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stormbornarchive 's review for:
A Song of Legends Lost
by M.H. Ayinde
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy that dares to be different, this debut offers a rich and thoughtful take on the genre. A Song of Legends Lost blends ancestral magic, fractured politics, and the remnants of a fallen world into something bold, ambitious, and emotionally resonant.
The story centers on Temi, a girl gifted with the ability to call upon an ancestral spirit in battle. Her powers are both awe-inspiring and intimate, setting the tone for a world shaped by history and memory. The magic system is one of the book’s strongest elements, rooted in ancestral legacy and spiritual strength. It feels weighty, lived-in, and powerful without needing flash or spectacle.
Ayinde’s worldbuilding is deep, textured, and unapologetically complex. The influence of African folklore and post-apocalyptic tech weaves together into a setting that feels fresh and meaningful. The political tensions between city-states and the ancient powers at play create a layered conflict that asks you to pay close attention.
There are multiple POVs and time shifts, and while this structure adds scope and nuance, it can also pull you away from the character you’re most emotionally invested in. Temi’s arc, in particular, takes a back seat midway through, and that shift frustrated me a little because I wanted to more focus on her journey. The pacing dips in spots too, especially when the story zooms out to show the broader world.
But what Ayinde builds here is impressive. It is not just an introduction to a world or characters. It feels like the beginning of something significant. This is the kind of book that rewards attention and reflection.
It is not a fast read, but it is a rewarding one. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with rich lore, ancestral guardian spirits, complex power struggles, and a touch of sci-fi remnants, this is worth adding to your shelf.
The story centers on Temi, a girl gifted with the ability to call upon an ancestral spirit in battle. Her powers are both awe-inspiring and intimate, setting the tone for a world shaped by history and memory. The magic system is one of the book’s strongest elements, rooted in ancestral legacy and spiritual strength. It feels weighty, lived-in, and powerful without needing flash or spectacle.
Ayinde’s worldbuilding is deep, textured, and unapologetically complex. The influence of African folklore and post-apocalyptic tech weaves together into a setting that feels fresh and meaningful. The political tensions between city-states and the ancient powers at play create a layered conflict that asks you to pay close attention.
There are multiple POVs and time shifts, and while this structure adds scope and nuance, it can also pull you away from the character you’re most emotionally invested in. Temi’s arc, in particular, takes a back seat midway through, and that shift frustrated me a little because I wanted to more focus on her journey. The pacing dips in spots too, especially when the story zooms out to show the broader world.
But what Ayinde builds here is impressive. It is not just an introduction to a world or characters. It feels like the beginning of something significant. This is the kind of book that rewards attention and reflection.
It is not a fast read, but it is a rewarding one. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with rich lore, ancestral guardian spirits, complex power struggles, and a touch of sci-fi remnants, this is worth adding to your shelf.