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Meji #1
Meji: Book One
Meji Book One Book Description Change: On the Sesu grasslands of the continent of Uhuru, Inkosi Dingane is granted his wish. His Great Wife Shani bears him a son, and heir to his growing empire. But the ancestors have plans of their own. Shani bears him meji, twins boys considered an abomination among the Sesu but a blessing to Shani's people, the Mawena. Thus begins the story of two brothers destined to transform their world. One brother, Ndoro, fights for his place among the Sesu hoping to shed the stigma of abomination. The other, Obaseki, grows to a man among the Mawena, struggling with a gift that alienates him from his family. Both are forced to seek their destiny, travelling through teeming savanna, mysterious forests, haunted cliffs and torrid deserts, fulfilling a prophecy that changes them and their world forever.
230 pages, softcover
First published January 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Milton J. Davis
78 books246 followersMilton Davis is owner of MVmedia, LLC , a small publishing company specializing in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Sword and Soul. MVmedia’s mission is to provide speculative fiction books that represent people of color in a positive manner. Milton is the author of eight novels; his most recent The Woman of the Woods and Amber and the Hidden City. He is co-editor of four anthologies; Griots: A Sword and Soul Anthology and Griot: Sisters of the Spear, with Charles R. Saunders; The Ki Khanga Anthology with Balogun Ojetade and the Steamfunk! Anthology, also with Balogun Ojetade. MVmedia has also published Once Upon A Time in Afrika by Balogun Ojetade.
Milton resides in Metro Atlanta with his wife Vickie and his children Brandon and Alana.
Milton resides in Metro Atlanta with his wife Vickie and his children Brandon and Alana.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 13, 2011
Meji is a book belonging to the sword-and-soul genre, a fantasy subgenre.
So what exactly is sword-and-soul? Charles R. Saunders who needs no introduction, explains this in his introduction to the second edition of Meji, Book One. As the great man himself says:
"... The potential existed for the conception of many other variations on classic African themes. A limitless number of stories were waiting to be written by other authors. Consider the dozens, if not hundreds, of ways the legend of King Arthur has been retold. That's just one story, from one culture. African, with its hundred of cultures stretching back to the beginning of humanity, offers infinite opportunities for stories of fantasy and sword-and-sorcery - or, as I prefer to call it, sword-and-soul."
Sword-and-soul is similar to the sword-and-sorcery genre in the epic sense, but as opposed to classic tales of sword-and-sorcery, it draws its inspiration from African mythology and history. Most readers of the fantasy genre will appreciate this the same way they will appreciate other fantasy works that don't systematically features elements from Celtic mythology (i.e. elves, dwarfs, etc.).
Truth be told, I've never been much of a fan of the sword-and-sorcery genre classic tales, be it Moorcock's Elric series or Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, both series I've started, struggled through the first books and never found to courage to finish. I never seem to connect with the characters and the lack of interesting and strong female characters doesn't help, but then neither did the plots that I always found too simplistic and made me feel like nothing was ever really at stake. I know these series have quite a huge number of fans out there, so I'm not trying to drag them down, but merely to explain why they didn't work for me and why Milton's Meji did.
The African setting is one thing, but you can't build a series on setting alone, no matter how well you've done your research. And Milton obviously knows his subject and I'm glad he places bits and pieces of his knowledge throughout the story and not in huge info dumps.
As you may have guessed from the blurb, the story involves several different tribes, each has its own language and customs depending on its particular history and the geography of its settlement. This is one of the things I enjoyed the most in this first book; being introduced to all these different people, their folklore and religions, and seeing them interact and clash at times. These political and economical elements are ever present in the story, making for some nice political intrigues and games of power.
Another point that distinguishes Meji from a lot of works of epic fantasy is its characters. There are the twins, yes, but they were not the most interesting characters in my mind (it's probably because book one mostly describes their upbringing and serves as a set up for what's to come in book two). I especially appreciated the character of Inaamdura, who reminded be of a more sympathetic version of G.R.R. Martin's Cersei. In Martin's books, you hate Cersei, you hate her children, you simply want them out of the picture and know that nothing good could ever come from them. In Meji, you understand why Inaamdura does what she does and truth is, you can hardly blame her because in her position, you'd probably do the same to protect your own, even if it means hurting one of the main characters. She's an ambitious, beautiful woman, an expert manipulator who's not afraid to take what she wants. So few ambitious female characters are portrayed in a positive light that it's worth mentioning.
I'm also a fan of the twin's father Dingane, who's not the cliché savage you may initially think him to be. The Sesu people have grown under his rule and there's a good reason for that. Another one that I'd wished we'd seen a bit more is the ruler of the Mawena, the twin's grandfather, who's bound by protocol and tradition and not really free to do as he pleases or allow his grandson to do as much.
Meji is a complex and rich tale of which I've only read one installment! I can't imagine what's to come, but I'm eager to discover. I found it to be a much more enjoyable read them most of the sword-and-sorcery I've read over the years because, despite taking place in a fantasy world, it takes into account questions of race, gender and politics that are part of human behavior and society. That, to me, is the book's real asset.
So yes, I recommend it.
So what exactly is sword-and-soul? Charles R. Saunders who needs no introduction, explains this in his introduction to the second edition of Meji, Book One. As the great man himself says:
"... The potential existed for the conception of many other variations on classic African themes. A limitless number of stories were waiting to be written by other authors. Consider the dozens, if not hundreds, of ways the legend of King Arthur has been retold. That's just one story, from one culture. African, with its hundred of cultures stretching back to the beginning of humanity, offers infinite opportunities for stories of fantasy and sword-and-sorcery - or, as I prefer to call it, sword-and-soul."
Sword-and-soul is similar to the sword-and-sorcery genre in the epic sense, but as opposed to classic tales of sword-and-sorcery, it draws its inspiration from African mythology and history. Most readers of the fantasy genre will appreciate this the same way they will appreciate other fantasy works that don't systematically features elements from Celtic mythology (i.e. elves, dwarfs, etc.).
Truth be told, I've never been much of a fan of the sword-and-sorcery genre classic tales, be it Moorcock's Elric series or Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, both series I've started, struggled through the first books and never found to courage to finish. I never seem to connect with the characters and the lack of interesting and strong female characters doesn't help, but then neither did the plots that I always found too simplistic and made me feel like nothing was ever really at stake. I know these series have quite a huge number of fans out there, so I'm not trying to drag them down, but merely to explain why they didn't work for me and why Milton's Meji did.
The African setting is one thing, but you can't build a series on setting alone, no matter how well you've done your research. And Milton obviously knows his subject and I'm glad he places bits and pieces of his knowledge throughout the story and not in huge info dumps.
As you may have guessed from the blurb, the story involves several different tribes, each has its own language and customs depending on its particular history and the geography of its settlement. This is one of the things I enjoyed the most in this first book; being introduced to all these different people, their folklore and religions, and seeing them interact and clash at times. These political and economical elements are ever present in the story, making for some nice political intrigues and games of power.
Another point that distinguishes Meji from a lot of works of epic fantasy is its characters. There are the twins, yes, but they were not the most interesting characters in my mind (it's probably because book one mostly describes their upbringing and serves as a set up for what's to come in book two). I especially appreciated the character of Inaamdura, who reminded be of a more sympathetic version of G.R.R. Martin's Cersei. In Martin's books, you hate Cersei, you hate her children, you simply want them out of the picture and know that nothing good could ever come from them. In Meji, you understand why Inaamdura does what she does and truth is, you can hardly blame her because in her position, you'd probably do the same to protect your own, even if it means hurting one of the main characters. She's an ambitious, beautiful woman, an expert manipulator who's not afraid to take what she wants. So few ambitious female characters are portrayed in a positive light that it's worth mentioning.
I'm also a fan of the twin's father Dingane, who's not the cliché savage you may initially think him to be. The Sesu people have grown under his rule and there's a good reason for that. Another one that I'd wished we'd seen a bit more is the ruler of the Mawena, the twin's grandfather, who's bound by protocol and tradition and not really free to do as he pleases or allow his grandson to do as much.
