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The Song of Godhunters #1
The Dance of Shadows
Rumi and his family are Odu, stricken with poverty and disparaged by the other tribes. When ruthless agents of the Palmaine - the colonising nation that dominates the continent of Basmine - threaten to destroy the village market, Rumi takes it upon himself to liberate his family. Taking a place in the prestigious Golden Room, where earnings from his music offer a chance at freedom, he shoulders his pride and resentment in a bid to make it to the top.
On what should be Rumi's greatest night at the Golden Room, his life is turned upside down. A terrifying individual known as the Priest of Vultures attacks Rumi and his family. Before her death, Rumi's mother, Adunola, solicits the help of a dying god and saves Rumi, setting him on the path to become a warriors with the ability to use their shadow as a weapon. But Rumi's need for vengeance may be more important to him than the future of his people...
On what should be Rumi's greatest night at the Golden Room, his life is turned upside down. A terrifying individual known as the Priest of Vultures attacks Rumi and his family. Before her death, Rumi's mother, Adunola, solicits the help of a dying god and saves Rumi, setting him on the path to become a warriors with the ability to use their shadow as a weapon. But Rumi's need for vengeance may be more important to him than the future of his people...
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2024
12 people are currently reading
1469 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 15, 2025
A beautifully written coming of age story
dnf
December 15, 2024DNF at page 121.
I feel a deep sadness as I this was one of my most anticipated books of 2024 ever since the cover art was annunced.
There is beauty in this story, especially for those who are passionate about music and those who love to learn about other cultures.
I was desperate for another Fantasy with African lore ever since I read "Son of the Storm" by Suyi Davies Okungbowa.
So why did I abandoned this book?
Except for the main character and his mother, everytime the point of view was changed to somebody else I did not cared at all.
The pace and motivations were not strong enough. Also the transitions between some scenes were so jarring...
But this is a debut and the author has potential to improve, so I will keep an eye for his future works.
I feel a deep sadness as I this was one of my most anticipated books of 2024 ever since the cover art was annunced.
There is beauty in this story, especially for those who are passionate about music and those who love to learn about other cultures.
I was desperate for another Fantasy with African lore ever since I read "Son of the Storm" by Suyi Davies Okungbowa.
So why did I abandoned this book?
Except for the main character and his mother, everytime the point of view was changed to somebody else I did not cared at all.
The pace and motivations were not strong enough. Also the transitions between some scenes were so jarring...
But this is a debut and the author has potential to improve, so I will keep an eye for his future works.
August 3, 2025
4.5
It’s a shame that this book doesn’t get more attention and praise!
We follow our main character Rumi through some interesting worldbuilding in the first part of this book. You get to learn all about Palmaine, a colonizing nation, that is slowly erasing native identity and culture. Rumi is a gifted musician and tries to earn money for his family on one of Palmaines prestigious concerts.
But everything gets turned up a notch when the Priest of Vultures is introduced while attacking Rumi. His mother calls upon the help of a god to save them and we get a glimpse off the many layers that are underneath this story of oppression. The Dance of Shadows is a battle of cultures, gods, grief, tribes and of some really interesting shadow-magic. Together with Rumi, we experience all these things firsthand.
Rogba Payne is an excellent writer and brings something unique to the fantasy genre. This story is drenched in African mythology and we definitely need more voices like him in the genre. The incorporation of colonialism is really well done and hard to read as someone from a European country with an awful history.
The character work in this book was great. Rumi is an interesting boy, but all the side characters feel real and believable as well. Some of them also get their own short POV chapters.
The prose was easy to follow and the author surprised me with his really well written combat scenes. Rogba Payne also shines in exploring and describing emotions.
My only issue was the first 50 pages, which felt a bit chaotic to open this book. But besides that, I highly recommend every fantasy fan to pick up this book and give it a try!
It’s a shame that this book doesn’t get more attention and praise!
