A review by bookaquarius
Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

adventurous dark hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I finished Son of the Storm and I enjoyed it enough I’d like to continue the series! 3.75 stars? Maybe more? This book is “a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forbidden magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.” I think readers who enjoy a medium paced, plot-driven story with a sprawling world containing a distinct cultural landscape will enjoy this. I do wish the core cast for the sequel had been introduced earlier, but as an epic fantasy series I can understand why the author took his time to meander through the set up. I think the writing was very good, though a bit distant from emotion at times for my taste. I like that in the end, we were set up to expand the world even more through a new community of characters. I like that the author took risks by k*lling off characters! Stakes were high though reactions were a bit.. lacking? Nonplussed? Regardless, I liked it!

I found some character POVs were much more enjoyable than others. Esheme creeps me out tbh. I do appreciate the attention to creating a complex, power hungry, female character with interesting flaws and scary ambition. But, though her chapters were important, I didn’t enjoy them as much. She’s very manipulative which explains why there are people who remain loyal to her…but also does it? It seems wild to me that so many people just stick around and do her bidding while she’s like one unpleasant bite of food away from becoming a mass murderer every second of the day.

[⚠️ out of context kinda spoilery section follows] I think Esheme’s coldness towards pregnancy aligns with her character but does rub me the wrong way (i.e. ambitious women are un-motherly icicle droids). Also, the relationship that pops up with Igan felt so odd to me. She immediately believes that Igan will be obsessed with her and isn’t skeptical at all about their intentions. If she’s right, then that’s so convenient it borders on ridiculous. Why do things just keep working out for her? But if she’s wrong, I can’t wait to see it blow up in her face.