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Son of the Storm
(The Nameless Republic #1)
by
From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, Son of the Storm is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forgotten magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.
"Everything I love in a fantasy novel. Damn good stuff!" —Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings
In the ancient city of Bassa, Danso is a clever scholar on the cusp of ...more
"Everything I love in a fantasy novel. Damn good stuff!" —Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings
In the ancient city of Bassa, Danso is a clever scholar on the cusp of ...more
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Son of the Storm (The Nameless Republic, #1)
by
Release
date: May 11, 2021
From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, Son of the Storm is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forgotten magic set in a w
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Availability: 100 copies available, 1118 people requesting
Giveaway dates: Apr 17 - Apr 25, 2021
Countries available: U.S.
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Suyi Okungbowa
Not between the main characters, no. Other characters have love lives, but none of them is centered as the main story.
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Start your review of Son of the Storm (The Nameless Republic, #1)
![destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1614916030p2/15335689.jpg)
This has to be one of the absolute most gorgeous covers I've ever seen in my life. Like, I want a full-color portrait tattoo of this damn cover. Omg. 😍
...more
* I received this for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review *
This story is a new release from Orbit, adding to their growing collection of authors from a wider background and expanding on the fantasy settings and inspirations they have in their listings. The author Suyi is a Nigerian author, and many of his West-African origins and heritage can be seen in the setting for this story. Looking all the way back to old civilisations of Nigeria and inspired by places like Benin City ...more
This story is a new release from Orbit, adding to their growing collection of authors from a wider background and expanding on the fantasy settings and inspirations they have in their listings. The author Suyi is a Nigerian author, and many of his West-African origins and heritage can be seen in the setting for this story. Looking all the way back to old civilisations of Nigeria and inspired by places like Benin City ...more
★ I received an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ★
I really enjoyed this book! The magic system was unique, the setting vibrant, and the political system thoroughly written. Each chapter is a different POV with multiple chapters, the three main being: Danso -a scholar and dreamer, Esheme -an ambitious achiever, and Lilong -a traveler out for revenge. Each character is extremely flawed while still being likable, and I found myself rooting for all of them (even wh ...more
I really enjoyed this book! The magic system was unique, the setting vibrant, and the political system thoroughly written. Each chapter is a different POV with multiple chapters, the three main being: Danso -a scholar and dreamer, Esheme -an ambitious achiever, and Lilong -a traveler out for revenge. Each character is extremely flawed while still being likable, and I found myself rooting for all of them (even wh ...more
Thanks so much to Orbit for a review copy of this book. Since they don't want reviews to come out until April 2021, I'll just say for now: a masterpiece.
...more
Jan 04, 2021
Elithanathile
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
general-buy-as-soon-as-possible
Look at that cover ... ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!
******************************************
On the book's page, some random user posted a question for this book (and I quote) "Does this have romance", and the author responded (and I quote again):
"Not between the main characters, no. Other characters have love lives, but none of them is centered as the main story."
To the author I say:
THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!! I am most definitely NOT a fan of romance in any adult Fantasy books and series ... NO ...more
******************************************
On the book's page, some random user posted a question for this book (and I quote) "Does this have romance", and the author responded (and I quote again):
"Not between the main characters, no. Other characters have love lives, but none of them is centered as the main story."
To the author I say:
THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!! I am most definitely NOT a fan of romance in any adult Fantasy books and series ... NO ...more
Mar 27, 2021
AnnaLuce
marked it as dnf
DNF 50%
I usually avoid DNFing books past the 30% mark but Son of the Storm and I...we aren't vibing (one of those it's not you it's me cases).
That is not me saying this book is bad, far from it. The author's writing is pretty solid and the setting is vividly rendered. Alas, the book is not so great when it comes to the world-building, story, and characters. I need to feel something (positive or negative) for the characters in order to be invested in a story. And here, well I didn't feel much of ...more
I usually avoid DNFing books past the 30% mark but Son of the Storm and I...we aren't vibing (one of those it's not you it's me cases).
That is not me saying this book is bad, far from it. The author's writing is pretty solid and the setting is vividly rendered. Alas, the book is not so great when it comes to the world-building, story, and characters. I need to feel something (positive or negative) for the characters in order to be invested in a story. And here, well I didn't feel much of ...more
Son of the Storm is a hugely compelling fantasy tale with some truly immersive world building and featuring a diverse, eclectic group of characters all living out an extremely addictive narrative.