We follow our main character Rumi through some interesting worldbuilding in the first part of this book. You get to learn all about Palmaine, a colonizing nation, that is slowly erasing native identity and culture. Rumi is a gifted musician and tries to earn money for his family on one of Palmaines prestigious concerts.
But everything gets turned up a notch when the Priest of Vultures is introduced while attacking Rumi. His mother calls upon the help of a god to save them and we get a glimpse off the many layers that are underneath this story of oppression. The Dance of Shadows is a battle of cultures, gods, grief, tribes and of some really interesting shadow-magic. Together with Rumi, we experience all these things firsthand.
Rogba Payne is an excellent writer and brings something unique to the fantasy genre. This story is drenched in African mythology and we definitely need more voices like him in the genre. The incorporation of colonialism is really well done and hard to read as someone from a European country with an awful history.
The character work in this book was great. Rumi is an interesting boy, but all the side characters feel real and believable as well. Some of them also get their own short POV chapters.
The prose was easy to follow and the author surprised me with his really well written combat scenes. Rogba Payne also shines in exploring and describing emotions.
My only issue was the first 50 pages, which felt a bit chaotic to open this book. But besides that, I highly recommend every fantasy fan to pick up this book and give it a try!
September 15, 2025
Thats was a slam dunk, home run, 30-yard screamer in off the bar and finger tip penalty save in the last minute all rolled into one!
Everyone, I repeat, EVERYONE should read this book!
Amazing characters, edge of your seat plot, fantastic and interesting magic and fascinating mythology all packaged together with a skill and finesse that blows my mind for a debut novel!
Everyone, I repeat, EVERYONE should read this book!
Amazing characters, edge of your seat plot, fantastic and interesting magic and fascinating mythology all packaged together with a skill and finesse that blows my mind for a debut novel!
August 2, 2024
My realll rating would be like a 3.8 lol. YO I AM SO CONFLICTED ABOUT THIS BOOK! There are aspects of this book that are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. 1) The scene depictions are immaculate. There are times in which I can see and hear everything happening as if I was face-to-face with the scene. 2) The difficult conversations around colonization, how different communities respond to its impact, and best strategies to overturn oppressive systems *chef’s kiss* 3) Rogba be dropping some one liners that go crazzzzyyy!
BUT, the book draggggged. The whole first third of the book isnt even the main plot. It felt like it was there as a set up for like one or two scenes that happen at the end of the book (which made those scenes kinda weird). Once I got to the meat meat of the book, it felt like I had started a whole new story.
Dont come for me on this one because I love a good explanation, but sometimes it felt like there were explanations in every other paragraph. I might just be a gloassary girly.
Real talk, the characters are dynamic and I could EASILY see this as a show or movie, but that middle section wheehhhhhh. Would def buy book 2 though lol
BUT, the book draggggged. The whole first third of the book isnt even the main plot. It felt like it was there as a set up for like one or two scenes that happen at the end of the book (which made those scenes kinda weird). Once I got to the meat meat of the book, it felt like I had started a whole new story.
Dont come for me on this one because I love a good explanation, but sometimes it felt like there were explanations in every other paragraph. I might just be a gloassary girly.
Real talk, the characters are dynamic and I could EASILY see this as a show or movie, but that middle section wheehhhhhh. Would def buy book 2 though lol
July 31, 2025
4.5
Fantasy at it’s best.
this book is filled with a lot, and while it has a slow tone to it, it’s by far not a slow book. full of character in Rumi, his drive for revenge.
the way Rumi stole the show, how he is well versed in music, but also his passion to be accepted. that the Palamine look down on him because of how he was born and he hates it. that burning anger, I loved seeing Rumi go on that journey to dealing with it, alongside his grief.
there were other characters alongside Rumi that really stood out, even the side characters. one such character I hated with a passion, but with a few lines, Rogba managed to make me care for him, and then broke my heart.
the world in this book is both brutal, but wonderful at the same time. the well thought-out religions to tribes and magic, the shadow magic that has been done so many times in fantasy and yet, here it had a fresh new take on it. it’s a place that hold beauty, even among the harshness.
