tbrchivist 's review for:

Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado

4.25

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Birth of a Dynasty is book one of an African-inspired political fantasy series about revenge, rebellion, and the fight for power. The story follows two main characters, M'kuru, a boy who has gone into hiding after the assassination of his high-born family (and village), and Zikora, the young daughter of a lord who finds herself taken as a "tribute" to the reigning king after receiving mysterious powers from her family line. 

The incredible talents of the narrator and the quality world-building create an inviting story for the reader. I loved experiencing this kind of magic system and the Game of Thrones like political intrigue out of the "standard" fantasy setting. While I enjoyed meeting all of the main players in this world and their links to one another, this book had a feeling throughout the entire story of being the set up to an even more interesting book 2. The first 50-60% of this story flew by with action and interest, while the back half could have given more of a punch to build anticipation for the next story.  Despite a slower end, I am so looking forward to following M'kuru and Zikora as they move into the next phase of their tale.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the audiobook copy for review!