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The Oracle Asylum
The madness is a game between gods and kings.
But it is not the gods and kings who are mad.
So, we play their games.
Ekara Amaare is the Crown Princess of the House of Blood.
One of the four Crown Royals of Itakaa.
She is set on marriage with no aspirations to the crown.
But on the day she is preparing for the prancing Ceremony, the royal marriage ritual to find an eligible partner, The Oracle Asylum opens.
A call from the gods to participate in the trials to choose a ruler for Itakaa.
Kazani rises as the 19th Oracle of Itakaa.
The first Oracle chosen by the gods in almost a century, to mediate the choosing trials. But he has a secret and so do the gods.
He has a personal interest in the trials while harbouring secrets which could destroy Itakaa.
Everything depends on the trials which the crown Royals of Itakaa must participate in.
The Oracle Asylum is Open.
But it is not the gods and kings who are mad.
So, we play their games.
Ekara Amaare is the Crown Princess of the House of Blood.
One of the four Crown Royals of Itakaa.
She is set on marriage with no aspirations to the crown.
But on the day she is preparing for the prancing Ceremony, the royal marriage ritual to find an eligible partner, The Oracle Asylum opens.
A call from the gods to participate in the trials to choose a ruler for Itakaa.
Kazani rises as the 19th Oracle of Itakaa.
The first Oracle chosen by the gods in almost a century, to mediate the choosing trials. But he has a secret and so do the gods.
He has a personal interest in the trials while harbouring secrets which could destroy Itakaa.
Everything depends on the trials which the crown Royals of Itakaa must participate in.
The Oracle Asylum is Open.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
Published May 2, 2025
44 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 4, 2025
3.5 🌟
The Oracle Asylum had the recipe to be good even great.
Before I get into what didn't work for me, here are the things I liked and enjoyed;
-The writing style is interesting and engaging.
-I appreciate the vibrancy of the world.
-The magic system is not overly complicated, and easy to understand.
While I usually prefer intricate magic system, the simplicity of The Oracle Asylum is a plus.
-The characters while they could have been better written, enough was done with them to keep me interested and invested in them.
-I enjoyed the use of language and how immersive the cultural aspects of the book were.
-The plot is also engaging, the use of non-linear narrative to give needed details and backstory to the characters, their motivations and the plot is well done.
-N. Sonia Nkera has a unique voice to add to the fantasy genre and that shines through in this book.
Now to the things that could have been better;
- Editing; Most of the things I would mention could have been easily fixed if the editing was better done.
- Execution; This became even more glaring in the later parts of the book.
The author had lots of wonderful ideas, but it seems she did not know how to bring them to life (an editor would have helped here)
- The "romance"; There was no build-up for Ekara and Kazani's feelings. We were at point zero then suddenly we were at 100. How did we get there? This is what suffered the most, but it could have been overlooked if other things worked.
- Pacing; It was all over the place, even at the beginning, slow in the middle and everything felt rushed towards the end.
- Resolution and ending; Because everything felt rushed at the end, the resolution of conflicts was convenient, and rushed. And ultimately the ending felt unsatisfying.
Overall, I had a wonderful time with this book. I would recommend it, cautiously
The Oracle Asylum had the recipe to be good even great.
Before I get into what didn't work for me, here are the things I liked and enjoyed;
-The writing style is interesting and engaging.
-I appreciate the vibrancy of the world.
-The magic system is not overly complicated, and easy to understand.
While I usually prefer intricate magic system, the simplicity of The Oracle Asylum is a plus.
-The characters while they could have been better written, enough was done with them to keep me interested and invested in them.
-I enjoyed the use of language and how immersive the cultural aspects of the book were.
-The plot is also engaging, the use of non-linear narrative to give needed details and backstory to the characters, their motivations and the plot is well done.
-N. Sonia Nkera has a unique voice to add to the fantasy genre and that shines through in this book.
Now to the things that could have been better;
- Editing; Most of the things I would mention could have been easily fixed if the editing was better done.
- Execution; This became even more glaring in the later parts of the book.
The author had lots of wonderful ideas, but it seems she did not know how to bring them to life (an editor would have helped here)
- The "romance"; There was no build-up for Ekara and Kazani's feelings. We were at point zero then suddenly we were at 100. How did we get there? This is what suffered the most, but it could have been overlooked if other things worked.
- Pacing; It was all over the place, even at the beginning, slow in the middle and everything felt rushed towards the end.
- Resolution and ending; Because everything felt rushed at the end, the resolution of conflicts was convenient, and rushed. And ultimately the ending felt unsatisfying.
Overall, I had a wonderful time with this book. I would recommend it, cautiously
April 24, 2025
This is a very interesting story that is well written! I really enjoyed the world building, and the attention to detail. I really like the way this author writes, and the thought process behind the storytelling. I would definitely read another book by this author, because I'm curious to see the unique stories this writer tells. This book is not like any other that I've read.
The world building felt off kilter with the plot. I feel that either the plot needed to be more intricate, or the world building should have been more simple. The majority of the book seemed to focus on world building, which would have been fine if this was meant to be book 1 of a series, but it's not. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly for me. The pacing of the story is also a little jilted. The first 2/3 is methodical and interesting. The last third is not so much.
I never really connected with any of the characters. I feel that despite having motivations for their actions, they weren't very strong ones. The motivations seemed to all come from sense of duty rather than personal reasons. It left the characters feeling very standoffish.
I think the person that showed the most emotion was the other princess. Her story, while only vaguely hinted at, seemed much more emotional than everyone else's.
The Oracles story isn't told until so late in the story that it feels like an afterthought. I really wanted to fully invest in this character, but even with the inner monologue he felt very 2 dimensional.
Long story short, I enjoyed the story, but feel that the world building was too adventurous for such a simple plot.
The world building felt off kilter with the plot. I feel that either the plot needed to be more intricate, or the world building should have been more simple. The majority of the book seemed to focus on world building, which would have been fine if this was meant to be book 1 of a series, but it's not. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly for me. The pacing of the story is also a little jilted. The first 2/3 is methodical and interesting. The last third is not so much.
I never really connected with any of the characters. I feel that despite having motivations for their actions, they weren't very strong ones. The motivations seemed to all come from sense of duty rather than personal reasons. It left the characters feeling very standoffish.
I think the person that showed the most emotion was the other princess. Her story, while only vaguely hinted at, seemed much more emotional than everyone else's.
The Oracles story isn't told until so late in the story that it feels like an afterthought. I really wanted to fully invest in this character, but even with the inner monologue he felt very 2 dimensional.
Long story short, I enjoyed the story, but feel that the world building was too adventurous for such a simple plot.
April 18, 2025
Rated it a 4.25 stars
This is my first book from this author and I loved it.
Kings, Gods, Madness, Trails and the Oracle.
Kazani’s (Our MMC) idea on how to help the neglected and poor people of chene and himself was such a brilliant plan. The story of his family and how he got to making such a difficult decision was good read.
Our nonchalant FMC, a princess without magical powers and no interest for the throne but is needed to ascend the throne to help her people. Her relationship with her family was so beautiful, her friendships too.
The story progressed beautifully, no part felt rushed and the POV changed at the right times. I was hooked on the book from start to finish. The ending was amazing, everybody got what they deserved at the end.
Let’s talk about the cover too, it is so beautiful and I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy.
This is my first book from this author and I loved it.
Kings, Gods, Madness, Trails and the Oracle.
Kazani’s (Our MMC) idea on how to help the neglected and poor people of chene and himself was such a brilliant plan. The story of his family and how he got to making such a difficult decision was good read.
Our nonchalant FMC, a princess without magical powers and no interest for the throne but is needed to ascend the throne to help her people. Her relationship with her family was so beautiful, her friendships too.
The story progressed beautifully, no part felt rushed and the POV changed at the right times. I was hooked on the book from start to finish. The ending was amazing, everybody got what they deserved at the end.
Let’s talk about the cover too, it is so beautiful and I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy.
May 2, 2025
I am in TEARS!! Okay.
The book had me locked in all because of the cover!! Reading the POVs of Ekaara & Kazani and how they both felt there were different ways to help their people.
The story was captivating! Being able to learn about the different houses, their origin stories & the disconnects between the houses and Itaaka & Mao. Wow.
Nothing would have prepared me for how this story ended. Thank you so much to the author for this ARC, I can’t wait to get a physical copy.
Black & Powerful. I plan on reading this again.
The book had me locked in all because of the cover!! Reading the POVs of Ekaara & Kazani and how they both felt there were different ways to help their people.
The story was captivating! Being able to learn about the different houses, their origin stories & the disconnects between the houses and Itaaka & Mao. Wow.
Nothing would have prepared me for how this story ended. Thank you so much to the author for this ARC, I can’t wait to get a physical copy.
Black & Powerful. I plan on reading this again.
May 10, 2025
The Oracle Asylum is an amazing fantasy novel written by Author Sonia Nkera. The story follows Ekara, Princess and Heir of the House of Blood, as she is chosen to participate in the trials to rule Itakaa, as well as Kazani, who rises as the 19th Oracle of Itakaa, complete with his own secrets and plan to play the games of the gods and maybe, just maybe, shape his destiny for the better.
The writer has an amazing ability to describe and fully immerse you into her world. There was a unique and intricate system of magic and I was able to visualize everything in a way that left me wanting to see her book on the big screen. I loved the experience so much, and I love it when writers are able to do that.
I loved the characters in her book. We had complex characters that were very compelling. The relationship between Ekara and Kazani, and their character development, was well executed, showing us how trauma, determination and resilience can shape one's destiny.
Sonia is able to bring together complex themes of oppression, power and its pursuit, as well as redemption. She is able to explore the consequences of divine intervention, which is hard on the people of Mao and Chene. She is able to show resilience in Kazani's story and bring political intrigue in her book.
If you love amazing fantasy worlds and stories that challenge traditional power dynamics, challenge oppression and discrimination of people, have characters daring enough to fight to change their reality, and also love diverse fantasy, run, don't walk, and read this book. You won't regret it.
I read this book as an ARC given to me by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
*Blushing real hard for my first ARC*
Thank you so much to the Author Sonia Nkera.
The writer has an amazing ability to describe and fully immerse you into her world. There was a unique and intricate system of magic and I was able to visualize everything in a way that left me wanting to see her book on the big screen. I loved the experience so much, and I love it when writers are able to do that.
I loved the characters in her book. We had complex characters that were very compelling. The relationship between Ekara and Kazani, and their character development, was well executed, showing us how trauma, determination and resilience can shape one's destiny.
Sonia is able to bring together complex themes of oppression, power and its pursuit, as well as redemption. She is able to explore the consequences of divine intervention, which is hard on the people of Mao and Chene. She is able to show resilience in Kazani's story and bring political intrigue in her book.
If you love amazing fantasy worlds and stories that challenge traditional power dynamics, challenge oppression and discrimination of people, have characters daring enough to fight to change their reality, and also love diverse fantasy, run, don't walk, and read this book. You won't regret it.
I read this book as an ARC given to me by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
*Blushing real hard for my first ARC*
Thank you so much to the Author Sonia Nkera.
April 25, 2025
I'm a big fan of fantasy but this one? Beats my expectation to the tea!
A story of survival, braveity and endurance
I love how the author took us ona journey.. the flashbacks was so on point.
Character development is on point... everybody had a personal story of their own
Really beautiful and well detailed read
I'd recommend this to anyone!
It was an honour to be an ARC reader for this book!
I'd read any book by this author again
A story of survival, braveity and endurance
I love how the author took us ona journey.. the flashbacks was so on point.
Character development is on point... everybody had a personal story of their own
Really beautiful and well detailed read
I'd recommend this to anyone!
It was an honour to be an ARC reader for this book!
I'd read any book by this author again
May 3, 2025
This book was an absolute pleasure to read, and it stands out as one of the more engaging fantasy novels I’ve encountered recently. The author’s writing is vivid and immersive, drawing you into a meticulously crafted world that balances supernatural elements with political intrigue in a seamless way.
The world building is exceptional, layered, and rich with cultural representation. I liked how the author wove cultural details into the narrative; it gave the story an authenticity that I enjoyed.
The plot is well paced, with a number of unexpected twists and turns that kept me thoroughly engaged. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story surprised me, a quality I deeply value in any novel. The political conflicts which added tension and complexity to the storyline were particularly well done.
One of the highlights for me was the characterization. The characters were well written. I also appreciated that the romance was kept as a subplot rather than the driving force of the story. It allowed the broader themes of power, loyalty, and the divine to take center stage.
However, I was quite disappointed with the trial aspect of the plot. Given the buildup, I was expecting the trials to be a highlight; intense, grueling, and filled with high stakes competition, danger, and perhaps even some gore. Unfortunately, the trials felt underwhelming in execution. They lacked the tension, depth, and creative challenges I had anticipated, and as a result, that portion of the book fell flat for me.
But while the trials disappointed, they don’t overshadow the strengths of the book. I would definitely recommend it to fans of political fantasy with supernatural elements.
The world building is exceptional, layered, and rich with cultural representation. I liked how the author wove cultural details into the narrative; it gave the story an authenticity that I enjoyed.
The plot is well paced, with a number of unexpected twists and turns that kept me thoroughly engaged. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the story surprised me, a quality I deeply value in any novel. The political conflicts which added tension and complexity to the storyline were particularly well done.
One of the highlights for me was the characterization. The characters were well written. I also appreciated that the romance was kept as a subplot rather than the driving force of the story. It allowed the broader themes of power, loyalty, and the divine to take center stage.
However, I was quite disappointed with the trial aspect of the plot. Given the buildup, I was expecting the trials to be a highlight; intense, grueling, and filled with high stakes competition, danger, and perhaps even some gore. Unfortunately, the trials felt underwhelming in execution. They lacked the tension, depth, and creative challenges I had anticipated, and as a result, that portion of the book fell flat for me.
But while the trials disappointed, they don’t overshadow the strengths of the book. I would definitely recommend it to fans of political fantasy with supernatural elements.
May 15, 2025
Thank you the author for sharing an arc with me
📖This was my first time reading from this author and I had a great time. In this story, we meet Ekara and Kazani who come from opposite sides of this world, but both share a love for their community and especially the people without magic. Now, with limited time and support, they must race against time in a game of madness between gods and kings to save the people of their lands. Kazani was brilliant in his plotting and I really enjoyed being in his head and learning his back story. Ekara was an interesting protagonist because of her relationship with magic and I was hooked trying to figure out her complete mindset and past experiences.
Overall, the story was very interesting and the reveals kept me glued to the screen anxious about any new info we would receive. I really liked the way the author weaved the story with flashbacks of past events to help build the atmosphere and clue the reader in on the present-day happenings in the story. The characters were learning some of their own stories and histories along with the reader. The side characters were great as they felt real and also helped raise some of the stakes in this story.
📖This was my first time reading from this author and I had a great time. In this story, we meet Ekara and Kazani who come from opposite sides of this world, but both share a love for their community and especially the people without magic. Now, with limited time and support, they must race against time in a game of madness between gods and kings to save the people of their lands. Kazani was brilliant in his plotting and I really enjoyed being in his head and learning his back story. Ekara was an interesting protagonist because of her relationship with magic and I was hooked trying to figure out her complete mindset and past experiences.
Overall, the story was very interesting and the reveals kept me glued to the screen anxious about any new info we would receive. I really liked the way the author weaved the story with flashbacks of past events to help build the atmosphere and clue the reader in on the present-day happenings in the story. The characters were learning some of their own stories and histories along with the reader. The side characters were great as they felt real and also helped raise some of the stakes in this story.
May 24, 2025
"Do you know why blasphemy is a big sin, Zani?"
"Because it insults the gods?"
"Because sometimes it carries a lot of
truths."
I should have known this was going to be a good novel from just the blurb, after all, that’s why I signed up for the ARC. But! My mind was still blown because I did not expect so many twists and so much emotions.
I am in love with this story, I love Ekara but I had to beg her for half of the book to believe in herself. She was stressing me a lot!
I didn’t know what to expect from Kazani, but my interest in the book peaked when I read his first POV chapter. What do you mean the people of Itakaa are in for a lot? His back story was compelling and made me understand his character much more.
Discovering the truth about Itakaa and Mao reminded me how history can be distorted. The truth can be hidden from us, especially when we are living in privilege.
I love the ruling system of the Four Houses. It was unfamiliar at first but I got used to it quickly.
The characters are beautifully and painfully written, the tragedy that befell them was heartbreaking.
This story was so good that I completely forgot romance between a princess and oracle would be forbidden. I was rooting for my babies since their first interaction.
I need more stories from Sonia, which is why I’ll be signing up for every ARC moving forward. I may be broke but I will devour ARCs of African authors!
"Because it insults the gods?"
"Because sometimes it carries a lot of
truths."
I should have known this was going to be a good novel from just the blurb, after all, that’s why I signed up for the ARC. But! My mind was still blown because I did not expect so many twists and so much emotions.
I am in love with this story, I love Ekara but I had to beg her for half of the book to believe in herself. She was stressing me a lot!
I didn’t know what to expect from Kazani, but my interest in the book peaked when I read his first POV chapter. What do you mean the people of Itakaa are in for a lot? His back story was compelling and made me understand his character much more.
Discovering the truth about Itakaa and Mao reminded me how history can be distorted. The truth can be hidden from us, especially when we are living in privilege.
I love the ruling system of the Four Houses. It was unfamiliar at first but I got used to it quickly.
The characters are beautifully and painfully written, the tragedy that befell them was heartbreaking.
This story was so good that I completely forgot romance between a princess and oracle would be forbidden. I was rooting for my babies since their first interaction.
I need more stories from Sonia, which is why I’ll be signing up for every ARC moving forward. I may be broke but I will devour ARCs of African authors!
September 25, 2025
Im not sure why but I didnt connect with this story like I thought I would. I may not be in the right headspace for it. I really loved the creativity and the beautiful descriptions. However, I didnt feel that the writing matched the plot if that makes sense. There was a disconnect between the writing and the oversimplification of the plot and characters. I dont feel the connection between the characters or their stories. Its there. Its like they are out of reach. I think i will try this book another time, but for sure I will be picking up other books by this author.
May 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
"Evil exists where goodness dwells, if it is not sanctified”
This book follows the story of Ekara, a beautiful but underestimated heiress from the House of Blood. She’s not powerful enough (according to the other royal families), struggling to get betrothed, and now tossed into a Royal Marriage Ritual… But just as things are about to begin, the Oracle Asylum opens, and everything changes.
The ritual’s paused.
The heirs and heiress of the four royal families are summoned to a trial.
Winner rules over all royal houses.
Ekara? Chosen.
Ekara? Uninterested 🤣
But she has no choice.
“Performance is all manipulation.
Lull them with sound and they will question everything later on."
This was a solid and engaging read.Beautiful world building. Although there were a few confusing dialogue tags, but nothing that pulled me out for long.
Ekara, despite the limitations of her powers, she’s a sweet soul. I liked how she didn’t make so much fuss about it all. Even when trouble was brewing and making everyone run mad, my girl was sleeping fine and not letting the world bother her. Lmao!!!
“I am a mad man who has impersonated gods, who has tried kings, who has dared to dream.”
For a moment it felt like the trials were a bit underwhelming. But when you realize that they were designed by a very young character who had barely any time to plan, it makes sense. Some of the events were even improvised, but that actually adds to the realism as he was under pressure, winging it, and still managed to pull off some creative ideas.
You could tell that Zani’s father was indeed a wise man, I would love to know more about what goes on in that head of his.
The romance didn’t blossom as it should even though it’s a sub-plot, it felt so rushed and was denied a slow burn that would have blossomed well if this was a series. It looked like the author was trying to wrap up so much into the last 20% of the book.
“Everyone has a secret; you don't even have to know it to use it against them.”
The back stories of the other characters( Royal Families) wasn’t well developed. Still, with the surface telling, I sympathized with them. This is also another reason why this should have been a series, I wanted more from them and maybe even a third POV to let us understand their side better. There was just so much that were introduced and just abandoned immediately. Rated it 3.75⭐️ because I felt it could have been more.
And finally… Kazani, what is it with you and waists?! I have questions!!🌝😏
All in all, I find this author promising!!! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
"Allow them a moment of reprieve. Make them think it is over before you state your true purpose. That is how you get a real answer."
