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Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic
From the acclaimed fine artist Harmonia Rosales, a sweeping retelling of African myth illustrated throughout with Rosales’s spectacular paintings.
In Chronicles of Ori, her debut book, Harmonia Rosales retells the African myths she has long treasured, crafting an enthralling epic that spans the birth of the universe to the modern world of colonialism and resistance. She writes of the powerful, temperamental deities called the Orishas; of the founding of Yorubaland by the shrewd leader Oduduwa; of the young heroine Eve, born in a time of violence and despair, who would help her people regain their past splendor; and of shimmering serpents and monstrous shadows who stalk the lands of mortals. At the center of these linked tales is the bond, sometimes fraying, between the Orishas and the humans who worship them. It was the Orishas who made humans, and who gave them their most precious their Oris, or destinies. Vividly brought to life by Rosales’s artwork, Chronicles of Ori will enlighten and delight readers for years to come.
In Chronicles of Ori, her debut book, Harmonia Rosales retells the African myths she has long treasured, crafting an enthralling epic that spans the birth of the universe to the modern world of colonialism and resistance. She writes of the powerful, temperamental deities called the Orishas; of the founding of Yorubaland by the shrewd leader Oduduwa; of the young heroine Eve, born in a time of violence and despair, who would help her people regain their past splendor; and of shimmering serpents and monstrous shadows who stalk the lands of mortals. At the center of these linked tales is the bond, sometimes fraying, between the Orishas and the humans who worship them. It was the Orishas who made humans, and who gave them their most precious their Oris, or destinies. Vividly brought to life by Rosales’s artwork, Chronicles of Ori will enlighten and delight readers for years to come.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2025
25 people are currently reading
5148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 16, 2025
Chronicles of Ori was a beautiful take on the birth of the world and the expansion of the universe and Yorubaland. I enjoyed the tales, the threads and the rawness this epic provided. Rosales provided a new lens to view the Orisha and the creation story through. I different understanding of osogbos and how those came to be. Even the appearance of the 7 deadly sins and how it overtook the land and what how it appeared to the people.
I enjoyed reading this epic, learning about how each Orisha came to be, how they were created or brought to earth or which humans were chosen and elevated to become Orisha. Understanding the creation of ori and its purpose. Learning how the universe was learning itself and how the Orisha were figuring out along the way, along with the humans as everyone navigated the beginnings together. Through love, grief and war. Through pain, violence and joy.
This book showed the true meaning of destiny and what it means to walk the path meant for you. It was such a beautiful epic. I would definitely purchase a copy of this for myself and my children.
I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.
I enjoyed reading this epic, learning about how each Orisha came to be, how they were created or brought to earth or which humans were chosen and elevated to become Orisha. Understanding the creation of ori and its purpose. Learning how the universe was learning itself and how the Orisha were figuring out along the way, along with the humans as everyone navigated the beginnings together. Through love, grief and war. Through pain, violence and joy.
This book showed the true meaning of destiny and what it means to walk the path meant for you. It was such a beautiful epic. I would definitely purchase a copy of this for myself and my children.
I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.
October 3, 2025
It has been decades since I had a favorite book. This is my new favorite book. It’s one of the most beautiful art galleries, and I get to hold it in my hands. Even without the illustrations (chef’s kiss), it projects new worlds in the mind. Everyone should read Ori. Harmonia is a genius!
December 27, 2025
The Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic was epic indeed. The Chronicles came alive for me when I started reading with history—Googling the geography, researching the kings, tying the narratives to ancient Jewish, Muslim, and Egyptian history, linking Orisha behavior to other Yoruba literature and art—understanding that the mythology is not a map, but a lens through which to view the development of an African diaspora. Sure, you can read it through, but if you research it through, the experience is so much more robust.
