This cover and synopsis really caught my attention. I love reading books that aren't from a European setting. I enjoyed Ododo's character arc and her journey to taking control of her destiny. While she was naive, she also was intelligent enough to become a power player in the politics within the story. I loved the audio narration, the narrator did a great job of giving each character their own voice and personality. This story was also darker than I thought it'd be. For some reason I had the impression this was going to have a romantic subplot and it has a relationship but I most certainly would not consider this a romance. I also didn't get much sense of fantasy or even the Persephone myth that this has been marketed for. I did find some areas to drag on longer than necessary and other areas weren't fleshed out to my liking. This has a lot of good things about it but overall it won't leave a lasting impression. 3.5 stars

Well holy crap, that was a wild ride and I friggin' loved it. Thanks to the publishers through netgalley for giving me early access. It sounded up my alley when I requested it but I let it sit for awhile, forgot the synopsis, and started to wonder if I would like it. when I finally did pick it up, I was going in pretty blind, fortunately and ended up loving it.

I enjoyed the commentary and the process of following our main character on her journey. There were several things that I found to be very annoying but I'm pretty sure most of them were by design and ended up really helping the story and enjoyment in the end.

Loved the direction it ended up going and would totally recommend. I have some pretty deep thoughts on the different relationships/interactions that she had with different characters which is awesome! Like its got me feeling all kinds of things!

Now as I mentioned I did go in blind so I didn't know that this book is a very loose retelling of the Hade's and Persephone story, I only found out halfway through, and it did confuse me a little bit although I do see what there saying, even though I think you're better off going in knowing that it is its own thing. I think if I had known that before hand I would have expected something completely different and would have been disappointed. I REALLY like it for what it is, but it is not the H&P story I'd want.

anyway, its pretty late. Just wanted to tell people that i loved it and you should read it if it seems up your alley. And be open to seeing where the story takes you with as little expectations as you can give. I know this wont be everyones cup of tea but for those of you who are into it, I hope you love it as much as I do.

#Masquerade by @oosangoyomi will be on sale this July! I was lucky enough to be allowed to listen to the fantastic audiobook of this story via @netgalley and @macmillan.audio. In this story, set in the 15th century Yorubaland (West Africa), a young woman is charmed by a man who later kidnaps her across the Sahara desert to claim her as his wife. She later finds out he is a warrior king, titled the Alaafin, and he’s a very powerful man taking over vast stretches of land and multiple cities. If you love an adventure story, or stories about obnoxious kings and allllll of the political intrigue and deceptions that are known to arise at court, you will LOVE this story! Add to this, the excellent work of @arielneemablake as the narrator, acting out all parts with a beautiful rich Nigerian accent. (One of my favorite accents ever - like music to my ears!) I really loved this story because this poor young girl steps into a life of power and intrigue and is forced to endure so much misery and betrayals and meets some really horrible people, including her Alaafin, which I could sense was a love/hate/obsession type emotion. HE put her thru hell but she would wade thru hell to find him. She proved herself in so many ways, the girl they all underestimated. And omg, 😳 she learned quickly.
Believe me, the ending you will find so deeply and shockingly satisfying !!!! I loved this. Highly recommend!!!

This offers a reimagining of 15th century West Africa, focusing on the gripping journey of Òdòdó, a blacksmith (or "witch") from Timbuktu who is thrust into the world of political intrigue after being abducted by the warrior king of Yorùbáland. The narrative is rich with cultural references, portraying a lush and intricate world that captures the imagination and feels incredibly immersive.

Òdòdó's transformation from a pariah to the wife of a king is both enthralling and tumultuous. Her character arc is filled with moments of triumph and despair as she navigates the treacherous waters of court life. Watching her evolve from a subjugated blacksmith to a cunning player in the king’s court is one of the novel's highlights. Her journey is marked by significant struggles and successes, showcasing her resilience and tenacity.

However, the story does have its shortcomings. Òdòdó’s naivety, while understandable given her circumstances, can sometimes be frustrating at times, if understandable. Nevertheless, this trait also adds a layer of realism to her character, making her eventual growth and achievements more satisfying.

One of the major missteps in the marketing of Masquerade is the comparison to the myth of Persephone and Hades. This expectation sets up a misleading premise for readers anticipating a romance-driven plot. Masquerade is much more a tale of political maneuvering, personal empowerment, and cultural dynamics than it is a romance. The relationship between Òdòdó and the warrior king is FAR from a love story; it’s a complex interplay of power and survival.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC. This is an honest and voluntary review.

Genre: historical fiction
West Africa, 15th century

Òdòdó, a powerful blacksmith, is kidnapped from her home of Timbuktu by the powerful Aláàfin leader Àrệmọ. Even as she is shocked that this handsome and dangerous man wants to marry her, she recognizes the comfort and power afforded to her in her role as beloved by the king. Òdòdó refuses to marry Àrệmọ until her mother can be found to give her blessing, so she bides her time training as a warrior under Àrệmọ. Changing political tides and warring kingdoms give her a chance to utilize some of this power, giving her fiance strategic advice that he then passes off as his own.

I have mixed feelings on Masquerade. I loved the setting: a fantastical 15th century West Africa with lush worldbuilding that avoids being info-dumpy. But the story itself leans towards all-vibes with little overall driving plot in a way that didn't work for me, with side plots popping seemingly out of nowhere. We are in Òdòdó’s POV the whole book, and yet I didn’t understand her motivation for her choices, or Sangoyomi’s decisions to put Òdòdó in certain circumstances. It’s being marketed as fantasy, but there are not a lot of magical elements in the story itself. On the one hand, there’s no magic system to figure out. On the other hand, I was hoping for a little more of the fantastical.

There are elements of great storytelling, but it reads like a debut with the need for more well-rounded character development and one major plot thread. I'll be excited for Sangoyomi's next book, because her prose is strong, even as all of the elements aren’t there yet.

The audiobook is narrated by Ariel Blake, and I recommend this format to hear the rich West African names. I love listening to books that come from a narrative storytelling tradition like this. The narration kept me invested in this story.

So overall I think this book fell flat. The romance was uninspired and the chemistry none existent, and it caused many of the major events in the story to fall flat. The plotting was arguably the books biggest flaw, the first half was slow and uninteresting whilst the opposite is true of the second half. I think the ending is the real star of this novel, because the main character did something, that really surprised me. If there was a second installment to this book I would read it.

Wow! This was great! The audio was really good and the book was so well-written. It is bloody, tense, powerful, and a bit romantic at times. Òdòdó is a blacksmith (and witch!) who is kidnapped and she is taken to be the future bride of the Alaafin warrior king. The book is centered around Òdòdó’s journey to fit into her new world and her betrothed.

The characters, and Òdòdó’s relationships with them, make this story so much more rich. In addition, this is a story that celebrates women and all their different facets. Those that are both friend and enemy.

This book can be compared to Hades x Persephone, but it’s so much more. It’s complex, it’s about the dynamics of Òdòdó’s love and her strength. Ultimately her desire for survival wins out and I wanted even more.

Advance reader copy provided by Macmillan Audio + NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4 ⭐️

Synopsis: Òdòdó, a blacksmith in 15th century Timbuktu, is kidnapped by a wealthy king to be his bride. The book follows her journey navigating the nobility and discovering herself and her own role in the city of Ṣàngótẹ̀. It’s loosely based on the myth of Persephone and Hades.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. There were parts that seemed to drag on, but overall I loved Òdòdó’s transformation as a character. I wouldn’t say that it’s a re-telling of the myth of Persephone, but parts of the story are definitely based on the myth.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. Ariel Blake did an amazing job and I would strongly recommend listening to this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

Masquerade follows Ododo, a blacksmith who is abducted in order to marry a faraway King who has fallen in love with her. This book is a slight retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth set in medieval, pre-colonial West Africa. The story follows her as she navigates royal life as a future second-wife in a kingdom she is unfamiliar with.

I went back and forth with my opinion of this book because there were a lot of times I did not truly like Ododo or the choices she made. The end (no spoiler here) truly saved Ododo's characterization, and drastically improved my rating of the book. It is not that the book was not good before, I was just curious why the author was choosing Ododo's decisions the way she was. I think, though, that this truly added to the story. Some of Ododo's (unwise) decisions were ones that made sense for her character as someone who rapidly rose classes with no preparation or choice, and it felt authentic that way.

I loved the author's subtle nods to the Greek myth without making it seem like this was a book with a pre-determined plot. It took me quite a while to realize that the Kingdom's symbol of the three headed elephant was supposed to represent Cerberus, the three headed dog. Some were more obvious, like the King's nickname as Death itself. Knowing the myth of Persephone will not 'spoil' the plot for this at all, because this book truly went above and beyond the framework that the myth provided.

Also just here to say we love women's wrongs.

The author writes that she is writing this book to preserve the stories and cultures of West Africa before colonization, and she does a fabulous job. This book is written with love and care, and I truly loved it.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was such an intriguing book. It included a lot of detailed world building, Secrets and all the drama that comes from them all set against a 15th century West Africa. There were some parts that dragged for me but overall I enjoyed

This book is absolutely incredible. The setting, the time period, and the history are all fascinating but it’s also action packed, funny, and emotionally affecting. And that ending, wow!!!

This was such an amazing audiobook listen and incredible debut book! Sometimes I struggle to follow fantasy on audiobook, but the narrative was so engaging and interesting I could not “put it down” (or press pause, to be more accurate). Great world building and the characters were amazing! I thought the usage of hades/persephone as inspiration was really well done and a great twist on story that you see a lot in retellings. Highly recommend!

Masquerade is a tale of intrigue and excitement. Set in Timbuktu, it is the tale of Ododo and her women. Of her life and trials and hopes.
Thanks netgalley

This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by O.O. Sangoyomi, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley.

Ariel Blake is the narrator for this historical fiction novel set in pre-colonial West Africa. Her accents for Òdòdó and the other characters are lively. This helps keep the characters straight in an audiobook narrative.

This is very loosely a retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. I would describe it primarily as historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, with feminist undertones. This novel reminds quite a bit of Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord or even a much less sexy Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. Almost modern mythology as much as a novel. It works really well.

The main character, Òdòdó, is both a blacksmith and the daughter of a blacksmith. Blacksmiths are unmarried women and often labeled pejoratively as witches. They are ostracized, impoverished and ridiculed in society at large as well as their village, Timbuktu. Even more so under the regime. Since the recent conquering of Timbuktu by Yorubaland, local tensions have escalated. It is in this situation Òdòdó is kidnapped and taken to Ṣàngótẹ̀, the capital of Yorubaland. Once there she learns she is to be the wife of the warrior king.

Life in Ṣàngótẹ̀ is lush and beautiful but ruled by political rules Òdòdó does not understand made by political Court players she does not know. To survive this Court, she will need to keep her finger on the pulse.
I loved everything about this! The story flows easily. It's a fascinating, rich, lyrical and magical journey! While I was allowed a copy of this to review, I've since gone ahead and purchased my own Kindle and Audible copy.
Òdòdó is a phenomenal character strong, kind, warm, intelligent, quick and skilled. This was more than I dared hope for and eagerly await the next novel from this author.

Thank you to O.O. Sangoyomi, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

4.5 stars

As a reluctant but persistent reader of fantasy, I tend to start books like this hopeful but not overly optimistic. Prospective readers who find themselves in similar situations should give this one a read (or, better yet, a listen, if possible). There's a lot to enjoy for both fantasy buffs and uncertain readers alike.

Òdòdó, the m.c., has humble roots as a witch/blacksmith. However, her graciousness becomes apparent early on when she offers a kindness to an important figure masquerading as an unassuming outcast. From here, wild events ensue.

The world building is just right. It's not overly complicated, but readers get enough about social norms and structures to understand the basic plot points (and see opportunities for future expansion). For me, the clear highlight is the portrayal of Òdòdó, whose experiences are riveting and whose thought processes are ever evolving. I am not here to suffer dopey women characters, and she isn't one. Even when she's overwhelmed, she thinks critically, solves problems, and considers various potential outcomes. Her voice does not become tiresome, especially as it is articulated by the narrator of this wonderful audiobook.

I hoped to find some enjoyment in this listen. Instead, I'm leaving the read eagerly anticipating all future books from this author. I recommend this one to fantasy enthusiasts and those who generally want to engage with a developed character.

Masquerade is a loose retelling of the Persephone myth. Òdòdó is abducted by the vagrant who had visited her guild just days earlier, but now she realizes he is a king of a large kingdom that is growing larger. He has chosen her to be his wife, but she delays the marriage until he can find her mother and gain her blessing. There is a lot of court politics and Òdòdó has many lessons to learn about policy and the value of information. Òdòdó is quite naive at first but soon she learns and learns quickly what her value is and who she can trust. Really well told story. Cover art is gorgeous. Audio narrator is wonderful. Book will be published July2, 2024. Thank you to Net Galley and Tor Publishing Group and Forge books for my e-ARC and MacMillan Audio for my advanced audio copy.

I loved this book! First and foremost, the narrator was amazing. The story itself was rich with descriptions of Òdòdó's experiences, foods, smells, settings, and I truly felt like I was in Yorùbáland. Òdòdó was a wonderfully complex character. I understood her unease at being kidnapped (clearly!), but also her acquiescence to life she found herself in as the future wife of the warrior king. Surrounded by riches, food, and wonderment, it is easy to see that Òdòdó finds comfort within her new role.

But not all is well within Yorùbáland. The Blacksmiths are leaving their posts. Rebellions and uprisings are causing more havoc than normal. The king, claiming to love Òdòdó, is starting to trust her judgement. This story is a struggle for power. The understanding that money does not mean freedom, and her background as a Blacksmith, a witch, still haunts her in the capital even by the king's side.

Deceit is occurring right under Òdòdó's nose - and when she discovers a plot much larger than she could have imagined she has to trust herself or she might just lose her head. This book had me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time and I LOVED the ending. I can't say enough positive things about this. It has adventure, love, rags to riches, betrayals, war, powerhouse female characters, and a writing style that will submerge you in Yorùbáland politics and leaving you wanting more!

Wow. WOW! This book blew my mind. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Any time I wasn’t reading this book I was thinking about it and when I could read what happens next.

This book is a Hades x Persephone retelling set in a reimagined 15th century West Africa. “A 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.”

Our main character, Òdòdó, is a strong, fearless blacksmith, who is abducted and whisked away to the capital city by a man in love with her. I’m trying not to give much away. This book has romance, passion, political intrigue, and BEAUTIFUL writing. I’ve never been one to care much for clothing, but the way Sangoyomi describes the outfits and clothing had me enthralled. Òdòdó has been thrown to the top of the list of my favorite female main characters, she’s complex, tender, violent, caring. I can’t get enough of her.

I can’t wait to see what this author writes next, and absolutely astonishing debut.

2.5 ★
I have mixed feelings about this book and I think it's mostly cause this seems to be mis-marketed as a Hades-Persephone retelling. Instead this is a straight up historical fiction novel. Perhaps if you squint, the idea of Hades and Persephone is there, but the comp does an extreme disservice as the novels stands on its own without it.
I enjoyed the stunning prose, the court intrigue and highly dynamic power plays, the themes and the idea of a woman trying to survive in an extremely patriarchal society, and the vibrancy of the world that was built - I felt transported into 15th century West Africa.
However I didn't like that while the idea of the novel is about her fighting for freedom, her idea of freedom is changing hands from one abuser to the next. To the very end, there didn't seem to be a reason WHY she was fighting left and right to stay with an abuser she met all of one time that kidnapped her off the street - was it the potential of a crown? The promises she deluded herself in believing when no one else was promising the same? I don't quite know.
Overall, I was quite frustrated throughout the novel as I couldn't quite garner any sympathy for Ododo or the choices she made. I did really enjoy the spiraling of the plot towards the end of the novel.

Rambling book thoughts…

First, I had to adjust my expectations. Masquerade had been marketed as a fantasy retelling of the Hades-Persephone myth. The story isn’t fantasy, not at all. The retelling is loosely based on the myth, but you probably wouldn’t realize it if you weren’t told. Expect more straight historical fiction with this book.

Pacing is slow, and it takes quite some time to get where we’re going. But the writing is beautiful and immersive.

Obodo is a strong female lead, fierce and independent, except she also does some questionable things that made me want to smack her. Then again, this all happened in the 15th century, so who am I to judge?

Something—I’m not quite sure what—kept me from emotionally connecting with this story. I had moments when I was captivated, followed by stretches when it was just a story being told to me.

I listened to the audiobook. Ariel Blake does a fantastic job with the narration.