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Queen of Zazzau
Precolonial West Africa against a backdrop of gods and magic.
"Emuakpor craftily weaves fascinating characters, facts, and folklore together into a riveting adventure steeped in African culture." --Publisher's Weekly
Amina is heir apparent to the throne of Zazzau and must prove herself worthy of the crown. As foreign invaders close in on them, she is the only thing standing between her people and their destruction. Caught in a web of prophecies and intrigue, she must defend Zazzau, but cannot do so if she wants to prevent the future that was foretold. She did not seek war; it found her. Unwilling to be the plaything of gods or men and determined to take control of her own destiny, she tracks down the god of war himself. But has her destiny already been written? Can she choose her own fate? And can she protect her kingdom, no matter what price she must ultimately pay? Because, gods always want something in return.
Queen of Zazzau chronicles the journey of real-life West African queen, Amina of Zazzau. At a time when the Songhai Empire is waning and the Kanem-Bornu still dominate a vast swath of the African continent, smaller kingdoms are rising to prominence through conquest and expansion. Foreign invasion is imminent and Amina must defend her people. Does she have the power to protect their sovereignty or will she lead her people to their downfall?
Mature content
"Emuakpor craftily weaves fascinating characters, facts, and folklore together into a riveting adventure steeped in African culture." --Publisher's Weekly
Amina is heir apparent to the throne of Zazzau and must prove herself worthy of the crown. As foreign invaders close in on them, she is the only thing standing between her people and their destruction. Caught in a web of prophecies and intrigue, she must defend Zazzau, but cannot do so if she wants to prevent the future that was foretold. She did not seek war; it found her. Unwilling to be the plaything of gods or men and determined to take control of her own destiny, she tracks down the god of war himself. But has her destiny already been written? Can she choose her own fate? And can she protect her kingdom, no matter what price she must ultimately pay? Because, gods always want something in return.
Queen of Zazzau chronicles the journey of real-life West African queen, Amina of Zazzau. At a time when the Songhai Empire is waning and the Kanem-Bornu still dominate a vast swath of the African continent, smaller kingdoms are rising to prominence through conquest and expansion. Foreign invasion is imminent and Amina must defend her people. Does she have the power to protect their sovereignty or will she lead her people to their downfall?
Mature content
510 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2018
12 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 6, 2018
Amina is a princess, destined to bring war and bloodshed on her nation. But surely you have to choose your destiny?
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows the story of the historical Queen of Zazzau - Amina.
I really enjoyed this book. It has war, and interfering gods, and all the pain that comes with life. But it also has a rich feel of the culture, the life that Amina lived. I thought it balanced perfectly, both entertaining and educating the reader.
After the prophecy that she will bring war and death on her own people, the Gimbiya (princess), is raised away from any violence, in an attempt to stop the inevitable. We follow Amina as a young woman, as the gods start to rein her in and send her down her fated path.
I really liked Amina, she is a strong, independent character, who cares deeply for others. She's not afraid to be in charge, and she refuses to marry, as she wants to retain her independence. The only thing she does fear is leading her people to their deaths, but as time goes on, her naive ideas about what her curse means, begins to adapt.
The first half of the book has an innocence to it, and mostly dances around Amina's relationship with Suleyman, and her life as Gimbiya to her people. There is a shadow of danger hovering at the edge of her world, threatening to come crashing down.
In the second half, Amina becomes the person she was meant to be. A warrior and a great leader, along with the sacrifices she has to make. The gods are real, living things, not to be taken for granted.
The only detriment was I found it a little slow in places - although, to be fair the beautiful writing did make up for that. I personally would have loved to read about Amina's visits as a representative of Zazzau, I was curious what they would have entailed (I'm guessing not all of them ended in a surprise battle!).
The writer has taken on something ambitious, covering such a long period of time, and you can tell where there's a couple of awkward time skips.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would look forward to reading more from Emuakpor.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows the story of the historical Queen of Zazzau - Amina.
I really enjoyed this book. It has war, and interfering gods, and all the pain that comes with life. But it also has a rich feel of the culture, the life that Amina lived. I thought it balanced perfectly, both entertaining and educating the reader.
After the prophecy that she will bring war and death on her own people, the Gimbiya (princess), is raised away from any violence, in an attempt to stop the inevitable. We follow Amina as a young woman, as the gods start to rein her in and send her down her fated path.