For example, I never parsed the difference between Ashe (life force) and Ori (destiny). I never wondered whether the Yourba traditions of the west could have been a prominent religious influence on Kemet and Kush in the east. I’d never pondered how the Muslim faith clashed with belief in the Orishas. I would never have thought that a blood war between the Orishas could have been an initial catalyst for the slave trade or how the growing prominence of trade and technology in general enlarged human egos and created an irreparable rift between humankind and their gods.
Rosales writes the “blame” onto the Orishas. Mama Onile (mother earth) says it’s their fault “because you defied my rule and bestowed upon them the gift of Ori” (260). Tis true, the Orishas be wildin’. There were quite a few missteps from both gods and men in the Chronicle that led us to present day. As a human, I kinda like the idea of having a destiny so thanks to the Orishas for that, but within every Ori is an Osogbo “an egg of chaos” (68) similar to a shadow self that once activated reduces the Ashe and motivates a being to activate their most base desires. The moral of the epic seems to be that both sides were better off with a strong Ashe buoyed by a healthy reverence for each other. As humans forgot to call the names of the Orisha, the Orisha succumbed to their own Osogbo making them even less likely to hear when they names were whispered.
Rosales has written her Ori with The Chronicles. When I met her, I said, “I’ve been waiting for this book.” I think the gods have also been waiting for an epic to resurrect their memories, reinstate their lineage, and most importantly call their names. Not only does she write an expansive story, but she also illustrates it. Her characters are beautiful black bodies adorned on rich hues whose Oris shine gold. Sometimes I didn’t think the face matched the character as she described them, but no matter. The images are a beauty to behold. Each chapter starts with an African proverb. The 41 proverbs are reason enough to buy the book. I think I highlighted them all.
Like any epic, the journey requires perseverance from the reader. Book I was tedious. The creation stories are layered with gods, spirits, other spirts, Orisha, Irunmole. It’s overwhelming. Flip back and forth to the glossary and keep going. By Book III when the lineage begins, I was all in. The linear narrative shines through and Roslaes' writing is cleaner and clearer. Even if you’re just here for the story—her meditations on hope, purpose, and return to self, home, family are masterfully written. I never 5 start, but this is an epic I highly recommend.
For example, I never parsed the difference between Ashe (life force) and Ori (destiny). I never wondered whether the Yourba traditions of the west could have been a prominent religious influence on Kemet and Kush in the east. I’d never pondered how the Muslim faith clashed with belief in the Orishas. I would never have thought that a blood war between the Orishas could have been an initial catalyst for the slave trade or how the growing prominence of trade and technology in general enlarged human egos and created an irreparable rift between humankind and their gods.
Rosales writes the “blame” onto the Orishas. Mama Onile (mother earth) says it’s their fault “because you defied my rule and bestowed upon them the gift of Ori” (260). Tis true, the Orishas be wildin’. There were quite a few missteps from both gods and men in the Chronicle that led us to present day. As a human, I kinda like the idea of having a destiny so thanks to the Orishas for that, but within every Ori is an Osogbo “an egg of chaos” (68) similar to a shadow self that once activated reduces the Ashe and motivates a being to activate their most base desires. The moral of the epic seems to be that both sides were better off with a strong Ashe buoyed by a healthy reverence for each other. As humans forgot to call the names of the Orisha, the Orisha succumbed to their own Osogbo making them even less likely to hear when they names were whispered.
Rosales has written her Ori with The Chronicles. When I met her, I said, “I’ve been waiting for this book.” I think the gods have also been waiting for an epic to resurrect their memories, reinstate their lineage, and most importantly call their names. Not only does she write an expansive story, but she also illustrates it. Her characters are beautiful black bodies adorned on rich hues whose Oris shine gold. Sometimes I didn’t think the face matched the character as she described them, but no matter. The images are a beauty to behold. Each chapter starts with an African proverb. The 41 proverbs are reason enough to buy the book. I think I highlighted them all.
