Upcoming Novel: "Bubamara" by Jake Zuurbier

No release date known yet.

Worshipped. Feared. Desired.

But what do you do when the line between fate and delusion begins to blur?

In a land of moonlit trances and golden palaces, one runaway stumbles from ritual into rebellion, from dungeon into power. Along the way: feasts, betrayals, blood-soaked sand, crocodiles and a comet that falls just a little too perfectly.

A hypnotic descent through opulence, power, and the ghosts of choices you can’t take back. Bubamara is the story of a fall told like a rise. And a warning wrapped in silk.

The upcoming novel "Bubamara" by Jake Zuurbier is still in its very early stages, so information in this article may change as time goes on. Expect updates on my author account on instagram.

TLDR:

• Third person perspective, more of a true fantasy tone

• Main character: Rayesh Naarim

• Main themes: rise to power, revenge, love & betrayal, inescapable destiny, myth

• Genre: Fantasy

The Premise of "Bubamara"

The idea for "Bubamara" came to me after I listened to the song "Bubamara" by Dr Nele Karajlic. It was one of my top songs for a couple of months, and as usual when I listen to a song I find very good, a story idea based on the song's vibe was born. The story idea I wrote down was one about a boy who grew up in a temple and, through trials and tribulations, made his way to the top. As a matter of fact, here is the first thing I wrote down in my notes.

People being in a drug induced trance and dancing to music in a temple or some shit in the night with moonlight shining down.

In "Bubamara," we follow the main character Rayesh Naarim's journey from temple boy to ruler of the greater part of Azhalan. It's a story about revenge, cults (of sorts), love & betrayal (yes, I am starting to see a pattern in my books. In my defense, it makes for good writing), starry desert nights, crocodiles and ultimately, an inescapable destiny. Because no matter how much you try to escape what has been laid out for you, you will always end up where you’re supposed to be.

The writing style I'll write this in will be very different from my previous works (once again, a well documented pattern). Where "Darius" was lighter and more conversational in tone (as it was told from the perspectives of two young adults), "Bubamara" will be written in third person and with more of a true fantasy tone.

While it is influenced by middle eastern and arabic aspects, it is set in a time period and location that have never existed on earth. It is a fantasy novel in this aspect. The world building done on "Bubamara" is set to be quite extensive, featuring a dictionary slash glossary, "world of" and so on in the back of the book, along with a map in the front and potentially illustrations scattered throughout. I'm also using some real myths (and some made up ones) as inspiration for characters, plotlines and more in the story. Some obvious, some a bit more hidden.

Playlist

As always, here is a playlist to get you into the vibe of the story.

The Setting

"Bubamara" plays out in the greater region of Azhalan, an area where the rolling dunes of fine sand connect with the thick canopy of the jungle. The Emarats, though large in size, get swallowed whole by the vastness of the Sahrat Almaar desert. Do not veer from the route on the maps, for once you're off the beaten path, you're unlikely to ever reach your destination. At least, not unless you have a guide.

Life in Azhalan is never a guarantee once you're outside the borders of the Emarats. Camps of killers and thieves lay silent, but not dormant. But those aren't the only ones that take habitat in the desert or jungle. Right in between the Elqor river and the edge of the jungle lays the Temple of Shadun-Ra, a temple dedicated to Dar Qara-Thuun, a deity that guards "the final door between soul and body" which leads to the "Garden beyond Sight".

More information will be in the "Encylopedia of Bubamara" in the back of the book.

List of Notable Places

Sahrat Almaar Desert

Jhunara Jungle

The Temple of Shadun-Ra

Elqor River

The Emarats

The Velayat of Didishria

The Sharath of Yadramun

The Map of Azhalan (Official Art)

The Characters

Rayesh “Bubamara” Naarim

21 years old when the story starts. Dark hair and eyes with sharp features. Of average height and build, though slightly lean.

He grew up in the temple of Shadun-Ra, as he was left on the Temple’s site as a young child (abandoned), and as such is very sheltered from the world outside of it. He is a resourceful person, and curious in nature.

Madea Al’Asatir

Like Medea from greek myth. Al’Asatir means “of myths”. She has dark brown curls and light blue eyes.

Sold into servitude as a young girl by her mother, she serves the Salaran of the Sharath of Yadramun.

Aragc Suodan

A 47 year old high vizier in the Sharath of Yadramun.

He has held the position for 23 years and is proud of the new age in Yadramun that he built up with the Salaran. A very cunning and proud man. Can be stubborn at times.

Ismuna Al’Safiruun

A highly instated religious leader. She has influence in most of the Sharaths, even beyond Azhalan.

Born in Yadramun to two wealthy merchants, Ismuna grew up in wealth and comfort. People of the Sharaths love her.

Jabir al-Sarif

A traveling merchant. The man is around 55 years old and has a strong build.

Ever since his escape from Didishria, he has been traveling through desert and jungle alike to sell his goods to those willing to take. He is a man who is plagued by his past but lives with as little regret as he can. He is usually accompanied by a camel named “Barqah” which translates to “Lightning”. Not because she’s fast. Because she strikes when provoked.

Minor Characters

Almira Naarim

Originally Iranian. Brown eyes and greying hair with a soft, slightly wrinkled face.

Older woman who is like a mother to Rayesh. She took a liking to him when he showed up at the temple, and though children in the temple do not have assigned “parents”, she as good as became one. She called Rayesh “Bubamara” which translates to ladybug, because he was so small when he arrived. “As if he could be picked up by the wind any time”.

After fleeing Iran, she first lived in Didishria for a while. After getting introduced to the Temple of Shadun-Ra, she joined and never returned to Didishria, nor to Iran.

Salom Qarideth

One of the two qarideth.

Aya Qarideth

The second of the two qarideth.

Ashar Azran Qiramet

The Temple’s “Ashar” and father figure to everyone in the temple, and thus to our main character. He is stern but fair.

---

Jake Zuurbier, born in 2002, is a writer with a broad background. With a degree in both Business and Management, his work in writing is combined with a business in books & home decor and multiple forms of other output like art pieces or meditations. He has worked jobs in retail and horeca, ranging from working kitchen in a hotel-restaurant to refugee center work and floor manager in a clothing store.

In his free time, he is just as occupied. Photography, weight lifting, kickboxing, cooking and reading are amongst his hobbies. Most of the art in his books (and some pieces on this site) are made by himself.

To learn more, or get in contact, visit www.apolloimperium.com/jakezuurbier

About Apollo Libraries

Explore captivating literary worlds within the pages of our thoughtfully curated books. Apollo Libraries, a proud subsidiary of Apollo Imperium, is committed to delivering literary excellence that ignites imagination and nurtures knowledge. Our extensive collection spans diverse genres, encompassing both timeless classics and contemporary masterpieces, all meticulously crafted with a dedication to the art of storytelling. We also proudly present "Neuroasis", a meditation, science and neurology based mental health branch; many artists; home decor and art & design; music & more.

Work with us

Become an Artist

Become an Author

Review our books

If you're interested in becoming a reviewer, contact us at info@apolloimperium.com with the subject REVIEW. If we think you're a good fit for us, you will receive the books you wish to review for free, either as an EBook or a physical copy for you to keep, depending on the book. In case of a physical copy, we will cover shipping costs, too.

Mention where you're active (bookstagram, goodreads etc) and your account, where you're from (country suffices), why you enjoy reading and which books or genres you like most.

Contact Us

For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or any assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch:

• Email: info@apolloimperium.com