Meji is a complex and rich tale of which I've only read one installment! I can't imagine what's to come, but I'm eager to discover. I found it to be a much more enjoyable read them most of the sword-and-sorcery I've read over the years because, despite taking place in a fantasy world, it takes into account questions of race, gender and politics that are part of human behavior and society. That, to me, is the book's real asset.
So yes, I recommend it.
March 20, 2011
Milton Davis has opened the door to African mystical fantasy through his powerful storytelling in his Meji series. Meji is presently a two book ride through African history, folklore and mythology; built around two strong and endearing protagonists, Ndoro and Obaseki. Ndora and Obaseki are twins born to the Sesu Inkosi Dingane. But Sesu tradition frowns upon twins as an abomination. In Book One, Ndoro and Obaseki are separated, in order to spare their lives. Ndoro is raised Sesu, and Obaseki is raised by his mother’s people the Mawena. Each grows into adulthood disgraced and alienated. Ndoro the warrior and Obaseki the mystic use their gifts, given to them by the ancestors to earn respect and cut their own way in a world not quite ready for their brand of doing business. In Book Two, each twins’ gift grows and flourishes, finally placing them as leaders of their own separate kingdoms that rival both the Sesu and the Mawena kingdoms. Eventually, two will become one.
Remarkable Story! I am very excited about what Milton Davis has done with Meji. I ripped through the books and couldn't put them down. Milton Davis is a fantastic and powerful writer. His character building of Ndoro and Obaseki are masterful and magical. The reader rides on their motivations and pushes through each challenge with them. Milton Davis makes the reader feel his characters’ pain and understand their anger. That is truly an amazing talent for a writer. Meji hits all the right cylinders. Great job...I hope there is more!
Remarkable Story! I am very excited about what Milton Davis has done with Meji. I ripped through the books and couldn't put them down. Milton Davis is a fantastic and powerful writer. His character building of Ndoro and Obaseki are masterful and magical. The reader rides on their motivations and pushes through each challenge with them. Milton Davis makes the reader feel his characters’ pain and understand their anger. That is truly an amazing talent for a writer. Meji hits all the right cylinders. Great job...I hope there is more!
November 18, 2010
Cursed the day they were born because they were twins, both Obaseki and Ndoro should have been killed. Their father, who wished to have a son more than anything, ordered the death of one of the boys. At great risk to the twins’ mother, Shani, and her two servants, Ndoro and Obaseki were rescued and taken to the village of their grandfather. He faked the death of one son, Obaseki, and gave the other, Ndoro, to his father.
Though shun by his people, Ndoro grew to be a great warrior, while his brother Obaseki inherited an amazing ability that allowed him to interact with the spirits. Neither Ndoro nor Obaseki ever knew of the other's existence. And though their lives had taken different paths, somehow they would suffer the same fate, being feared and hated by their people.
Milton Davis has written a fantastic tale that should be required reading. The world and characters he crafted was brought to life with his vivid details and believable circumstances. I felt for the two brothers throughout the story. I'm looking forward to reading book two in the series. I highly recommend you read Meji Book One.
Though shun by his people, Ndoro grew to be a great warrior, while his brother Obaseki inherited an amazing ability that allowed him to interact with the spirits. Neither Ndoro nor Obaseki ever knew of the other's existence. And though their lives had taken different paths, somehow they would suffer the same fate, being feared and hated by their people.
Milton Davis has written a fantastic tale that should be required reading. The world and characters he crafted was brought to life with his vivid details and believable circumstances. I felt for the two brothers throughout the story. I'm looking forward to reading book two in the series. I highly recommend you read Meji Book One.
February 12, 2009
This fantasy is set in an alternate Africa. The various tribes and their cultures are very well developed, and the effect of culture on personality and goals shows through well. Lots of action. The African-influenced setting (as opposed to the common medieval Europe setting) makes this book fresh and unpredictable. This book is self-published and can be ordered at http://www.mvmediaatl.com.
