Aadhya Jain has taken to writing like a fish to water.
That’s a fitting analogy, given the backdrop of her new novel.
Eager to revisit her super sleuths and turn their adventures into a series, the 13-year-old Miltonian recently released her second children’s offering – Curious Crew: Mystery of the Lost Trident.
Drawing on a love of all things water-related for inspiration, the young author takes the plunge into a fictional ocean world for the origin story of Iris and her friends, which doubles as a prequel to last year’s debut book, Curious Crew: Mystery of the Abyssal Gem.
“I felt that I needed to go into deeper depth into the past of the key characters and the obstacles that led them here, and how they found their passion for helping people,” said Aadhya, an avid reader whose imagination was first piqued by the world of Harry Potter.
Continuing to hone her character development and setting description, the local teen – still 12 when she penned book two – provides plenty of suspense in the Lost Trident, which shares themes of justice, teamwork and ultimate redemption throughout the high-stakes mission.
As with the first novel, its prequel includes her own illustrations and some closing puzzles.
While each new novel brings its own unique challenges, Aadhya said she was a little more at ease with the process this time around.
“Yes, it was a little more comfortable, although it still came with its own challenges,” she said. “I had a better sense of writing this book based on the plot and story structure.”
And while not making any specific commitments as to what a third novel will look like, Aadhya does have a few ideas in mind.
“I’m still searching for the next big mission they are going to take on.”