Things I really enjoyed:
– Multiple POVs that added depth and layers to the story
– Solid political intrigue
– Game of Thrones vibes, but with African-inspired storytelling
– A great plot twist that genuinely caught me off guard

While I appreciated the concept and the twist pulled me in, I wasn’t as quickly hooked as I expected. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series, but I definitely see the appeal and admire what the author set out to do.

I did not know what to expect when starting this book. I was not disappointed. It was definitely something that I really needed to pay attention to because there was so many different POVs. I do not appreciate the cliff hanger because of them being so young, it truly is the birth of a dynasty. The story is so dynamic and lovely.

I really liked the premise of this story but had trouble focusing on the audio. I am typically more of an eye ball reader than an audio book reader but when i was offered both widgets, wanted to try immersion reading.

I don't think immersion reading is for me.

rating 3 stars since i consider that neutral

I really enjoyed this story. There was some really good world building and with this audio, the narrator did a really good job with voice acting and conveying different characters. The world building was complex... at times a little too complex but it conveyed what it needed to. I feel like the multiple POVs got a little confusing at times also. If I was reading it instead of listening to it, maybe I wouldn't have gotten confused as much. But there were times I had to go back because what I was hearing didn't make sense for who I thought the chapter POV was from. I usually listen to audiobooks while doing something else and it was easy to lose what was happening.
Overall a really good start and I do want to come back for book two!

I liked the writing and the story of the book. I think the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to lifel

Birth of a Dynasty is a politically charged, African-inspired epic fantasy. It is written in multiple POVs, with a complex, interwoven politically-charged plot. The pacing is slow, but that is to be expected (at least for me) in epic fantasy. I enjoyed the world building, and felt that the author did a fantastic job showing us the world instead of simply telling the reader. I found the narrative itself to be character driven.

The characters were fully developed, and I felt that the different POV’s were balanced well throughout. The story itself was heavily political, which I personally enjoy within fantasy. Overall, I would recommend this debut to anyone who enjoys a richly developed, realistic epic fantasy charged with political intrigue.

Lastly, I listened to this book via audiobook, narrated by Adenrele Ojo, and I felt that the narrator put on a wonderful performance. They expertly captured emotionally charged moments throughout these character’s separate journeys. I highly recommend checking out this title via audiobook.

Thank you HarperAudio and Harper Voyager for this ALC!

Thank you to Harper Collins and Chinaza Bado for the chance to listen to this advance copy.

This book made me emotional right off the bat and did not let up. It starts with the Mukundi family getting murdered which leaves M’Kuru having to navigate the world alone. This really sets the tone for the rest of book and lets you know how the King feels about the prophecy of being able to see a united Ahkebulin.

I believe Zikora, from the Nnamani family, has some magic but it’s not fully developed by the end of the book so I’m excited to see that grow.

There is a whole bunch of murder, scheming, plotting, children speaking their mind, paranoia, and a lot of “What the Fuck” moments. Oh and seers and prophecies, which got them all into this mess.

I enjoyed this book, even with it being out of my comfort zone. I think getting to immersive read this helped me enjoy it more than I would just reading it. I gave it 4.75⭐️

Really solid debut. The story grabbed me early on with an explosive beginning and continued to hold me with its political maneuvering and layered worldbuilding. I especially enjoyed the main character arcs—watching them navigate as children forced to grow up dealing with merciless conflict.

There’s a good mix of tension, drama, and emotional depth that kept me interested throughout making it feel like everything is high stakes. The writing was easy to read and the ending definitely left me looking forward to more. I was left with the feeling of Game of Thrones political maneuvering and ruthlessness in an African kingdom setting. I’m hoping to see more of the fantasy side in the next installments as it was very low fantasy. Definitely looking forward to the sequel. And as for Narration, very well done. Definitely contributed to a more immersive feeling!

I enjoyed the writing style as well as the deeply cultural story in this book, but I really struggled to follow the world building. It seemed like the only real world building was violence between classes/people’s. There were so many points of view chapters from lesser characters that I had a hard time following the main character’s journey.
The audiobook narrator was excellent.

This book is perfect for fans who loved Game of Thrones’s political intrigue but want something different from a vaguely European medieval setting. Birth of a Dynasty follows M’Kuru Mukundi, the sole surviving member of the High Noble House Mukundi of Madada, as he flees from his enemies to a small village where he assumes the identity of farm boy Khalil until he can get revenge. The book also follows Zikora Nnamani, who is summoned to the palace in an effort to avoid a prophecy tying her fate the downfall of the royal family.

The multiple POVs are very well done, and each narrator has a unique voice and perspective depending on their circumstances and motivations. I especially like seeing the events through M’Kuru‘s and Zikora’s eyes as they learn to navigate the various machinations of the different court members. Their chapters really capture a feeling of youth and of being put into a situation that even the adults struggle with.

This is not for the faint hearted; there is a lot of brutal violence towards people, including children, but it doesn’t come off as gratuitous or merely for shock value. I am eager to see what happens in the next book!

4/5 stars

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ALC copy of this book!

I started out not being too sure about this book. It jumped right into the action with the attack on the Mukundi family and quickly slowed back down for M'Kuru. The POVs seemed to be all over the place at first as well, but eventually, they started to make sense. M'kuru and Zikora are our main characters, but we occasionally get thrown into the mind of someone else to get more context.

The narrator was amazing, getting the emotion for every character across and distinguishing a voice for each character to the point that I could tell who was who in a conversation.

I can't wait to see how M'kuru and Zikora's story progresses in the future. I am fully immersed in the story at this point and will be anxiously awaiting the next book!

Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado is a gripping and intense read that captivated me from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook in just two days, unable to put the book down because of its immersive world and fast-paced plot. The violence in the story is often brutal and gruesome, which only serves to deepen the realism of the kingdom of Ahkebulin and the stakes at play. M'kuru and Zikora are both powerful and incredibly likable characters, both children burdened with a weight they should not bear. However they are not without their own demons as they must also do some terrible things in order to survive. Zikora’s message and the implication of her effects on other’s lives at the end of the book did surprise me.
The only downside was the ending— it came so abruptly that I was left wanting more. Since it was an audiobook, I was not paying attention how close I was to the end and it left me so disappointed because I need to know what happens next. This first book has set up a thrilling, high-stakes world, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the second novel.
For those interested in the audiobook, the narration by Adenrele Oji was absolutely superb and really did lend to the excitement of the novel. I hope she will return for book 2 and 3.
Thanks toNetGalley and Harperaudio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.


#birthofadynasty #net-galley # harperaudio

this is the start of an epic fantasy trilogy centering on three families’ fight for power in a land where magic is feared. we start with m’kuru mukundi, the sole survivor of the high noble house mukundi of madada, who bides his time living as farm boy khalil rausi until he can get his revenge. little does he know, the real khalil’s father is the bloodthirsty general of zenzele army responsible for murdering m’kuru’s people under prince effiom’s command.

in another part of the country, zikora nnamani, lord nnamani’s only daughter, receives too much power from a well-known prophecy, catching the unwanted attention from prince effiom and the king. still, she can’t refuse when she’s taken off to the palace. between scheming court ladies and paranoid kings, m’kuru and zikora must do everything they can to save their people and enact vengeance.

i love fantasy books inspired by african countries and cultures, so this caught my attention as soon as i read the description. i loved how we got two different perspectives and, though m’kuru/khalil and zikora were so different, they had similar goals. it was interesting how m’kuru went from being a noble surrounded by family to having to live as a farm boy and pose as strangers’ family. zikora was also a great character, as a reluctant chosen one. i really enjoyed reading about these two and how they moved through the plot. this was a great set-up for future books, and i am looking forward to the sequel!

narration: the narrator, adenrele ojo, is part of what drew me to this audiobook. i haven’t read a whole lot of her audiobooks, but i’ve enjoyed her narration in the ones i have listened to, and this one was no different! i hope she’ll be back for the audiobooks of books two and three.

Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado

An epic fantasy set in a fictionalized Africa, this powerful and addicting story is about three families fight to power. Although at the beginning I was a bit confused and nervous if I’d like this one, I’m so glad I stuck with it.

The narrator was fantastic, the emotion was so effective, plus the audio definitely helped me understand how to pronounce so many names and locations.

This was an impressive novel, with a fantastically thought out plot. I loved how everything came together, and how the characters and their stories were developed.

What a memorable and unique book. Definitely give this one a try if you like fantasy, family drama, prophecy, politics and impressive world building.

Thank you to @harpervoyagerus and @harperaudio for my copies! This one is out now.

#bookish #canadianbookstagrammer #booksta #mybooks #booknotes #bookthoughts #bookishthoughts #birthofadynasty

Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 3.5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️
Emotional Impact: 3⭐️
Overall rating: 3.75/5⭐️

A story of vengeance. New fantasy series about African mythology. Told in multi POV structure. Intriguing politics and intricate world building. Coming of age story.

After witnessing his family be massacred M’Kuru Mukundi is the sole survivor of the Mukundi dynasty. Zikora Nmamani is a head strong young woman and daughter to a lord. Two people awaiting their destiny and to fulfill an ancient prophecy.

A lot of setting up for the next book in the series with a pretty interesting twist at the end. Looking forward to book 2.

This book has become one of my top reads of 2025. I felt like when I was reading this book, I was getting Rage of Dragons vs. Game of Thrones meets Beast of Prey so immediately once I read the first chapter I was immediately drawn to it and hooked. I could not put this book down at all because the action just kept coming to the point where I needed to know what was going to happen next. Fir this to be Chinaza Bado's debut book my mind is officially blown because it was so good and such a page turner. I am honestly looking forward to the next book because I am already guessing what is going to happen next. Overall, this book is captivating and well written. The world building is phenomenal and getting to know the main characters and their backgrounds was awesome.