"Evil exists where goodness dwells, if it is not sanctified”
This book follows the story of Ekara, a beautiful but underestimated heiress from the House of Blood. She’s not powerful enough (according to the other royal families), struggling to get betrothed, and now tossed into a Royal Marriage Ritual… But just as things are about to begin, the Oracle Asylum opens, and everything changes.
The ritual’s paused.
The heirs and heiress of the four royal families are summoned to a trial.
Winner rules over all royal houses.
Ekara? Chosen.
Ekara? Uninterested 🤣
But she has no choice.
“Performance is all manipulation.
Lull them with sound and they will question everything later on."
This was a solid and engaging read.Beautiful world building. Although there were a few confusing dialogue tags, but nothing that pulled me out for long.
Ekara, despite the limitations of her powers, she’s a sweet soul. I liked how she didn’t make so much fuss about it all. Even when trouble was brewing and making everyone run mad, my girl was sleeping fine and not letting the world bother her. Lmao!!!
“I am a mad man who has impersonated gods, who has tried kings, who has dared to dream.”
For a moment it felt like the trials were a bit underwhelming. But when you realize that they were designed by a very young character who had barely any time to plan, it makes sense. Some of the events were even improvised, but that actually adds to the realism as he was under pressure, winging it, and still managed to pull off some creative ideas.
You could tell that Zani’s father was indeed a wise man, I would love to know more about what goes on in that head of his.
The romance didn’t blossom as it should even though it’s a sub-plot, it felt so rushed and was denied a slow burn that would have blossomed well if this was a series. It looked like the author was trying to wrap up so much into the last 20% of the book.
“Everyone has a secret; you don't even have to know it to use it against them.”
The back stories of the other characters( Royal Families) wasn’t well developed. Still, with the surface telling, I sympathized with them. This is also another reason why this should have been a series, I wanted more from them and maybe even a third POV to let us understand their side better. There was just so much that were introduced and just abandoned immediately. Rated it 3.75⭐️ because I felt it could have been more.
And finally… Kazani, what is it with you and waists?! I have questions!!🌝😏
All in all, I find this author promising!!! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
"Allow them a moment of reprieve. Make them think it is over before you state your true purpose. That is how you get a real answer."
May 3, 2025
I received an ARC for this and despite being intrigued by the synopsis, I went into it quite uncertain of what to expect. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint at all.
The Oracle Asylum is a tale of a princess with a fate she has refused to accept and abilities she has no control over. As one of the contenders of the seal, she has no choice but to take part in The Oracle Asylum, a series of games to decide the next monarch of Itakaa. But everything is not what it seems and behind this competition lies the secrets of the gods and a madness that is slowly taking over the land.
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The author's writing is lyrical, possessing the same warmth and hypnotism of listening to a mother's stories and folktales at night. Her descriptions are evocative bringing to life the mysterious world of Itakaa. I love how she incorporated elements of foreshadowing and narrative flashbacks. However, there are certain inconsistencies where the tone shifts from lyrical to straightforward. While it's not a major issue, at times, it took me out of the story.
Besides that, the plot is well thought-out with stunning world building. I love how well-governed the magic system is. The secrets and suspense kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how it felt like the author was guiding me through the plot without revealing too much at once. I can't even explain how much excitement I was reeling with when the book got to its climax.
The book was largely plot driven for me. While the characters are well written, I don't really feel strongly about them. Kazani is a little bit of an exception though. His trickery, his madness, his "performance", everything about his character down to his past was intriguing.
I understood Ekara; her lack of motivation, unwillingness to be the queen and the insecurities she had about her powers. I love her empathy and found it to be her greatest asset.
I didn't like how the romance started though, it felt abrupt. It did become heartwarming so I guess that's a win.
Special mentions to Katabazi. The injustice that was done to his character will never be forgiven😭
All in all, The Oracle Asylum was a wonderful read, perfect for fantasy and mythology fans.
The Oracle Asylum is a tale of a princess with a fate she has refused to accept and abilities she has no control over. As one of the contenders of the seal, she has no choice but to take part in The Oracle Asylum, a series of games to decide the next monarch of Itakaa. But everything is not what it seems and behind this competition lies the secrets of the gods and a madness that is slowly taking over the land.
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The author's writing is lyrical, possessing the same warmth and hypnotism of listening to a mother's stories and folktales at night. Her descriptions are evocative bringing to life the mysterious world of Itakaa. I love how she incorporated elements of foreshadowing and narrative flashbacks. However, there are certain inconsistencies where the tone shifts from lyrical to straightforward. While it's not a major issue, at times, it took me out of the story.
Besides that, the plot is well thought-out with stunning world building. I love how well-governed the magic system is. The secrets and suspense kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how it felt like the author was guiding me through the plot without revealing too much at once. I can't even explain how much excitement I was reeling with when the book got to its climax.
The book was largely plot driven for me. While the characters are well written, I don't really feel strongly about them. Kazani is a little bit of an exception though. His trickery, his madness, his "performance", everything about his character down to his past was intriguing.
I understood Ekara; her lack of motivation, unwillingness to be the queen and the insecurities she had about her powers. I love her empathy and found it to be her greatest asset.
I didn't like how the romance started though, it felt abrupt. It did become heartwarming so I guess that's a win.
Special mentions to Katabazi. The injustice that was done to his character will never be forgiven😭
All in all, The Oracle Asylum was a wonderful read, perfect for fantasy and mythology fans.
May 8, 2025
Oracle Asylum is a tale spun around four great houses in the Kingdom of Itakaa—House of Veil, House of Life, House of Hail, and House of Blood. Each house must present a contender, and from these four, the next king or queen will emerge. But not all houses are created equal.
House of Blood sits at the bottom of the hierarchy, and its princess, Ekara, is far from the typical champion. While others wield fire and water in dazzling displays of power, Ekara is a cropper—her gifts lie in nurturing the earth. Less flashy, yes, but deeply rooted in something ancient. She sets her focus on the Prancing Ceremony (where maidens parade before eligible men in hopes of finding a husband) with no political ambitions, only personal ones.
But this book beautifully illustrates how the underdog can rise and become the main deal. Ekara is still reeling from the loss of her mother, and her relationship with her powers is laced with reluctance and grief. She isn’t eager to wield them—her heart is still in mourning. Yet, when it matters most, she steps into herself and channels her power with profound impact.
Enter Kazani, a man unraveling under the weight of madness—a curse that has consumed many from his ravaged village and now claws at his sanity. In a desperate bid for salvation, he pretends to be the revered Oracle, a figure believed to channel the gods themselves. He even walks on water to cement his deception, earning the villagers’ trust and awe.
Kazani summons the four contenders to the Oracle Asylum, not to crown royalty, but to find a cure—his cure. His plan is layered, his motives tangled in the ancient enmity between Itakaa and a rival village, Mao—a conflict born from the very gods that created them.
