The Guardians of Time by Aahad Azmat Awan is shortlisted for the 2026 Author of Tomorrow Award, 11 & Under Category. 

About The Guardians of Time:

The Mummy of Giza was only the beginning. When Brandon follows a mysterious map to the Bermuda Triangle, he uncovers an ancient secret that connects the past, present, and future. But some knowledge is too powerful to be revealed, and Brandon must decide whether the future should be discovered or earned.

An interview with Aahad: 

WNSF: What is your favourite book? 

Aahad: I love reading books. My favourite book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. I enjoy reading it because the stories are funny, entertaining and easy to relate to. They also teach valuable lessons, such as never giving up and always trying your best.

WNSF: Who is your favourite author? Or one who has inspired you and why? 

Aahad: My favourite author is Jeff Kinney because he created my favourite book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I find the series very captivating, engaging and entertaining. It is one of the most interesting book series I have ever read, and it has inspired me to enjoy reading even more.

WNSF: What is your favourite subject at school? 

Aahad: My favourite subject no doubt is science because I love learning about space and how the universe works. I enjoy discovering fascinating topics such as black holes, white holes, supernovas, galaxies, dark matter, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Space is full of mysteries, and the more I learn about it, the more curious I become. In the future, I would love to explore space and uncover some of its many secrets.

WNSF: What does ‘adventure writing’ mean to you? Why did you choose to try your hand at an adventure story? 

Aahad: I love reading and writing adventure stories because they offer endless possibilities for creativity and imagination. Through adventure writing, I can express my thoughts, ideas, and the way I see the world. I enjoy creating exciting journeys, unexpected discoveries, and fascinating worlds that keep readers engaged and hooked from beginning to end. Adventure stories allow me to explore places and ideas that go beyond reality, which makes them exciting to read and write.

WNSF: If you could ask an author anything, what would you want to know? 

Aahad: I would like to ask an author how they create such interesting, engaging, and captivating stories. I would also love to know where they get so many new ideas and how they turn those ideas into books that readers enjoy so much.

WNSF: Who would you consider one of your heroes and why? 

Aahad: My mum and dad are my heroes because they have shaped who I am today. They guide, support and inspire me to work hard and follow my dreams. They have given me the confidence to succeed and see the world with curiosity, kindness and determination. I am also grateful to my school, Bloomfield Hall School Peshawar, for supporting my learning and helping me grow as a creative writer.

WNSF: What is the most adventurous thing you would like to do, or place you would like to visit and why? 

Aahad: My dream place to visit is space, space and only space! I am fascinated by every part of it and love learning about its mysteries and secrets. The universe is so mysterious, mesmerizing, and interesting that I dream of exploring it one day. I hope to work with NASA or Space X in the future, and I am determined to travel to space and see its wonders with my own eyes.

WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? 

Aahad: I find inspiration for my stories from informative videos, especially those about space, galaxies, stars, black holes, and other mysteries of the universe. I also get ideas from futuristic games that spark my imagination and help me think about new worlds and possibilities. These interests inspire me to create creative and exciting stories of my own.

WNSF: If you could time travel, where would you go and why? 

Aahad: In my opinion, the future is something to be earned, not revealed before its time. That is why, instead of travelling to the future, I would choose to travel to the past. I would love to witness how humanity evolved over thousands of years, discover how great civilizations lived, and see the remarkable journey that brought us to where we are today.

WNSF: What three words would you use to describe your story? 

Aahad: Captivating. Imaginative. Thought-Provoking.

WNSF: Congratulations on your brilliant story, and good luck for the next stage of the competition!