Like any epic, the journey requires perseverance from the reader. Book I was tedious. The creation stories are layered with gods, spirits, other spirts, Orisha, Irunmole. It’s overwhelming. Flip back and forth to the glossary and keep going. By Book III when the lineage begins, I was all in. The linear narrative shines through and Roslaes' writing is cleaner and clearer. Even if you’re just here for the story—her meditations on hope, purpose, and return to self, home, family are masterfully written. I never 5 start, but this is an epic I highly recommend.
October 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing me with an ALC.
I'm sad that this didn't work for me. I think I would have definitely enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the ebook/paperback instead of the audiobook. It would be nice to look at the paintings and illustrations and connect them with the stories. My primary issue with the book was the writing style -- it just didn't work for me, I tried really hard. The book didn't feel like a retelling but rather felt like a narration of the actual folklore/myths themselves. I think only the end really felt like a reimagining but even that didn't resonate with me. I've seen a lot of good reviews so if anyone's curious about West African myths, definitely go for it!
Sadly, this narrator was not for me. The reading felt a bit too mechanical (although that could have been the writing itself).
I'm sad that this didn't work for me. I think I would have definitely enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the ebook/paperback instead of the audiobook. It would be nice to look at the paintings and illustrations and connect them with the stories. My primary issue with the book was the writing style -- it just didn't work for me, I tried really hard. The book didn't feel like a retelling but rather felt like a narration of the actual folklore/myths themselves. I think only the end really felt like a reimagining but even that didn't resonate with me. I've seen a lot of good reviews so if anyone's curious about West African myths, definitely go for it!
Sadly, this narrator was not for me. The reading felt a bit too mechanical (although that could have been the writing itself).
October 14, 2025
This is phenomenal. I truly loved this. I advance ordered this in hardcover after seeing the illustrations online. I generally consume audio and digital books. They are easiest to carry with me and access with my disabilities. However, once I saw the artwork for this online I knew immediately I had to have this on my physical book shelf. That said, I think this should also be consumed on audio. This is literally an updated mythological record of the Orisha, those are included in this narrative anyway. As there are over 400 Orisha, this text mainly focuses on the most well or commonly known.
The writing felt like reading any other mythology book. Only better because I've been searching for a presentation of the Orisha just like this. I think this is a fantastic novel that serves as both an introduction to and a re-imagining of the Orisha included in this text. This reminds me in small ways of both Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord as well as the Abeni's Song series by P. Djeli Clark. Clark's book is a middle grade novel but the chaos of mythology permeates that series. Keep this on your bookshelf, kids of all ages love mythology and Orisha mythology is rarely offered or introduced. I would pair the physical book with the audiobook for an immersive reading experience. Mythology is meant to be shared orally and is always best consumed that way.
The narrator of this audiobook is Délé Ogundiran. I love Délé's narration. Her voice was rich, her pronunciation was crisp and beautifully enhanced the magic of exploring the mythology of the Orisha.
Thank you to Harmonia Rosales, Highbridge Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
The writing felt like reading any other mythology book. Only better because I've been searching for a presentation of the Orisha just like this. I think this is a fantastic novel that serves as both an introduction to and a re-imagining of the Orisha included in this text. This reminds me in small ways of both Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord as well as the Abeni's Song series by P. Djeli Clark. Clark's book is a middle grade novel but the chaos of mythology permeates that series. Keep this on your bookshelf, kids of all ages love mythology and Orisha mythology is rarely offered or introduced. I would pair the physical book with the audiobook for an immersive reading experience. Mythology is meant to be shared orally and is always best consumed that way.
The narrator of this audiobook is Délé Ogundiran. I love Délé's narration. Her voice was rich, her pronunciation was crisp and beautifully enhanced the magic of exploring the mythology of the Orisha.
Thank you to Harmonia Rosales, Highbridge Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
December 16, 2025
“Walk alongside me, as mortals and gods once walked together, and let me tell you the history of the Orishas: of our rise, our battles, our fall, and our persistence. Through my words, we can relive the moments that defined us and witness the enduring fight that propels us forward.”
-Orisha Oya
—
The great stuff you find in the New Books section!