The author’s worldbuilding is immersive, the writing voice confident and lyrical. This was my first time reading her work, and while the story dragged a bit midway (yes, I had to step away and return with fresh eyes), it still held enough magic to pull me back. There were some narrative loopholes, but the duality between Kazani and Ekara—his madness to her earthiness, his deception to her quiet resolve—was captivating.
If you’re into African fantasy with layered characters, lush lore, and underdog redemption arcs, Oracle Asylum is a worthy pick.
House of Blood sits at the bottom of the hierarchy, and its princess, Ekara, is far from the typical champion. While others wield fire and water in dazzling displays of power, Ekara is a cropper—her gifts lie in nurturing the earth. Less flashy, yes, but deeply rooted in something ancient. She sets her focus on the Prancing Ceremony (where maidens parade before eligible men in hopes of finding a husband) with no political ambitions, only personal ones.
But this book beautifully illustrates how the underdog can rise and become the main deal. Ekara is still reeling from the loss of her mother, and her relationship with her powers is laced with reluctance and grief. She isn’t eager to wield them—her heart is still in mourning. Yet, when it matters most, she steps into herself and channels her power with profound impact.
Enter Kazani, a man unraveling under the weight of madness—a curse that has consumed many from his ravaged village and now claws at his sanity. In a desperate bid for salvation, he pretends to be the revered Oracle, a figure believed to channel the gods themselves. He even walks on water to cement his deception, earning the villagers’ trust and awe.
Kazani summons the four contenders to the Oracle Asylum, not to crown royalty, but to find a cure—his cure. His plan is layered, his motives tangled in the ancient enmity between Itakaa and a rival village, Mao—a conflict born from the very gods that created them.
The author’s worldbuilding is immersive, the writing voice confident and lyrical. This was my first time reading her work, and while the story dragged a bit midway (yes, I had to step away and return with fresh eyes), it still held enough magic to pull me back. There were some narrative loopholes, but the duality between Kazani and Ekara—his madness to her earthiness, his deception to her quiet resolve—was captivating.
If you’re into African fantasy with layered characters, lush lore, and underdog redemption arcs, Oracle Asylum is a worthy pick.
July 4, 2025
The Oracle Asylum by N. Sonia Nkera
So, I read this book a while back and I'm now here to give my review. This is my first book of the author and from the blurb, cover and first line, I got sucked into the world of the book. The descriptions, the storytelling, the structure was everything. I'm telling you, I finished reading this book in a few hours. That was how invested I was. Once I began, I couldn't stop. I was way too eager to read more, learn more, know more. It truly was beautiful.
Another thing that really had me so invested in the book is the use of African mythology. I'm African, so everything hit close to home. I love the culture, the beautification and lores and just about everything the book was centered on. Now, let’s talk about the characters.
The book has four main characters which are the heir of the royal houses. We have a heir whose dream is to find a suitable husband, get married and have children. While there is nothing wrong with that, she was too compliant. When the oracle showed up to conduct the trials so as to select who will ascend to the throne, she gets thrown into it. Now, that wouldn't have been a problem if she had her powers intact. No. Our princess stopped practicing a long time ago because she believes her power is inferior to others, and thus, useless. It's almost comical how she survived the trials, but she deserves it! What she lacked in training, she had in being smart. I was also very invested in the other characters life. The author did an amazing job with them.
Now, tell me why there was not a single kiss in the book?!
I was dying. 😭 Dear God, I understand romance isn't a sub-plot, but miss, ma'am, come on! You didn't have to do me like that. I kept hanging on to the edge of the seat hoping for a kiss after all that build-up but I got nothing. 😭😭😭 It was all about being political.
Also, the ending felt a bit rushed, but I understand why. The full circle moment was executed beautifully. As well as the writings and metaphors, the sayings, the world buildings. And let me not even mention the plod twist! Everything was chef kisses!
So, I read this book a while back and I'm now here to give my review. This is my first book of the author and from the blurb, cover and first line, I got sucked into the world of the book. The descriptions, the storytelling, the structure was everything. I'm telling you, I finished reading this book in a few hours. That was how invested I was. Once I began, I couldn't stop. I was way too eager to read more, learn more, know more. It truly was beautiful.
Another thing that really had me so invested in the book is the use of African mythology. I'm African, so everything hit close to home. I love the culture, the beautification and lores and just about everything the book was centered on. Now, let’s talk about the characters.
The book has four main characters which are the heir of the royal houses. We have a heir whose dream is to find a suitable husband, get married and have children. While there is nothing wrong with that, she was too compliant. When the oracle showed up to conduct the trials so as to select who will ascend to the throne, she gets thrown into it. Now, that wouldn't have been a problem if she had her powers intact. No. Our princess stopped practicing a long time ago because she believes her power is inferior to others, and thus, useless. It's almost comical how she survived the trials, but she deserves it! What she lacked in training, she had in being smart. I was also very invested in the other characters life. The author did an amazing job with them.
Now, tell me why there was not a single kiss in the book?!
I was dying. 😭 Dear God, I understand romance isn't a sub-plot, but miss, ma'am, come on! You didn't have to do me like that. I kept hanging on to the edge of the seat hoping for a kiss after all that build-up but I got nothing. 😭😭😭 It was all about being political.
Also, the ending felt a bit rushed, but I understand why. The full circle moment was executed beautifully. As well as the writings and metaphors, the sayings, the world buildings. And let me not even mention the plod twist! Everything was chef kisses!
April 25, 2025
I took a while to pick this book up because I didn’t want to be disappointed especially since it concerned African mythology. But I was done in less than a day. In eight hours, I could neither eat nor sleep nor work.
The prelude had me in a chokehold. I was locked in from the start. From the world building, to the magic system, then the diverse characters. And can I just scream….
KAZANI….
I have read a lot of books in my life and I have fallen in love with very few characters. No matter how much I love the book, it’s just love. But rarely a handful of characters have I loved this much and KAZANI has just been added to the list. I practically looked forward to his pov. It was almost like I could see him, hear him, feel him. The description of him, the way he carried himself, the lies and tricks he pulled, his past, his madness. He had lessons to teach in everything he did and his delivery still has my heart racing.
He was my favorite character so far.
Ekara was a handful. Annoying at best. She was the kind of fl I don’t like. She whined a lot but was unwilling to do anything about her situation. She had not a single ambition in her bone and at a point I was super pissed at her. But when she finally came to, I found her strength in her kindness, her ability to see what others could not from the very first moment the said ‘oracle’ appeared. And before long, I was up on my seat and wishing the end wasn’t near.
The secrets, lies, and riddles were best especially when the meaning and truth were finally revealed. I can’t count how many times I gasped or jumped up from where I laid with just a single riddle.
The authors writing style was truly impressive and it had me immersed in her world, so much so I didn’t want to leave.
All the characters had a story to them, and I love how fast paced the book was yet filled with so much emotion. This is honestly one of my favorites reads all year and I wish it didn’t end.
I am looking forward to reading more works from this author.
The prelude had me in a chokehold. I was locked in from the start. From the world building, to the magic system, then the diverse characters. And can I just scream….
KAZANI….
I have read a lot of books in my life and I have fallen in love with very few characters. No matter how much I love the book, it’s just love. But rarely a handful of characters have I loved this much and KAZANI has just been added to the list. I practically looked forward to his pov. It was almost like I could see him, hear him, feel him. The description of him, the way he carried himself, the lies and tricks he pulled, his past, his madness. He had lessons to teach in everything he did and his delivery still has my heart racing.
He was my favorite character so far.
Ekara was a handful. Annoying at best. She was the kind of fl I don’t like. She whined a lot but was unwilling to do anything about her situation. She had not a single ambition in her bone and at a point I was super pissed at her. But when she finally came to, I found her strength in her kindness, her ability to see what others could not from the very first moment the said ‘oracle’ appeared. And before long, I was up on my seat and wishing the end wasn’t near.
The secrets, lies, and riddles were best especially when the meaning and truth were finally revealed. I can’t count how many times I gasped or jumped up from where I laid with just a single riddle.
The authors writing style was truly impressive and it had me immersed in her world, so much so I didn’t want to leave.
All the characters had a story to them, and I love how fast paced the book was yet filled with so much emotion. This is honestly one of my favorites reads all year and I wish it didn’t end.
I am looking forward to reading more works from this author.
May 18, 2025
I did like how the author wrote the world-building. However, after reading this, I feel kind of set up, and here’s why. The story started off very interesting with the royal games, and then, very early on, we found out that Kazani had actually set everything up. That was fine, but it made the pacing feel very off for the entire book.
Also, since the games were bogus, doesn’t that mean the person who wins isn’t truly the king or queen? I also found Ekara’s motivation to be lacking. I thought she was supposed to be the Queen and that she had some strong ability, but it was hard to connect with her because she kept holding back her powers. It wasn’t really explained why her powers were atypical when it came to growing things, or why that was a problem—besides her saying it didn’t mean she had control. And how did she suddenly overcome that blockage now, when earlier it was supposedly because she hadn’t properly grieved her mother? But she never actually grieved in the book yet her powers were back. If it had a scene of her describing that she no longer feels that weight of grief thanks to Kazani ,it would have made a bit more sense.
Also, this book didn’t really have any romance until the last couple of chapters, when Ekara and Kazani finally acted on their feelings—which, in my opinion, felt kind of last minute. I also think the author could have properly included Mensa and Gara’s story, because it seemed like they had a lot more chemistry than Kazani and Ekara.
Finally, as I mentioned before, the pacing of the story felt off. For the first three-quarters of the book, it was very slow-paced and had a completely different vibe. Then, the last part of the book felt very rushed in its conclusions and major scenes, which I think could have been climactic. In the span of maybe four chapters, Ekara and Kazani had their moment, he disappeared, they went to Mao, they came back, and she saved Kazani—then the epilogue. The end.
So it threw me off and left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. This book felt more like a Book One… until that last part.
Also, since the games were bogus, doesn’t that mean the person who wins isn’t truly the king or queen? I also found Ekara’s motivation to be lacking. I thought she was supposed to be the Queen and that she had some strong ability, but it was hard to connect with her because she kept holding back her powers. It wasn’t really explained why her powers were atypical when it came to growing things, or why that was a problem—besides her saying it didn’t mean she had control. And how did she suddenly overcome that blockage now, when earlier it was supposedly because she hadn’t properly grieved her mother? But she never actually grieved in the book yet her powers were back. If it had a scene of her describing that she no longer feels that weight of grief thanks to Kazani ,it would have made a bit more sense.
Also, this book didn’t really have any romance until the last couple of chapters, when Ekara and Kazani finally acted on their feelings—which, in my opinion, felt kind of last minute. I also think the author could have properly included Mensa and Gara’s story, because it seemed like they had a lot more chemistry than Kazani and Ekara.
Finally, as I mentioned before, the pacing of the story felt off. For the first three-quarters of the book, it was very slow-paced and had a completely different vibe. Then, the last part of the book felt very rushed in its conclusions and major scenes, which I think could have been climactic. In the span of maybe four chapters, Ekara and Kazani had their moment, he disappeared, they went to Mao, they came back, and she saved Kazani—then the epilogue. The end.
So it threw me off and left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. This book felt more like a Book One… until that last part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
4.5
Sonia's writing style wasn't much fancy and easy to get while reading the book, her tone was engaging but I did felt a lack of flow in a few places which could have been ignored while editing the book. Even though the book started off slow— it didn't bore me as the storytelling about Ekara's life, the rituals and a little history of each royal house and how they function was interesting and picked up around 1/3rd of the book (around Kazani's pov). Most importantly, her writing style was able to express the themes of oppression, power, redemption and hope through her characters with the fact that history can be manipulated who are have power and privilege.
The plot of the book was well executed as it was original with the needed details for the current trajectory of the world and the characters with their motivations. Sonia's characters were brilliant but the depth in the characters were missing which made them not relatable to me.
Zani's character was one of the interesting one for me, from his past to parents and how it shaped him being a son of a madman and a dreamer. Zani's father was a wise man with experiences and thoughts very different from most, he was my favourite character apart from Taezea & Itakya.
The dynamics between Ekara and Kazani could've been well developed, which it wasn't as there wasn't build up, tension and lacked a chemistry that was needed in the book.
The magic system is quite simple but it's detailed, it might take a moment or two to grasp the details. I had bo complaints with the magic and world building but I was quite disappointed in the trials, I expected a bit more competition, danger and plotting against each other but at the same time, Zani's plotting and scheming left me surprised as it was revealed in the later parts.
Anyways, the best part for me was the vibrant world with myths of Itakara and Mao weaved in through rich culture, african myths and new language added a authentic taste to the book. Definitely recommend!
Sonia's writing style wasn't much fancy and easy to get while reading the book, her tone was engaging but I did felt a lack of flow in a few places which could have been ignored while editing the book. Even though the book started off slow— it didn't bore me as the storytelling about Ekara's life, the rituals and a little history of each royal house and how they function was interesting and picked up around 1/3rd of the book (around Kazani's pov). Most importantly, her writing style was able to express the themes of oppression, power, redemption and hope through her characters with the fact that history can be manipulated who are have power and privilege.
The plot of the book was well executed as it was original with the needed details for the current trajectory of the world and the characters with their motivations. Sonia's characters were brilliant but the depth in the characters were missing which made them not relatable to me.
Zani's character was one of the interesting one for me, from his past to parents and how it shaped him being a son of a madman and a dreamer. Zani's father was a wise man with experiences and thoughts very different from most, he was my favourite character apart from Taezea & Itakya.