Rogba writes with care and a passion. it makes me dying for book 2.
Fantasy at it’s best.
this book is filled with a lot, and while it has a slow tone to it, it’s by far not a slow book. full of character in Rumi, his drive for revenge.
the way Rumi stole the show, how he is well versed in music, but also his passion to be accepted. that the Palamine look down on him because of how he was born and he hates it. that burning anger, I loved seeing Rumi go on that journey to dealing with it, alongside his grief.
there were other characters alongside Rumi that really stood out, even the side characters. one such character I hated with a passion, but with a few lines, Rogba managed to make me care for him, and then broke my heart.
the world in this book is both brutal, but wonderful at the same time. the well thought-out religions to tribes and magic, the shadow magic that has been done so many times in fantasy and yet, here it had a fresh new take on it. it’s a place that hold beauty, even among the harshness.
Rogba writes with care and a passion. it makes me dying for book 2.
August 18, 2025
I read this as part of a discord read along and I'm so glad I did. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the world building, the action scenes, the pacing, EVERYTHING. Such an under rated book and definitely deserves more attention. Please do yourself a favour and grab a copy, you won't regret it!
May 2, 2024
I'm glad this book exists. The Afro-Fantasy genre is largely lacking and I'm always happy to see another entry to consume. So what did I like about it.
It was incredibly easy to read I tore through it quickly. It was never a slog to get through
Two the worldbuilding. World was clearly inspired from history and folktales from West Africa but Nigeria specifically and if you want something different from the typical European fantasy then this is a good entry. I especially like the lore blending Yoruba religion with Christianity in a unique way I didn't see coming. All these things are good.
The problems are three main things. This should've been two books. Shallow characters. Too many POVs
1. In first half protagonist goes to music school. Underdog. Undergoes training from a strict female teacher who sees his potential and helps make him the best in the school. Faces bullying. But proves them all wrong. Then tragedy strikes. In the second half protagonist goes to secret magic school. Undergoes training from a strict female teacher who sees his potential and helps make him the best in the school. Faces bullying. But proves them all wrong. Then tragedy strikes. I'm being a bit unfair but this might work if it was two different books. In the same book it feels repetitive, and both halfs feels like they rushed the school plots.
2. I just didn't fall in love with any character here. We never got time with any of them to truly grow to love them. Every other chapter introduced a new character who sounded interesting till they disappeared for the rest of the book. Why give the Rumi a brother if we only get one scene of them interacting. Why would I care what happens to him. Why give time to the rangers if we never see them interact together. Then they disappear for most of the book. Rumi's mentor Zarcanis was good. She had personality. We had time to get to know and like her. Renike did absolutely nothing the entire book. She will have a bigger role in the next one but here she did absolutely nothing. Not even interact with Rumi at school.
3. Too many POVs. Omoba's POV added nothing. Sabachi's POV added nothing. Alangba's POV was fine, but then he was sidetracked at magic school. So why? Renike's POV added nothing. Natare's POV added nothing.
All in all. It was fine. I will read the next one in the hope it gets better
It was incredibly easy to read I tore through it quickly. It was never a slog to get through
Two the worldbuilding. World was clearly inspired from history and folktales from West Africa but Nigeria specifically and if you want something different from the typical European fantasy then this is a good entry. I especially like the lore blending Yoruba religion with Christianity in a unique way I didn't see coming. All these things are good.
The problems are three main things. This should've been two books. Shallow characters. Too many POVs
1. In first half protagonist goes to music school. Underdog. Undergoes training from a strict female teacher who sees his potential and helps make him the best in the school. Faces bullying. But proves them all wrong. Then tragedy strikes. In the second half protagonist goes to secret magic school. Undergoes training from a strict female teacher who sees his potential and helps make him the best in the school. Faces bullying. But proves them all wrong. Then tragedy strikes. I'm being a bit unfair but this might work if it was two different books. In the same book it feels repetitive, and both halfs feels like they rushed the school plots.
