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Guardians of the Gods #1
In the Shadow of the Fall
A cosmic war reignites and the fate of the orisha lie in the hands of an untried acolyte in this first entry of a new epic fantasy novella duology by Tobi Ogundiran, for fans of N. K. Jemisin and Suyi Davies Okungbowa.
" The novella of the year has arrived!" ―Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Ashâke is an acolyte in the temple of Ifa, yearning for the day she is made a priest and sent out into the world to serve the orisha. But of all the acolytes, she is the only one the orisha refuse to speak to. For years she has watched from the sidelines as peer after peer passes her by and ascends to full priesthood.
Desperate, Ashâke attempts to summon and trap an orisha―any orisha. Instead, she experiences a vision so terrible it draws the attention of a powerful enemy sect and thrusts Ashâke into the center of a centuries-old war that will shatter the very foundations of her world.
" The novella of the year has arrived!" ―Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Ashâke is an acolyte in the temple of Ifa, yearning for the day she is made a priest and sent out into the world to serve the orisha. But of all the acolytes, she is the only one the orisha refuse to speak to. For years she has watched from the sidelines as peer after peer passes her by and ascends to full priesthood.
Desperate, Ashâke attempts to summon and trap an orisha―any orisha. Instead, she experiences a vision so terrible it draws the attention of a powerful enemy sect and thrusts Ashâke into the center of a centuries-old war that will shatter the very foundations of her world.
149 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2024
31 people are currently reading
7313 people want to read
About the author
Tobi Ogundiran
30 books114 followersTobi Ogundiran is the award-winning author of the Guardian of the Gods duology (In the Shadow of the Fall, At the Fount of Creation) and the critically acclaimed collection, Jackal, Jackal. His work has appeared in several Year's Best anthologies, and on the hit podcast LeVar Burton Reads. Originally from Nigeria, he now lives and works in the US South.
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February 13, 2025Highly readable series-starter alt-African set novella about an unchosen one, an acolyte to whom the gods don't speak, getting caught up in a cosmic war against the godkillers. Lots of energy, colour, and action keep this whipping along marvellously, looking forward to finding out what happens next!
July 12, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
This was really good! In the Shadow of the Fall is a fantasy novella drawing on African mythology. It follows a young woman who has been training to become a priestess, but the orisha's won't talk to her and she has been stuck as an acolyte for years. So she does something desperate, not knowing there are larger things at play in the world. It's an engaging story and I'm invested in seeing what happens in book 2. The world-building and mythology are rich for such a short work, and the characterization is good too. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
This was really good! In the Shadow of the Fall is a fantasy novella drawing on African mythology. It follows a young woman who has been training to become a priestess, but the orisha's won't talk to her and she has been stuck as an acolyte for years. So she does something desperate, not knowing there are larger things at play in the world. It's an engaging story and I'm invested in seeing what happens in book 2. The world-building and mythology are rich for such a short work, and the characterization is good too. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
June 16, 2024
3.0 Stars
I enjoyed the setting of this novella. The writing was nice. The characters were decently complex given the length of this story.
However I struggled to become engrossed or engaged with the story itself. It's one I appreciated but didn't entirely love.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I enjoyed the setting of this novella. The writing was nice. The characters were decently complex given the length of this story.
However I struggled to become engrossed or engaged with the story itself. It's one I appreciated but didn't entirely love.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 14, 2024
Excuse me? An African mythology cosmic war fantasy??? Yes, please! I honestly had no idea that this was what was missing in my life. But, ok, I'm here for it. Lessgo 🙌🏻
Ashâke, an acolyte in the hidden temple of Ifa, grapples with her identity and faith as she finds herself embroiled in a celestial conflict that has simmered for centuries.
The author does not ease us into this story, we are dropped feet first with a simple, implied, command of "keep up". In 114 pages, we are given the ingredients of an epic-level fantasy baked with a contemporary voice but the flavor palette of literary canon. And, I say that with the utmost sincerity and reverence because stories like this are why I fckn love literature.
I believe the chonky fantasy novels are here to stay, but I also see the emergence of fantasy novellas, particularly those featuring non-western tales, as a valuable and necessary expansion to the genre.
Ashâke, an acolyte in the hidden temple of Ifa, grapples with her identity and faith as she finds herself embroiled in a celestial conflict that has simmered for centuries.
The author does not ease us into this story, we are dropped feet first with a simple, implied, command of "keep up". In 114 pages, we are given the ingredients of an epic-level fantasy baked with a contemporary voice but the flavor palette of literary canon. And, I say that with the utmost sincerity and reverence because stories like this are why I fckn love literature.
I believe the chonky fantasy novels are here to stay, but I also see the emergence of fantasy novellas, particularly those featuring non-western tales, as a valuable and necessary expansion to the genre.
August 17, 2024
4/5
This novella is a promising start to an innovative and intriguing series. I loved the world so incredibly much, I loved every morsel of discovery. I absolutely adored the influences of Yoruba mythology, it has sparked in me a hunger to consume more West African-inspired fantasy.
Because of its length, I did struggle to connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. However the length wasn't the only factor, the large amount of death in the story also affected this. As soon as I felt myself beginning to connect with a character they were gone. I just would've loved if this were longer so that we could spend more time in each moment.
