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kendoge's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I liked this story a lot. I don’t often read novellas so I feel like my rating is skewed. Since I typically read epic 600+ page fantasy novels or huge series, this felt a bit lacking. I would love more time spent with Djola and Mama Agba or the high priestess. More time with the characters would help the change of heart the FMC constantly goes through feel more believable. It felt rushed but being a novella I can move past it. I do really like this story and am excited to read more.
daniellestarredpages's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 Stars.
Novella'c can be very hit or miss for me. Either I love the story so much that I'm begging for more or I want more because I felt elements of the story could use more development.
In the case of "In The Shadow Of The Fall" by Tobi Ogundiraan, I felt there could've been more. I had a few issues with the pacing as the time between the MC learning something mind and belief-shattering and then finding out the information she had just learnt wasn't completely accurate was way too short. The author began to build a connection between secondary characters and the reader but I don't think there was enough before "emotional" things started happening to these characters. However, I did find the emotional turmoil the MC felt towards things that happened to the secondary characters to be believable and well done. I was quite interested in the mythology and the magic that was hinted at and wish we had seen or learnt more. If the author decides to write a full-length novel set in this world and follow this MC, I would be interested.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Novella'c can be very hit or miss for me. Either I love the story so much that I'm begging for more or I want more because I felt elements of the story could use more development.
In the case of "In The Shadow Of The Fall" by Tobi Ogundiraan, I felt there could've been more. I had a few issues with the pacing as the time between the MC learning something mind and belief-shattering and then finding out the information she had just learnt wasn't completely accurate was way too short. The author began to build a connection between secondary characters and the reader but I don't think there was enough before "emotional" things started happening to these characters. However, I did find the emotional turmoil the MC felt towards things that happened to the secondary characters to be believable and well done. I was quite interested in the mythology and the magic that was hinted at and wish we had seen or learnt more. If the author decides to write a full-length novel set in this world and follow this MC, I would be interested.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Blood
briar_rose_reads's review
4.75
I really, really enjoyed this novella. Interesting characters; beautiful prose; a fluidly built world that felt real and lived-in without being over-exposited. The main character made several choices that had me going, “OH NO WHAT ARE YOU DOING,” and yet I understood and sympathized with her reasons for doing what she did—which can be a fine line to walk. There was a big twist I didn’t see coming, and the ending left me longing for the next book in the series. In terms of tone, this tale never flinched away from horrors but also never felt devoid of hope, and I love stories that can find that balance.
(I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
(I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
booksandteawithmel_'s review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advance copy!
Thoroughly enjoyed this novella, it was short and sweet but extremely detailed. I’ve been trying to diversify my reading so it was nice to read something that was from West Africa, which is not something I would pick up.
The story was rich and the prose was well written and kept me engaged with the story. I loved it.
Thoroughly enjoyed this novella, it was short and sweet but extremely detailed. I’ve been trying to diversify my reading so it was nice to read something that was from West Africa, which is not something I would pick up.
The story was rich and the prose was well written and kept me engaged with the story. I loved it.
bookstaash's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and TorDotCom for providing an eARC of this in exchange for my honest feedback!
In In the Shadow of the Fall, Ashâke is an untrained acolyte waiting for the orisha to call her into service as a full-fledged priest. When she grows tired of waiting, she attempts to summon the gods and finds herself thrust in the middle of an epic power struggle that will decide the fate of the world.
This novella was so well-done - there was enough explanation of the world and backstory but, I still felt like I was in the middle of the current situation. The story was fast-paced, descriptive and engrossing, such that I felt like I was missing out every time I had to set the book down.
I’d put this in my top reads of 2024, and would recommend this to anyone interested in Yoruba mythology and epic high-stakes fantasy.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Murder, and Violence
brireads97's review against another edition
5.0
Tobi Ogundiran has crafted a masterful African mythology tale. This book sucks the reader in with its premise but then gives the reader a sense of more at the end. This novella main character Ashâke takes the reader on a journey of self exploration as she battles with the idea why she hasn’t become an Orisha. Not knowing her story has just begun. The antagonist of the story brings a sense of fear to the reader. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Tobi.
brireads97's review
5.0
Thank you Net Galley for this arc.
Tobi Ogundiran has crafted a masterful African mythology tale. This book sucks the reader in with its premise but then gives the reader a sense of more at the end. This novella main character Ashâke takes the reader on a journey of self exploration as she battles with the idea why she hasn’t become an Orisha. Not knowing her story has just begun. The antagonist of the story brings a sense of fear to the reader. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Tobi
Tobi Ogundiran has crafted a masterful African mythology tale. This book sucks the reader in with its premise but then gives the reader a sense of more at the end. This novella main character Ashâke takes the reader on a journey of self exploration as she battles with the idea why she hasn’t become an Orisha. Not knowing her story has just begun. The antagonist of the story brings a sense of fear to the reader. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Tobi
therearenobadbooks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Here is a duology coming this July (book 1 in July 2024) that will please magic and fantasy readers, religion/orisha inspired lore for fans of N.K. Jemisin and Suyi Davies.
I love novellas that are still full journeys, mentally and physically. Great relevation at the end, satisfying and with character growth. Made me curious for the next volume. Also love the artwork of the cover and the one painted by the words and descriptions of the author (great imagery).
Thank you, publisher, for the arc copy.
Ashâke can no longer accept the orisha ignore her. After the incident where she tries to capture one, her only path now is to escape the isolation of the temple and find the truth of the world.
I love novellas that are still full journeys, mentally and physically. Great relevation at the end, satisfying and with character growth. Made me curious for the next volume. Also love the artwork of the cover and the one painted by the words and descriptions of the author (great imagery).
Thank you, publisher, for the arc copy.
Ashâke can no longer accept the orisha ignore her. After the incident where she tries to capture one, her only path now is to escape the isolation of the temple and find the truth of the world.
mothreadsbookssometimes's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In the Shadow of the Fall is a novella about an acolyte, Ashâke, who has been refused a promotion to priesthood. She attempts to summon the orisha (deities), but fails and instead sees a terrible vision. And with it being a novella, I can’t say too much else without spoiling the story😅
This was so good! It’s such a quick read — the first couple chapters are a little slow, but once you hit the first interlude, we’re off. Every few chapters, we get an interlude from the POV of a side character. Those interludes were my favorite chapters because that was where the world-building really got to shine.
For only 150-ish pages, the story and the world is very well-explained. The pacing was smooth, moving quickly but not at a breakneck speed.
The last third of the book had me in a chokehold, I couldn’t stop reading because it was so exciting. I can’t wait for the second book of the duology, and in the meantime, I’ll probably be reading Jackal Jackal for the first time.
This was so good! It’s such a quick read — the first couple chapters are a little slow, but once you hit the first interlude, we’re off. Every few chapters, we get an interlude from the POV of a side character. Those interludes were my favorite chapters because that was where the world-building really got to shine.
For only 150-ish pages, the story and the world is very well-explained. The pacing was smooth, moving quickly but not at a breakneck speed.
The last third of the book had me in a chokehold, I couldn’t stop reading because it was so exciting. I can’t wait for the second book of the duology, and in the meantime, I’ll probably be reading Jackal Jackal for the first time.
CW: death/murder, suicide, violence, religious trauma
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide