Willful Desire
A coming-of-age historical romance novel set in Ninth Century Africa during its Golden Age where Mighty Kingdoms prospered from the sale of gold and other commodities along the Sub-Sahara Trading Expeditions. The novels main characters are Princess Thema (a skilled sword fighter), and her childhood friend Ozigbodi. They both live in Ancient Ghana. As well as Prince Akinyemi, from the African Kingdom of Ancient Benin. Both Ozigbodi and Akinyemi are skilled warriors and swordsmen. Their skills in battle make for action-packed scenes.
When Thema and Akinyemi meet sparks ignite as each is, drawn to the other like a moth to a flame. They both confused by their strong attraction for the other develop a clearer understanding of their feelings as they face life-changing events together.
Thema’s willful nature and yearning for adventure lead to heartache, joy, and personal growth as she strives to understand the meaning of life, lost, and love.
Her childhood companion Ozigbodi who she loves deeply, is maturing and experiencing life alongside Thema. Ozigbodi gets swept into the mix as he holds on to romantic notions and a love for Thema he does not quite understand.
A love triangle develops between the two warriors Ozigbodi and Akinyemi and overtime Thema awakens into womanhood by one of them. Thema and her knight in shining armor experience adventures together which will lead them both down a path of self-discovery, friendship, romance, and a more mature love.
My Story
Willful Desire, The Mighty Kingdoms of Ancient Africa (coming of age, historical romance) is the first novel Angela Rylander wrote, self-published and illustrated. She started the book in her early 20s, telling her mother, “I can write a romance novel!”
Forty years later she finished the novel after numerous starts and stops while raising a family and making a living. Her book Willful Desire… is more a coming of age story of self discovery, female empowerment, friendship, love, and family. Touches of romance are sprinkled throughout but really unfold midway through. Angela shares facts about Ancient Africa’s history, culture, and vast kingdoms.
Her novel has been featured and favorably reviewed in the national publication, Kirkus Reviews.
Creating visual art has been Angela’s lifelong passion. She relishes being the mother of grownups and loves being a grandmother.
"Full of life lessons, words of wisdom, motivation and inspiration, this book is really worth reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone because I am sure it will leave readers with a great deal to think about and everyone will find in it something to appreciate."
"It started out with excitement from the start and has very interesting twists and turns that make you not want to put the book down. Great job to the author Angela Huc."
"I really liked the beautiful scenery we got in this book. I dont often see books that are based in ancient Africa (other than Egypt) and so this was a nice tale of love, coming of age in a wonderful country we should hear more of."
"This fine book offers insights and appreciation for African history - in addition to being a fine novel!"
"A powerful book on love and friendship. The book offers all the regalia of a fictional ancient African kingdom that has powerful men and women portrayed as the main characters who battles sandstorms, betrayals, and societal norms to achieve their heart's desire. There are heartbreaks, violence, and sacrifices, that gives vivid flavors to the book."
"Expecting a romance novel, Willfull Desire was so much more! Vividly written with lessons in culture, history, individual empowerment, self-knowledge, hope, love, and endurance. Wonderful read!"