I really liked Amina, she is a strong, independent character, who cares deeply for others. She's not afraid to be in charge, and she refuses to marry, as she wants to retain her independence. The only thing she does fear is leading her people to their deaths, but as time goes on, her naive ideas about what her curse means, begins to adapt.
The first half of the book has an innocence to it, and mostly dances around Amina's relationship with Suleyman, and her life as Gimbiya to her people. There is a shadow of danger hovering at the edge of her world, threatening to come crashing down.
In the second half, Amina becomes the person she was meant to be. A warrior and a great leader, along with the sacrifices she has to make. The gods are real, living things, not to be taken for granted.
The only detriment was I found it a little slow in places - although, to be fair the beautiful writing did make up for that. I personally would have loved to read about Amina's visits as a representative of Zazzau, I was curious what they would have entailed (I'm guessing not all of them ended in a surprise battle!).
The writer has taken on something ambitious, covering such a long period of time, and you can tell where there's a couple of awkward time skips.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would look forward to reading more from Emuakpor.
July 1, 2019
It’s no secret that African American representation in the literary fiction world is practically nonexistence and in nonfiction, it’s all about slavery and whatnot. Even if not done right I appreciate the effort being taken to include the darker side of the world in literature as something besides their equivalent dark past.
Please keep in mind that history is a complicated and delicate matter, especially African history, that is difficult to define in a single margin because there is always more than one version of what truly happened. And, this story also incorporates fantasy so do not everything told is true to the tea. The Queen of Zazzau tells the historical tale of Queen Amina, a young queen predestined with a power that may destroy her and her people. With war, gods, and rich culture entwined, we follow Amina as she grows from her innocent self into the woman the gods prophesized her to be. The culture mentioned in the story is old but rich and the gods who Amina interacted with often are real and not to be taken lightly.
The writing was fascinating but sometimes the imagery was very strong and unnecessarily dragging the story along which made the pacing slow at times.
In this story, I have learned that being a good leader takes more than just courage or pretty words and that one slip up has real consequences that may damn you and the lives of your citizens.
Blog| Twitter| Instagram
Please keep in mind that history is a complicated and delicate matter, especially African history, that is difficult to define in a single margin because there is always more than one version of what truly happened. And, this story also incorporates fantasy so do not everything told is true to the tea. The Queen of Zazzau tells the historical tale of Queen Amina, a young queen predestined with a power that may destroy her and her people. With war, gods, and rich culture entwined, we follow Amina as she grows from her innocent self into the woman the gods prophesized her to be. The culture mentioned in the story is old but rich and the gods who Amina interacted with often are real and not to be taken lightly.
The writing was fascinating but sometimes the imagery was very strong and unnecessarily dragging the story along which made the pacing slow at times.
In this story, I have learned that being a good leader takes more than just courage or pretty words and that one slip up has real consequences that may damn you and the lives of your citizens.
Blog| Twitter| Instagram
July 26, 2019
This book seems to have followed fairly closely the story of the real Amina.
One source suggested that real-Amina was the inspiration for Xena the Warrior Princess.
I'm guessing that Emuakpor thought, "Yes, but WHY was she so strong?" and a moment later she had her book idea.
Dafaru made for an interesting plot, and his limitations were absolutely necessary and well chosen.
And his explanation for real-Amina's, ahem, choice of partners makes as much sense as any.
There is room to argue about the rather abrupt switch from loving the human character to the relationship with Dafaru, but OK.
There is room to argue about the latter relationship, too, but (a) it's 1500s Africa, not 2019 North America, and (b) if that's where the author wants the story to go, that's where it goes; if you want Miss Helen Sweetstory, go read her book.
And, with all that going on and the boundaries of what actually happened, I liked the ending.
I'll read this author's next one.
And let the record show that here is yet another of the many recent books that remind us that women can write this stuff just as well as men, and people of colour can write this stuff as well as anyone, and it's a shame that in the far too recent past they couldn't get published.
One source suggested that real-Amina was the inspiration for Xena the Warrior Princess.
I'm guessing that Emuakpor thought, "Yes, but WHY was she so strong?" and a moment later she had her book idea.
Dafaru made for an interesting plot, and his limitations were absolutely necessary and well chosen.
And his explanation for real-Amina's, ahem, choice of partners makes as much sense as any.
There is room to argue about the rather abrupt switch from loving the human character to the relationship with Dafaru, but OK.