I'm super excited to continue and to read the sequel once it's out. I hope the author decides to write novels as well, I think I'd absolutely love a longer, slower-paced story by Ogundiran. But this was a great first taste of his writing and storytelling!
Thank you Titan Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is a promising start to an innovative and intriguing series. I loved the world so incredibly much, I loved every morsel of discovery. I absolutely adored the influences of Yoruba mythology, it has sparked in me a hunger to consume more West African-inspired fantasy.
Because of its length, I did struggle to connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. However the length wasn't the only factor, the large amount of death in the story also affected this. As soon as I felt myself beginning to connect with a character they were gone. I just would've loved if this were longer so that we could spend more time in each moment.
I'm super excited to continue and to read the sequel once it's out. I hope the author decides to write novels as well, I think I'd absolutely love a longer, slower-paced story by Ogundiran. But this was a great first taste of his writing and storytelling!
Thank you Titan Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2024
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
TW: animal death, blood, child death, confinement, death, death of a loved one, fire/fire injury, injury/injury detail, medical content, violence, war.
Captivatingly vivid and beautiful written, this novella was so good.
I was concerned that the length would detract from my enjoyment of the story, but those fears were completely unfounded. Tobi Ogundiran used every single page to its fullest, somehow managing to weave a story that is both intricate and incredibly fast-paced in less than 200 pages. The characters, no matter how brief their appearance, were fleshed out and felt entirely real. Creating three-dimensional characters is something authors (reasonably) struggle with on a much larger canvas and yet this novella handled it with such ease, I felt like I was simply hearing about people that had once existed.
Pairing that with the use of African mythology and a cosmic war between the gods, this was one you're not going to want to miss.
TW: animal death, blood, child death, confinement, death, death of a loved one, fire/fire injury, injury/injury detail, medical content, violence, war.
Captivatingly vivid and beautiful written, this novella was so good.
I was concerned that the length would detract from my enjoyment of the story, but those fears were completely unfounded. Tobi Ogundiran used every single page to its fullest, somehow managing to weave a story that is both intricate and incredibly fast-paced in less than 200 pages. The characters, no matter how brief their appearance, were fleshed out and felt entirely real. Creating three-dimensional characters is something authors (reasonably) struggle with on a much larger canvas and yet this novella handled it with such ease, I felt like I was simply hearing about people that had once existed.
Pairing that with the use of African mythology and a cosmic war between the gods, this was one you're not going to want to miss.
May 24, 2024
A new series with potential, but the first installment fell a bit short in characterization and dialogue. Ashâke comes off as entitled and spoiled, especially at first, and although it is stated on-page that she is 22, she often seems much younger. Many of the other characters seem to exist mainly to help or hinder her, rather than being fully fleshed-out people. However, I was drawn into the world-building and story, and do plan to continue the series when the next book comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC.
they-told-me-to-read-it
December 31, 2024
August 16, 2024
“But faith was so easily manipulated. After all, what was faith but belief in something intangible? Something unseen, something unheard.”
After years of waiting for the orisha to speak to her and eventually become a priestess, Ashâke, an acolyte in the temple of Ifa, decides to try to summon a orisha to find some answers. But this act ends up attracting the attention of a powerful sect that, following the preaching of a person once called The Teacher, wants to wipe out all the orishas.
It took me a while to get into this story, as Ashâke got on my nerves on more than one occasion, although I have to say that I started to like her more as the story progressed. I really enjoyed the glimpses we get into this world and the twist the author threw in near the end. I especially loved the interactions with the griots, their scenes narrating events through songs in which the audience is transported to the time and place where they occurred.
Overall, a fast-paced and engaging novella inspired by Yoruba mythology. I look forward to reading the next and final instalment of this duology when it comes out.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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February 5, 2025
La lectura de Los Tambores del Dios Negro de P. Djèlí Clark me creó bastante curiosidad sobre la cultura Yoruba, así que cuando Duermevela anunció que iba a publicar esta bilogía que inicia con Después de la Caída, sabía que me la iba a leer.
Esta novela nos cuenta la historia de Ashâke, una acólita a la que los dioses orishas parecen haber olvidado y que no consigue ascender. Desesperada, inicia un ritual peligroso para invocar a un orisha, pero la cosa sale mal y tiene una visión que le granjeara enemigos y tambaleará todo lo que conocía hasta ahora.
Aunque la novela tira del tópico del personaje que descubre una cosa y descubre que su mundo es una mentira, pienso que la obra esta muy bien llevada, con un muy buen ritmo y buenos personajes acompañados de una gran ambientación de la cultura Yoruba.
Una novela fresca, diferente y muy dinámica que deja con ganas de ponerse con la segunda parte inmediatamente.
Esta novela nos cuenta la historia de Ashâke, una acólita a la que los dioses orishas parecen haber olvidado y que no consigue ascender. Desesperada, inicia un ritual peligroso para invocar a un orisha, pero la cosa sale mal y tiene una visión que le granjeara enemigos y tambaleará todo lo que conocía hasta ahora.
Aunque la novela tira del tópico del personaje que descubre una cosa y descubre que su mundo es una mentira, pienso que la obra esta muy bien llevada, con un muy buen ritmo y buenos personajes acompañados de una gran ambientación de la cultura Yoruba.
Una novela fresca, diferente y muy dinámica que deja con ganas de ponerse con la segunda parte inmediatamente.
