"A mesmerizing coming of age tale set against a thrilling, fantastical adventure that introduces a beguiling new world...and then rips apart everything you think you know.” —S. A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass
"[A]mbition and intrigue cause surprises on nearly every page as characters reach for power in unpredictable and nuanced ways. More importantly, the novel purposefully reveals the lure of power and the generational impact of this intrigue, both from the perspectives of the powerful, and from the points of view of those who do not, will not, or cannot, hold power...The effect is rich, wild, and occasionally dizzying."—NPR Books
"Okungbowa weaves an intricate and irresistible plot around the tensions and contradictions of a corrupt, decadent society which is both dependent upon and resentful of its diverse migrant population. The result is a vibrant tale of betrayal, intrigue, and revolution which benefits greatly from an original setting, a fresh take on magic, and deftly executed characterization."—Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song
"It’s always refreshing to find fantasies that break with all the old conventions and tropes, and Son of the Storm delivers on this like a flash of lightning in the dark! Set in a deftly craftedworld of forbidden sorcery, magical beasts, and fractured polities, this tale follows three characters whose seemingly disparate journeys are set for a collision course that will rewrite the fate of whole peoples and empires. Suyi Davies Okungbowa has created an original and fully conceived new world of fantasy teeming with brilliant possibilities and demanding to be explored!"—P. Djeli Clark, author of A Master of Djinn
"This is everything I love to see in a fantasy story: masterful, fully-realized worldbuilding, morally complex characters, thoughtful and piercing interrogations of power, privilege, and all the facets of human nature. Damn good book!"—Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings
"Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy based on non-European mythologies...readers who enjoy protagonists on troubled journeys...or anyone who likes to chew on stories with complex shenanigans."—Library Journal (starred review)
“Okungbowa's world feels fully formed from the first pages, sweeping readers away into an elaborately plotted tale of ancient magics and world-shattering politics. I, like many others, will be impatiently waiting for the next installment!”—Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter
"An epic fantasy set apart by how deftly Okungbowa unfurls his intricate, richly imagined world. It's not often you get to read a fantasy novel that spans not only ancient magic, sinister machinations, and monstrous forests but courthouses, college classes, and hairdressers too, evoking the terrible and fascinating city-state of Bassa in living, breathing detail."—A. K. Larkwood, author of The Unspoken Name
"I was completely under its spell, eager to see how the story continues."—FIYAH Literary Magazine
"A world so exquisitely observed in every detail, from the built environment to its social and political organization, that you can’t help but tumble headlong into its vivid, captivating reality. Esheme is a standout: her unflinching subversion of motherhood to serve her own ends absolutely thrilled me."—Shelley Parker Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun
"Energetic... Set in a lush secondary world inspired by West Africa. It’s the sort of elaborate classic fantasy scenario with magic and adventure that fans of the genre will adore."—Washington Post
"An original and fascinating epic fantasy full of bold characters, bloody action, and brutal politics. I thoroughly enjoyed it!”—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost
“Okungobwa’s richly-drawn and ruthlessly strict world never provides its conflicted characters with easy answers. Fantastical beasts and forgotten magic propel a story about ambition, conspiracy, and the elusiveness of belonging. This is epic fantasy that will make you think and leave you unsettled.” —Fonda Lee, World Fantasy Award-winning author
"Enthralling... This sweeping and politically charged fantasy explores race, gender, and culture in a complex and compelling world."—Buzzfeed News
This fantasy audiobook benefits from the storytelling talents of narrator Korey Jackson. He takes listeners on a magic-infused journey with a compelling cast of characters as they challenge the status quo in an ancient city called Bassa, which is reminiscent of early cultures in West Africa. Danso, an academic, has a thirst for knowledge that leads him beyond Bassa’s borders, seeking answers that might save the empire. Jackson delivers the story in a warm, friendly tone. His crisp diction emphasizes the characters’ impassioned dialogue. The story is a fun mix of elements—systems of magic, Bassan politics, and other cultural details. This is a great find for listeners who are craving more diversity in the fantasy genre. N.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
This fantasy audiobook benefits from the storytelling talents of narrator Korey Jackson. He takes listeners on a magic-infused journey with a compelling cast of characters as they challenge the status quo in an ancient city called Bassa, which is reminiscent of early cultures in West Africa. Danso, an academic, has a thirst for knowledge that leads him beyond Bassa’s borders, seeking answers that might save the empire. Jackson delivers the story in a warm, friendly tone. His crisp diction emphasizes the characters’ impassioned dialogue. The story is a fun mix of elements—systems of magic, Bassan politics, and other cultural details. This is a great find for listeners who are craving more diversity in the fantasy genre. N.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
