Wow. This book challenged me in ways a book hasn't done in a long time. For the majority of the book I was incredibly frustrated and worried about where this book was going. But I'm glad I kept with it because it was everything it needed to be.

It was bloody and brutal with layers of deceit (even within characters themselves) that made it hard to put down. The main character's actions and feelings were hard to predict and most times that resulted in me wanting to throw the book across the room. But the crafting of this character was so well done and made the ending just perfect.

This was an amazing read, I cannot wait to get the physical copy of this book. It was a wild ride and everything I needed to start my 2024 off with

Such a great start to the reading year. I was instantly hooked by Sangoyomi's writing and was not disappointed (shocked? yes but disappointed never) with the way the story turned out!

<B>In Masquerade we follow the blacksmith Ododo, who is kidnapped from her home to become the bride of the all powerful, Alaafin. Ododo is at first wary of the Alaafin's motives and is hesitant in becoming his bride (I would be too if he kidnapped me). As time progresses and Ododo becomes accustomed to life at court, she slowly begins to fall for the Alaafin but all is not as it seems and not everybody is pleased with the Alaafin's new bride - to -be.</B>

One of the things I loved the most about this story was Ododo, I enjoyed that we discovered the inner machinations of Yoruba court as we did. Her naivete about certain things did annoy me at times and I constantly had to be reminding myself that this was loosely based on the Persephone myth and thus she probably had Stockholm's cause ain't no way <spoiler> you meet the psycho that is Aremo and go yes I must love the man that took me from home and made me kill my mother is the love of my life. I also may be based but I loved the ending, that moved it up a star for me, should a killed him from the jump! </spoiler>. I also really loved the relationship that Ododo had with the twins. Speaking of the twins they were so mischievous and fun and I too wondered at times if they shared a mind lol.
With that being said there are quite a few things that were touched on more:
<spoiler> - Omosewa's death, I get that he was an asshole and may have not been generally liked but Rotimi killing a great warrior on the basis that he did like the King's wife seemed random to me. It seemed to me like the author needed to kill off this character and that was the only way she say fit.
- On the topic of Rotimi, it is implied that him and his second in command were more than good workers and you want me to believe that Rotimi was satisfied with his measly attempt and was just gonna live with the fact that the love of his life had been sold off into slavery what??
- which brings me to another issue I had with the story, I'm not going to pretend to be knowledgeable about 15th century Africa but why was everybody so nonchalant about their loved ones being sold off into slavery?? Like they were upset for a minute and then it was oh well life continues
-how did nobody suspect that Kolo was not Kolo.. was there no delegation, you mean to tell me that none of the royals had ever laid eyes on the the real Kolo?!</spoiler>

<I>"Yes, I am your daughter," I spat the words back at her. "And I will be the Alaafin's wife. And one day, I will be someone's mother. But when will I get to be a person?"</I>

I selected this book as part of a goal to diversify our classroom bookshelves, but this wonderful story is so much more than that. I was not disappointed. This is a compelling fantasy read. I recommend it with 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I read this book in one sitting. One sitting. Let me just repeat that: one sitting.

Okay, so... to me, this is a story about that fine line between sacrifice and selfishness that most women have to walk when they want to take something for themselves, but without also hurting themselves in that same process. It's a story about loss and gain. About taking and giving. Much like the plot of the book is rooted in the social, economical, and martial politics of running a country, there's a constant sense of a weighing scale looming above every decision that the protagonist takes. It makes for breathlessly tension-filled journey. You never know to what side that scale (of loyalty) will tip - and you certainly won't always agree with the way that it tips - but there will always be sense in it. Lastly, the prose itself is beautifully cinematic and is sure to pull you in.

If I could summarize this book in one word? Bittersweet.

This was a gripping tale of a woman intent on changing her destiny with whatever is within her grasp: beauty, cunning, relationships, daring, prowess. I could feel the heat and the desperation, and I was swept along in the story many women in history share: to be seen as more than accessories to men’s ambitions. But while it was compellingly told, my heart was ultimately left cold as her choices become increasingly violent. I know this is how the world often works but that doesn’t mean I co-sign those who would state this is how it must be in order for women to have power. My reaction to this story is highly personal and *not* an indicator of a poorly written narrative.

This took the alternate history path perfectly, I enjoyed that it took place in West Africa and getting to read the changes that happened. The characters were what I wanted from this type of book and they were written well. O.O. Sangoyomi does a fantastic job writing this and keeping me reading.

4.5, rounded up!

*phantom of the opera intro* MASQUERAAAAADE

Okay. Stopping now.

Real talk; if a book with such a gorgeous cover was disappointing I would simply quit reading. Fear not. It’s an EXCELLENT book.

"You, the woman warrior made of darkness and anger and beauty."
"You, the warrior witch who burns everything in her path, like a fire in a forge."
"You, who holds death like a kiss."

Sangoyomi’s debut novel - yes, this is an insanely well-written debut novel - is bloody, tense, powerful, and tragically romantic at times. It starts with a blacksmith, Òdòdó, getting kidnapped and dragged across the Sahara where she is taken to be the future bride of the Alaafin warrior king, who is ruthlessly expanding his rule. It’s a book centred around Òdòdó’s journey to fit in with the new politics surrounding her, her terrifying betrothed, and the world determined to trap her one way or another.

The characters, and Òdòdó’s relationships, really strengthen this already gripping story. I found myself so drawn to the side characters; every general, slave, and friend is developed and given interesting motives and challenges to Òdòdó’s journey. Although this is very clearly Òdòdó’s book, I truly felt moved and led by her relationships with women throughout this book. This is a story celebrating women and all their complexities; women who fight, women who scheme and plot, and women who struggle to find their true desires whilst being in a cage.

Sangoyomi’s writing holds such respect for women, and it shows through the characters too. Even within the characters’ fiercest conflicts, there is respect amongst them, a recognition of their ability to survive and grow strong in such difficult circumstances. Women do not underestimate other women, and if they do, they learn, apologise or regret it, unlike the men in this novel who refuse to acknowledge any kind of complexity within women. Women are survivors, and men are power-hungry in such a different way that refuse to change alongside the world around them. (I’m not being rude here, lol, just genuinely pointing out the strengths of being a woman).

I’m excited for this book to become known to the world, as when it’s published, I want to read African readers' and writers’ thoughts on this book, as the author made such an interesting point in the ending acknowledgments regarding wanting to "help breathe life into these rich histories by sharing them." There is so much depth in the culture, languages, and world shown in Masquerade, and I’m excited for this to be an invitation to dive into more African mythology and history books. People and worlds survive through the power of storytelling, and I think Sangoyomi is a powerful example of how one story can create a desire for more.

This book is so much bigger than comparing it to Hades x Persephone, though I do understand the comp! It’s so much darker and complex, and I love the way romance becomes both a trap and a thing to live for in Òdòdó’s life. She gains strength in her own abilities as much as her love for her kidnapper-turned-husband, and it’s so interesting to see the character deal with her conflicting feelings towards the situation. The love story aspect could easily have become one-dimensional but Òdòdó never stops questioning the world around her, and how she can shape it better.

It’s so much more than a dark love story, or war novel. It’s that and more; it’s violent, mesmerising, and respectful of its complexities. It’s about the men who take what they want, who take credit and diminish women’s achievements whilst the women find a way to survive and outgrow them.

And THAT ENDING. I wanted more, admittedly, but selfishly so, not because it isn’t the most fitting ending for Òdòdó.

Favourite quotes from Masquerade:

• "Perhaps our interaction was meaningless to you, but you've ruined music for me."
• "What is love but a choice? I do not need to fall in love with you. I have chosen to step into it - and I pray that you choose me as well."
• "Men called us witches, they thought us demons, and yet, it was them who wished to possess us."
• "I knew who he was: the same as me. He waged wars, ravaged entire villages, and killed countless people. And I committed an act equally as violent: I loved him."

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me eARC access to Masquerade - it has been on my TBR list ever since I heard it was getting published and it makes me overjoyed that a black story steeped in Yoruba culture and history is going to be released to the world.

The story is rich in cultural setting and I enjoyed reading about the character dynamics Òdòdó established once she entered the royal city. In turn, it was interesting to see her face betrayal when she was only kind to those around her. I liked how situations that happened to Òdòdó were applicable to what women face today.

I was hoping for more with this book - I did find that the certain parts of the story felt underdeveloped to me, for example, Òdòdó‘s integration into the political side of the story and the machinations of how it impacted Yorùbáland. That’s more of a personal preference, but I would have liked to see more detail in that respect. The reactions of certain characters didn’t seem at all reasonable/realistic to me (though that could have been the point), and I would have enjoyed it more if there was more substantiation for why characters behaved in a certain way.

With all that being said, I love to see more black stories being produced and I look forward to seeing what Sangoyomi does next!

WOW. Masquerade was one of the best books I've read in 2023 and possibly my favorite general fiction book this year. This story, loosely based on the myth of Hades and Persephone, is set in 15th century West Africa. The main character is a marginalized girl from Timbuktu who is kidnapped by the Alaafin (emperor) of Yorubaland who decides she will be his second wife. Her kidnapping causes a chain of events to occur throughout the kindgdom that she must deal with to maintain her place at court. This book kept me on my toes the entire time. From the very first page, Sangoyomi drew me in with her beautiful writing and fast-paced plot. The imagery in this book is incredible. The scenery, buildings, and outfits were described so vividly that I felt like I was there next to the characters. This story took political drama and court drama to a new level, and I cannot recommend this enough if you have any interest in either. The main character, Ododo is one of the best morally grey characters I've ever read, and I never fully landed on whether I loved or hated her. This story fleshed out the complex realities of being a woman in a patriarchal society, and it did so without moralizing or being too on the nose. My only critique of this book is that the pacing in the first quarter feels off. The first part moves a bit too rapidly, but it doesn't take away from the book as a whole. If you are interested in historical fiction, court drama, West African fiction, feminist literature, Black fiction, or books at all, I would highly recommend this read.

The book is a whole package. Everything is the best part. The cover, the plot, the twists the characters. It’s just beautiful I will thank the author for writing this beautiful beautiful book.

My Rating
Overall: ★★★★★ | 5 Stars
Plot: ★★★★★ | 5 Stars
Characters: ★★★★★| 5 Stars
Ending: ★★★★★| 5 Stars
Book Cover: ★★★★★| 5 Stars
Ending: ★★★★★| 5 Stars

Read Detailed review on my blog.
Happy Reading.

I loved this book. I don't think I've ever read a story that's set during this place and time, and O.O. Sangoyomi did an amazing job with the setting. There were so many twists and turns, and I really honestly did not know what Òdòdó was going to do next at any point - but she really went for it!!! THAT ENDING! Sequel please!!

I'll never say no to more Nigerian fantasy books, and this one was a really great one. Amazing debut from Sangoyomi and excited to see all that she has in store for the future!

Òdòdó is an incredibly fierce lead in this awe inspiring story of war, love and uprising and I LOVED her!

A loose retelling of Persephone and Hades, this gripped me instantly and never let up once. The writing is at times a little dry, but it worked so well for the story.

Òdòdó is a blacksmith, a profession of strong and capable women, filled with a misunderstood darkness, but she is destitute until her abduction lands her in riches… Now, Òdòdó is betrothed to the warrior king, a character that was like water to grasp. I couldn’t ever tell if he was sincere or masking something darker and it threw me for a loop…

Now, in the lap of luxury, a distantly far cry from her life before, she is esteemed. It’s a whirlwind and she gets caught up in the lavishness of royalty, while still remaining connected to her roots. An uprising is starting though, and Òdòdó needs to determine where her loyalties lie. As she gets accustomed to this new life, new friends and a king who dotes on her, she does still stay true to herself (in a sense). One thing is for certain, though. Òdòdó is not one to be messed with. The ending of this book solidified my utter enjoyment and confidence in my five star rating!

The writing is easy to follow, the pace was good, and it feels accessible for audiences. I stopped after chapter 1 (4%), but I’d imagine this will be a solid three to four stars with five for the right reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

3.5. This was really interesting. I liked the worldbuilding and thought the writing was pretty solid. I felt like it dragged a bit in places.

"Masquerade" by O.O. Sangoyomi is set in a reimagined 15th century West Africa and weaves a dazzling and lyrical tale exploring the true cost of one woman's fight for freedom and self-discovery. The story is set in Timbuktu, which has been conquered by the warrior king of Yorùbáland. Òdòdó, belonging to a blacksmith guild, faces worsening living conditions under the rule of Yorùbá.

Unexpectedly abducted, Òdòdó finds that her kidnapper is the warrior king himself, who had previously visited her guild in disguise. Now, swathed in riches, he claims Òdòdó as his wife and takes her to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀. Òdòdó, who had experienced a lifetime of subjugation, suddenly rises to the heights of society. However, the power dynamics and political intrigue of this world become too tempting to resist.

As tensions rise with rival states, Òdòdó must navigate a world of battle and political savvy, defying the cruel king she was forced to wed. The story draws inspiration from the myth of Persephone and promises a journey of epic power struggles and political intrigue, turning an entire region on its head. "Masquerade" offers readers a richly imagined historical fiction narrative with themes of freedom, power, and self-discovery.