The dynamics between Ekara and Kazani could've been well developed, which it wasn't as there wasn't build up, tension and lacked a chemistry that was needed in the book.
The magic system is quite simple but it's detailed, it might take a moment or two to grasp the details. I had bo complaints with the magic and world building but I was quite disappointed in the trials, I expected a bit more competition, danger and plotting against each other but at the same time, Zani's plotting and scheming left me surprised as it was revealed in the later parts.
Anyways, the best part for me was the vibrant world with myths of Itakara and Mao weaved in through rich culture, african myths and new language added a authentic taste to the book. Definitely recommend!
August 27, 2025
I'm honored to be a delayed ARC reader for this book.
Super Specific Reading Recommendation
Before I start gushing about this book, I have a weirdly specific reading rec. I think this book would be super good for ADHD brains! There are frequent paragraph breaks that, in my opinion, allowed me to stay more focused during narrative sections. It also has the bonus of reading (again, in my opinion) as if this book is being recited aloud. So if you find it hard to focus on reading, this book might be formatted in a way that works for you. At least, it did for me!
Why I Love It So Much
I was engrossed in this story and the protagonists from page one. I can't describe it. Once I was reading, I couldn't put it down. My loved ones had to say my name repeatedly to get me to look up and realize they were talking to me.
I'm absolutely enamored with the leads. I would follow both of them to hell and back. And that's not because they're flawless-they're not. It's because I find them so well-rounded in their flaws and strengths. If you're tired of your strong female protagonist having to talk, look, and act like every other fantasy femme fatale, you're in luck. If you're tired of your male love interest being a specific kind of brooding emotional damage, you're in luck. These two grow, both because of their relationship together and because of their own individual determination. And their growth is SO satisfying.
The story is so refreshing. I'm being intentionally vague in this whole review because I don't want to spoil any of it. The gradual reveal of the truth-for our characters, for the setting, for the very spiritual being of the land-is perfectly paced. I was invested every step of the way.
My Only Complaint
I wasn't ready for it to end. Good news, my solution is I'm going to go on to read everything else N. Sonia Nkera has written. It's the only thing that will soothe this ache in my heart now that the story is over.
Super Specific Reading Recommendation
Before I start gushing about this book, I have a weirdly specific reading rec. I think this book would be super good for ADHD brains! There are frequent paragraph breaks that, in my opinion, allowed me to stay more focused during narrative sections. It also has the bonus of reading (again, in my opinion) as if this book is being recited aloud. So if you find it hard to focus on reading, this book might be formatted in a way that works for you. At least, it did for me!
Why I Love It So Much
I was engrossed in this story and the protagonists from page one. I can't describe it. Once I was reading, I couldn't put it down. My loved ones had to say my name repeatedly to get me to look up and realize they were talking to me.
I'm absolutely enamored with the leads. I would follow both of them to hell and back. And that's not because they're flawless-they're not. It's because I find them so well-rounded in their flaws and strengths. If you're tired of your strong female protagonist having to talk, look, and act like every other fantasy femme fatale, you're in luck. If you're tired of your male love interest being a specific kind of brooding emotional damage, you're in luck. These two grow, both because of their relationship together and because of their own individual determination. And their growth is SO satisfying.
The story is so refreshing. I'm being intentionally vague in this whole review because I don't want to spoil any of it. The gradual reveal of the truth-for our characters, for the setting, for the very spiritual being of the land-is perfectly paced. I was invested every step of the way.
My Only Complaint
I wasn't ready for it to end. Good news, my solution is I'm going to go on to read everything else N. Sonia Nkera has written. It's the only thing that will soothe this ache in my heart now that the story is over.
May 3, 2025
Thank you Sonia Nkera for the ARC!
Sonia Nkera's book, The Oracle of the Asylum, is a really interesting story that makes you wish there was more to read. Right from the beginning, I was totally caught up in the story of Ekara. She's a young woman who doesn't believe in herself and doesn't really want to do anything, but she's trying hard to avoid the leadership role that's been planned for her. Nkera does a great job of showing what Ekara is going through inside, which makes her easy to understand and feel for.
One of the best things about this book for me was the love story. It was a surprise and it was written so beautifully, growing in the middle of all the crazy things Ekara was dealing with. The author has a special way of showing all the little details of how people connect. Actually, one sentence really stuck with me: "Even if I had a million chances to conjure up an image of his face, I would not have dreamt up how perfect he is." This line perfectly shows how surprised and deeply Ekara felt.
Kazami!!!!! Even though he wasn't honest with the people of Itakaa, for some reason, I found myself hoping things would work out for him from the start! The author did a great job of explaining why he did what he did, and wanting to know if he would reach his goal kept me really interested and always wondering what would happen next.
The Oracle of the Asylum isn't just a fantasy book; it's a story about finding yourself, how complicated love can be, and how even characters who aren't good can be fascinating. I read every page quickly and was actually sad when I finished it. If you're looking for a book that will take you to a different world and keep you feeling involved until the very last sentence, you should definitely read this one!
Sonia Nkera's book, The Oracle of the Asylum, is a really interesting story that makes you wish there was more to read. Right from the beginning, I was totally caught up in the story of Ekara. She's a young woman who doesn't believe in herself and doesn't really want to do anything, but she's trying hard to avoid the leadership role that's been planned for her. Nkera does a great job of showing what Ekara is going through inside, which makes her easy to understand and feel for.
One of the best things about this book for me was the love story. It was a surprise and it was written so beautifully, growing in the middle of all the crazy things Ekara was dealing with. The author has a special way of showing all the little details of how people connect. Actually, one sentence really stuck with me: "Even if I had a million chances to conjure up an image of his face, I would not have dreamt up how perfect he is." This line perfectly shows how surprised and deeply Ekara felt.
Kazami!!!!! Even though he wasn't honest with the people of Itakaa, for some reason, I found myself hoping things would work out for him from the start! The author did a great job of explaining why he did what he did, and wanting to know if he would reach his goal kept me really interested and always wondering what would happen next.
The Oracle of the Asylum isn't just a fantasy book; it's a story about finding yourself, how complicated love can be, and how even characters who aren't good can be fascinating. I read every page quickly and was actually sad when I finished it. If you're looking for a book that will take you to a different world and keep you feeling involved until the very last sentence, you should definitely read this one!
April 29, 2025
Okay so....let's talk about it.
Honestly, this one started a tad slow for me but I am SO glad I stuck with it. When I say the author built up everything up from the bottom...I mean it. Every little detail came back. It ALL made sense in the end. Some of the callbacks really had my mind blown because...you thought of that in the beginning??
There were parts I expected to see coming but overall, I enjoyed this read. The last....I don't know how many chapters...had me completely hooked. It felt like so much was happening, yet so much made sense. I ended up going back to previous points of the book and connecting some dots that I thought were randomly stated...they were not. I don't want to add spoilers but trust me, it was all cohesive and engaging.
