A review by wynwicket
Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I'm conflicted on this one--there was a lot to like: the exploration of Nigerian myth and folklore with a unique and fascinating concept of magic; the idea of the gods forming corporations to encourage and control people's faith and oust each other from power (How would a god drum up 'business' these days?)  And a surprise cameo from Aleister Crowley, who's more than a little out of his element among Our Heroes, a former nightmare god and a succubus!

But there was a lot that just didn't work: the constant jumping back and forth through time to show past events took me out of the story a lot; the frequent coercive sex on the part of our succubus (who suddenly decided she was in LOVE in the last 50 pages of the book?  Eh.)  The heist subplot (which I was really excited about) felt like more of an afterthought.  And our Hero, Shigidi, was kind of a blank slate.  Intentionally so, maybe, but it was hard to get to know him.  

I look forward to discussing this with folks!
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