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

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.

Couldn’t wait….

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

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

A solid first entry.

I enjoyed it overall. it's a unique setting and interesting magic system. My issues are primarily technical.

I do think it'd be well served by a more stringent editor, as there were many times we were taken away from the action to be given detail about the world that would never again be relevant and took away from the gravity of a given moment.

For example: there's a instance where a character is about to do something dangerous, and we suddenly get a paragraph regarding to climate of the area. Does said climate affect the task at hand or add depth? Not at all. It took me out of the moment every time it happened.