The notion of this book was to create a book that told stories of African mythology, illustrated with Baroque-style paintings of figures and scenes from the stories. And by ‘African mythology’, we mean the belief system of the Yoruba people of West Africa–so stories about the Orishas. It reminded me a bit of “The Silmarillion”, in that it’s a mythological history of the world. This is based off of real-world mythologies, though Rosales also includes her own spins on things, to tie in the story of the Orishas into things like Egypt or the Trojan War. So no, don’t use it as a reference text for Yoruba beliefs, but it’s also not a bad starting point to learn, at least something, like the names of several of the Orishas and their spheres of influence.
It’s pretty great in that regard, because there really *ought* to be more stuff like this–texts on African mythology, especially as there’s clearly a rich tradition of Yoruba folklore that’s waiting to be tapped into. And this–with the beautiful illustrations made by a master–is a fantastic direction to take this sort of story. The art was supposedly inspired by the author/artist’s daughter pointing out that many of the classical paintings in the art museum didn’t look like her, so she wanted to create something that filled in that gap.
I did have some issues with the final part of the book, which gets more into colonization and slavery–mainly, the notion of conflict with the colonizer religion, and the assertion that the Orishas are the true faith that will triumph over all–because, like, yeah, I suppose any religious system believes itself to be the One True Faith, sure. But I think this book tends to overestimate the prominence of the Orishas in Africa–they’re the figures of one particular religious group in western Africa, which is far from representative of the beliefs of the entire continent–one that’s far bigger and ethnically diverse than people realize.
But also, I mean, the author should be allowed to say her piece, I guess? And like I said, there’s so little like this that I’ve seen out there, and GOSH DARN the art looks freaking amazing. I also really appreciate how there’s an appendix that lists out the Orishas and their domains which is quite helpful.
-Orisha Oya
—
The great stuff you find in the New Books section!
The notion of this book was to create a book that told stories of African mythology, illustrated with Baroque-style paintings of figures and scenes from the stories. And by ‘African mythology’, we mean the belief system of the Yoruba people of West Africa–so stories about the Orishas. It reminded me a bit of “The Silmarillion”, in that it’s a mythological history of the world. This is based off of real-world mythologies, though Rosales also includes her own spins on things, to tie in the story of the Orishas into things like Egypt or the Trojan War. So no, don’t use it as a reference text for Yoruba beliefs, but it’s also not a bad starting point to learn, at least something, like the names of several of the Orishas and their spheres of influence.
It’s pretty great in that regard, because there really *ought* to be more stuff like this–texts on African mythology, especially as there’s clearly a rich tradition of Yoruba folklore that’s waiting to be tapped into. And this–with the beautiful illustrations made by a master–is a fantastic direction to take this sort of story. The art was supposedly inspired by the author/artist’s daughter pointing out that many of the classical paintings in the art museum didn’t look like her, so she wanted to create something that filled in that gap.
I did have some issues with the final part of the book, which gets more into colonization and slavery–mainly, the notion of conflict with the colonizer religion, and the assertion that the Orishas are the true faith that will triumph over all–because, like, yeah, I suppose any religious system believes itself to be the One True Faith, sure. But I think this book tends to overestimate the prominence of the Orishas in Africa–they’re the figures of one particular religious group in western Africa, which is far from representative of the beliefs of the entire continent–one that’s far bigger and ethnically diverse than people realize.
But also, I mean, the author should be allowed to say her piece, I guess? And like I said, there’s so little like this that I’ve seen out there, and GOSH DARN the art looks freaking amazing. I also really appreciate how there’s an appendix that lists out the Orishas and their domains which is quite helpful.
December 2, 2025
Actual Rating 2.5
This work is told in a way that felt more like traditional ways of telling mythology and folklore. This meant that the characters didn’t have much depth or personal exploration and it wasn’t possible to connect with them emotionally in the way I prefer in modern novels. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing unless you’re expecting more of a traditional novel like I was. This work is told in much more broad strokes and general details so that a broad period of time could be covered.
