Son of the Storm

By: Suyi Davies Okungbowa

Narrated by: Korey Jackson

From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, Son of the Storm is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forgotten magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.

"Everything I love in a fantasy novel. Damn good stuff!" —Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings

In the ancient. city of Bassa, Danso is a clever scholar on the cusp of achieving greatness—only he doesn’t want it. Instead, he prefers to chase forbidden stories about what lies outside the city walls. The Bassai elite claim there is nothing of interest. The city’s immigrants are sworn to secrecy.

But when Danso stumbles across a warrior wielding magic that shouldn’t exist, he’s put on a collision course with Bassa’s darkest secrets. Drawn into the city’s hidden history, he sets out on a journey beyond its borders. And the chaos left in the wake of his discovery threatens to destroy the empire.

Praise for Son of the Storm:

"With an intricate and irresistible plot, Okungbowa weaves a vibrant tale of betrayal, intrigue, and revolution.” Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song

"A thrilling, fantastical adventure that introduces a beguiling new world . . . and then rips apart everything you think you know." —S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass

The Nameless Republic
Son of the Storm

Critic reviews

"This is everything I love to see in a fantasy story: masterful, fully-realized worldbuilding, morally complex characters, thoughtful and piercing interrogations of power, privilege, and all the facets of human nature. Damn good book!"—Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings

"A mesmerizing coming of age tale set against a thrilling, fantastical adventure that introduces a beguiling new world...and then rips apart everything you think you know.” —S. A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass

"Okungbowa weaves an intricate and irresistible plot around the tensions and contradictions of a corrupt, decadent society which is both dependent upon and resentful of its diverse migrant population. The result is a vibrant tale of betrayal, intrigue, and revolution which benefits greatly from an original setting, a fresh take on magic, and deftly executed characterization."—Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song

“Okungbowa's world feels fully formed from the first pages, sweeping readers away into an elaborately plotted tale of ancient magics and world-shattering politics. I, like many others, will be impatiently waiting for the next installment!”—Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

"An epic fantasy set apart by how deftly Okungbowa unfurls his intricate, richly imagined world. It's not often you get to read a fantasy novel that spans not only ancient magic, sinister machinations, and monstrous forests but courthouses, college classes, and hairdressers too, evoking the terrible and fascinating city-state of Bassa in living, breathing detail."—A. K. Larkwood, author of The Unspoken Name

"A world so exquisitely observed in every detail, from the built environment to its social and political organization, that you can’t help but tumble headlong into its vivid, captivating reality. Esheme is a standout: her unflinching subversion of motherhood to serve her own ends absolutely thrilled me."—Shelley Parker Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun

"An original and fascinating epic fantasy full of bold characters, bloody action, and brutal politics. I thoroughly enjoyed it!”—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost

“Okungobwa’s richly-drawn and ruthlessly strict world never provides its conflicted characters with easy answers. Fantastical beasts and forgotten magic propel a story about ambition, conspiracy, and the elusiveness of belonging. This is epic fantasy that will make you think and leave you unsettled.” —Fonda Lee, World Fantasy Award-winning author

Couldn’t wait….

Great story, that I found I couldn’t wait to get back to. Definitely getting book two.

Addictive

Best audiobook I have listened to in life. This MFer writes. You won’t understand until you listen to it or read it. This story is epic and full of surprises that fit.

Slightly disappointed

I picked this up because I was wanting another fantasy inspired by African cultures and folklore (something like Black Leopard Red Wolf, or Rage of Dragons). And while it's certainly very much that, it failed to deliver in terms of story and pacing. I first tried to listen to this book over the summer and stopped because I couldn't get into it.
I was genuinely surprised when I picked it back up and discovered I'd listened to 7 hours of it and barely retained the direction of the plot, so I started over.
Turns out I DID remember all of it, it just shouldn't have taken 7 hours for so little to happen.
I powered through but one of the pivotal scenes that I'm sure is intended as a hook doesn't happen until about 11 hours in.
I don't mind a slow burn, but the surrounding worldbuilding wasn't as interesting as it could have been. I made it through by pure stubbornness.

I also considered that it wasn't the story itself. Some books (like Le Guin's work) function better as literature, and don't always transfer well into an audible story, & I wondered if I'd enjoy the story more with a different reader, or if I was physically reading it. Eventually I determined that the reader wasn't really doing it for me, yes, but also the story itself wasn't as well-crafted as I'd like.

It's unfortunate really. I'm going to give this author another chance because I WANT to like his stories, but I don't think I'll be returning to this series.
There's a galactic empire of Wakanda story written by him that sounds very interesting.
if you're wondering where you should start for this author, perhaps begin there first. It'll be my next read of his.

A story with so much potential

I purchased that story knowing it will take me out of my western comfort zone and take me somewhere else. It delivered in that sense but still, I have to be honest in my review.
Pros:
The main character is pretty likeable and will change throughout the story towards being a hero.
The worldbuiding is okay, and the characters well developed.
it's a nice story overall
now to the cons
I will blame everything else on the lack of editing. The author stopped showing at some point and started telling. I feel like there wasn't a lot of action especially throughout the breathing forest. I was so excited abt it and thought a lot of monsters were abt to show up but nah.
I finished the story and I would recommend for different culture- away from the European fantasy.

pleasant surprise

enjoyed it hope there's a sequel with babies even fast forward lol next generation