In the vibrant literary landscape of fantasy, Sviatoslav Yemets emerges as a compelling storyteller with his debut novel, “Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep.” Set in a magical realm where sentient animals reign, and ancient deities shape destinies, Sviatoslav crafts a narrative that intertwines the epic struggles of mythical creatures and the emotional journey of its protagonists. At the heart of this tale is Cowhatep, a black-and-white bull without magical prowess but armed with determination and intellect, marking a unique twist in a genre filled with powerful sorcerers and omnipotent beings.
Journey of Cowhatep: From Conflict to Quest
Cowhatep, the mortal son of a Pantheon god, finds himself inadvertently caught in the age-old strife between herbivores and predators—a conflict that escalates into a war stretching over millennia. His journey begins following a fierce skirmish with predators, propelling him on a quest fraught with danger and discovery. Cowhatep’s mission is difficult: traverse through treacherous jungles and vast deserts to return a crucial artifact to his beloved, Princess Leila, and in doing so, save not only her but also their entire kingdom, Zalifem, the capital of ancient Egypt.
Sviatoslav’s narrative prowess shines as he vividly describes Cowhatep’s arduous travels across diverse landscapes, each filled with its own challenges and mystical inhabitants. The physicality of the journey, devoid of the comforts previously known to the Pharaoh, tests his limits and underlines the central theme of endurance and the spirit of adventure that defines the novel.
The Characters: A Spectrum of Morality
Sviatoslav excels in character development, presenting a cast that is neither purely evil nor wholly good. From gods to monsters, and warriors to mages, each character is meticulously crafted with motives and traits that reflect a spectrum of moral complexities. This nuanced portrayal invites readers to explore the depths of each character’s intentions and the consequences of their actions in a world governed by magic and old rivalries.
The protagonist, Cowhatep, stands out as a beacon of resilience and wisdom. His lack of magical abilities, a stark contrast to the conventional fantasy hero, does not deter his spirit; instead, it fuels his inventive and strategic approaches to overcoming obstacles. This inversion of typical fantasy tropes not only enriches the narrative but also provides a fresh perspective on heroism and power.
Legacy and Aspiration: The Inspirations Behind the Creation
Behind the creation of “Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep” lies Sviatoslav’s personal journey and aspirations. Starting his writing career at a young age, Sviatoslav set out with distinct goals: to build a lasting legacy, create a mesmerizing fantasy world, and achieve financial success to support his family. His narrative is a reflection of these aspirations, woven into the fabric of Cowhatep’s story, which parallels Sviatoslav’s own challenges and achievements.
As the youngest fantasy writer recognized in Ukraine, Sviatoslav’s dedication and creativity has not only earned him accolades but also allowed him to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. The novel’s translation into English and its availability on platforms like Amazon as both an e-book and Paperback ensures that Sviatoslav’s enchanting world can be accessed and appreciated globally.
“Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep” is more than just a fantasy novel; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of its creator and his characters. With its rich storytelling, intricate character arcs, and a vivid setting that brings ancient Egypt to life through a magical lens, Sviatoslav Yemets invites readers to lose themselves in a world where the battle for balance and power unfolds with every page. Whether you are a fan of epic adventures, complex characters, or the eternal dance of good versus evil, Cowhatep’s journey is sure to captivate and inspire.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi. I’m Sviatoslav “Sviat” Yemets, 20 year old Ukrainian man who started his path as a writer 10 years ago. I love cartoons, anime, movies, and art. I don’t remember what inspired me to write a book, but I had a few goals that I would achieve by writing a book.
- I wanted to live something after me, a legacy, if you please.
- There was an idea of creating a big and cool fantasy world.
- From childhood, I have always wanted to help my mother, and the financial side was one of those areas where I wanted to be successful the most.
The first goal is achieved. At least two more are on the way to be achieved.
Please tell us about your book, Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep.
A fantasy story about a magical world where no humans ever existed. Here, you will see animals from many different epochs, eras, and myths: unicorns and dragons, cows and dinosaurs, Amon Ra and Odin. Deities, ghosts, monsters, beasts – even cryptids might be found not as mystical creatures but as actual characters.
All characters are not plain and just “black-and-white” (unlike Cowhatep (literally)), aka “good-and-evil.” Even the worst psychopaths, though irredeemable, will have their motivation and own vision. Each character is polyhedral, meaning that none is Pure Evil or Pure Good.
Even Gods have their flaws. The protagonist of Egyptian Legend, which was glorified in its sub-name (black-and-white bull Cowhatep) – he is a son of the mortal cow Pantheon’s God, which should’ve meant that he is at least a demi-god by a power level. But no, he has no magic abilities, and his physical probabilities and even his size are just normal. But he is aware of it, and he knows: if you have no magic – that’s fine. You can compensate for it with physical power, knowledge, intellect, or creativity.
Please share your journey with our readers.
I started 10 years ago, and it took me 6 years to write this book. I was in 4th grade when I started, and by 10th grade, I was rewarded as the first recordsmen of Ukraine, “Youngest writer in fantasy genre” (from February 2019 until October 2023). At that time, I started to think about getting further beyond. Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep was translated into English, and from 5th April 2024, it is available on Amazon as an e-book and in Paperback.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
C.A.T.S.I.P – Creativity, Analysis, Trust, Study, Inspiration, Patience. I learned and gathered knowledge about biology, physics, storytelling, and character design. At the exact moment when some new knowledge got absorbed by my “ready-for-new” brain – it was immediately implemented into the story.
Any message for our readers?
Never lose hope, and don’t forget to follow your heart. Value and respect those who are sincere to you, close to you, respect you, and follow you. If you want to write a book and require advice – DM me on Instagram (emets_sviatoslav).
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!