I did enjoy that each chapter began with an African proverb, and how well they pertained to what was happening in the chapter. There were also interesting moments throughout, especially once I got more used to the style of telling that was used for the writing. This did generally feel like less of a reimagining of myths but generally just a presentation of myths, which did leave the whole thing feeling flat.
Overall, if you’re looking for a work that feels like reading mythology, you’ll probably enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This work is told in a way that felt more like traditional ways of telling mythology and folklore. This meant that the characters didn’t have much depth or personal exploration and it wasn’t possible to connect with them emotionally in the way I prefer in modern novels. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing unless you’re expecting more of a traditional novel like I was. This work is told in much more broad strokes and general details so that a broad period of time could be covered.
I did enjoy that each chapter began with an African proverb, and how well they pertained to what was happening in the chapter. There were also interesting moments throughout, especially once I got more used to the style of telling that was used for the writing. This did generally feel like less of a reimagining of myths but generally just a presentation of myths, which did leave the whole thing feeling flat.
Overall, if you’re looking for a work that feels like reading mythology, you’ll probably enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 4, 2025
A great retelling
4.5⭐️
A rich and vibrant retelling of Yoruba mythology and history. The book explores the story from the beginning of time, how destinies are made and manipulated and how Yorubaland was born.
Filled with beautiful illustrations and proverbs, the author brings the deities and Orishas to life in this epic tale, which also alludes to biblical beginnings and the seven deadly sins.
You have to carefully follow the story as there was so much influx of names and relationships at the beginning which can sometimes lead to boredom but if you persevere this is a work of art.
I loved revisiting the stories of my childhood and learning new things about history and how the world came to be.
The storytelling is brilliant and the descriptions and narratives exceptional. It is very engaging and entertaining.
With many themes such as power, dominance, love, war, the book goes beyond mythology to explore the slave trade and the reinvention of known Yoruba deities into Western saints.
This is best read either as a physical or ebook as the audiobook cannot do justice to the beautiful illustrations.
4.5⭐️
A rich and vibrant retelling of Yoruba mythology and history. The book explores the story from the beginning of time, how destinies are made and manipulated and how Yorubaland was born.
Filled with beautiful illustrations and proverbs, the author brings the deities and Orishas to life in this epic tale, which also alludes to biblical beginnings and the seven deadly sins.
You have to carefully follow the story as there was so much influx of names and relationships at the beginning which can sometimes lead to boredom but if you persevere this is a work of art.
I loved revisiting the stories of my childhood and learning new things about history and how the world came to be.
The storytelling is brilliant and the descriptions and narratives exceptional. It is very engaging and entertaining.
With many themes such as power, dominance, love, war, the book goes beyond mythology to explore the slave trade and the reinvention of known Yoruba deities into Western saints.
This is best read either as a physical or ebook as the audiobook cannot do justice to the beautiful illustrations.
October 14, 2025
This was great!
Chronicles of Ori is a stunning blend of storytelling and art that reimagines African mythology in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The Author brings the Orishas, the Yoruba deities, to life through vivid tales that connect creation, power, and human struggle. The stories flow together like pieces of a larger puzzle. Even though the book spans huge themes it’s written in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging.
I had an audio ARC of this book, so I wish I had the illustrations to make it even more engaging. However, the narrator did an excellent job at bringing this story to life. I think with the illustrations, this would be a more full experience combined with the audio. Still, if you like folklore, African history, or simply want a book that’s rich and powerful, Chronicles of Ori is well worth picking up.
Thanks NetGalley and HighBridge | Highbridge Audio for the ALC
Chronicles of Ori is a stunning blend of storytelling and art that reimagines African mythology in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The Author brings the Orishas, the Yoruba deities, to life through vivid tales that connect creation, power, and human struggle. The stories flow together like pieces of a larger puzzle. Even though the book spans huge themes it’s written in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging.
I had an audio ARC of this book, so I wish I had the illustrations to make it even more engaging. However, the narrator did an excellent job at bringing this story to life. I think with the illustrations, this would be a more full experience combined with the audio. Still, if you like folklore, African history, or simply want a book that’s rich and powerful, Chronicles of Ori is well worth picking up.
Thanks NetGalley and HighBridge | Highbridge Audio for the ALC
dnf
November 12, 2025Thank you NetGalley for the ALC copy.
I am DNFing because audiobook is not the proper way to read a book like this. Either a physical book or an eBook would be preferable, allowing you to view the illustrations associated with the story. From what I did listen to, it was very well written, but a little tricky to keep everything straight. I will need to revisit this at a future time, either via eBook or physical copy, to rate it properly and fully experience the whole thing.
The audio narration felt a little flat and like a textbook rather than a work of fantasy or mythology, and didn't work for me.
I am DNFing because audiobook is not the proper way to read a book like this. Either a physical book or an eBook would be preferable, allowing you to view the illustrations associated with the story. From what I did listen to, it was very well written, but a little tricky to keep everything straight. I will need to revisit this at a future time, either via eBook or physical copy, to rate it properly and fully experience the whole thing.
The audio narration felt a little flat and like a textbook rather than a work of fantasy or mythology, and didn't work for me.
October 7, 2025
Ori, in Yoruba, is the spiritual head or inner guide. This collection of African myths are somewhat familiar as many inspired or were inspired by more common fairy tales, legends, or biblical stories. Each is a unique story but often overlap or are connected to others.
In researching the book online I see by listening to the audiobook I've missed some of the best parts, the illustrations! While I enjoyed the narrator and the audio version of this book, I think I'd have to recommend opting for the physical book to fully enjoy this collection.
In researching the book online I see by listening to the audiobook I've missed some of the best parts, the illustrations! While I enjoyed the narrator and the audio version of this book, I think I'd have to recommend opting for the physical book to fully enjoy this collection.
October 15, 2025
This is a book for the kid who loved folktales and mythology. The book is written as if you opened any number of folktales, it has a classic feel to it without being boring, and there is enough of updated themes and language to help the stories feel current. I do understand some of the reviews in wishing that we had the pics/illustrations, as rich as the audiobook was I would have loved to see the accompaniment. The proverbs between the books were a great touch.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. My biggest struggle was with the writing style. It just didn't work for me, but I've seen that it works well for other readers. I did like how the stories were weaved together to create the overall story. I really enjoyed the narrator and her performance.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. My biggest struggle was with the writing style. It just didn't work for me, but I've seen that it works well for other readers. I did like how the stories were weaved together to create the overall story. I really enjoyed the narrator and her performance.
November 27, 2025
received as a NetGalley arc in exchange for an honest review (audiobook)
3.5 stars rounded to 4
This is a great collection of stories. It is extremely cozy and I enjoy reading familiar stories with new characters, settings, or even themes when a group or culture interprets a story differently or shares another perspective.
I do think this book is better read than listened to as an audiobook. While the narrator is lovely, I think the accompanying images would have added to the experience.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
This is a great collection of stories. It is extremely cozy and I enjoy reading familiar stories with new characters, settings, or even themes when a group or culture interprets a story differently or shares another perspective.
I do think this book is better read than listened to as an audiobook. While the narrator is lovely, I think the accompanying images would have added to the experience.
October 4, 2025
*enjoyable and easy to read
*nicely done illustrations
*this book is so well-written and is so engaging that the pages fly by
*highly recommend
*nicely done illustrations
*this book is so well-written and is so engaging that the pages fly by
*highly recommend
October 23, 2025
Good book. I actually learned stuff from it!
October 27, 2025
Rating 4.5
This book is beautifully written, it is intriguing, and truly captures your mind. The birth of the world and fantasy collide here. I recommend. And the cover is also so beautiful. First time with this author but would read more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
This book is beautifully written, it is intriguing, and truly captures your mind. The birth of the world and fantasy collide here. I recommend. And the cover is also so beautiful. First time with this author but would read more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews