Kurdish author Shad Raouf told Kurdistan Chronicle on June 26 that his novel Children of Zagros, previously published in Dutch in December 2023, will soon be published in Kurdish. He also plans to translate it into English this year or in early 2025.

The book tells the story of a princess who is unexpectedly chosen as the successor to the king. “She faces a dilemma: ascend the throne and be forced into marriage, or venture into the unknown. She chooses to flee, aided by a loyal warrior,” Raouf said.

Children of Zagros is a captivating story that brings Kurdish culture, myths, and folklore to life. It is an epic journey of self-discovery in a world of dark secrets and dormant powers.

“The goal is to bring Kurdish mythology and folklore into the modern age with a story that highlights Kurdish culture and characters,” he underlined.

“The book has been translated into Kurdish and will be published in Kurdish. Right now it can be ordered in select countries in North America, Europe, and Oceania. When it launches officially, this summer, it will be available globally and we will also print and distribute it in Kurdistan. A launch event will be planned at that time,” Raouf added.

He said that the Kurdish version will be published independently, rather than with a Kurdish publisher in the Kurdistan Region.

“We might collaborate with a publisher or distributor if we find a beneficial opportunity for collaboration, but as of now the plan is to do printing and distribution independently, as we’ve also done for the Dutch version.”