Vajra Chandrasekera
Vajra Chandrasekera is a Sri Lankan speculative fiction writer whose work blends surrealism, political commentary, and literary experimentation. His debut novel, The Saint of Bright Doors (2023), received widespread critical acclaim for its imaginative worldbuilding and incisive themes of violence, identity, and spiritual authority. Chandrasekera has previously published numerous short stories in leading science fiction and fantasy magazines, including Clarkesworld and Lightspeed. Known for challenging genre conventions and centering postcolonial narratives, his writing often explores the intersection of personal trauma and sociopolitical structures. Chandrasekera is widely regarded as a bold and innovative voice in contemporary speculative fiction.
In a world where mysterious portals shimmer in every city, Fetter is raised by a ruthless mother who grooms him to assassinate his father—a powerful spiritual leader. Rejecting this destiny, Fetter flees to the capital, where magic, politics, and personal trauma collide. As he tries to find purpose beyond violence, Fetter is drawn into conspiracies surrounding the bright doors and their true meaning. Blending surrealism with sharp political critique, The Saint of Bright Doors explores themes of agency, faith, and identity in a brutal yet vividly imaginative world. It’s a bold, genre-defying debut that challenges fantasy’s traditional boundaries.