Son of the Storm

And the award for best book cover goes to…

Son of the Storm is a fantasy novel written by Suyi Davies Okungbowa. It was originally published in May 2021. I first found this book at Strand Bookstore in New York and the book cover was alluring and intriguing. Even after I left the store I kept thinking about the book. Two months after I saw it, I bought it.

What it is about: It is part of the Nameless Republic Trilogy.
It starts with Danso- a half caste in the extravagant and cultured city of Bassa who is dissatisfied with his life there. We follow Danso as he discovers the world outside of Bassa and all the possibilities that come with it.

What worked in the book: The book’s biggest strength is its setting. The city of Bassa feels like a character with its own history, culture and people that is realistic yet different from anything that exists. All I can say is that Suyi’s world building is phenomenal. 

Something Unique about the book: The book is set entirely in a world of black/African inspired people. Every one in the book is dark skinned and the darker your skin, the higher your social status.

What I liked about it: It shows that segregation no matter what it is based on, is a fear response to different. But what will the world be if we were all exactly the same? I loved the book cover too! It’s actually why I started reading the book.

Favorite word in the book: Skopi: A large bat-like predator.

Read if: You like unraveling history in its fine details. You like fantasy and alternative reality.