A rich and interesting start to an epic fantasy story that may not suit all readers.



I don’t normally put cautions or content warnings in my reviews, it's not been my general practice. But I am going to begin there, of all places, in my discussion of Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado because I think burying it would be a disservice to a reader. Birth of a Dynasty has violence and rather bad things happening to two child protagonists, ranging from death of their families to imprisonment in rather dire circumstances, violence against them directly, deadly violence committed by them, and other threats to their mental and physical well being. If that is your red line, this book may not be for you.
(rest at the link)

Well I’m locked in and ready for the next one!

I found this to be a really engaging, page-turning story once I got used to the kingdom dynamics, people, and places involved (there are a lot of moving pieces; it’s a big world with lots of politics) - so much so that I finished in in a day. The beginning definitely felt like it dragged on at times but after about the 25% mark it really kicked in for me. By the end, I was crazy invested in the prophecy and the ways that fate was moving around the two main characters (two children from different ruling families) and the cast of characters they came into contact with. I will say that Zikora was hands down my favorite! Her spunk and attitude were a welcome change from some of the more passive female characters and I appreciated how she very much read like an 8 (and then 11 year old) high noble child.

While the story was immersive and I found myself lost in what was happening, I did feel that descriptions about the surroundings were lacking at times and it was hard to picture where the action was taking place. I would create a picture in my head only for a brief off-mention that would change the setting in a way I wasn’t expecting. Character descriptions were much more consistent and cohesive.

Additionally, the dialogue isn’t always smooth between characters and there are a handful of info-dumping moments that don’t feel very organic (especially right before or right after a scene change/major conflict).

One of the things I think the book did best was utilize multiple viewpoints to show what’s happening. The reader gets to hear from the main characters, the people creating the conflict around them, and the lowly-born side characters who are victims to the whims of the powerful. For such a built-out world, these different perspectives are hugely important.

With that said, I’m really not sure why so many reviews have complained about the number of narrators or have claimed the story jumps through time too fast? The story jumps in time once, literally only once, and it’s only 3 years into the future to see where Khalil and Zikora are now. I’ve found the additional narrators (beyond our main two characters) to be incredibly helpful in adding context and background to the story, rather than relying on the perspective of small children and the narrative formula feels very standard for a fantasy novel with one big exception: it’s not anglo-centric (and part of me wonders whether that’s where some readers struggled). The author’s west African cultural roots and love for world myth and mystery create a beautifully diverse reading experience that’s a welcome addition into the genre! Whatever it may be, I didn’t share the aforementioned common complaints around narrators or plot movement.

I will definitely look forward to reading future books in the series and I’m grateful to NetGalley, Ms. Bado, and the publisher for allowing me to read early in exchange for my review.

I thought this was okay, some interesting ideas and exciting moments but not particularly special. The writing sometimes felt slightly off, almost like it had been translated from another language. And I was disappointed in the lack of much climax toward the end. I don't think I will be interested enough in the characters to pick up a sequel.

This almost reads like a YA version of Game of Thrones — not to dismiss it as lesser, but because it’s primary characters, Zikora and Khalil are both kids during this book, seeing the great maneuverings and machinations of powerful princes and warlords, doing their best to navigate complex situations. And if it weren’t for all of the rape, I would recommend this for a younger audience. Instead … not going to do that.

Khalil is interesting; his family have been slaughtered due to both ambition and greed on the part of Prince Effiom and he is the sole remaining member. Rescued by an old man, he is renamed Khalil for his own safety and spends time living amongst villagers trying to deal with his grief, his rage, and his loss of self and station. He’s angry, cold, ruthless, and yet he does his best to save who he can, even knowing they’ll hate him for it.

Zikora is a spoiled daughter of another noble family cursed or blessed with a blessing from her ancestors. Not yet 10, she suddenly knows more than she ought, but doesn’t necessarily understand it. She’s also a hostage in the royal city against her father, and doing her best to survive. Like many children, she doesn’t really believe that bad things will happen to her, that they can, until they do.

These two kids feel like children, and that’s part of the charm of the book. The other part is the world building, seen in glimpses because — living in it — neither Khalil nor Zikora feel the need to info dump about how and why and wherefore everything is happening. There’s enough to be gleaned through conversations to hint at a complex system of kings and nobles, rival princes and alliances centuries old.

The women in this book are unpleasant, manipulative, cruel and horrible. To be fair, so are the men. Other than Zikora and Khalil — and maybe Khalil’s adopted grandfather — there’s not really anyone here to admire or root for. That’s not to say they’re all evil, but they’re all rather terrible people. I find it interesting and will keep up with the series, but I can also understand if other people don’t enjoy it.

The writing is strong, the pace is good, and I really enjoyed the world building. I haven’t read many epic fantasies that draw from the wealth of African cultures and power systems rather than European. If you’re looking for something new — and don’t mind a bit of grimness and rape (the rape, I should say, is always happening to background characters, never actually on page) — this could be worth a try.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me. The underlying themes of an ancient dynasty, political intrigue, and a fantasy world were what drew me in. And I believe that for a certain audience, this is exactly what they are looking for. Unfortunately I just was not hooked and found myself struggling to reach for this book. While the concepts were there, it felt underwhelming.

Sinopsis en español: No perdonaremos. No olvidaremos. Tendremos nuestra venganza.

Tras presenciar la masacre de todos sus conocidos y amados, M'Kuru Mukundi, único superviviente de la Alta Noble Casa Mukundi de Madada, jura venganza. M'Kuru huye a una pequeña aldea donde se esconde bajo la apariencia del joven granjero Khalil Rausi... sin saber que el verdadero padre de Khalil es el sanguinario general del ejército de Zenzele, y bajo la dirección del intrigante hijo del rey, el príncipe Effiom, fue responsable del asesinato del pueblo de M'Kuru. Cuando un impostor que dice ser M'Kuru aparece en la aldea, el verdadero M'Kuru —ahora Khalil— debe aguardar el momento oportuno entre sus enemigos, fingiendo ser todo lo que odia para vengarse.

En otra parte del país, donde los gigantes campan a sus anchas, la joven Zikora Nnamani, hija única del Señor Nnamani, desconoce por completo las intrigas políticas; su único anhelo es convertirse en una feroz guerrera Seh Llinga. Pero una conocida profecía deposita demasiado poder potencial sobre sus pequeños hombros y, según el príncipe Effiom y el rey, ella es la única amenaza viviente para el reinado eterno de su dinastía. Sin embargo, cuando llega un mensajero para "invitar" a Zikora a quedarse en el palacio, su familia no puede negarse. Antes de que se la lleven, inicia el Rito de la Bendición, una herencia mágica que deberá aprender a usar, pero que también podría acercar al mundo un paso más al cumplimiento de la profecía que tanto teme el príncipe Effiom.

Entre damas intrigantes en la corte, príncipes traicioneros al acecho y reyes paranoicos, M'kuru y Zikora deben hacer todo lo posible, por terrible que sea, para salvar a su pueblo y vengar a sus familias. Pero son solo dos jóvenes contra un reino entero —y una profecía destinada a frustrar sus sueños—, y lo último que pueden hacer es confiar en alguien... ni siquiera en el otro.



Reseña:

Bado nos introduce en un mundo al borde del cambio, donde las antiguas estructuras tiemblan y una profecía olvidada comienza a cumplirse. En el centro de esta historia se encuentra Khalil, un niño marcado desde antes de su nacimiento como el futuro de una nueva era.

Khalil no es aún un héroe ni un líder; es un niño observador, silencioso, a veces incomprendido, cuya existencia carga un peso que aún no comprende del todo. Lo que lo distingue no es su poder o su ambición, sino la promesa de lo que será. Las señales de su destino —soñadas, susurradas o escritas en viejos textos— lo rodean desde el principio, dándole un aura de misterio y responsabilidad que crece con él.


-

Me da curiosidad saber de cuantos años serán los saltos de tiempo.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

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.