Masquerade
Ratings7
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings7
Average rating3.8
Set in a wonderfully reimagined 15th century West Africa, Masquerade is a dazzling, lyrical tale exploring the true cost of one woman’s fight for freedom and self-discovery, and the lengths she’ll go to secure her future. “A bewitching, thrilling and vibrant novel that had me enthralled with every twist and turn.” —Jennifer Saint, New York Times bestselling author Òdòdó’s hometown of Timbuktu has been conquered by the warrior king of Yorùbáland, and living conditions for the women in her blacksmith guild, who were already shunned as social pariahs, grow even worse. 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, she finds the power that saturates this world of battle and political savvy too enticing to resist. As tensions with rival states grow, revealing elaborate schemes and enemies hidden in plain sight, Òdòdó must defy the cruel king she has been forced to wed by reforging the shaky loyalties of the court in 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 which turn an entire region on its head. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Reviews with the most likes.
A bit different to my usual reads, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down once it got to about the 30% mark. It was written extremely well, with a mix of history and myths, as well as political intrigue.
Whilst I didn't feel much for our main lead at the beginning, she really begins to grow as the story goes. Whether it's the right way, it's unsure, but it did lead to so very good plot points for growth within the story. We see a young girl shed her innocence and naivety as she goes from loss of friendships, to family and finally to love.
The book ended in a morbidly satisfying way, with our lead taking matters (quite literally) into her own hands as she realises that she doesn't want to return to being repressed and shut down when she has shown herself to be more than capable.
From the moment I picked up Masquerade I was absolutely captivated by O.O Sangoyomi's level of storytelling. Inspired by the myth of Persephone, we follow Òdòdò, a blacksmith in Timbuktu, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is kidnapped by the Warrior King. What follows is a journey of transformation and empowerment as Òdòdò navigates the treacherous waters of betrayal and the royal court in Șàngóté.
When I tell you Sangoyomi has a way with words, and immersing you into a world that felt both ancient and timeless. I was truly captivated by her writing. This story had me on my toes the entire time! I cannot tell you how many times I had to stop reading to digest the twists and turns of Òdòdò's story!
Òdòdò's journey was truly a testament to personal empowerment and resilience (personally would have given up a few times, Òdòdò was truly that girl).
Masquerade is a MUST READ. I finished the book a week ago, and I'm still thinking about it. And this is a DEBUT!! I can't wait for whatever she had next!
Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours for free book, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