April 11, 2024
What a fun and emotional read!
I loved how the author used the Chosen One trope and made it his own, infusing it with Yoruba religion and mythology.
This was a very quick read. The pacing was perfection. The author let us stew in the slower parts in order for us to understand what was happening, but then jerked us along when action scenes start rolling.
At times though, it does read like YA, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment. I think it actually helped that the FMC, Ashâke, was young, naive, and ignorant of the greater world around her because you experience the worldbuilding alongside her. I've read full-length novels that fail at this type of worldbuiling, so to have a novella excel in this aspect blew me away.
Speaking of the worldbuilding, for a setting that was very insular (Ashâke only goes to like 3 places), it was very rich and well-defined. You understand Ashâke's role as a failed acolyte, the temple's belief in the orisha and their role in promoting this belief, and the role of the griots as oral historians. It felt like I was physically in this world along with Ashâke. It was a wholly immersive experience.
I probably would've rated this higher if the reveal wasn't so YA. That was my only issue with this.
Anyway, I'll definitely be here for future installments!
Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for this arc.
I loved how the author used the Chosen One trope and made it his own, infusing it with Yoruba religion and mythology.
This was a very quick read. The pacing was perfection. The author let us stew in the slower parts in order for us to understand what was happening, but then jerked us along when action scenes start rolling.
At times though, it does read like YA, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment. I think it actually helped that the FMC, Ashâke, was young, naive, and ignorant of the greater world around her because you experience the worldbuilding alongside her. I've read full-length novels that fail at this type of worldbuiling, so to have a novella excel in this aspect blew me away.
Speaking of the worldbuilding, for a setting that was very insular (Ashâke only goes to like 3 places), it was very rich and well-defined. You understand Ashâke's role as a failed acolyte, the temple's belief in the orisha and their role in promoting this belief, and the role of the griots as oral historians. It felt like I was physically in this world along with Ashâke. It was a wholly immersive experience.
I probably would've rated this higher if the reveal wasn't so YA. That was my only issue with this.
Anyway, I'll definitely be here for future installments!
Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for this arc.
August 16, 2024
Finished this on the way home from Cody’s business trip. Really cool story and world. I am not super familiar with West African mythology, I know a little but not nearly enough, so the orisha were a new concept to me in terms of a fantasy setting. Ashake was a fun main character to follow, and I’m definitely interested in picking up the sequel.
I didn’t realize this was a novella before it arrived in the mail for my preorder, and I was a little disappointed (mainly because it cost so much while being so short lol), however I think the length was an asset. There was never any dull or slow moments. Something was always happening and the story was always moving forward.
I didn’t realize this was a novella before it arrived in the mail for my preorder, and I was a little disappointed (mainly because it cost so much while being so short lol), however I think the length was an asset. There was never any dull or slow moments. Something was always happening and the story was always moving forward.
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November 1, 2024Cuando leí «Aké» de Wole Soyinka me quedé prendada de la cultura y mitología yoruba, así que cuando descubrí este libro centrado principalmente en ella y sus dioses orishas sabía que era para mí.
La novela es endiabladamente adictiva, es sorprendente cómo el autor logra crear una historia tan sólida en tan poquísimas páginas... algo bastante a contracorriente de la moda en fantasía. En sí, es una historia "típica" de 'coming of age', donde nuestra joven protagonista va a descubrir que todo su mundo está construido a base de mentiras y engaños y debe crearse su propio camino iniciando una búsqueda.
Pero claro, poco típico es encontrarte una ambientación africana dentro del género fantástico, su cultura, dioses y adiciones como los maravillosos griots y su mundo de la palabra (e importancia de los cuentos narrados) convierten esta historia en algo único.
Si lo que buscáis es una novela que os tenga al filo del asiento y que no podáis soltar, esta es vuestra historia, si además os gustan las perspectivas diversas y las ambientaciones atípicas porque estáis hasta las narices del típico señor tristón del medievo europeo entre espadas y castillos... pues os va a resultar especialmente refrescante.
La novela es endiabladamente adictiva, es sorprendente cómo el autor logra crear una historia tan sólida en tan poquísimas páginas... algo bastante a contracorriente de la moda en fantasía. En sí, es una historia "típica" de 'coming of age', donde nuestra joven protagonista va a descubrir que todo su mundo está construido a base de mentiras y engaños y debe crearse su propio camino iniciando una búsqueda.
Pero claro, poco típico es encontrarte una ambientación africana dentro del género fantástico, su cultura, dioses y adiciones como los maravillosos griots y su mundo de la palabra (e importancia de los cuentos narrados) convierten esta historia en algo único.
Si lo que buscáis es una novela que os tenga al filo del asiento y que no podáis soltar, esta es vuestra historia, si además os gustan las perspectivas diversas y las ambientaciones atípicas porque estáis hasta las narices del típico señor tristón del medievo europeo entre espadas y castillos... pues os va a resultar especialmente refrescante.