2. I just didn't fall in love with any character here. We never got time with any of them to truly grow to love them. Every other chapter introduced a new character who sounded interesting till they disappeared for the rest of the book. Why give the Rumi a brother if we only get one scene of them interacting. Why would I care what happens to him. Why give time to the rangers if we never see them interact together. Then they disappear for most of the book. Rumi's mentor Zarcanis was good. She had personality. We had time to get to know and like her. Renike did absolutely nothing the entire book. She will have a bigger role in the next one but here she did absolutely nothing. Not even interact with Rumi at school.
3. Too many POVs. Omoba's POV added nothing. Sabachi's POV added nothing. Alangba's POV was fine, but then he was sidetracked at magic school. So why? Renike's POV added nothing. Natare's POV added nothing.
All in all. It was fine. I will read the next one in the hope it gets better
October 14, 2024
I have a somewhat unique perspective on this book for a few reasons; Firstly because as a Nigerian, I am familiar with a lot of the concepts and inspiration that the author may have drawn from to create the culture, slang and political landscape that make up the setting. Secondly, I have actually visited some of the real life locations that appear to have inspired locations in the book. Seeing the way the author weaves in the fantastical and magical elements of the story into cultural, geographical and socio-economic elements that exist as a part of the reality of the Nigerian experience was very intriguing and gave me an experience that I haven't had from reading (m)any books out there due to the interesting genre-mix.
Just to avoid going on endlessly about this gorgeous book (and to stay spoiler-free), I'll list some of the tropes you can find in this book:
Shadow Magic
West African mythology
BIPOC
Re-interpreted folk tales
gods at war
Badass mentor
Strong female characters
Morally grey characters/heroes
Found family
Music
Just to avoid going on endlessly about this gorgeous book (and to stay spoiler-free), I'll list some of the tropes you can find in this book:
Shadow Magic
West African mythology
BIPOC
Re-interpreted folk tales
gods at war
Badass mentor
Strong female characters
Morally grey characters/heroes
Found family
Music
April 30, 2024
I would recommend this African inspired epic fantasy to any fans of the genre, with the book containing significant world building and character development and an epicness of feel which reminds me of R.R. Viridi’s debut, the combat scenes are also well depicted and sometimes brutal reminding me of scenes from Alexander Darwin’s The Combat Codes series. The book introduces a number of fantastic creatures and gods, with the glossary at the back of the book really aiding in remembering what these creatures are or who the gods referenced are. I hope this will be the first in a series as this volume has left me wanting to experience more.
May 1, 2024
I picked up this book and met the author at Gollanczfest! I loved what he had said about the magic system with charms and the deities involved. What a fantastic book.
Between the world he has built, the different POV's (the main POV Rumi was def the strongest) and the progression of the character, I loved it. The balance of Music and "Fighting" reminded me of NOTW a little, but in a good way.
One thing I would have liked more is a "Character list" either at the front or the back as I'd get the different deities mixed up. Looking forward to the next one!
Between the world he has built, the different POV's (the main POV Rumi was def the strongest) and the progression of the character, I loved it. The balance of Music and "Fighting" reminded me of NOTW a little, but in a good way.
One thing I would have liked more is a "Character list" either at the front or the back as I'd get the different deities mixed up. Looking forward to the next one!
April 2, 2025
how can a book with a cover so beautiful and inspiring feel so empty and boring inside lol... I kept thinking it would pick up and get more exciting and just more enjoyable but as the pages went on, the more I was rolling my eyes at our MC! there was so much potential here for this to be truly great but somehow this long book did not flesh out any of our characters or the story for it to be meaningful in any regard
November 5, 2025
A fun fantasy rooted in African mythology and history, which made it a fun romp, though also sometimes a bit hard to follow as it's based on a culture I'm not very well-versed in. Payne goes for epic quite quickly and raises the stakes rapidly with perspective shifts, and sometimes there might be one or two too many of them. However, it all leads into a great character arc and a final battle that is suitably epic. I had a good time!
July 22, 2024
It was great to see a traditional fantasy story set in West Africa rather than medieval Europe, making the setting and the world-building feel fresh. But half the book was a fantasy by numbers, chosen one goes to wizard school, and as a trope, it is done. I found myself losing interest as soon as Wizard School was mentioned.
August 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it, the atmosphere and world building was pretty good also the writing was okay. The paced of plot was bit slow and I think this book sure one hundred shorter. The cover of the book was stunning and I liked the characters also I feel at they needed to flash out and the ending was fine
June 7, 2025
Very conflicted, at multiple points during the book I thought about not finishing it. The beginning and middle dragged and did not like many aspects about the writing but the world building kept me invested enough to see it through.
The ending was done pretty well though and it subverted some of the expectations I had.
The ending was done pretty well though and it subverted some of the expectations I had.
December 8, 2025
This book deserves more attention! The Dance of Shadows is an excellent coming of age story by Rogba Payne.
The world building, pacing, characters, and plot were amazing! I loved the inclusion of our main character Rumi being a musician. Also, his fear, rage, and loss explored through the story was beautifully explored.
Plus this cover art is stunning!
I can’t wait to pick up book 2
The world building, pacing, characters, and plot were amazing! I loved the inclusion of our main character Rumi being a musician. Also, his fear, rage, and loss explored through the story was beautifully explored.
Plus this cover art is stunning!
I can’t wait to pick up book 2
July 21, 2024
What an amazing debut by Rogba Payne. The world building, characters and plots are amazing. I really connected with a few characters - cannot wait to see their development in book 2 and 3. If you love fantasy and African literature, this is a must read!
July 30, 2025
This book is great.
I was a tad nervous as I had not read anything centred around West African mythology before.
The author handled my novice status very well.
A good pace is set and, largely, maintained throughout the book.
A good story and plenty of scope for the sequel.
I was a tad nervous as I had not read anything centred around West African mythology before.
The author handled my novice status very well.
A good pace is set and, largely, maintained throughout the book.
A good story and plenty of scope for the sequel.
November 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I did enjoy this more than I imagined I would, but the middle is very very slow and you have to be willing to trudge through it to get to the impactful end.
I think I will definitely read the sequel, I just hope it has a faster pace!
I did enjoy this more than I imagined I would, but the middle is very very slow and you have to be willing to trudge through it to get to the impactful end.
I think I will definitely read the sequel, I just hope it has a faster pace!
July 5, 2024
Inspired by African folklore, this epic fantasy is a coming of age story as a young man discovers his destiny. I enjoyed this in general but it kinda needed a little more oomph.
February 23, 2025
I really enjoyed some parts of this. The last quarter was great, a very cool battle scene. There were definitely some pacing issues though.
July 1, 2025
dis book na pure africanism vibe!
power packed with
endless adventure
sweet love
action and better proverbs and adage wey dey buss brain
power packed with
endless adventure
sweet love
action and better proverbs and adage wey dey buss brain
July 21, 2025
Epic Fantasy mixed with West African spirituality. The writing style of this author is so lyrical, and there's a lot of wisdom to impact
I cant wait for the book 2
I cant wait for the book 2
October 14, 2025
Anything about mythical gods, but these are Nigerian as well ? Yes please
Read
December 14, 2025Soft DNF at 30%
I might pick it up again in 2026.
I might pick it up again in 2026.
December 4, 2024
Went in blind and have to say I really enjoyed this book. It hooked me from the first chapter and it was such an easy and thrilling read.
The characters and world are beautifully described, it feels very rich in substance, colour and senses.
The themes arent subtle but I think they're well done and easy to understand.
Rumi's rage and fear and loss as well as his joy and love are beautifully explored, I was invested in his journey, the whole way through.
The characters and world are beautifully described, it feels very rich in substance, colour and senses.
The themes arent subtle but I think they're well done and easy to understand.
Rumi's rage and fear and loss as well as his joy and love are beautifully explored, I was invested in his journey, the whole way through.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews