⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Masquerade is an enrapturing, immersive debut that will hook readers from the first page.

Masquerade was a wild ride. It was dark and mysterious, with a gorgeously crafted corruption arc and political intrigue. It blends Nigerian mythology with the myth of Persephone wonderfully and the pre-colonial West Africa setting beautifully. The world-building, characters, and romance were lovely, though some parts felt stiff. I highly recommend this magical debut!

The narrator added so much flavor to the reading experience! Her voice fits the story beautifully.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

Òdòdó is a blacksmith from Timbuktu. One day she is kidnapped and taken to a new land where she finds she is meant to marry the warrior king of Yorùbáland. As she adjusts to her new home and lifestyle, Òdòdó finds herself learning more about her betrothed and gaining political power.

This is an incredibly written debut. The plot was so intricately written. The world is described beautifully - it almost reads like fantasy world building at times even though there aren’t fantasy elements. This book is full of politics, violence, betrayal, and power. Òdòdó is a strong female character who turns out to be ruthless in her pursuits when needed, while still being caring and kind. She knows how to get what she wants and is careful and cunning in doing so. The way her character developed throughout the book was perfection. The side characters were also really well done and I felt invested in their stories as well. I loved the way that women and their relationships with one another were portrayed throughout this story.

I listened to the audio which was fantastic. The narrator, Ariel Blake, did an incredible job sharing Òdòdó’s story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

This West African epic was such an interesting mix of African historical fiction and the myth of Persephone and Hades. I went into this expecting there to be more magic, but aside from the inspirational source work of Persephone and Hades, this reads much more like a historical fiction. That being said, it's a fascinating historical fiction about a woman who refuses to accept her lot in life and takes her destiny into her own hands.

The plot was a little slow to get off the ground for me, but Òdòdó’s journey hooked me eventually. I do think that the plot suffered a bit from info dumping about the court at the beginning. That being said, Òdòdó is a strong woman who is not afraid to take risks to ensure her safety and position. There's action, betrayal, LOTS of court politics. A slow start did not diminish the ultimate triumph of Òdòdó's story.

This was such a beautiful story set against a backdrop that isn't often discussed. The FMC, Òdòdó’s city of Timbuktu has been conquered by the warrior king, Yorùbáland. Òdòdó’s works as a blacksmith with a tight knit group of women, however this trade is looked upon as witchcraft; the ability to make gorgeous items from the Earth. When a man who looks like a beggar flirts a bit with Òdòdó’s, her mother is upset. Then Òdòdó’s is kidnapped and taken her across the Sahara to the palace of the warrior king, who wants to wed her. The king of course, was the beggar.
The atmosphere, while difficult for the women, was beautifully depicted. Òdòdó’s is a strong woman who is smart and learns quickly. She has been whisked away into this new foreign life, but she is still able to keep her spirits bright. Honestly, this is a must read and there are many challenges that she has to face and twists that happen throughout this book. One of the best I have read so far this year!!!

Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi is a beautifully written book laced with love, betrayal, and political intrigue. The narrator of the audiobook, Ariel Blake, did an amazing job portraying the voice of Ododo and her story. Sangoyomi did an amazing job of not only writing a story but showing the story. As I listened I could picture and imagine everything that was happening. The world-building, characters, and political aspects of the book were not only interesting but extremely well written. The subtleness of the Persephone myths was just enough to rope you in and want to continue reading. I couldn't stop listening and with every new twist and turn I couldn't not root for Ododo and her free spirit. Overall this should be a must-read if you enjoy historical fiction with a fierce female lead and a touch of romance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for providing me with the ARC audiobook.