Allen, Justin 1974-

views updated

Allen, Justin 1974-

PERSONAL:

Born 1974, in Boise, ID; married Day Mitchell (a social worker). Education: Earned a degree from Boise State University; attended Columbia University. Hobbies and other interests: Classical ballet.

ADDRESSES:

Home—New York, NY. Agent—Katherine Fausset, Curtis Brown Ltd., 10 Astor Pl., New York, NY 10003.

CAREER:

Writer. Administrative director of Dances Patrelle, New York, NY.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Top Ten Scholars award, Boise State University.

WRITINGS:

Slaves of the Shinar (historical fantasy novel), Overlook Press (New York, NY), 2007.

SIDELIGHTS:

Fantasy writer Justin Allen, who was named one of Boise State University's top ten scholars, first set out to be the next Jack Kerouac, famed American poet and writer. However, Allen found his own style and the hero of his first novel in the jungles of sub-Saharan Africa. Six years later he completed his debut book, Slaves of the Shinar.

The book is a historical fantasy about slavery and the brutality that comes along with it. The story, set against ancient, war-torn Sumeria, is woven around two main characters. Uruk, a nomadic thief from the jungles of Africa, is journeying on foot across the desert in search of fortune in the mystical city Ur. Ander, a fair-skinned slave, sees an opportunity for freedom and determines to destroy his oppressors, the Niphilim. The two men are drawn into the Middle East's first great war, and the story traces their attempt to defeat their common enemy, the Niphilim. Along their journey, Uruk and Ander experience the struggle and the victory that comes with discovering one's self and one's destiny.

Reviewers expressed varying opinions about Allen's debut. While some compared the tale to the anonymously written The Epic of Gilgamesh, others de- scribed it as uncentered. Following a detailed description of Slaves of the Shinar, a contributor to Kirkus Reviews commented: "An evocative, tenacious, often arresting series of incidents with no real center; worth a try for sheer spectacle but don't expect too much involvement." However, a Publishers Weekly contributor stated that "Allen's writing raises the mundane to the level of the fantastic."

Frieda Murray, writing in Booklist, stated: "The characters are well drawn, the setting is credible, and what is known of Sumer isn't contradicted." On the other hand, Library Journal contributor Jane Henriksen Baird commented that there is an overabundance of characters and that one of the most important qualities of the Niphilim—that the warriors are predominantly female—is historically unlikely. However, Henriksen Baird went on to note that Slaves of the Shinar presents "a thought-provoking glimpse into the beginnings of a land and people." Moreover, Lesley, a contributor to the Eternal Night Web site, said: "The book has a fabulous cast of characters with very different personalities and these have been blended together to make a very convincing storyline." In addition, Nisi Shawl, a contributor to the Seattle Times, pointed out Allen's "excellent eye for living, breathing, tactile detail."