Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

I couldn't really get into this one. The writing was ok and the subject matter normally would have been fascinating for me but for some reason I just was not clicking.

Though the beginning caught my attention, the story lost it once it got to the main conflict. It’s great that there’s more African fantasy, this one isn’t for me though.

D’Andre August’s The Language of Spears weaves a pulse pounding, adrenaline pumping tale of war, corruption, and one man’s unfailing duty to the kingdom he and so many have bled for. Heavily inspired by African culture, the story follows Emani the “Tower”, the greatest warrior of Ko’Mazi and the Askarai (general) of its legendary military, as he is faced with a foreign concept more unsettling to him than war: peace. As a transition of power draws nearer, Emani finds himself in an unfamiliar battlefield, one that cannot be won through the strength of muscles and spears, but through making peace with those they have made war with for years. To complicate things further, there is talk of an army of monsters gathering, and a king of great power who can create them and seeks to conquer all the kingdoms. Emani is forced to put his life on the line, as well as face the wrath of the Council and the new king, in order to ensure the survival of Ko’Mazi, no matter how much blood he must spill. Through it all, he finds himself in a shaky alliance with Kadra the “Cat”, a mercenary warrior as deadly as she is alluring, and her sometimes dubious intentions.
There are so many things to love about this story, Emani’s perspective chief among them. I love stories of a lone warrior who is cast aside by the very people he is sworn to protect, only for him to protect them anyway, even if it makes him a target from both sides of the conflict. It is rare to find a man or woman, fictional or otherwise, who is so resolute in their convictions that they will defy the highest authority–a king in this case–to do what must be done for the betterment of their people.
Emani as a character is very thought provoking as well. He is a man forged by conflict, a towering example of military training, blunt and precise with his words and actions. Everything he does has purpose, absent of subterfuge and backstabbing. He is so steadfast in his beliefs that he is adamant in his dislike of teaming up with Kadra. The “Cat” is much more willing to do what has to be done so that at the end of the day, she’s the one alive while her enemy lies dead in the dirt. Despite this attitude, she does still have a code of honor, along with a wider understanding of the world outside Ko’Mazi, which makes her a provoking contrast to the narrow mindedness that Emani can demonstrate.
In terms of the setting, I have to admit that I have not read many fantasy series with an African influence. This book, while different, is still a prime example of a well-written, well-constructed fantasy story. One of the great beauties of fantasy is its fluidity and universalism. It’s not limited to one facet of life, one people, group, or tradition, and is a great epic which speaks to everyone. Fantasy is the domain of all, so long as you have a compelling tale to tell.
I also felt the story asks a very important question of society as a whole: should we throw away and forget what built us? In the book, the king and his court are seeking to move away from the long military tradition of Ko’mazi, and instead rule the land through peace rather than crushing their enemies. There is absolutely nothing dishonorable with seeking peace, and they are wise for pushing such an agenda. Having said that though, they are quick to disregard the potential dangers that come with such a transition, and don’t take seriously the looming threats that present themselves in their time of uncertainty. Emani is one of the characters that sees the possible risks that come with blindly trusting generational enemies, as well as the need to keep their military culture alive should the need ever arise again.
All in all, August kept my heart pounding and seized my attention chapter by chapter, weaving a complex and thought-provoking narrative filled with classic fantasy conflicts and archetypes, while putting a different spin on the genre that only enriches the experience. The story of the Tower is only just beginning, and I am excited to see what other challenges Emani will face in his quest to speak the language of spears to all.

I struggled with one and am not sure why. The writing is good, the story is too, but I just couldn't get into the story. For that I am sorry.

The book description caught my attention:

"An exciting tale of loyalty and duty, The Language of Spears marks the start of a unique African fantasy series, supercharged with high stakes and adventure. Lovers of magic fantasy books can dive into a story that fans of The Rage of Dragons, The Blade Itself, and A Game of Thrones are sure to enjoy!"

It has a bit of a historical flair, fantasy, and adventure. Everything I like. A battle between differing nations, a struggle if loyalties, a touch of romance, but just of all adventure and intrigue. And mist important Magic!!! I loved every minute of this story. Looking for more from this author.

I loved the blend of scifi and African elements, it had me invested from the beginning to the end. The plot was wonderful and had great characters in this world.