Synopsis
After witnessing the massacre of everyone he’s ever known and loved, M’Kuru Mukundi, the sole surviving member of the High Noble House Mukundi of Madada, vows revenge. He hides under the guise of farm boy Khalil Rausi… unaware that the real Khalil’s father is the bloodthirsty General of Zenzele army, and under the direction of the King’s scheming son, Prince Effiom, was responsible for the murder of M’kuru’s people. When an imposter claiming to be M’kuru shows up in the village, the real M’kuru – now Khalil – must bide his time amongst his enemies, pretending to be everything that he hates in order to get vengeance.
In another part of the country where giants roam free, young Zikora Nnamani, the only daughter of Lord Nnamani, knows nothing of political intrigue – she wants little more than to be a warrior. But a well-known prophecy places too much power on her small shoulders, and – as far as Prince Effiom and the King know – she is the only living threat to their dynasty. A threat that must be snuffed out…
Between scheming ladies at court, backstabbing princes on the prowl, and paranoid kings, M’kuru and Zikora must do what they can, no matter how terrible, to save their people and claim vengeance for their families. But they are just two young people against an entire kingdom – and a prophecy destined to thwart their dreams – and the last thing they can do is trust anyone…even each other.
Review
This book sets up so much potential for a new favourite series and I am invested.
I went into this blind knowing it involved politics, non-Western fantasy, and royalty. I would advise you do the same.
M’Kuru is the sole surviving member of the High Noble House Mukundi of Madada and he vows revenge following the massacre of his family. M’kuru flees to a small village where he assumes the guise of a ten year old farm boy.
Elsewhere Zikora, the only daughter of Lord Nnamani is an innocent 8 year old who is wild and free and beloved by all despite her carefree, stubborn attitude.
A prophecy places her in danger as the only living threat to their dynasty ruling forever.
We have other perspectives related to these two main characters interspersed throughout. We have a three year time jump that was executed perfectly and a converging that you see coming and cannot wait for.
Zikora was such a refreshing perspective and I loved her attitude and cleverness. I also have to shout out Zikora’s family, especially her brothers and the obvious love and the dynamic between them.
This is a set-up book. The politicking is mostly left to the adults around them, but we can see these two fated children slot into their potential roles. Regardless, every character was rich with motivation and emotions and I hold out hopes that I can compare it to The Dandelion Dynasty later on in the series.
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