January 9, 2024
Never has a novella left me so speechless, so intrigued, and so absorbed by a story—in such a short amount of time, too. In the Shadow of the Fall is a fast-paced, immersive fantasy that follows Ashâke as she navigates her life as an acolyte, one that is flipped on its head. From the start, we're introduced to an alluring, well-crafted world with intriguing characters and an engrossing plot. I couldn't stop reading. The atmosphere is felt from the first page with Ogundiran's prose, and the mystery behind Ashâke held my interest throughout. Not only are the world and characters so captivating, but the storyline itself—more specifically, the level of emotion pulled—gripped my heart. I enjoyed the twists, and Yaruddin's threatening presence was hugely felt through the page. If you're looking for an epic fantasy with cosmic-level stakes, while retaining its personable characters, read this novella. I will be—impatiently—waiting for the next installment. Seriously, this was an incredible read.
A huge thank you to the NetGalley team at Tor/Forge for this egalley in exchange for an honest review! 5.0 ⭐️
A huge thank you to the NetGalley team at Tor/Forge for this egalley in exchange for an honest review! 5.0 ⭐️
December 11, 2024
3.5 stars
My thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for a free eARC of "In the Shadow of the Fall" by Tobi Ogundrian.
This debut novella was a pleasant surprise as it had a self contained story and it left some threads for the next installment in what is a planed duology.
Tobi Ogundian manages to create a belivable Fantasy world with a few different forces that clash, all built around a nicely established lore. The glimpses of community and the internal struggles faced by the main heroine were well portrayed as well.
Considering this was just a novella, this is an impressive achievement.
You can now support my passion for books with a small donation here https://ko-fi.com/mariareadssff
My thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for a free eARC of "In the Shadow of the Fall" by Tobi Ogundrian.
This debut novella was a pleasant surprise as it had a self contained story and it left some threads for the next installment in what is a planed duology.
Tobi Ogundian manages to create a belivable Fantasy world with a few different forces that clash, all built around a nicely established lore. The glimpses of community and the internal struggles faced by the main heroine were well portrayed as well.
Considering this was just a novella, this is an impressive achievement.
You can now support my passion for books with a small donation here https://ko-fi.com/mariareadssff
July 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the African-inspired world building and I loved learning about the mythology. For a novella, the world building was fairly comprehensive and I could really see this world with acolytes and orishas. However, I unfortunately struggled to connect with the protagonist which prevented me from enjoying this more.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
March 18, 2025
Trust, lies, loyalty and.... MFking singing🙄.
I hate musicals. (Except Moulin Rouge and Wicked on Broadway not this big screen monstrosity with Grande as Glinda). Just saying, if y'all decide to make a screen adaptation of this, just know I will not sit through the singing. What's even stranger? This book felt like it was written specifically with screen adaptation in mind, written to be optioned, perhaps courting producers - the pacing was a tad off.
All in all ... pretty much meh🤷🏽♀️. I had high expectations - it was an immediate TBR when I first caught sight of it. Look at that cover 😍Bit of a let down really. On the plus side, more people get to read about Orishas and West African Mythology - on the downside, this felt predictable. Why did it feel soo predictable especially it not being some run of the mill retelling? I have no cooking clue.
I tried soo damn hard not to see everything coming a mile away. But like that Ba Fatai character said: To glimpse the future is not a gift. It is a curse.”
Connecting and empathizing with the main character was a chore. I actually felt detached throughout and I should be drawn to the battle within Ashâke but I can't be bothered to love or hate her. And another thing, I normally find the antagonist pretty entertaining. I found this one as predictable as the rest of the story.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Scene:
Usually I can find something off the top of my head when I step away from a book. Heck not just one scene, multiple. Here, each scene was nice enough, like a spot of tea for a coffee connoisseur.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “What needs doing must be done well.” (which is ironic considering this could have been done better🤦🏽♀️)
Favorite/Curious/Unique Concepts:
■ The White Eye
■ Griots
GR Rating: 3⭐
CAWPILE: 5
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Novellas by 2025
I hate musicals. (Except Moulin Rouge and Wicked on Broadway not this big screen monstrosity with Grande as Glinda). Just saying, if y'all decide to make a screen adaptation of this, just know I will not sit through the singing. What's even stranger? This book felt like it was written specifically with screen adaptation in mind, written to be optioned, perhaps courting producers - the pacing was a tad off.
All in all ... pretty much meh🤷🏽♀️. I had high expectations - it was an immediate TBR when I first caught sight of it. Look at that cover 😍Bit of a let down really. On the plus side, more people get to read about Orishas and West African Mythology - on the downside, this felt predictable. Why did it feel soo predictable especially it not being some run of the mill retelling? I have no cooking clue.
I tried soo damn hard not to see everything coming a mile away. But like that Ba Fatai character said: To glimpse the future is not a gift. It is a curse.”
Connecting and empathizing with the main character was a chore. I actually felt detached throughout and I should be drawn to the battle within Ashâke but I can't be bothered to love or hate her. And another thing, I normally find the antagonist pretty entertaining. I found this one as predictable as the rest of the story.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Scene:
Usually I can find something off the top of my head when I step away from a book. Heck not just one scene, multiple. Here, each scene was nice enough, like a spot of tea for a coffee connoisseur.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “What needs doing must be done well.” (which is ironic considering this could have been done better🤦🏽♀️)
Favorite/Curious/Unique Concepts:
■ The White Eye
■ Griots
GR Rating: 3⭐
CAWPILE: 5
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Novellas by 2025
January 9, 2024
Thank you Net Galley for this arc.