Thank you, NetGalley and NerdFam, for the ARC!

I started enjoying this book, and I liked how we jumped right into action. I think the premise is interesting, and it was executed well. It was high fantasy and dealt with Kingdom dynamics similar to Game of Thrones. It took some time understanding the world and the characters, but once I got it, I got it. This book won't be for everyone; a lot goes into it. But the right audience will love this book!

3.5 stars

Right off the bat, I was hooked. The characters were captivating and I was excited for the action and intrigue. And then it just fell flat. I really struggled through 25-60% of the book. And then it picked up again and we were back off to the races.

The premise is great, the originality of the story is great, and the writing is okay. It just drug so much that I just lost all interest and was forcing myself to push through that big slump in the middle. It is worth the read but by the time I got to the end I was just excited to be done with it.

I did do a tandem of the ebook and audio which was wonderful. The narrator, I think, did an incredible job and was able to give each character a distinct voice. It was an impassioned production, genuinely one of the best audios I’ve ever heard.

I might give this one a reread at a later date to see if I’m just not in a heavy, fantasy headspace.

Thank you to HarperCollins for this ARC/ALC!

I was hooked on this book right from the start. The world-building was absolutely amazing. The time and care that Chinaza Bado put into the details of this world are absolutely apparent from the beginning of the book. I was a little surprised that Zikora and M’Kuru were as young as they were, I was expecting them to be more like teens, as it is a YA book. However, knowing that this is a trilogy, I think that’s a smart choice as it gives the opportunity to really show their growth as characters throughout the series. There is a bit of a preview to this within this first book as the story covers quite a few years of time, giving us the chance to see how they are shaped by the events of the story. I also loved Zikora as a character, she is so vibrant and full of life, and her no-nonsense, no-filter attitude is in such a sharp contrast to those around her. I just loved how absolutely spirited she is. M’Kuru is also a great character. I love the way his story is told, because the reader is put in a similar situation to M’Kuru where we have to understand the events of the story as they unfold, we don’t get any information about his situation that he doesn’t know. (I’m trying to avoid spoilers). But I loved kind of being right there alongside him throughout the book. I can’t wait to see where this series goes! I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy, politically-driven story, dynamic characters, solid world-building, and a book that you can laugh out loud and cry with.

Birth of a Dynasty is a brutal beginning, but one that reminds us of the power of young people. It is the start of an epic fantasy, inspired by African nobility and history, told mostly from the perspective of two adolescents.

M'Kuru is the youngest son of Lord Mukundi. At nine years old he witnesses something horrifying and traumatic, and devotes himself to finding vengeance. On the way, his empathy finds him in an unexpected role that makes him put his vengeance on hold.

Zikora is the youngest child of Lord Nnamani. She is a curious, headstrong, and outspoken eight year old. This endears her to many in her family. She learns of a great loss in an unexpected way, which spirals into her becoming something more than she ever thought she would be. Her demeanor endures however, and those in power also take a liking to her. It is obvious that she will play a pivotal role in the future.

Four years go by as M'Kuru and Zikora come of age and political games are played. Although the main characters are young, this is certainly not a middle grade or YA novel. The trauma and pain in these young characters is front and center. If I had to compare it to something I would say it is like the Arya and Sansa chapters in Game of Thrones.

We do have a few chapters from adult perspectives, which I found helpful but not as interesting. There was a lot of court intrigue, secrets, brutality, and misogyny. Some slavery and other hard topics as well, so definitely not for the faint of heart.

I was very invested in M’Kuru’s story. He witnesses something absolutely terrible at such a young age, and his hardships just keep going. Just when we finally think he may have found some peace he is forced to make a devastating choice. I hope he gets his vengeance, but more than that I hope some of the other antagonists get their karma.

Zikora’s story is interesting too, especially as a little bit of light in the dark. She is less serious, obviously privileged and used to getting her way, but also empathetic and kind.

The story is slow in some parts, but that is understandable as there is a lot of world building going on. I do wish some of the chapters with the royalty were just not there as I really didn't like their perspectives, but we as readers needed the information so I'm not sure how else that would have been accomplished.

The ending was a bit abrupt. A lot happens all at once, and then all of a sudden it is over. I had been doing hybrid reading, going from the ebook to the audiobook, and was on the audiobook at the end. I had to open the ebook and make sure I didn't miss something! It does resolve a little bit, but leaves the story pretty wide open for further plot development. I believe this is planned to be a trilogy.

The narrator for the audiobook did an absolutely amazing job. She handles the different voices and accents very well, and makes some of the slower scenes sound more interesting. I think this book definitely shines as an audiobook.

Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC.