A young scholar's ambition threatens to reshape an empire determined to retain its might in this epic tale of violent conquest, buried histories, and forbidden magic.
About the Book
In the city of Bassa, Danso is a clever scholar on the cusp of achieving greatness—only he doesn’t want it. Instead, he prefers to chase forbidden stories about what lies outside the city walls. The Bassai elite claim there is nothing of interest. The migrants aren’t allowed to say.
But when Danso stumbles across a warrior wielding magic that shouldn’t exist, he’s put on a collision course with Bassa’s darkest secrets. Drawn into the city’s hidden history, he sets out on a journey beyond its borders. But the chaos left in his wake threatens to destroy the empire.
- Formats: Paperback, ebook and audiobook.
- Ages: Recommended for Adult (18 and above), but could also be read by Young Adults (16+)
- Advance Copies (and other publicity inquiries e,g, interviews): If you are an interviewer or reviewer for a trade/media outlet/independent blogger looking for a review copy, please contact the requisite publicity personnel via the contact page. Also available for request on Netgalley.
- Author/Book Press Kit: See press kit.
- Speaking requests: See speaking/appearances page.
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In the press
- *Amazon Book Review, Editor’s Pick: Black future month: New must-read sci-fi and fantasy
- *Greatist: 15 Fantastic New Novels by Black Authors
- Five Books: Best Fantasy Books of 2021
- *The Mary Sue: 15 of the Most Anticipated Diverse Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels of 2021
- Winter Is Coming: 15 new Fantasy and Science Fiction books to read in 2021
- Fantasy Hive: Most Anticipated SFF Books 2021
- Goodreads: 45 of the Most Anticipated Sci-Fi and Fantasy Novels of 2021
- *BookBub: 14 of the Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books Coming Out This Year
- *Tor.com: The 30 Most Anticipated SFF Books of 2021
- *Book Marks (LitHub): The Most Anticipated Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of 2021
- *The Nerd Daily: The Most Anticipated 2021 Book Releases
- ICYMI: SON OF THE STORM by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
- *i09 (Exclusive Excerpt): A Tense Traveler Awaits a Crucial Meeting in This First Look at West Africa-Inspired Fantasy, Son of the Storm
- Muddy Colors: The Making of Son of the Storm by Dan Dos Santos
- Tor.com: Orbit Acquires Epic Fantasy Trilogy from Suyi Davies Okungbowa
- Acquisition announcement (January 2020)
Endorsements
Gripping...this series starter promises more good things to come.
A thrilling, fantastical adventure that introduces a beguiling new world...and then rips apart everything you think you know.
– S. A. Chakraborty, internationally bestselling author of City of Brass and the Daevabad trilogy
I have to say that 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. Honestly it's been a long, long time since I've seen as fantastic a villainess as what Okungbowa's presented us here too. (And you know what a sucker I am for a good multi-POV story.) Can't wait to see the next book in the series. Damn good stuff!
– Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings
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
Okungbowa’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 of Jade City
Although set in a pre-industrialised world, the themes explored in Suyi Davies Okungbowa's 'Son of the Storm' have a palpable contemporary resonance. 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 characterisation.
– Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song
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
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
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
Book/Series Extras
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