Tobi Ogundiran has crafted a masterful African mythology tale. This book sucks the reader in with its premise but then gives the reader a sense of more at the end. This novella main character Ashâke takes the reader on a journey of self exploration as she battles with the idea why she hasn’t become an Orisha. Not knowing her story has just begun. The antagonist of the story brings a sense of fear to the reader. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Tobi
Tobi Ogundiran has crafted a masterful African mythology tale. This book sucks the reader in with its premise but then gives the reader a sense of more at the end. This novella main character Ashâke takes the reader on a journey of self exploration as she battles with the idea why she hasn’t become an Orisha. Not knowing her story has just begun. The antagonist of the story brings a sense of fear to the reader. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Tobi
August 3, 2025
4.5 🌟
First of all, a round of applause to this beautiful book for being short and fast-paced, that alone made me love it so much. Ashâke’s story is honestly very beautiful. The back and forth in the storyline didn’t lose me at all… it was clear and engaging.
The world building felt so familiar, from the names to the deities. I genuinely love this book and I can’t wait to read Book Two!
First of all, a round of applause to this beautiful book for being short and fast-paced, that alone made me love it so much. Ashâke’s story is honestly very beautiful. The back and forth in the storyline didn’t lose me at all… it was clear and engaging.
The world building felt so familiar, from the names to the deities. I genuinely love this book and I can’t wait to read Book Two!
February 24, 2025
3.75⭐️
I thought this has a really promising start, and packed a lot in a 160 page novella! Even though it was short, the world still felt rich. I’m hoping things will pick up more though in book two!
I thought this has a really promising start, and packed a lot in a 160 page novella! Even though it was short, the world still felt rich. I’m hoping things will pick up more though in book two!
June 20, 2024
Amazing for a novella to pack so much. Loved the characters, world, pacing. And the ending!!! The ending was so good!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
August 2, 2025
¿Me he acabado el libro en un día? Sí 🤓
No podía dejar de leerlo. Una acólita que se rebela, dioses orishas, un misterio que NECESITAS saber y ese final... ¿Cuánta tensión caben en 163 páginas?
Suerte que ya tengo el segundo para seguir leyendo 🤭
Gracias a duermevela por la traducción 😍
No podía dejar de leerlo. Una acólita que se rebela, dioses orishas, un misterio que NECESITAS saber y ese final... ¿Cuánta tensión caben en 163 páginas?
Suerte que ya tengo el segundo para seguir leyendo 🤭
Gracias a duermevela por la traducción 😍
March 26, 2025
4'5*
Me recuerda un poco a Djèlí Clark y «Los Tambores del Dios Negro», aunque aquí tengo la sensación de que todo ocurre muy, muy rápido.
Me recuerda un poco a Djèlí Clark y «Los Tambores del Dios Negro», aunque aquí tengo la sensación de que todo ocurre muy, muy rápido.
February 23, 2025
How does Tobi Ogundiran fit such rich and complex world building in 149 pages??? Masterclasssssssss
April 28, 2024
Definitely more of a 4.5 star.
I’m always excited for Tor’s novella debuts and this seemed even more fun because I love exploring new mythologies. And while I didn’t read this quickly because life got away from me, it’s definitely a very easy one sitting read.
The author does a marvelous job creating this world based on Yoruba mythology, making us feel like a part of it in just a few pages. Interspersed with other tales and POVs, we mainly follow the narrative through Ashake’s eyes, who is feeling a conflict with her faith but finds herself on even more shakier ground as the story goes, when revelations and twists open her eyes to the actual reality. This gives us the opportunity to learn about the world along with her, feeling immersed in an organic way and never being overwhelmed with infodumps despite the low page count.
The epilogue especially thrilled me because of its implications as it now feels like we’ll have three groups with differing motivations, unsure who’ll prevail at the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next but unfortunately it’s probably gonna be more than a year long wait.
I’m always excited for Tor’s novella debuts and this seemed even more fun because I love exploring new mythologies. And while I didn’t read this quickly because life got away from me, it’s definitely a very easy one sitting read.
The author does a marvelous job creating this world based on Yoruba mythology, making us feel like a part of it in just a few pages. Interspersed with other tales and POVs, we mainly follow the narrative through Ashake’s eyes, who is feeling a conflict with her faith but finds herself on even more shakier ground as the story goes, when revelations and twists open her eyes to the actual reality. This gives us the opportunity to learn about the world along with her, feeling immersed in an organic way and never being overwhelmed with infodumps despite the low page count.
The epilogue especially thrilled me because of its implications as it now feels like we’ll have three groups with differing motivations, unsure who’ll prevail at the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next but unfortunately it’s probably gonna be more than a year long wait.
November 18, 2024
La reseña completa en https://inthenevernever.blogspot.com/...
«Vislumbrar el futuro no es un regalo. Es una maldición».
¿Qué estarías dispuesta a hacer para llamar la atención de los dioses? ¿Qué pasaría si llevases toda tu vida dedicada a los orishas pero fueses la única persona en el templo incapaz de oírlos? ¿Qué límites llegarías a traspasar con el objetivo de pasar de ser una acólita y convertirte en una sacerdotisa? ¿Qué ocurriría si todo lo que crees conocer fuese mentira? Hoy quiero recomendarles Después de la caída, de Tobi Ogundiran, una alucinante novela de fantasía llena de dioses orishas, una guerra cósmica a punto de arrasar con todo y una protagonista que, sin pretenderlo, se ve arrastrada al centro del caos. El espectacular inicio de la Saga de la guardiana de los dioses.