There is room to argue about the latter relationship, too, but (a) it's 1500s Africa, not 2019 North America, and (b) if that's where the author wants the story to go, that's where it goes; if you want Miss Helen Sweetstory, go read her book.
And, with all that going on and the boundaries of what actually happened, I liked the ending.
I'll read this author's next one.
And let the record show that here is yet another of the many recent books that remind us that women can write this stuff just as well as men, and people of colour can write this stuff as well as anyone, and it's a shame that in the far too recent past they couldn't get published.
January 19, 2019
Not your typical historical fiction. I liked that it was about an African queen of legend, and there's plenty of mythology and folklore and magic intertwined. Some aspects of the story I didn't care for, but it was certainly a well-written, involving story.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
February 2, 2019
Publisher's Weekly said, "Emuakpor craftily weaves fascinating characters, facts, and folklore together into a riveting adventure steeped in African culture."
And it's a starred review! So, I'm going to rate it 5 stars for them. Just saying. ;)
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781...
And it's a starred review! So, I'm going to rate it 5 stars for them. Just saying. ;)
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781...
February 26, 2019
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I requested Queen of Zazzau from Netgalley because the cover was so striking and I was fascinated by the premise.
It’s #ownvoices.
__
Let me start with something positive. I didn’t know that the story was based on a historical queen and this story led me to reading up as much as I could about her. It was a fascinating task!
However, the book itself. I’m so disappointed in it. I’m really very disappointed. Especially with the portrayal of sex. Giving a blowjob and having sex in a non-conventional position are considered awful. The main character actually says giving a blowjob is a job for prostitutes.
Also, the main character states that she thinks that she has less freedom than her slaves. If this was true, why doesn’t she give up her crown and become a slave?
I know some readers may say that this is historically accurate, however, I’d expect it to be called out in the story or that she learns that these opinions are not factual. I basically continued reading because of this. But alas, no, there wasn’t anything mentioning that these opinions were wrong.
__
This book was awful. I did not like it at all. It actually led to a really awful book slump.
Trigger warnings: attempted rape, sexual assault, classism.
I requested Queen of Zazzau from Netgalley because the cover was so striking and I was fascinated by the premise.
It’s #ownvoices.
__
Let me start with something positive. I didn’t know that the story was based on a historical queen and this story led me to reading up as much as I could about her. It was a fascinating task!
However, the book itself. I’m so disappointed in it. I’m really very disappointed. Especially with the portrayal of sex. Giving a blowjob and having sex in a non-conventional position are considered awful. The main character actually says giving a blowjob is a job for prostitutes.
Also, the main character states that she thinks that she has less freedom than her slaves. If this was true, why doesn’t she give up her crown and become a slave?
I know some readers may say that this is historically accurate, however, I’d expect it to be called out in the story or that she learns that these opinions are not factual. I basically continued reading because of this. But alas, no, there wasn’t anything mentioning that these opinions were wrong.
__
This book was awful. I did not like it at all. It actually led to a really awful book slump.
Trigger warnings: attempted rape, sexual assault, classism.
November 16, 2018
(Disclaimer: I received this free book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I opened up Queen of Zazzau. But what I found was an expansive story about a girl, Amina, who has to grow into her power. We are able to witness her entire character development as she has to learn just how much power and responsibility her life entails. As the princess, Amina takes it for granted that she will become the queen, but without a real concept of what it means.
What it takes. And what sacrifices need to be made.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I opened up Queen of Zazzau. But what I found was an expansive story about a girl, Amina, who has to grow into her power. We are able to witness her entire character development as she has to learn just how much power and responsibility her life entails. As the princess, Amina takes it for granted that she will become the queen, but without a real concept of what it means.
What it takes. And what sacrifices need to be made.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
December 3, 2018
Originally posted at ragdollreads.co.uk
Totally kick-ass!
TL;DR – A smashing tale of war, love, magic and gods, with seriously strong female characters
5Button
Ragdoll Rating: 5/5 Buttons
Recommended For: Fans of historical fantasy, fans of strong female leads
About the Book…
Amina is a princess, heir to the throne of Zazzau and a destiny of war and bloodshed. Amina must prove herself as a warrior and lead Zazzau against hordes of foreign enemies and strange magic. But the god of war has his sights set on Amina, and ruling the nation soon proves to be far more complicated than Amina could have possibly imagined.
