This was only the second time that I’ve read a book based in African lore. That book and Birth of a Dynasty are superb! I’m slowly making a dent in the work of fantasy and this book is perfect for those just like me. The world building and the characters really make this book pop!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was initially very excited to read the first fantasy book from Chinaza Bado because I'm a fan of her romances written under the name JJ McAvoy. This story's premise was exciting and fresh, but the storyline fell flat for me. It may be a case of the right book, wrong time, but I couldn't get into this. I tried on three separate occasions and never made it past 30%. The plot seemed rushed, scattered, and confusing. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters, which was a major letdown because the first chapter was so captivating! This book may work for someone else, but just not me.

Birth of a Dynasty was a fast paced, dark fantasy that is able to keep the reader hooked from start to finish. It's full of twists and turns, and you never know where the main characters will lead you.

Overall I really wanted to like this book because on paper it sounds like an interesting premise and it could have been done fantastically. Except it wasn't. It was kind of slow and boring and the characters I found it difficult to care about them. Zikora just gave me spoiled vibes when I feel like she was supposed to be a badass. Even her becoming an heir just felt sloppy and like it was thought of at the last second to make her more interesting. I am kind of disappointed because I really like fantasy novels that have a politcal intrique as the main part of the story but this just wasn't it for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

Birth of a Dynasty.
3 stars

I have to give this one only 3 stars. The beginning starts off strong with lots of drama and action. The story follows 2 main characters that we meet when they are young. The boy M'kuru / Khalil his story was not captivating. I found his character hard to care about and not entertaining to read. Now the girl in the story Zikora I loved reading her story. She was bold, smart, and funny. Whenever it was time for her story I really enjoyed the book, but when I had to read about Khalil the story seemed to drag on. This is only book one and in the next book it seems that Khalil and Zikora's stories will now be together so I have more hope for the next book.

The book is about Khalil and Zikora both wanting revenge on the King and the Princes for murdering memebers of their families due to a prophecy that the King is afraid will come true if M'kuru and Zikora ever to get together and complete the prophecy. Little do they know, they are bringing the two together without even knowing it...

This was most definitely not for me. A very frustrating read that I did read to the end, but it was quite painful to do so.

The worldbuilding of this was very well done, but sadly the storyline itself was boring and I wasn't interested enough in the character development.

Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado is an epic fantasy novel that intertwines political intrigue with rich world-building.

I loved the intricate setting but the storyline and character development did not keep me actively engaged the whole time. This is also a book that you need to be actively paying attention due to the complex nature of the story and elements.

This is perfect for those interested in a blend of political drama and fantasy elements reminiscent of "She Who Became the Sun" and "Children of Blood and Bone”

this book is.. rocky. it’s not bad by any means— i found the characters and the prose to be quite compelling— but it feels like a prequel instead of a first book, or like the first half of a first book stretched throughout. no threads are truly resolved and it hurts the novel quite a bit because… you really do want something to happen! this either should have been longer, or it should have been cut shorter. decent worldbuilding and great political intrigue definitely save this, and i would want to read a sequel.

I try to avoid unfinished series because I am impatient, but this description really caught my eye. Overall it was an entertaining read, however some of the plot points felt rushed instead of captivating. I really enjoyed the character development through the short time jump allowing the reader to see the two children grow while still being kids and am looking forward to reading more of Zikora and M’Kuru’s story. In my opinion, there were too many character perspectives, which did not particularly add to the story arc and instead just disrupted the flow of reading.

Thank you HarperCollinsPublishers for providing this review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Oh boy. Where to start on this one... While the idea of this novel is interesting, the execution was not. Not in the slightest. This was borderline boredom for me. It's one of those where you read it to pass the time waiting for the novel you want to arrive at the library.

The basic idea of the story is good: The House of Mukundi is brutally murdered with the exception of the youngest heir who vows revenge on House Zenzele for the death of his family. It even starts off with the massacre, but somehow Bado makes this feel very bland. You do not get hit with the emotional impact I believe Bado was striving for, and that is a problem throughout the novel. M’Kuru witnesses the death of his sister from mere meters away, then has to survive by assuming another person's identity for, I believe, three years. Again, sounds interesting, but with the real lack of detail and development of his journey really makes the plot suffer.

Then there is Zikora Nnamani, the daughter of another high powered family. I believe she is meant to be portrayed like Arya from Game of Thrones, but she just comes across as a spoiled brat. She essentially speaks nearly whatever comes to mind without any true consequences until a point where it is actually a rouse to protect her. [The scene where she is made into the heir of the Nnamani family could have been interesting, but was rushed. (hide spoiler)]

While Bado floats the idea of a prophecy with Zikora and M'Kuru, I'm really not interested at all. The author jumps around to too many perspectives instead of focusing on our two main characters and letting them navigate what is happening in their respective worlds. In the end, I just do not care about them when this really could have been great. I believe this is supposed to be a trilogy - focus on your main point and this journey could recover. If not, hard pass.

I hate that I was unable to finish this book to give it a full review, but I found the story line often boring and drawn out. The world building was there, but I think often falling a bit short.

If you loved Children of Blood and Bone, you'll definitely enjoy this one. It has a similar feel, almost like the same story told from a different perspective. While it starts off a bit slow and doesn't provide much more information by the end, it still leaves you curious to see what happens next. I'm looking forward to the next book, though I’m unlikely to reread this one. That said, I’d still recommend it as an entertaining read!

This was an ARC read from NetGalley. I thought this sounded as if it was going to be a very interesting tale, however I found myself bored multiple times throughout. It seemed to fall short on several occasions and I just couldn’t keep myself interested. The world building fell a bit short as well. I hate to give such a negative review but I just didn’t like it.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado ambitiously attempts to weave the rich tapestry of an ancient dynasty into a compelling narrative. The novel explores the rise and intricacies of a fictional dynasty set against the backdrop of historical epochs, blending myth, history, and speculative fiction into a saga that's both grand in scope and detailed in execution. However, while it has moments of brilliance, it also stumbles, leaving readers with mixed feelings.

Rating Breakdown:

Plot :

The plot of Birth of a Dynasty is vast, covering generations and significant historical events. Bado's ambition to tell an epic tale is evident, but this breadth sometimes comes at the cost of depth. The narrative jumps across time and characters, which can be disorienting. While the overarching story of the dynasty's formation and growth is intriguing, the development of individual plotlines can feel rushed or underdeveloped. The transitions between different eras and rulers often lack the necessary connective tissue to keep the reader fully engaged.

Characters :

The characters in Bado's world are numerous and diverse, reflecting the complexity of dynasty politics. However, while some characters are well-crafted with clear motivations, others remain flat or stereotypical, serving more as plot devices than as fully realized individuals. This inconsistency in character depth can make it difficult for readers to connect emotionally with the narrative:
"His ambition was not just for power, but for legacy," - A quote that hints at the depth some characters possess, illustrating their inner drives beyond simple power hunger.
"She was a weaver of dreams, turning the threads of fate into a tapestry of her own making." - This line attempts to give dimension to one of the female leads, but such depth is not consistently applied to all characters.

Setting :

Bado excels in creating an immersive world. The vivid descriptions of ancient cities, battlefields, and court life draw the reader into the era, making the setting one of the book's strengths. The cultural and architectural details feel researched and lovingly rendered, providing a lush backdrop against which the dynasty's story unfolds.

Writing Style :

The prose is ornate at times, matching the grandeur of the setting, which can be both a strength and a weakness. While it paints a rich picture, the language occasionally feels overwrought, possibly distancing readers from the more grounded human experiences within the story. The dialogue, particularly in pivotal moments, lacks the authenticity needed to bring the historical and mythical elements together seamlessly.

Conclusion:
Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado is a noble attempt at an epic historical saga. It manages to captivate with its world-building and the sheer scope of its narrative, yet it falters in delivering a consistently compelling storyline and character development. For those who relish in the world of dynasties, political intrigue, and the blending of history with myth, this book offers a journey worth taking, albeit with some detours that might not always lead where expected. It's a reminder of the challenges in epic storytelling, where the balance between breadth and depth needs careful calibration.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 - A promising tale with moments of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistent character depth and narrative pacing. Recommended for those who enjoy epic sagas and are willing to navigate through the uneven terrain of its storytelling.