Jade and the Serpent’s Circle set to launch at Maropeng

Author Maggie Fikkert will launch her debut novel, Jade and the Serpent’s Circle, at Maropeng on August 1.

The novel, set in the Cradle of Humankind, imagines what life would be like if the world evolved backwards. The book follows Jade, her brother Stuart and his best friend Rick on their exciting adventures in the area.

A fossil enthusiast, Fikkert has spent much of her time in the caves of the Cradle of Humankind, learning about the origins of humankind. Her love of the Cradle – as well as her desire to do something creative – inspired her to write Jade and the Serpent’s Circle.

Fikkert developed the plot for her book by taking the concept of evolution and reversing it. As part of her research, she read widely on everything from crystals to fossils. By marrying scientific fact with literary fantasy, she has created a book in the “factual-fantasy” genre.

Fikkert, who believes in linking “innovative thinking” to her writing, is currently working on another novel – one that follows Jade into the world of science. Jade and the Quantum Theory, a “rich story”, is sure to be as thrilling as Fikkert’s debut.

Guests who attend the book launch on August 1 will be taken on a guided tour of Maropeng and enjoy non-alcoholic cocktails before attending Fikkert’s talk on Jade and the Serpent’s Circle. After the presentation, they will attend a “Build Your Own Burger” buffet lunch at the Tumulus Restaurant in the Maropeng Visitor Centre. The launch is sure to be an enjoyable event for pre-teens with inquisitive minds.

For more information and to book for this event, please click here.