Queen of Zazzau follows Amina from her beginnings as the heir apparent, through war and love and impossible bargains. The book takes place over some 80 years, during which Amina becomes a strong military leader, a Queen and the wife of a god. It is full to the brim with battles and magic, gods and romance.
What I thought…
I put off reading this book for a while as it is pretty long, clocking in at 510 pages – and what a selection of pages they are!
My favourite thing about this book is its lead character, Amina. Amina is a wonderful example of well-rounded, strong female lead. She’s powerful, clever, loving, dedicated – she is brilliant. We get to explore so many facets of Amina’s character as the story progresses, from romantic interests, battle tactics, diplomacy…even an unexpected pregnancy. Life throws so much at Amina, and she doesn’t take it lying down, but at the same time, she has this fragile side that feels so real – she struggles to keep going at times, allowing fear and panic to take hold of her. Amina is such a great character for so many reasons, and I’m super pleased to have read her story.
Another thing I loved was the way religion is explored in this book. Strictly speaking, the Zazzauwa are Muslim, but for many, if not most of them the old religion still exists – a host of other gods hold some sway over the workings of the world and I found it really interesting to see how the two quite disparate set of beliefs gelled together into a functioning belief system.
My only complaint about this book was the ending. Now, I need to say before I go further, that I did like the ending – I’m just not sure I’m comfortable with it. Feel free to skip this paragraph as it does contain spoilers and isn’t hugely important.
So an old prophecy has linked Amina and the god of war for years, and when he first appears, Amina wants no part of it. She’s quite happy as she is, she is already in love with someone else but the god of war insists that she will be his eventually. This turns out to be true, but when she finally does go to him, she offers herself in exchange for his influence over a battle that will decide the fate of her kingdom and everyone in it. So Amina becomes his wife, and then the god drops the bombshell that she will now feel intense sexual desire, which he will only satisfy when he feels like it. She is free to sleep with other men, but they MUST die afterwards. I think we can all agree this is beyond creepy and straight up abusive – but that’s gods for you, those guys are jerks. Anyway, because of this, Amina is prevented from properly experiencing love for her entire life – which, incidentally, is spent eternally young, so for 80 years she can’t allow herself to love another man, instead of taking a number of ‘temporary husbands’ and killing them, or periodically having sex with the god of war. Which brings us to the end. Turns out, after all this, she completely loves the god of war and they ride off into the sunset together.
OK spoilers over, on to my point. As I’ve said in other reviews, I’m autistic – I have trouble understanding how other peoples minds work. But to me, the end doesn’t make sense. I’m not sure what I would have wanted in its place, and I’m not begrudging the bitter-sweet ending, but still, it doesn’t sit quite right with me. But that could just be my weird interpretation – don’t let it prevent you reading the book and making up your own mind.
Final Thoughts…
This book is an epic tale with so much to love about it. I’m really pleased I read it and will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for anything J.S. Emuakpor might release in the future.
Totally kick-ass!
TL;DR – A smashing tale of war, love, magic and gods, with seriously strong female characters
5Button
Ragdoll Rating: 5/5 Buttons
Recommended For: Fans of historical fantasy, fans of strong female leads
About the Book…
Amina is a princess, heir to the throne of Zazzau and a destiny of war and bloodshed. Amina must prove herself as a warrior and lead Zazzau against hordes of foreign enemies and strange magic. But the god of war has his sights set on Amina, and ruling the nation soon proves to be far more complicated than Amina could have possibly imagined.
Queen of Zazzau follows Amina from her beginnings as the heir apparent, through war and love and impossible bargains. The book takes place over some 80 years, during which Amina becomes a strong military leader, a Queen and the wife of a god. It is full to the brim with battles and magic, gods and romance.
What I thought…
I put off reading this book for a while as it is pretty long, clocking in at 510 pages – and what a selection of pages they are!
My favourite thing about this book is its lead character, Amina. Amina is a wonderful example of well-rounded, strong female lead. She’s powerful, clever, loving, dedicated – she is brilliant. We get to explore so many facets of Amina’s character as the story progresses, from romantic interests, battle tactics, diplomacy…even an unexpected pregnancy. Life throws so much at Amina, and she doesn’t take it lying down, but at the same time, she has this fragile side that feels so real – she struggles to keep going at times, allowing fear and panic to take hold of her. Amina is such a great character for so many reasons, and I’m super pleased to have read her story.
Another thing I loved was the way religion is explored in this book. Strictly speaking, the Zazzauwa are Muslim, but for many, if not most of them the old religion still exists – a host of other gods hold some sway over the workings of the world and I found it really interesting to see how the two quite disparate set of beliefs gelled together into a functioning belief system.
My only complaint about this book was the ending. Now, I need to say before I go further, that I did like the ending – I’m just not sure I’m comfortable with it. Feel free to skip this paragraph as it does contain spoilers and isn’t hugely important.
So an old prophecy has linked Amina and the god of war for years, and when he first appears, Amina wants no part of it. She’s quite happy as she is, she is already in love with someone else but the god of war insists that she will be his eventually. This turns out to be true, but when she finally does go to him, she offers herself in exchange for his influence over a battle that will decide the fate of her kingdom and everyone in it. So Amina becomes his wife, and then the god drops the bombshell that she will now feel intense sexual desire, which he will only satisfy when he feels like it. She is free to sleep with other men, but they MUST die afterwards. I think we can all agree this is beyond creepy and straight up abusive – but that’s gods for you, those guys are jerks. Anyway, because of this, Amina is prevented from properly experiencing love for her entire life – which, incidentally, is spent eternally young, so for 80 years she can’t allow herself to love another man, instead of taking a number of ‘temporary husbands’ and killing them, or periodically having sex with the god of war. Which brings us to the end. Turns out, after all this, she completely loves the god of war and they ride off into the sunset together.
OK spoilers over, on to my point. As I’ve said in other reviews, I’m autistic – I have trouble understanding how other peoples minds work. But to me, the end doesn’t make sense. I’m not sure what I would have wanted in its place, and I’m not begrudging the bitter-sweet ending, but still, it doesn’t sit quite right with me. But that could just be my weird interpretation – don’t let it prevent you reading the book and making up your own mind.
Final Thoughts…
This book is an epic tale with so much to love about it. I’m really pleased I read it and will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for anything J.S. Emuakpor might release in the future.
December 19, 2018
Queen of Zazzau tells the story of Queen Amina, in what is now modern-day Nigeria. Don’t be discouraged by the length of the book, it moves quickly and will keep you turning the pages.
This is not straight-up historical fiction, but rather a blend of that and fantasy, with a healthy portion of the gods mixed in as well.
It’s a pleasure to read along and watch Amina grow from a spoiled young woman, into the strong, fearless leader of her people that she turns into. Along the way she faces down a terrifying enemy, the prejudice of other rulers and even the God of War himself. It’s a beautifully written story that made me want to learn more about the real Amina, and events in that area, at that time.
Really, what more could you ask for from a novel?
This is not straight-up historical fiction, but rather a blend of that and fantasy, with a healthy portion of the gods mixed in as well.
It’s a pleasure to read along and watch Amina grow from a spoiled young woman, into the strong, fearless leader of her people that she turns into. Along the way she faces down a terrifying enemy, the prejudice of other rulers and even the God of War himself. It’s a beautifully written story that made me want to learn more about the real Amina, and events in that area, at that time.
Really, what more could you ask for from a novel?
December 26, 2018
The plot flowed nicely and the action kept me guessing and flipping pages. What a clever story.
J.S. Emuakpor has created a novel in which the main character shows growth. For me that is always something I look for in my favorite main characters. I liked flawed characters and if they can overcome things, it really speaks to me.
This was a quick read for me. I felt like the words and plot just flowed long effortlessly. I found myself flipping page after page, laughing, and guessing the whole time.
J.S. Emuakpor has created a novel in which the main character shows growth. For me that is always something I look for in my favorite main characters. I liked flawed characters and if they can overcome things, it really speaks to me.
This was a quick read for me. I felt like the words and plot just flowed long effortlessly. I found myself flipping page after page, laughing, and guessing the whole time.
April 25, 2021
It is sci-if/fantasy based on the life of Amina, Queen of Zazzau and a great read. History, battles, court intrigue, romance. Really good context setting in terms of gender roles, ethnicities, the class structure and the practicalities of living and eating. Solid writing and good character development. No unrealistic plots which is my pet peeve. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to more stories about the African pantheon of Gods and Heroes!!!
June 20, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a really good historical fantasy novel following the Queen of Zazzau, Amina.
We follow Amina through her entire life and the endless battles she has to take on throughout her reign as Queen. She has many explicit love encounters, but stays strong in her commit to putting her country first.
This book is beautifully written though at times dragged because of the detail and unnessary storytellying put into the plot.