Such a vibrant piece of storytelling, setting up the political and cultural background pitch perfectly, allowing the audience an insight into the reasons behind this burgeoning tale of good versus evil.
A perfect mix of action and consequence ensues, with the nuanced nature of the story really keeping ...more
Such a vibrant piece of storytelling, setting up the political and cultural background pitch perfectly, allowing the audience an insight into the reasons behind this burgeoning tale of good versus evil.
A perfect mix of action and consequence ensues, with the nuanced nature of the story really keeping ...more
Fantastic worldbuilding. Exquisitely observed in every detail—vivid, captivating and unflinching.
After reading books by Nnedi Okorafor, Tomi Adeyemi and Marlon James my interest in fantasy stories based in African culture has definitely been grown. So when I saw this book I knew I needed to read it.
The storyline is interesting though very politically charged and I had a hard time getting through some of the story.
Son of the Storm explores racial, political and gender topics. There is much conflict in this story between most of the characters so it is rather tension filled.
I did enjoy the ...more
The storyline is interesting though very politically charged and I had a hard time getting through some of the story.
Son of the Storm explores racial, political and gender topics. There is much conflict in this story between most of the characters so it is rather tension filled.
I did enjoy the ...more
Oct 08, 2020
Simant Verma
marked it as 2021-releases
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
age-adult,
g-sci-fi-fantasy
October 8th, 2020: This freaking-gorgeous-super-powerful cover has all my heart 😍 And I feel like I am adding a fantasy book written by a male author to my TBR after so long?? And I am always here to read more West-African inspired fantasies!!
holy fuck. the cover, the title, the synopsis. i'm ready to be swept off my feet
...more
Son of the Storm is a novel that explores class oppression, the price of magic and a powerful empire set to destroy the history and culture of the land of Oon. Filled with a great cast of characters, an interesting magic system (including necromancy!!) it is a new release you don't want to miss!!
We mainly follow 3 main characters (see below) but there is an excellent side cast as well:
Danso - Danso is a great character to follow, he is the disaster scholar genius of my heart. I love it when ch ...more
We mainly follow 3 main characters (see below) but there is an excellent side cast as well:
Danso - Danso is a great character to follow, he is the disaster scholar genius of my heart. I love it when ch ...more
Whoa!
I liked it! The world is SO vibrant. The different cultures, complex caste systems, characters who are BADDIES, a naive scholar, a skin changing warrior -- everything and everyone leap off the pages. I maybe enjoyed Danso's chapters the most. Seriously, the book needed more Danso.
The magic system is very interesting and I can't wait to learn more about it.
Now, on to the negatives--- there is something off with the pacing. Even though the book is slow a lot happens at a very short time and ...more
I liked it! The world is SO vibrant. The different cultures, complex caste systems, characters who are BADDIES, a naive scholar, a skin changing warrior -- everything and everyone leap off the pages. I maybe enjoyed Danso's chapters the most. Seriously, the book needed more Danso.
The magic system is very interesting and I can't wait to learn more about it.
Now, on to the negatives--- there is something off with the pacing. Even though the book is slow a lot happens at a very short time and ...more
Thank you so much to Orbit for sending me a free arc for an honest review.
As much as I don't want to say it this novel didn't strike me the way I wanted it to. It's story and characters went in directions that didn't interest me and I found myself drifting by the end of it. I was underwhelmed and I am so sad about it. I really wanted to like this novel as it is the debut of a new series. Due to this I will unfortunately not be continuing on with it.
Aside from my feelings about this book, I can ...more
As much as I don't want to say it this novel didn't strike me the way I wanted it to. It's story and characters went in directions that didn't interest me and I found myself drifting by the end of it. I was underwhelmed and I am so sad about it. I really wanted to like this novel as it is the debut of a new series. Due to this I will unfortunately not be continuing on with it.
Aside from my feelings about this book, I can ...more
Jan 05, 2021
Eleanor
marked it as to-read
I literally saw 'disillusioned scholar' and was hooked...INSTANTLY. Plus, what a gorgeous cover!! This novel looks like it'll deal with a lot of political intrigue too...my absolute favorite. Simply CANNOT wait!! A young scholar with ambition too, I'M SO HERE FOR IT!
...more
Dec 22, 2020
Shorouk Abd Elhamid
marked it as anticipated-2021
skin-changing warrior from non existing island
That sounds good !!
That sounds good !!
“𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨: 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨, 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.”—Suyi Davies Okungbowa
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝟮.𝟱/𝟱 ⭐️
I was so excited to read an African inspired Own Voices story. Especially after having spent a summer doing medical work in Africa, living in the bush, working in the Serengeti, staying with the Masai, and bouncing between Kisumu and Nairobi. I absolutely love anything African inspired.
I haven’t found a ton of books like this out on the market. Every book has its own discerning ...more
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝟮.𝟱/𝟱 ⭐️
I was so excited to read an African inspired Own Voices story. Especially after having spent a summer doing medical work in Africa, living in the bush, working in the Serengeti, staying with the Masai, and bouncing between Kisumu and Nairobi. I absolutely love anything African inspired.
I haven’t found a ton of books like this out on the market. Every book has its own discerning ...more
This is not a review. I'm simply using this opportunity to share, for future readers, the explanation I offered to a recent reviewer.
The reviewer pointed out their discomfort with the term "yellowskin" as used in this book/series, and was concerned about its offensiveness to Asian-descended peoples. My response was to clarify that: (1) in The Nameless Republic as a series, there are no Asians or Asian-inspired peoples or people of any other race--everyone is Black/African-inspired; (2) the "yell ...more
The reviewer pointed out their discomfort with the term "yellowskin" as used in this book/series, and was concerned about its offensiveness to Asian-descended peoples. My response was to clarify that: (1) in The Nameless Republic as a series, there are no Asians or Asian-inspired peoples or people of any other race--everyone is Black/African-inspired; (2) the "yell ...more
Oct 21, 2020
Edward
marked it as to-read
Can't wait to sink my fangs into this one!, see as the cover self maad die....
...more
Thank you to the publisher and NetGallery for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited to read Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa. Fantasy books are my favorite genre, and I was honored to get approved to review this book ahead of its release date. A fantasy based on "the pre-colonial empires of West Africa" sounds innovative and exciting, and I always support representation by #ownvoices authors. However, I just could not get over the depictions of Asian people in this ...more
I was so excited to read Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa. Fantasy books are my favorite genre, and I was honored to get approved to review this book ahead of its release date. A fantasy based on "the pre-colonial empires of West Africa" sounds innovative and exciting, and I always support representation by #ownvoices authors. However, I just could not get over the depictions of Asian people in this ...more
A wonderful start to this new fantasy series!! Son of the Storm is set in an African-inspired world that is vibrant, expansive and immediately draws you into this world that is fully fleshed out and full of a marvelous variety of characters. The story is set on the continent of Oon, primarily in the main city of Bassa and follows Danso, a young man studying at university to be a jali, a scholar and storyteller. However, life is difficult for Danso as he is the son of a mainlander and an outlande
...more
This was first ever ARC, do I just want to take a moment to thank Orbit for approving my request! What an exciting experience.
This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2021. The cover, the synopsis, and the hype surrounding it all promised a new epic adult fantasy book. Unfortunately, this one did not pan out for me. There were absolutely good and bad aspects of this books so let's get into them.
Good: The setting was lush, evocative, and unique. The world the author created was spell-bind ...more
This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2021. The cover, the synopsis, and the hype surrounding it all promised a new epic adult fantasy book. Unfortunately, this one did not pan out for me. There were absolutely good and bad aspects of this books so let's get into them.
Good: The setting was lush, evocative, and unique. The world the author created was spell-bind ...more
I love that authors in underrepresented groups are getting so much attention right now. I think it's great to be exposed to a more global and diverse viewpoint. The cultures in fantasy are fictional, but usually strongly flavored with the author's experience, as this one seems to be. This book has an African feel to it, with deep skin tone based racism, the darkest being highest class. It has some similarities to C.T. Rwizi's Scarlet Odyssey, with a few people having magical abilities, and the s
...more
Thanks to NetGalley & Orbit for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Son of the Storm" follows multiple POVs, Danso a naive scholar who soon becomes disillusioned with the lies his school taught him, Zaq, a sort of friend/employee of Danso's, Esheme is the daughter of a ruthless politician who is suddenly incapacitated and has to rise to her mother's position in the only way she knows how. Lilong belongs to a race of people long thought to be a myth and she has escaped her land in or ...more
"Son of the Storm" follows multiple POVs, Danso a naive scholar who soon becomes disillusioned with the lies his school taught him, Zaq, a sort of friend/employee of Danso's, Esheme is the daughter of a ruthless politician who is suddenly incapacitated and has to rise to her mother's position in the only way she knows how. Lilong belongs to a race of people long thought to be a myth and she has escaped her land in or ...more
**I received a ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Character 5| Setting 5| Plot 4.5| Writing 4.5| Enjoyability 5|
Overall rating 4.8
Okungbowa's Son of the Storm is a work of art. He makes sure right away we know what's going on, where it's going on, and who his characters are.
