BIRTH OF A DYNASTY

The first installment in Bado’s fantasy trilogy is set in a realm ruled by a tyrannical dynasty and largely follows two characters as they struggle to survive in a viper pit of political intrigue while also trying to find a way to attain vengeance for atrocities done to their families.

The kingdom of Zenzele has ruled Ahkebulin—and its multiple noble houses—for centuries. But when a Zenzele attack force slaughters the entire noble family of House Mukundi of Madada, Zenzele leaders think they’ve put an end to a prophecy that foretold the fall of their dynasty when the houses Mukundi and Nnamani “become one.” But 10-year-old M’kuru Mukundi somehow survives and, after escaping to a nearby town, begins a new life with a new identity. He never forgets the horrors that he witnessed, however, and sets out to destroy all those who murdered his family. To keep the House of Nnamani in check, the royal family of Zenzele brings 8-year-old Zikora Nnamani, the only daughter of Lord Nnamani, to the capital city to live with them. But once there, the precocious girl—who wants nothing more than to be a warrior—realizes she is a pawn in a brutal game of power and control. While the writing is fluid and almost lyrical in places, the narrative falls short in satisfying reader expectation. Fantasy fans will find the worldbuilding to be a bit disappointing. Giants and iron dwarves are referenced but then all but forgotten, as are creatures like saber-toothed lions (called Liabrein) and elephants; the seemingly Afrocentric realm is only superficially explored, creating a cardboard backdrop. Lastly, the plot takes a long time to gain momentum. The initial slow pacing and low intensity, coupled with the lack of a strong hook in the beginning chapters, may lead more than a few readers to put the book down. Sadly, they will be missing out on what eventually becomes a solid storyline.

Although it’s flawed, the potential is there for future installments to salvage this epic tale of retribution.