There are a ton of fast paced action scenes and steamy love scenes that make the reading fast paced and enjoyable.
I fell in love with Sulleyman though their love was short lived. Dafaru is a character that I so badly wanted to hate, but in all honesty he was one of my favorites and I would be eagerly waiting until his next appearance.
All in all it took me a good chunk of time to read, but if you're into epic historical fantasy type of novels, this is a good one to pick up.
This was a really good historical fantasy novel following the Queen of Zazzau, Amina.
We follow Amina through her entire life and the endless battles she has to take on throughout her reign as Queen. She has many explicit love encounters, but stays strong in her commit to putting her country first.
This book is beautifully written though at times dragged because of the detail and unnessary storytellying put into the plot.
There are a ton of fast paced action scenes and steamy love scenes that make the reading fast paced and enjoyable.
I fell in love with Sulleyman though their love was short lived. Dafaru is a character that I so badly wanted to hate, but in all honesty he was one of my favorites and I would be eagerly waiting until his next appearance.
All in all it took me a good chunk of time to read, but if you're into epic historical fantasy type of novels, this is a good one to pick up.
June 22, 2019
3.5 stars
Thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review.
This was a really good historical fantasy novel following the Queen of Zazzau, Amina.
We follow Amina through her entire life and the endless battles she has to take on throughout her reign as Queen. She has many explicit love encounters, but stays strong in her commit to putting her country first.
This book is beautifully written though at times dragged because of the detail and unnessary storytellying put into the plot.
There are a ton of fast paced action scenes and steamy love scenes that make the reading fast paced and enjoyable.
I fell in love with Sulleyman though their love was short lived. Dafaru is a character that I so badly wanted to hate, but in all honesty he was one of my favorites and I would be eagerly waiting until his next appearance.
All in all it took me a good chunk of time to read, but if you're into epic historical fantasy type of novels, this is a good one to pick up.
Thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review.
This was a really good historical fantasy novel following the Queen of Zazzau, Amina.
We follow Amina through her entire life and the endless battles she has to take on throughout her reign as Queen. She has many explicit love encounters, but stays strong in her commit to putting her country first.
This book is beautifully written though at times dragged because of the detail and unnessary storytellying put into the plot.
There are a ton of fast paced action scenes and steamy love scenes that make the reading fast paced and enjoyable.
I fell in love with Sulleyman though their love was short lived. Dafaru is a character that I so badly wanted to hate, but in all honesty he was one of my favorites and I would be eagerly waiting until his next appearance.
All in all it took me a good chunk of time to read, but if you're into epic historical fantasy type of novels, this is a good one to pick up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2022
This is a great #ownvoices book about princess Amina of Zazzau, by a West African-born author, taking into account many of the recorded history surrounding the period. That said, it also weaves an excellent fantasy into the narrative, including gods, demons, and magic. Emuakpor takes a lot of the gender and sex roles of the period head-on, and there are some very frank sex scenes in the book. This tells a long history of Amina's life, and the story feels long, like it really takes place over many years. That said, the middle of the book dragged a bit getting from the inciting incidents of the beginning to the eventual conclusion and playing out the various threads that had been started.
If you are looking for an excellent non-western historical fantasy, I highly recommend Queen of zazzau.
If you are looking for an excellent non-western historical fantasy, I highly recommend Queen of zazzau.
March 12, 2024
Rare for me, but I think this is one i actually enjoyed reading more than my opinions on its quality actually imply. I had assumed there would be more politics or war strategy in a Queen Amina retelling but this is actually more about her personal relationships and ultimately her lifelong love affair with the god of war. A lot more sex scenes than I'd anticipated!
But it was genuinely just a fun read as Amina grows in power and confidence, expanding the territory and influence of Zazzau.
But it was genuinely just a fun read as Amina grows in power and confidence, expanding the territory and influence of Zazzau.
February 23, 2020
It is (always and forever) who you know!
When all the obvious places at the table of life have been taken and with these eyes we can not see where there is room for us, then we open a door in Spirit and sit with the ancestors we find there. Those ancient ones would have much to tell us about Amina.
When all the obvious places at the table of life have been taken and with these eyes we can not see where there is room for us, then we open a door in Spirit and sit with the ancestors we find there. Those ancient ones would have much to tell us about Amina.
May 23, 2020
This book is very inspiring...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
I was very hopeful reading a story set in what is now Nigeria with a real Queen from the mid 1500's. What I didn't expect was the very strong thread of fantasy/sci-fi involving several gods. I enjoy fantasy though, but the way it developed was difficult for me to read. Amina is part of a prophecy that basically says she will be part of a lot of war and deaths regarding her people. This develops into a relationship with the God of War, Dafaru. The way the sex scenes were written, especially with Dafaru, seemed very forced and while I realize women's rights have been non-existent in history, reading it in today's society was triggering. Finally, we have an Afrocentric story of a powerful woman!! Instead of her story being about how she grows from a princess, to a warrior to a queen, it's reduced to sex with a god, a man who is stronger than her and she is forced to kill any man she sleeps with that is not Dafaru.
I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2020
The nerd part of me wishes that I knew more of the myths and stories that Emuakpor draws on. There are hints and gestures towards a cosmology that is fascinating. The incompleteness, either in my own background or in the presentation, detracts from my full immersion in the world.
That moves me from really liked to liked but this is well worth a read. Amina as the main character is flawed but engaging. The African context, even little hints like the interaction of the rise of Islam and the decline of the "old gods" is made normal so as not to be exotic.
Would love to see more from Emuakpor, perhaps other myths and stories and other "old gods".
Addition: This book has stuck with me, making me consider the fading of the old gods and the prominence of the new. It is Islam that ascends here but much could also be said of Christianity. The old gods exist alongside the new but slowly, over a few generations, the old fade away. The device used here is that the main character becomes god like and the old-god becomes human. Still pondering the implications.
That moves me from really liked to liked but this is well worth a read. Amina as the main character is flawed but engaging. The African context, even little hints like the interaction of the rise of Islam and the decline of the "old gods" is made normal so as not to be exotic.
Would love to see more from Emuakpor, perhaps other myths and stories and other "old gods".
Addition: This book has stuck with me, making me consider the fading of the old gods and the prominence of the new. It is Islam that ascends here but much could also be said of Christianity. The old gods exist alongside the new but slowly, over a few generations, the old fade away. The device used here is that the main character becomes god like and the old-god becomes human. Still pondering the implications.
January 16, 2020
Published by another tiny micro press that I like -- I requested my local library purchase a copy (they bought three!) and waited for it to come in. I don't read a lot of historical fantasy, but the idea that it was about a historical queen, Amina, and that most of the fantasy was about the gods of Zazzau intrigued me.
There were some writing choices that baffled me, but usually I would get a few more chapters in and suddenly realize why she had been writing like that. As interesting as Amina was as a character (and she was), it was possibly more intriguing to witness the slow transition from a time with Islam and polytheistic nature/tribal gods co-existed more or less peacefully to the rising dominance of monotheism and patriarchy.
An interesting tale that kept me turning pages.
There were some writing choices that baffled me, but usually I would get a few more chapters in and suddenly realize why she had been writing like that. As interesting as Amina was as a character (and she was), it was possibly more intriguing to witness the slow transition from a time with Islam and polytheistic nature/tribal gods co-existed more or less peacefully to the rising dominance of monotheism and patriarchy.
An interesting tale that kept me turning pages.
November 15, 2018
I liked this book. I liked the setting. I liked how it felt like, with the Nigerian Gods, it felt like a historical fairy tale. Amina is a warrior who is devoted to her country's well being.
My huge problem is how the sex scenes are written. They're on the side of non-consensual. It's one thing when a god is being pushy after Amina says no but it's another when it's a human love interest.
Once she stops having human love interests and cares more about conquering then it gets more interesting. Looking forward reading about more African queens written with this historical fairy tale treatment.
My huge problem is how the sex scenes are written. They're on the side of non-consensual. It's one thing when a god is being pushy after Amina says no but it's another when it's a human love interest.
Once she stops having human love interests and cares more about conquering then it gets more interesting. Looking forward reading about more African queens written with this historical fairy tale treatment.
December 30, 2018
I ended up DNFing this book because it is one of those books where you get a lot of action in the beginning, and it runs out of steam rather quickly. I had no clue if the world was fictional or real or where the scene was taking place. Some of the scenes skipped and did not flow the way I am used to. I gave up after chapter 13 when a particular character died. The premise intrigued me, and the cover is gorgeous but other than that the story did not entice me as much as I thought it would.
1/5 stars.
For a full review see my blog at https://bookgirlreviewsbooks.blogspot...
1/5 stars.
For a full review see my blog at https://bookgirlreviewsbooks.blogspot...
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