I am just amazed at all the detail he's put into this world. The setting itself is so intricate and I can visualize it so easily, I know what Bassa is. I know her people. I know her politi ...more
Character 5| Setting 5| Plot 4.5| Writing 4.5| Enjoyability 5|
Overall rating 4.8
Okungbowa's Son of the Storm is a work of art. He makes sure right away we know what's going on, where it's going on, and who his characters are.
I am just amazed at all the detail he's put into this world. The setting itself is so intricate and I can visualize it so easily, I know what Bassa is. I know her people. I know her politi ...more
Son of the Storm is the beginning of what promises to be an epic series, but I wonder if it overdoes the backstory. The main character's significance isn't fully realized until more than 200 pages into the novel. I understand, of course, the need to set the stage and provide what the reader needs to move the story forward. Honestly, I don't know what part of the story I would "edit," to make it feel shorter, but there are so many stories being told -- of Lilong, of Danso, of Esheme, of Zaq, of N
...more
A huge thank you to Orbit for the e-ARC of this book! I really appreciate it.
Unfortunately, for now, I am DNF-ing this at 68%.
I've having issues with pacing, as well as having so much information seemingly dropped at my feet over and over in this book. I tried to stick it out, but overall feel that it's better for me to put this one down for now, and possibly pick it up in the future to finish it.
For me the plot was the most enticing thing about the blurbs I've seen, and think that most other pe ...more
Unfortunately, for now, I am DNF-ing this at 68%.
I've having issues with pacing, as well as having so much information seemingly dropped at my feet over and over in this book. I tried to stick it out, but overall feel that it's better for me to put this one down for now, and possibly pick it up in the future to finish it.
For me the plot was the most enticing thing about the blurbs I've seen, and think that most other pe ...more
With Thanks to Suyi Davies Okungbowa and Orbit for an advanced readers copy of this book.
Take all the stars - all of them.
I adored this book! Everything about it was just fantastic, Orbit have really impressed me recently I don't think I've had an arc I didn't like for a while. Plus the active diversity being shown both in their author selection and through book picks needs to be mentioned.
This is a Multi-POV book, with each chapter following a different character.
The 3 we get to know best a ...more
Take all the stars - all of them.
I adored this book! Everything about it was just fantastic, Orbit have really impressed me recently I don't think I've had an arc I didn't like for a while. Plus the active diversity being shown both in their author selection and through book picks needs to be mentioned.
This is a Multi-POV book, with each chapter following a different character.
The 3 we get to know best a ...more
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Son of the Storm was an enjoyable read and I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens in the next instalment.
The characters were varied, interesting and with great character arcs. The description of the people and their culture is really different (exotic almost) and believable. The world building is also a strength in the book with the author creating a rich and magical world that has enough realism in it ...more
Son of the Storm was an enjoyable read and I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens in the next instalment.
The characters were varied, interesting and with great character arcs. The description of the people and their culture is really different (exotic almost) and believable. The world building is also a strength in the book with the author creating a rich and magical world that has enough realism in it ...more
I really enjoyed this book. The strength was by far the story. It is an epic fantasy and even though its slow paced it was still great - some twists and turns in the narrative were completely unexpected. I think there could be better character development, there were some drastic chanegs in behaviour that for me were either not believable or at least not many seeds were sewn in advance to accept that views had changed over such a short period. Other than that I was entirely enveloped in the stor
...more
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Suyi Davies Okungbowa is the author of Son of the Storm (Orbit, May 2021), first in The Nameless Republic epic fantasy trilogy, and the godpunk novel, David Mogo, Godhunter (Abaddon, 2019). His shorter works have appeared internationally in periodicals like Tor.com, Lightspeed, Nightmare, Strange Horizons, Fireside, and anthologies like Year's Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, A World of Horror an
...more
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“Information before you need it is just as dangerous as the lack of it.”
—
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“When you pursue two rats at the same time, you catch neither, the pillar of Logic said.
You do not divide forbidden meat with your teeth, the pillar of Religions and Philosophy whispered.
A child does not play outside so much as to forget home, the pillar of History, Geography, and Languages warned.”
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You do not divide forbidden meat with your teeth, the pillar of Religions and Philosophy whispered.
A child does not play outside so much as to forget home, the pillar of History, Geography, and Languages warned.”