August 6, 2011
Fantastic read! Milton Davis is a master storyteller and delivers Sword & Soul in a powerful and entertaining package. Deep, soulful, thought-provoking and enjoyable. This is fantasy at its best!
June 28, 2012
By the time one has even finished a couple chapters of new Fantasy novel, Meji, author Milton Davis will have already introduced us to the continent of Uhuru, where in the dark lush pastures of Sesu, Inkosi Dingane is hoping for his wife Shani to bears him an heir to the throne. Shani, in fact, gives birth to twins, of which Meji becomes an important figure to the Mawena tribe. While the one twin struggles to find respect and admiration among his people, the other also struggles to find his place within a culture where tradition, ritual, religion, and beliefs are central to the discovery of one’s destiny.
Davis, a chemist by day, grew fascinated with African history, culture and religion while attending college. He eventually discovered that he wanted to write a fantasy novel based on African history. With Meji, Davis skillfully ushers us through an African society of masked dancing, shrine objects, dress, status and prestige arts, architecture and furnishings. Well distributed over 230 pages, Davis references a great many African functions within a society. And so on, with the meticulous layering and structuring of African culture, rituals, religion, and beliefs, the reader (with a slight knowledge of African history) could easily discern or preconceive the possibility that Davis is going to tell us of the pitfalls, shortcomings, and consequences of two twins torn between two familial belief systems: twins as sign of good versus abomination. This book comes HIGHLY recommended because it broadened my interest in books, taught a valuable lesson, and encouraged me to think more deeply on issues concerning religion, spirituality, and family.
What did you like best about this book?
I liked Davis’s strong grasp of African history. Also, Davis is a great writer!
What did you dislike about this book?
Not much into fantasy books, but Davis may’ve changed that. I’d certainly read another one of his books.
Davis, a chemist by day, grew fascinated with African history, culture and religion while attending college. He eventually discovered that he wanted to write a fantasy novel based on African history. With Meji, Davis skillfully ushers us through an African society of masked dancing, shrine objects, dress, status and prestige arts, architecture and furnishings. Well distributed over 230 pages, Davis references a great many African functions within a society. And so on, with the meticulous layering and structuring of African culture, rituals, religion, and beliefs, the reader (with a slight knowledge of African history) could easily discern or preconceive the possibility that Davis is going to tell us of the pitfalls, shortcomings, and consequences of two twins torn between two familial belief systems: twins as sign of good versus abomination. This book comes HIGHLY recommended because it broadened my interest in books, taught a valuable lesson, and encouraged me to think more deeply on issues concerning religion, spirituality, and family.
What did you like best about this book?
I liked Davis’s strong grasp of African history. Also, Davis is a great writer!
What did you dislike about this book?
Not much into fantasy books, but Davis may’ve changed that. I’d certainly read another one of his books.
March 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
I was asked to read and review two books for Black History Month and here’s the review of the first book. It is Meji Book One by Milton Davis. Meji Book One is an epic fantasy in the style of Conan or Tarzan in an African inspired setting. It was a solid story about twin brothers, Ndoro and Obaseki, separated at birth and the paths each one will take to connect with one another.
Meji Book One is set mostly in the Sesu grasslands on the continent of Uhuru where Dingane, the king rules over a vast empire. One of Dingane’s wives, Shani, bears him twin boys considered to be a damnation amongst the Sesu but a blessing to Shani’s people, the Mawena. The story splits between the activities of the twin boys and how they each grow into manhood.
It is a fast paced, page turning novel. However, I thought they were a few uneven spots that could have made the novel more cohesive. But, I was interested in each brother’s respective journey (especially Obaseki, the mystic) and I’m looking forward to reading the second and final book of their story. Recommended for epic fantasy and adventure fiction fans.
I was asked to read and review two books for Black History Month and here’s the review of the first book. It is Meji Book One by Milton Davis. Meji Book One is an epic fantasy in the style of Conan or Tarzan in an African inspired setting. It was a solid story about twin brothers, Ndoro and Obaseki, separated at birth and the paths each one will take to connect with one another.
Meji Book One is set mostly in the Sesu grasslands on the continent of Uhuru where Dingane, the king rules over a vast empire. One of Dingane’s wives, Shani, bears him twin boys considered to be a damnation amongst the Sesu but a blessing to Shani’s people, the Mawena. The story splits between the activities of the twin boys and how they each grow into manhood.
It is a fast paced, page turning novel. However, I thought they were a few uneven spots that could have made the novel more cohesive. But, I was interested in each brother’s respective journey (especially Obaseki, the mystic) and I’m looking forward to reading the second and final book of their story. Recommended for epic fantasy and adventure fiction fans.
August 8, 2014
So I have a weakness for the genre I refer to as historo-fiction, and it includes embroidered tales of documentedly real historic characters such as in the series by Harold Lamb that encompasses Genghis Khan, Tamerlane and Cyrus the Great of Persia. I also am quite partial to African-American speculative fiction; among my favorites being Octavia Butler and Tananarive Due. What I love about Milton Davis is that his work bridges these genres for me. I know "sword and soul" is a thing, but I think it's a little more, and better, than that name suggests. He develops strong characters, richly adorns his tales with cultural and historic detail, and moves along at a satisfyingly brisk pace -- so much so that, as with those authors I love best, I start slowing down as I near the end. Bless him for serializing, so I know he will soon deliver more in the saga of this character and milieu. In fact, I wish he would get busy. I'm at the end of this series and eager for more by this author. Thankfully, unlike Lamb and Butler, whom I discovered posthumously, he is still alive and kicking.
December 2, 2012
I owned this book for a few years and never got around to taking the time to read it. This I took the time and I was pleasantly pleased with the story i found in the pages. Meji tells the story of a set of twins born to a powerful tribal chief in a fictional African country. The Sesu tribe have been led to believe that the birth of twins is a bad omen and must be killed. The mother of the twins tribe believes that twins are a Blessing and secrets away the twins to her native land. Thus begins the story. The language and the story is beautifully told and makes you want to see what happens. I'm on to the 2nd part of the story.
April 28, 2015
Exceptional. The best fantasy I've read in a long while. Feb 1, 2014
December 25, 2017
Just ok. Needed better proofing. Characters were 1-dimensional, women of the story only there to serve the men. I did like the setting in an African-like environment. A good concept, but only mediocre in execution.
Not going to bother w/the second book.
Not going to bother w/the second book.
November 12, 2016
Milton Davis is a prolific artist when it comes to Science Fiction and Fantasy. Meji is a masterpiece of meticulous research and high adventure. Milton Davis weaves in all the pieces of traditional African culture together with a healthy dose of fantasy storytelling to creature a unique and exciting tale. If you are weary of the same old European-centric novels about knights in their castles Meji will be a revelation. Davis gives us the diverse characters we've been waiting for. I recommend Meji book one and two, and then you should turn your attention to Changa's Safari. We are fortunate to have a select number of new writers in Science Fiction and Fantasy who are bravely expanding the genre. Milton Davis is leading the way.
January 13, 2017
Powerful storytelling!!!
I love the way this story begins. Milton gives all the history of the Meji from the start and we are not left in the dark when the plot thickens. This novel has all the aspects I crave as a reader: a strong foundation, history, pride in one's characters and their support, conflict from multiple directions, and enough of a resolution to satisfy yet leave you wanting MORE!!! I can't wait to read the rest. ASHE!!!
I love the way this story begins. Milton gives all the history of the Meji from the start and we are not left in the dark when the plot thickens. This novel has all the aspects I crave as a reader: a strong foundation, history, pride in one's characters and their support, conflict from multiple directions, and enough of a resolution to satisfy yet leave you wanting MORE!!! I can't wait to read the rest. ASHE!!!
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October 25, 2009Definately the open salvo of a high-powered, well studied,action packed adventure writer that will send your adults to the library to study the maps, tribes, rituals, and spirits of their ancestry.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews