This is a very unique story. It is a historical fiction, set in a reimagined Medieval West Africa. I thought this was going to be a fantasy, since the main character and her people are called witches. But it is definitely general/historical fiction. Witch is an insult in this society, but there are no real witches. The story follows Òdòdó in a Cinderelle-esque story where she moves from being a societal outcast to being the bride of the Alaafin (thewarrior king/emperor-type figure). In gaining power, she encounters political intrigue, betrayals and danger, and she grows and adapts to these new circumstances. She rises to the challenge and becomes a force to be reckoned with as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an eARC of this audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and O. O. Sangoyomi for sending me this audiobook!

I want to preface that I think I misread the description or had different ideas, because I went into this book thinking it would have fantasy in it, and it didn't at all. This book is definitely historical fiction, which was my fault for going into it thinking otherwise.

I think this was a very well-written story! I enjoyed how morally gray of a character she became because ultimately she was forced into these decisions due to consequences that were none of her own. I don't think you can experience kidnapping, and being forced to become a bride without having some morally gray decisions. I did enjoy how she kept wanting to better her station and involvement instead of being a passive bride who took what was given to her.

I look forward to more books by this author.

4.5/5 stars rounded up. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Masquerade follows the main female character Òdòdó and her journey from an outcasted blacksmith to a position of power. The world is set in 15th century West Africa and it is stunning and vibrant, just like the tale. Òdòdó is extremely resilient works her way through some impossible events. This was the first time I’ve read a book based in Africa and African folklore. I loved it and found myself thinking about Òdòdó and her world whenever I wasn’t actively engaged with the story. I highly recommend this read to anyone. It was a nice change from my usually reads. I also loved the narrator. The experience overall was a 10/10 one.

From poverty to queen, from innocence to power, young Òdòdó has surpassed the morally grey format to become an amazing villain. May be dark and violent for some readers, but I love the origin story of a villain. And if we think about it, is she a villain? Her decisions are for the protection of the people, the poor, and the women...

A reimagined/Persephone-ish-inspired African historical fantasy (15th century West Africa) where blacksmiths are women who have lost all, becoming part of the lowest rank in society, they can only serve as crafting metal. Called witches also. It's not about magic.

Òdòdó is kidnapped to become the bride of a king who claims to love her and to do all to make her happy but also to him, women have a specific role and he imprisons, coherence, and threatens her constantly. She takes advantage of her situation to learn and gain power. She grows quickly as a character and learns from those who betray and taunt her. The political intrigue is a power struggle that she doesn't relinquish. A crescendo of twists and turns.

She is constantly torn between love and freedom until all becomes clear to her. The rescue is the most epic chapter and the end is exhilarating.

Read in one sitting. Couldn't stop reading/listening to it. Ariel Blake has the perfect voice for this story. 

Thank you publisher and netgalley.

I enjoyed the narration.

This book was well written. I enjoyed the descriptions of the people and the world. I thought the inclusion of female blacksmiths was nuanced. Not sure why they were seen as witches because they didn't have any powers at least not in this book.

It took too long to get to the plot.
All of the characters were under-developed. The relationship between Ododo and the Warrior King seemed to be missing depth. He wasn't manipulative enough for me to fear him or fear him for Ododo.

There seemed to be something missing in the plot. Did Ododo have visions when she was buried? Does she have special powers? I was very confused by this.

The slave revolt was under-developed as was the second wife character-lacked depth.

Not sure why Ododo would condone conquering. Is she supposed to be set up as an anti-hero? There was not a lot of foreshadowing so I'm not sure where the big twist of killing the warrior king came from.

It was all a bit underwhelming.

Masquerade is one of the most well-written books I have read in my life. Set in 15th century Africa, Masquerade follows Òdòdó’ from her life as a blacksmith to a life full of power and riches. But who can be trusted? Overcoming violence and betrayal, Òdòdó’ evolves into a formidable main character.

I love seeing glimpses into other cultures through historical fiction, and Masquerade is my first look at this time period in Africa. Between the narrator's accent and correct pronunciation of names and words I know I would've stumbled over, the narration greatly enhanced this story for me.

I hesitated between 4 and 5 stars due to wanting different outcomes in parts of the story, but I would not be doing Masquerade justice if I deducted a star based on personal preferences. It is an outstanding piece of work, and I highly recommend for anyone who loves historical fiction or mythology retellings.

I received an ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ododo has spent her life working as a blacksmith alongside her mother. In this world of 15th century west Africa, all blacksmiths are women shunted to the side by society as worthless and often referred to as witches. (I spent a good portion of the book expecting them to showcase magical powers, they don’t.)

One day, Ododo is kidnapped and finds herself at engaged to the biggest, baddest king of the land. He’s smitten with her, but she was weirdly chill about being kidnapped imo.

Anyway Ododo views this as an opportunity for a new life, free from hard labor and full of luxury. And she makes it so.

She provides sound advice to her fiance, uncovers schemes, faces betrayal, and proves her dedication to her husband time and again.

And then she finds her own way and gives herself some of that dedication.

I’m really hoping this is the start of a series cause I so want to know what Ododo does next!

This audiobook was delightful. The narrator added the perfect touch of tension and kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone! The story was delightfully intense with just enough gore and intrigue to keep me in its thrall. I love dit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.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.