«Vislumbrar el futuro no es un regalo. Es una maldición».
¿Qué estarías dispuesta a hacer para llamar la atención de los dioses? ¿Qué pasaría si llevases toda tu vida dedicada a los orishas pero fueses la única persona en el templo incapaz de oírlos? ¿Qué límites llegarías a traspasar con el objetivo de pasar de ser una acólita y convertirte en una sacerdotisa? ¿Qué ocurriría si todo lo que crees conocer fuese mentira? Hoy quiero recomendarles Después de la caída, de Tobi Ogundiran, una alucinante novela de fantasía llena de dioses orishas, una guerra cósmica a punto de arrasar con todo y una protagonista que, sin pretenderlo, se ve arrastrada al centro del caos. El espectacular inicio de la Saga de la guardiana de los dioses.
August 4, 2024
This is a wonderfully engaging fantasy novella based on West African mythology. The world building is solid, our main character Ashâke is in turns sympathetic and stubborn, and the unfolding of the mystery of why the Orisha never spoke to Ashâke was great. Very excited for the follow up!
February 19, 2025
Ashake has spent her entire life as an acolyte. At 22, she feels isolated and alone. All of her peers have heard the voices of the Orisha and become a priest or priestess, sent out into the world. Desperate, she tries another means of summoning the Orisha and brings a centuries long battle with the godkillers back to the forefront. Ogundiran did a nice job with the world building in this novella and I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion of this novella.
January 16, 2025
3,75 / 5
Hace unos meses —en octubre, concretamente— la editorial Duermevela nos sorprendía con la publicación de la primera entrega (de dos) de una fantasía épica (compactada) de inspiración africana, escrita por Tobi Ogundiran. Dioses orishas, una guerra cósmica a punto de estallar y una joven exiliada atrapada por una red de secretos son los ingredientes para esta primera parte, que me recuerda a la capacidad de El velo de Greta Mustieles para crear una pequeña gran aventura dentro de un mundo que parece inmenso. La novela, titulada Después de la caída, construye una típica historia de transición a la edad adulta, la de una heroína que intenta comprenderse y descubre las mentiras que rodeaban su mundo. Esta primera entrega de la Saga de la Guardiana de los Dioses, prepara una ambientación mitológica y presenta todas las posibilidades abiertas para su siguiente entrega —La fuente de la creación— que llegará en español este 2025 por parte de Duermevela.
La acólita olvidada
Ashâke es la única acólita del templo Ifa a la que los orishas parecen haber olvidado. La única que no puede ascender para convertirse en sacerdotisa, el sueño por el que ha estado trabajando toda su vida. Desesperada, inicia un peligroso ritual para invocar y atrapar a un orisha, pero, en su lugar, tendrá una horrible visión que despertará la atención de una poderosa secta enemiga y la catapultará al centro de una guerra ancestral que lleva siglos librándose y que destruirá todo aquello en lo que creía. Impregnada de folclore y mitología de África occidental, lo que funciona como una historia de mayoría de edad y una leyenda moderna con raíces yorubas, también lo hace del nacimiento de una heroína impulsiva, rebelde y apasionada que huye de su vida tranquila para descubrir lo que hay más allá de su propio mundo.
Simplificando que es gerundio
Después de la caída juega desde su inicio con el tropo de “el Elegido” a la vez que narra una historia de transición a la adultez, cubriendo una sección de muchos eventos en poco tiempo. Eso hace que la prosa este trabajada en torno a la economía narrativa, optando por reducir la forma en que se cuenta a un único punto de vista —salvo un par de interludios— y basarse más en lo acontecimientos que en los momentos personales. Eso hace que sea una novela con un ritmo tremendo, pero que no sea de las de demorarse en frases preciosas. Es una novela corta aventurera, que simplifica algunas cosas para mantener sus limitaciones de formato y ritmo, y que incluso podría albergar una fantasía de proporciones épicas, pero que prefiere jugar en su propia liga, ofreciendo pistas prometedoras sobre la amplitud y su complejidad de mundo más que profundizando en ellas. Nada se explica de forma exhaustiva, ni la magia misma, pero su misticismo anclado en el mundo real y su desarrollo resultan, de alguna manera, apasionantes.
Escala humana en lo épico
Si hablaba al principio de El velo de Greta Mustieles como referencia era por algo. Ambas trabajan una trama notablemente simple para hacer justicia al arco de desarrollo de uno (o varios) personajes, jugando a una escala humana en algo que parece realmente épico. En este sentido, Después de la caída sigue un esquema familiar, pero trata de romperlo cada vez que tiene ocasión. Su construcción del mundo africano es un vivo tapiz en el cual se desarrolla la historia de Ashâke, entrelazando elementos del folclore y la cultura africana, así como la tradición oral, en el propio desarrollo y clímax de la novela. La obra de Ogundiran —como hace Nnedi Okorafor— humaniza estos tropos al contextualizarlos dentro de su propia cultura y darles sus propios motivos. El mundo de la novela se siente amplio, enorme y épico, un lugar donde parece que podrían contarse cientos de historias, pero centrarse solo en Ashâke hace que la novela funcione a un ritmo demoledor (a veces, demasiado) y perfecto, en formato compacto, para los amantes de la fantasía épica.
Una parte de la historia
La pregunta obvia, dado que es la primera parte de una bilogía, es si funciona de forma independiente. La respuesta es... complicada. En parte, Después de la caída, funciona como una historia satisfactoria que resuelve el conflicto principal establecido para su protagonista. La novela, en ese aspecto, termina en un punto en el que Ashâke está dando nuevos pasos en el mundo para enfrentar lo desconocido, y nosotros, vamos en su mismo barco. Mirando a fondo, la novela responde a las preguntas planteadas al principio y asienta las cosas que Ashâke descubre sobre ella. Sin embargo, sin tener un final abierto ni nada por el estilo, la novela queda en un punto donde sabemos que el conflicto es más amplio y cual es el verdadero villano de todo. Después de la caída es como un cierre emocional para su protagonista, como un paso adelante que no se siente como media historia y se sostiene por si sola, pero si que es un puzle que se completará en la siguiente entrega, La fuente de la creación.
Reseña en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
Hace unos meses —en octubre, concretamente— la editorial Duermevela nos sorprendía con la publicación de la primera entrega (de dos) de una fantasía épica (compactada) de inspiración africana, escrita por Tobi Ogundiran. Dioses orishas, una guerra cósmica a punto de estallar y una joven exiliada atrapada por una red de secretos son los ingredientes para esta primera parte, que me recuerda a la capacidad de El velo de Greta Mustieles para crear una pequeña gran aventura dentro de un mundo que parece inmenso. La novela, titulada Después de la caída, construye una típica historia de transición a la edad adulta, la de una heroína que intenta comprenderse y descubre las mentiras que rodeaban su mundo. Esta primera entrega de la Saga de la Guardiana de los Dioses, prepara una ambientación mitológica y presenta todas las posibilidades abiertas para su siguiente entrega —La fuente de la creación— que llegará en español este 2025 por parte de Duermevela.
La acólita olvidada
Ashâke es la única acólita del templo Ifa a la que los orishas parecen haber olvidado. La única que no puede ascender para convertirse en sacerdotisa, el sueño por el que ha estado trabajando toda su vida. Desesperada, inicia un peligroso ritual para invocar y atrapar a un orisha, pero, en su lugar, tendrá una horrible visión que despertará la atención de una poderosa secta enemiga y la catapultará al centro de una guerra ancestral que lleva siglos librándose y que destruirá todo aquello en lo que creía. Impregnada de folclore y mitología de África occidental, lo que funciona como una historia de mayoría de edad y una leyenda moderna con raíces yorubas, también lo hace del nacimiento de una heroína impulsiva, rebelde y apasionada que huye de su vida tranquila para descubrir lo que hay más allá de su propio mundo.
Simplificando que es gerundio
Después de la caída juega desde su inicio con el tropo de “el Elegido” a la vez que narra una historia de transición a la adultez, cubriendo una sección de muchos eventos en poco tiempo. Eso hace que la prosa este trabajada en torno a la economía narrativa, optando por reducir la forma en que se cuenta a un único punto de vista —salvo un par de interludios— y basarse más en lo acontecimientos que en los momentos personales. Eso hace que sea una novela con un ritmo tremendo, pero que no sea de las de demorarse en frases preciosas. Es una novela corta aventurera, que simplifica algunas cosas para mantener sus limitaciones de formato y ritmo, y que incluso podría albergar una fantasía de proporciones épicas, pero que prefiere jugar en su propia liga, ofreciendo pistas prometedoras sobre la amplitud y su complejidad de mundo más que profundizando en ellas. Nada se explica de forma exhaustiva, ni la magia misma, pero su misticismo anclado en el mundo real y su desarrollo resultan, de alguna manera, apasionantes.
Escala humana en lo épico
Si hablaba al principio de El velo de Greta Mustieles como referencia era por algo. Ambas trabajan una trama notablemente simple para hacer justicia al arco de desarrollo de uno (o varios) personajes, jugando a una escala humana en algo que parece realmente épico. En este sentido, Después de la caída sigue un esquema familiar, pero trata de romperlo cada vez que tiene ocasión. Su construcción del mundo africano es un vivo tapiz en el cual se desarrolla la historia de Ashâke, entrelazando elementos del folclore y la cultura africana, así como la tradición oral, en el propio desarrollo y clímax de la novela. La obra de Ogundiran —como hace Nnedi Okorafor— humaniza estos tropos al contextualizarlos dentro de su propia cultura y darles sus propios motivos. El mundo de la novela se siente amplio, enorme y épico, un lugar donde parece que podrían contarse cientos de historias, pero centrarse solo en Ashâke hace que la novela funcione a un ritmo demoledor (a veces, demasiado) y perfecto, en formato compacto, para los amantes de la fantasía épica.
Una parte de la historia
La pregunta obvia, dado que es la primera parte de una bilogía, es si funciona de forma independiente. La respuesta es... complicada. En parte, Después de la caída, funciona como una historia satisfactoria que resuelve el conflicto principal establecido para su protagonista. La novela, en ese aspecto, termina en un punto en el que Ashâke está dando nuevos pasos en el mundo para enfrentar lo desconocido, y nosotros, vamos en su mismo barco. Mirando a fondo, la novela responde a las preguntas planteadas al principio y asienta las cosas que Ashâke descubre sobre ella. Sin embargo, sin tener un final abierto ni nada por el estilo, la novela queda en un punto donde sabemos que el conflicto es más amplio y cual es el verdadero villano de todo. Después de la caída es como un cierre emocional para su protagonista, como un paso adelante que no se siente como media historia y se sostiene por si sola, pero si que es un puzle que se completará en la siguiente entrega, La fuente de la creación.
Reseña en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
March 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor.com for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions found within are my own.
---
Phew, okay. Let's start with what I liked.
The cover is lovely.
I thought the setting was really cool and wanted more of it.
I liked the revelation of what was actually up with Ashâke and the orisha.
I loved the griot community, and thought what they did toward the end, , was beautiful and creative. However,
And then, there was Ashâke. To say I found her frustrating is the kindest and blandest way of putting it.
She's selfish and self-absorbed. The kind of selfish that, when a seer tells her that seeing the future is a curse which takes a toll on your sanity, retorts with, 'but you'll still use your powers to see whether an orisha will pick me, right?' Fuck your wellbeing, person who's taken care of me and kept me alive, it's all about meeeeeeee.
She's childish, throwing an actual toddler temper tantrum when told her future does not include being chosen.
She's so, so stupid. The aforementioned tantrum culminates with her running off into the woods with no supplies or plans, and only belatedly does she go 'wait, I'm just going to get lost and die.' (She does not get lost and die.)
She seems to lack the ability to self-reflect on any of this. And that, to me, is the core issue. I love character flaws, but the narrative needs to fully acknowledge them, and the character needs to experience some growth and self-awareness.
The narrative claims Ashâke's twenty-two. I don't buy this. Honestly, half the time, fourteen is more believable, I'd buy twelve, and sixteen is an insult to sixteen year olds.
She pinballs through the story, helped or hindered by others, but not actually doing anything until the very, very end,
This, unfortunately, leads me to another major problem: the entirety of this novella is setup for the actual plot, which I can only assume will happen in the sequel. There is no completed narrative or character arc. I think it would have made much more sense to just combine the two novellas into one.
As far as the sentence-level writing is concerned, it's mostly good, with a couple of relatively minor issues. I personally dislike the use of all caps to indicate shouting. It feels amateurish, though I've seen it enough to know not everyone will agree with me.
Then there was the use of the word 'siesta.' The setting of this book is a secondary-world fantasy with West African roots. 'Siesta' is a Spanish word rooted in Latin, 'sexta hora.' As far as I can tell, there's no indication of contact with Spanish or Roman analogues within the setting. It's a small thing, but it breaks immersion and jars me out of the story. Using 'nap' would have been much more unobtrusive.
I really wish I could say nicer things. I would love to read an unrelated story in this setting. I'm curious to see what Ogundiran does after this. But I doubt I'll be picking up the sequel. Not with Ashâke as the protagonist.
A very sad two stars.
---
Phew, okay. Let's start with what I liked.
The cover is lovely.
I thought the setting was really cool and wanted more of it.
I liked the revelation of what was actually up with Ashâke and the orisha.
I loved the griot community, and thought what they did toward the end, , was beautiful and creative. However,
And then, there was Ashâke. To say I found her frustrating is the kindest and blandest way of putting it.
She's selfish and self-absorbed. The kind of selfish that, when a seer tells her that seeing the future is a curse which takes a toll on your sanity, retorts with, 'but you'll still use your powers to see whether an orisha will pick me, right?' Fuck your wellbeing, person who's taken care of me and kept me alive, it's all about meeeeeeee.
She's childish, throwing an actual toddler temper tantrum when told her future does not include being chosen.
She's so, so stupid. The aforementioned tantrum culminates with her running off into the woods with no supplies or plans, and only belatedly does she go 'wait, I'm just going to get lost and die.' (She does not get lost and die.)
She seems to lack the ability to self-reflect on any of this. And that, to me, is the core issue. I love character flaws, but the narrative needs to fully acknowledge them, and the character needs to experience some growth and self-awareness.
The narrative claims Ashâke's twenty-two. I don't buy this. Honestly, half the time, fourteen is more believable, I'd buy twelve, and sixteen is an insult to sixteen year olds.
She pinballs through the story, helped or hindered by others, but not actually doing anything until the very, very end,
This, unfortunately, leads me to another major problem: the entirety of this novella is setup for the actual plot, which I can only assume will happen in the sequel. There is no completed narrative or character arc. I think it would have made much more sense to just combine the two novellas into one.
As far as the sentence-level writing is concerned, it's mostly good, with a couple of relatively minor issues. I personally dislike the use of all caps to indicate shouting. It feels amateurish, though I've seen it enough to know not everyone will agree with me.
Then there was the use of the word 'siesta.' The setting of this book is a secondary-world fantasy with West African roots. 'Siesta' is a Spanish word rooted in Latin, 'sexta hora.' As far as I can tell, there's no indication of contact with Spanish or Roman analogues within the setting. It's a small thing, but it breaks immersion and jars me out of the story. Using 'nap' would have been much more unobtrusive.
I really wish I could say nicer things. I would love to read an unrelated story in this setting. I'm curious to see what Ogundiran does after this. But I doubt I'll be picking up the sequel. Not with Ashâke as the protagonist.
A very sad two stars.
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