Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi Review | Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays

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MASQUERADE

Author: O.O. Sangoyomi

Series: N/A

Source: Libro.fm

Publisher: Forge

Publication Date: July 2, 2024

Representation: Black main characters, West African mythology/lore

Summary:

Masquerade is a dazzling, lyrical tale of the true cost of one woman’s fight for freedom and self-discovery in a patriarchal society, and the lengths she’ll go to secure her future, set in a wonderfully reimagined, pre-colonial West Africa. 

Òdòdó's hometown of Timbuktu has been conquered by the the warrior king of Yorùbáland. Already shunned as social pariahs, living conditions for Òdòdó and the other women in her blacksmith guild grow even worse under Yorùbá rule.

Then Òdòdó is abducted. She is whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, where she is shocked to discover that her kidnapper is none other than the vagrant who had visited her guild just days prior. But now that he is swathed in riches rather than rags, Òdòdó realizes he is not a vagrant at all; he is the warrior king, and he has chosen her to be his wife.

In a sudden change of fortune, Òdòdó soars to the very heights of society. But after a lifetime of subjugation, the power that saturates this world of battle and political savvy becomes too enticing to resist. And as tensions with rival states reveal elaborate schemes and enemies hidden in plain sight, she must re-forge the shaky loyalties of the court to her favor, or risk losing everything—including her life.

Loosely based on the myth of Persephone, O.O. Sangoyomi’s Masquerade takes you on a journey of epic power struggles and political intrigue that turn an entire region on its head.

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Content Warning: violence, murder, kidnapping, animal death, slavery, confinement, sexual assault, rape, sexism

In MASQUERADE, Òdòdó, a formidable blacksmith from Timbuktu, is kidnapped by the powerful Aláàfin leader, Àrệmọ. Despite her initial shock at this handsome and dangerous man's desire to marry her, she quickly recognizes the comfort and power her new role affords her. As the tides of political change and warring kingdoms shift, Òdòdó seizes the opportunity to exert her influence, offering strategic advice to her fiancé, which he then claims as his own. This political intrigue and the looming threat of death draw them closer, forging a formidable partnership to rule their lands.

I absolutely loved MASQUERADE! It offered a fascinating twist on the Hades x Persephone myth, staying true to the essence of Greek mythology and capturing the ruthless and brutal nature of "death." Àrệmọ's portrayal as someone who fully embraces his role was a refreshing departure from the typical sad, emo depictions of Hades in popular media.

The integration of West African mythology was a delightful surprise. It’s not a perspective I've encountered often, but I thoroughly enjoyed how it influenced the portrayal of women's roles in society. The novel's setting in a fantastical 15th century West Africa is richly detailed, avoiding info-dumps except where necessary. However, this sometimes results in a bit of naivety from Òdòdó.

Though we follow Òdòdó’s perspective throughout the book, her motivations and some of the author's choices for her circumstances left me puzzled. The novel is marketed as fantasy, yet it lacks a developed magic system, relying instead on a general fantastical atmosphere. This reliance on mythology, highlighted by perhaps just one key scene, makes the fantasy label feel somewhat overstretched.

While the story boasts elements of great storytelling, it does read like a debut, with room for more well-rounded character development and a stronger central plot. The narrative didn’t follow a clear path to the conclusion, and the side plots felt underdeveloped, detracting from the main story. Nonetheless, I’m excited for Sangoyomi’s next book; her prose is strong, even if all the elements aren't fully realized yet.

I also recommend the audiobook, narrated by Ariel Blake. Hearing the rich West African names pronounced correctly added depth to the experience. Listening to books that draw from a narrative storytelling tradition like this is always a pleasure, and the narration kept me thoroughly invested in the story.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?