In the enchanting universe of “Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep,” created by the young and talented Ukrainian author Sviatoslav Yemets, readers are whisked away into a world where magical realism blends seamlessly with ancient lore. The story unfolds in a realm where sentient animals reign, and millennia-old conflicts stir beneath a deceptive veil of peace. As the protagonist, Cowhatep—a black-and-white bull and mortal son of a god—navigates through complex societal hierarchies and battles, the narrative dives deep into a fantastical depiction of ancient Egyptian culture, albeit through an entirely non-human lens.
Cowhatep’s journey is not just one of physical endurance across harsh jungles and deserts but is also a metaphorical voyage through personal growth and societal challenges. After a fierce confrontation, Cowhatep embarks on a mission to retrieve a vital artifact to save his beloved princess Leila and potentially, all of Egypt. This premise sets the stage for an epic saga filled with intrigue and adventure, capturing the imagination of readers who are fond of both fantasy and ancient mythology.
The Making of a Young Fantasy Maestro
Sviatoslav Yemets, affectionately known as “Sviat,” began his writing career at a remarkably young age. By ten years into his journey, he has not only created a vivid and expansive world but also achieved recognition as the “Youngest writer in the fantasy genre” in Ukraine. His book, “Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep,” serves as a testament to his dedication and creativity, weaving a narrative that incorporates elements from various epochs, myths, and legends—from unicorns and dragons to Amon Ra and Odin.
What sets Sviatoslav apart is his commitment to crafting a legacy and aiding his family, particularly his mother, through his literary success. His characters break the mold of traditional fantasy archetypes, offering a spectrum of moral complexities and motivations. From gods to monsters, each character in Sviatoslav’s universe is intricately designed to reflect the gray shades of morality, making them relatable and profoundly human, despite their fantastical forms.
Themes of Power and Redemption
“Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep” explores themes of power, responsibility, and redemption. Despite being the son of a deity, Cowhatep lacks magical powers, a deliberate choice by Sviatoslav to highlight the bull’s other qualities such as intelligence, physical strength, and creativity. This aspect of the character underscores the novel’s underlying message: that true strength comes not from supernatural abilities but from one’s inner virtues and choices.
The narrative also delves into the dynamics between different animal species and classes, reflecting the real-world issues of inequality and conflict, yet it provides a hopeful outlook on resolution and balance. As Cowhatep moves closer to his goals, he not only aims to save his love and land but also to find a deeper understanding of his place in a world rife with divinity and power plays.
An Invitation to a World of Enchantment
As “Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep” makes its way from the vibrant imagination of a young Ukrainian writer to the bookshelves and e-readers across the globe, it invites readers to lose themselves in a meticulously crafted world of ancient myths reimagined. Available in both e-book and paperback on Amazon, this novel is a gateway to experiencing a unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and the enduring quest for legacy and personal significance.
Through Sviatoslav’s narrative, one can explore the intricate interplay of fate and free will, the power of love and sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between different forces of nature. This story is not just a fantasy epic; it’s a journey into the heart of human (and animal) spirit, promising readers a thrilling ride through battles, lore, and the quest for a harmonious existence. Whether you are a fan of fantasy or ancient mythology, “Egyptian Legend: Cowhatep” offers a fresh and compelling take on the genres, making it a must-read for anyone eager to explore new realms of imagination.
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!