was ZERO info behind it! Comeeeee on! Sigh. Lol
Anyway. It was still worth a read IMO for SO many reasons, but especially the for the poc reps, girl damn POWER, strong female friendships (one of my fav tropes when there is no love interest— is an AMAZING best friend/ sister, ride or die, no drama—just a deep, pure, & wonderful relationship/sistership (A BIFFLE 4EVA :-P *cannot believe I just said biffle* 😂 literally people used to say stuff like that all the time in middle & hs LOL . That kind of harmonious, OTPBFF f—no joke they are just PERFECTION(!) so you know, etc.etc.
There truly IS PLENTY to like, even some parts to love, for sure, but it let me down a bit because of the wasted potential 🤷🏼♀️. lt could've been SO MUCH MORE. That is what is SO frustrating! (Sorry I know i've said this like ten thousand and two times— mmmk, yeah, clearly there's no hyperbole here. 😂 i'm such a dork. Lol) ANYWAY, B2B—The prose is very simple, a little overly simple for my tastes IMHO, but that DOES make it super readable!
I'd recommend for any age, honestly. It is technically YA, but I can see pre-teens- college age reading it, as well as adults who want to read a fluffy YA contemporary with a great, happy ending !
[ Plus its a short & sweet read to help you along with your 2021 Reading Challenge because the end of the year is coming to a close TOO SOOOON, (only two months :(AGHHHH!!! Can't believe its basically November al, AMIRIGHT?! 😅 ]
April 29, 2023
This book has been on my wishlist for a long time already, but I always found the price a little bit too high for the amount of pages the book counts. This week I found a copy in a bargain store though and when the copy arrived today I knew what my afternoon read was gonna be. I wasn't prepared to find such an important story inside!
The basics of this story are actually pretty simple. Empress is a scholarship student attending a private school. Aniya has grown up in a big house with endless money. Forced by one of their teachers they spend a lot of time together and quite quickly they become friends, despite all their differences and their entirely different upbringing.
What I like about this book is that this shows that being unhappy doesn't have much to do with money. Aniya is growing up in a big, but cold, house with loads of pressure on her shoulders. Empress doesn't only miss out on material things, but also on emotional things. She gets no support and no love from her mother.
During the story the girls are forced to be in each other's shoes. And I like how the author shows that both girls have to deal with their own issues. They might be different issues, but they both don't have that perfect life. And their friendship and the way they're willing to fight for each other is so pure and really warms your heart while reading the book!
The basics of this story are actually pretty simple. Empress is a scholarship student attending a private school. Aniya has grown up in a big house with endless money. Forced by one of their teachers they spend a lot of time together and quite quickly they become friends, despite all their differences and their entirely different upbringing.
What I like about this book is that this shows that being unhappy doesn't have much to do with money. Aniya is growing up in a big, but cold, house with loads of pressure on her shoulders. Empress doesn't only miss out on material things, but also on emotional things. She gets no support and no love from her mother.
During the story the girls are forced to be in each other's shoes. And I like how the author shows that both girls have to deal with their own issues. They might be different issues, but they both don't have that perfect life. And their friendship and the way they're willing to fight for each other is so pure and really warms your heart while reading the book!
January 17, 2023
The author of Queenie” branches out in this genre bending book. Two girls from completely different backgrounds learn what it’s like to live the other one’s life. I can say no more, but I enjoyed it.
December 23, 2024
short story that felt like it was written by a 12 yr old girl but oh well did the job of second to last book of the challenge
July 19, 2023
ab uno disce omnes, ad oculos.
Empress, a bright black 15 year old from a South London housing estate, has just won a scholarship to a prestigious girls’ school but is understandably anxious. Though she’s looking forward to the academic work she worries that her secondhand uniform, her lack of funds and her home situation will mean her classmates will look down on her.
Even when she’s assigned as a ‘friend’ to the bubbly Aniya she remains brittle and clams up, limiting herself to a plate of chips at lunchtime because that’s all she can afford. But when Aniya’s jealous circle of friends continues picking on Empress, Aniya has to consider where her loyalties ought to lie – with her classmates or the solitary Empress? It may take the advice of trying walking in another’s shoes for her to fully appreciate and empathise with her ‘assigned friend’. What if she takes the advice literally?
It’s the Ides of March, the eve of the girls’ 16th birthday, and Aniya has found something on the internet: a supposed spell in Latin to swap bodies. Now, the idea of swapping identities is not new; Mark Twain and Charles Dickens, for example, had both explored what it might entail. Would Empress and Aniya’s experience – if it comes off, of course – match that of the pair in The Prince and the Pauper or resemble the noble sacrifice that Sidney Carton undertook in A Tale of Two Cities?
I found this a sweet and uplifting YA novel with realistic and sympathetic protagonists, in which Carty-Williams offers us credible scenarios by drawing on some of her own teenage experiences (as the acknowledgements and her concluding essay make clear). The episodes detailing bullying, spats and misunderstandings all ring true, as do the descriptions of social conditions in deprived neighbourhoods, but the point is also made that staunch friendship, forgiveness and generosity can be met in unexpected places.
Will all be well when the girls reach their 18th birthday? If this were a film – and as the author is also a showrunner don’t be surprised if this novel in fact eventually reaches the screen in some form or other – this outcome would be the hoped-for resolution. You may want to read Empress and Aniya to find out; if you do I hope you’ll get as much that’s life-affirming out of it as I did.
January 26, 2022
"...You've always attracted good people, Empress. It's because of who you are.”
Empress and Aniya, Candice Carty-Williams
~~~
When I started the book I was like" miss why didn't you flesh out the book more?" Then boom! Like 80% in, she knocks me with a scene. Nothing new with this storyline but it just cuts deep and the kindness Empress received back was moving to say the list. What's it about kindness please?
The story is told in the 3rd person pov and follows Empress as she starts at Aniya's school. Being from a different background from the school's body, Empress has its rough but Aniya comes to her aid. The two teenage girls accidentally cast a spell on their 16th birthday and end up switching bodies, they quickly learn that friendship is the most important magic of all.
I still do feel the author could have fleshed out the book just a bit. But bearing in mind who the age gap the story I written for it can't go to deep without some triggers that might scar some malleable mind.
I did care about the well being of our main characters but we didn't really forge a bond with them, the kind you finish a book and feel you have lost a friend? I feel that usually adds ummph and the book being about friendship....
That being said I felt the strength of this book was the message, friendship, kindness, hope, redemption.
But what happened to Aniya's other friends? Did the dynamic of those friendships flourish or wither the longer Empress stayed on scene?
All in all, was a short read that the youngings might relearn something about being kind, appreciate friendships and those from broken homes know that there is hope of a better future.
“This story is for the Empresses; you are loved. And this story is for the Aniyas;we are grateful for you," Candice Carty-Williams
Empress and Aniya, Candice Carty-Williams
~~~
When I started the book I was like" miss why didn't you flesh out the book more?" Then boom! Like 80% in, she knocks me with a scene. Nothing new with this storyline but it just cuts deep and the kindness Empress received back was moving to say the list. What's it about kindness please?
The story is told in the 3rd person pov and follows Empress as she starts at Aniya's school. Being from a different background from the school's body, Empress has its rough but Aniya comes to her aid. The two teenage girls accidentally cast a spell on their 16th birthday and end up switching bodies, they quickly learn that friendship is the most important magic of all.
I still do feel the author could have fleshed out the book just a bit. But bearing in mind who the age gap the story I written for it can't go to deep without some triggers that might scar some malleable mind.
I did care about the well being of our main characters but we didn't really forge a bond with them, the kind you finish a book and feel you have lost a friend? I feel that usually adds ummph and the book being about friendship....
That being said I felt the strength of this book was the message, friendship, kindness, hope, redemption.
But what happened to Aniya's other friends? Did the dynamic of those friendships flourish or wither the longer Empress stayed on scene?
All in all, was a short read that the youngings might relearn something about being kind, appreciate friendships and those from broken homes know that there is hope of a better future.
“This story is for the Empresses; you are loved. And this story is for the Aniyas;we are grateful for you," Candice Carty-Williams
October 19, 2021
I loved it! Empress and Aniya were such great characters! I loved the idea behind the book, I mean who didn’t love the film Freaky Friday? And a little bit of a witchy spell for an October read…perfect timing! I’m not exactly a big fantasy person, so this is how I like my magic in books 😂
For such a short book, this story really packs in a lot of feelings and emotions. It touched on such important issues such as bullying, poverty, racism and differences in class. I say touched on as they could have gone deeper, but I’m guessing they didn’t as it’s such a short book. Plus this is YA, and I’d say more so the younger end of this age category, so maybe the way they were covered was in mind of that.
I think that this was such an important fiction read for young adults, well everyone, to read, to open your eyes to situations that happen every day but you might not think of. I loved it as a short story, but personally I’d also love to see a longer more in depth version, covering these issues a little deeper, and I’d love to have known a bit more about the ending of the book. Maybe we could have a young YA version and an older YA version? 😂
For such a short book, this story really packs in a lot of feelings and emotions. It touched on such important issues such as bullying, poverty, racism and differences in class. I say touched on as they could have gone deeper, but I’m guessing they didn’t as it’s such a short book. Plus this is YA, and I’d say more so the younger end of this age category, so maybe the way they were covered was in mind of that.
I think that this was such an important fiction read for young adults, well everyone, to read, to open your eyes to situations that happen every day but you might not think of. I loved it as a short story, but personally I’d also love to see a longer more in depth version, covering these issues a little deeper, and I’d love to have known a bit more about the ending of the book. Maybe we could have a young YA version and an older YA version? 😂
April 28, 2022
What a charming little book!! This completely reminded me of a lot of the books that I read when I was younger and I can always fall head over heels for Candice Carty-Williams’ writing style.
Lovely characterisation with a true emphasis on feminine friendship- something that I don’t think gets quite enough credit. It was refreshing to read a YA teen-centres book that lacked the presence of romantic interest. All in all a wholesome little read.
My only slight issue was that the pacing was a little off and I wish that the *spoiler alert* body swap excitement had been introduced a little earlier.
Lovely characterisation with a true emphasis on feminine friendship- something that I don’t think gets quite enough credit. It was refreshing to read a YA teen-centres book that lacked the presence of romantic interest. All in all a wholesome little read.
My only slight issue was that the pacing was a little off and I wish that the *spoiler alert* body swap excitement had been introduced a little earlier.
November 7, 2021
This was not at all what I expected from this book but this was cute as hell.
I thought this was going to be a romantic love kind of novella but it was not: it's about friendship, which was refreshing, and there was a fantasy twist I didn't see coming at first - also refreshing.
This is obviously super short but it's lovely and I really recommend the audiobook. Really loved it, it just made my day a little bit better.
I thought this was going to be a romantic love kind of novella but it was not: it's about friendship, which was refreshing, and there was a fantasy twist I didn't see coming at first - also refreshing.
This is obviously super short but it's lovely and I really recommend the audiobook. Really loved it, it just made my day a little bit better.
October 16, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“It’s up to me if I want to worry about you…
“You don’t know me…”
Is this a bit idealistic about class difference? Freaky Friday crossed with Fresh Prince - enjoyable teen friendship tale though that I felt was pitched at the right mid teen age bracket - interested to read more from this author
“It’s up to me if I want to worry about you…
“You don’t know me…”
Is this a bit idealistic about class difference? Freaky Friday crossed with Fresh Prince - enjoyable teen friendship tale though that I felt was pitched at the right mid teen age bracket - interested to read more from this author
January 26, 2022
Empress is the new girl on a scholarship. Aniya who is the perfect student is far from pleased when she is asked to take Empress under her wing.
The two form a tight bond despite living very different lives. When a fun spell at a sleepover goes wrong they end up switching bodies!
This was so much deeper than I thought it would be. It almost had me in tears.
The two form a tight bond despite living very different lives. When a fun spell at a sleepover goes wrong they end up switching bodies!
This was so much deeper than I thought it would be. It almost had me in tears.
August 1, 2024
3.5 stars. I was really impressed by this book - it doesn't pander to its YA audience, and it's not vague about how nasty home life can be for some children. I felt that they read more like 13/14 year olds than 15/16 year olds, but it made sense by the end. The second half of the book really soared, and Carty-Williams did a lot with only a small handful of characters.
January 12, 2022
Hmm this felt more lile middle grade than YA sorry.. not for me...
July 29, 2024
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the other books by Candice Carty-Williams, this book was in Waterstones during one of my visits and I couldn’t resist. It was a very quick and adorable read.
When Empress starts at Aniya’s school, they’re not exactly best friends. Aniya is the Queen Bee at school, who never has to worry about where her next meal is, her only biggest worry is making sure she gets good grades and to live up to her parents' expectations. Empress is the opposite, she has a neglectful mother, a dad who is nowhere to be seen, she is expected to look after her little brother, and she can barely afford her school lunch. She is now at a preppy school where she is keeping her head down and trying to get through the day. On her first day at school, she gets an assigned friend of Aniya where she needs to show the ropes of the school. But the two teenage girls get closers and on their 16th birthday, they end up accidentally casting a spell and ended up switching bodies and they quickly learn that friendship is the most important magic of all. South London’s answer to ‘Freaky Friday”, Empress and Aniya is a moving portrayal of the importance of real relationship and the ups and downs of being a teenager.
I loved the idea of this book, and I loved these two main characters. It was easy to get into. And the plot was easy to follow. Both characters were both very developed for such a short book. I liked how they discussed serious topics within a short time, and it showed that you never know what is going on in someone’s life and to not make insensitive jokes, I would have loved for the subjects to have been discussed more deeply, it was just slightly mentioned and then moved on.
I think the thing that I struggled with was because it was so short, a lot was glossed over, and I would have loved more. I wanted to know how Empress did once she was settled at Aniya’s house and how did Aniya’s friends react. Did Aniya stop being friends with Dani and Bolu because of how mean they were being? Did Empress’s mum fight to get her back after she had settled at home? I just wanted it longer. I felt like at times especially during the school chapters was that they were talking like they were twelve or thirteen when these girls were fifteen/sixteen, like you should be worrying about exams and your future not some girl's appearance and how she is acting.
I would love to see how these girls are getting on at university and how Pauline is doing, maybe we could get a sequel soon
When Empress starts at Aniya’s school, they’re not exactly best friends. Aniya is the Queen Bee at school, who never has to worry about where her next meal is, her only biggest worry is making sure she gets good grades and to live up to her parents' expectations. Empress is the opposite, she has a neglectful mother, a dad who is nowhere to be seen, she is expected to look after her little brother, and she can barely afford her school lunch. She is now at a preppy school where she is keeping her head down and trying to get through the day. On her first day at school, she gets an assigned friend of Aniya where she needs to show the ropes of the school. But the two teenage girls get closers and on their 16th birthday, they end up accidentally casting a spell and ended up switching bodies and they quickly learn that friendship is the most important magic of all. South London’s answer to ‘Freaky Friday”, Empress and Aniya is a moving portrayal of the importance of real relationship and the ups and downs of being a teenager.
I loved the idea of this book, and I loved these two main characters. It was easy to get into. And the plot was easy to follow. Both characters were both very developed for such a short book. I liked how they discussed serious topics within a short time, and it showed that you never know what is going on in someone’s life and to not make insensitive jokes, I would have loved for the subjects to have been discussed more deeply, it was just slightly mentioned and then moved on.
I think the thing that I struggled with was because it was so short, a lot was glossed over, and I would have loved more. I wanted to know how Empress did once she was settled at Aniya’s house and how did Aniya’s friends react. Did Aniya stop being friends with Dani and Bolu because of how mean they were being? Did Empress’s mum fight to get her back after she had settled at home? I just wanted it longer. I felt like at times especially during the school chapters was that they were talking like they were twelve or thirteen when these girls were fifteen/sixteen, like you should be worrying about exams and your future not some girl's appearance and how she is acting.
I would love to see how these girls are getting on at university and how Pauline is doing, maybe we could get a sequel soon
May 22, 2024
Empress and Aniya by Candice Carty -Williams was a sweet loving book to read about two girls becoming best friends and always sticking up for each other. I liked the writing style of this book very easy story to follow. The genres of this book were friendship, kindness togetherness and standing up for each other. My favourite character was Aniya because she was kind caring thoughtful and always being there for anyone who might be scared or afraid. Aniya was kind to her best friend Empress and that's what i liked best about her personality. My favourite bit was when Aniya and her dad bought Empress home and adopted her i thought that was a sweet moment in the book and they became one happy family. I would definitely read a book by Candice Carty-Williams again.
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January 22, 2025I would feel a tad harsh rating this book. I'd read two others by the same author but did not realise that this one was a YA novella.
Ah, well.
I'm certainly not the target audience and the message was not great but fine.
Ah, well.
I'm certainly not the target audience and the message was not great but fine.
November 6, 2021
Definitely aimed more at 11-12 year olds than young adults / teens but there were some nice messages packed into this tiny little book
March 18, 2022
Such an amazing and touching story!
I really love it when two characters could create a misunderstanding but don't. Also, good parents, what a breath of fresh air.
I really love it when two characters could create a misunderstanding but don't. Also, good parents, what a breath of fresh air.
March 21, 2022
Very enjoyable read, a true feel good 👌
April 6, 2022
i would give it more than five stars if i could. i borrowed the audiobook through the library using borrowbox and it was read so so well
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