The characters are so multi-layered. The FMC, Ekara, is probably the most straight-forward character seemingly from the jump. But the story is from her, and the MMC Kazani's, point of view so that is expected. Yes, dual POV. Kazani on the other hand is someone we see constantly revealing new personas, each part of his life as important to the story as the last.
You have royals, a competition for the throne, many internal battles, close proximity love interests, hidden agenda, African gods and trickster spirits, and more.
Darker topics, which are not presented on page but implied, are abuse. You pick up on it without it being explicitly stated. Also signs of depression and death of a parent.
Overall, I highly recommend giving it a read.
Honestly, this one started a tad slow for me but I am SO glad I stuck with it. When I say the author built up everything up from the bottom...I mean it. Every little detail came back. It ALL made sense in the end. Some of the callbacks really had my mind blown because...you thought of that in the beginning??
There were parts I expected to see coming but overall, I enjoyed this read. The last....I don't know how many chapters...had me completely hooked. It felt like so much was happening, yet so much made sense. I ended up going back to previous points of the book and connecting some dots that I thought were randomly stated...they were not. I don't want to add spoilers but trust me, it was all cohesive and engaging.
The characters are so multi-layered. The FMC, Ekara, is probably the most straight-forward character seemingly from the jump. But the story is from her, and the MMC Kazani's, point of view so that is expected. Yes, dual POV. Kazani on the other hand is someone we see constantly revealing new personas, each part of his life as important to the story as the last.
You have royals, a competition for the throne, many internal battles, close proximity love interests, hidden agenda, African gods and trickster spirits, and more.
Darker topics, which are not presented on page but implied, are abuse. You pick up on it without it being explicitly stated. Also signs of depression and death of a parent.
Overall, I highly recommend giving it a read.
August 8, 2025
This was an enigmatic read! 4 Royal houses, but only one seal to rule them all. Luckily, the gods appointed oracle calls them to the asylum where they will compete in trials until the gods decide who is worthy. We follow the POV of both the oracle and the Princess of the House of Blood.
I really enjoyed the political system and how it tied in with each house & their heirs ability to use magic. Hidden Powers is a favourite trope of mine, and it's done so well in this book! You can't help but fall head over heals for Ekara the FMC. She is so easy to connect with & is written incredibly well. There's a real depth and richness to her characters, and even side characters stand out. The characters are given solid arcs and really grow from where they started at the beginning of book.
I felt the book flowed incredibly well, I read the whole book in 2 sittings, and I could not put it down. If life didn't get in the way, I'd have finished it in one go. There was a strong sense of justice through the book as well, and although no one was inherently evil, there were characters that were wholly good and fought for what was right.
I really enjoyed Nkeras' writing style, and I will absolutely be picking up more of their work. Her worldbuilding and ability to include detailed descriptions and backstories of the characters was incredible.
I'd also like to take a moment to appreciate how stunning the book cover is! The art is sublime, and even though I read the ebook version, I will be buying a paperback for my bookshelf.
I really enjoyed the political system and how it tied in with each house & their heirs ability to use magic. Hidden Powers is a favourite trope of mine, and it's done so well in this book! You can't help but fall head over heals for Ekara the FMC. She is so easy to connect with & is written incredibly well. There's a real depth and richness to her characters, and even side characters stand out. The characters are given solid arcs and really grow from where they started at the beginning of book.
I felt the book flowed incredibly well, I read the whole book in 2 sittings, and I could not put it down. If life didn't get in the way, I'd have finished it in one go. There was a strong sense of justice through the book as well, and although no one was inherently evil, there were characters that were wholly good and fought for what was right.
I really enjoyed Nkeras' writing style, and I will absolutely be picking up more of their work. Her worldbuilding and ability to include detailed descriptions and backstories of the characters was incredible.
I'd also like to take a moment to appreciate how stunning the book cover is! The art is sublime, and even though I read the ebook version, I will be buying a paperback for my bookshelf.
April 29, 2025
Nkera plunges you into the vibrant, magical world of Itakaa. We've got noble houses fighting for power, ancient magic, and a deadly trial – the Oracle Asylum – reopening after decades.
Ekara, a princess whose magic is all about life (growing things!), which sounds lovely but gets her totally underestimated. She's not exactly thrilled about being thrown into a competition for the throne... until he shows up.
Let's talk about KAZANIIIIIIIIIII.
This mysterious, non-magical outsider is chosen as the Oracle, and he steals the show. Is he cursed? Is he brilliant? Is he playing everyone? YES. He's complex, magnetic, full of secrets and a "madness" that's utterly captivating. Prepare to fall head over heels for this guy – you'll be living for his point-of-view chapters.
Watching Ekara find her strength, using her unique gifts and sharp perception (especially when it comes to Kazani), is fantastic. Their connection? Electric!
Nkera's writing is pure magic , tense, and so immersive you'll feel like you're right there amidst the political scheming, ancient riddles, and shocking reveals. The secrets keep unfolding, Even if you think fantasy isn't your thing, I swear this one hits different.
The Verdict: "The Oracle Asylum" is a stunning blend of African mythology, politics, and characters that will live in your head rent-free. It's about grief, power, destiny, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.
Ekara, a princess whose magic is all about life (growing things!), which sounds lovely but gets her totally underestimated. She's not exactly thrilled about being thrown into a competition for the throne... until he shows up.
Let's talk about KAZANIIIIIIIIIII.
This mysterious, non-magical outsider is chosen as the Oracle, and he steals the show. Is he cursed? Is he brilliant? Is he playing everyone? YES. He's complex, magnetic, full of secrets and a "madness" that's utterly captivating. Prepare to fall head over heels for this guy – you'll be living for his point-of-view chapters.
Watching Ekara find her strength, using her unique gifts and sharp perception (especially when it comes to Kazani), is fantastic. Their connection? Electric!
Nkera's writing is pure magic , tense, and so immersive you'll feel like you're right there amidst the political scheming, ancient riddles, and shocking reveals. The secrets keep unfolding, Even if you think fantasy isn't your thing, I swear this one hits different.
The Verdict: "The Oracle Asylum" is a stunning blend of African mythology, politics, and characters that will live in your head rent-free. It's about grief, power, destiny, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.
April 22, 2025
The book is very relatable with Ekara the female lead being seemingly a hot mess at first, and then we come to see her empathetic and even loving side and her brilliant side. All her good qualities seem to be buried in her grief and all the bad things going on in her life and that is like most of us!
The regal air you put around the Princes is exactly what one would expect a prince to act like and princess Mensa’s coldness and venom is so well executed!
It was so thrilling getting to know all the characters and their families and subjects, everything so realistically executed!
Kazani! The one toying with the gods, a brilliantly executed character! We were mad men with him . With his madness was so vivid, we might have caught it too😂😂
His intelligence, constant reference to his parents, all mesh with the story perfectly.
The Africanicity in the book! Chef’s kiss! The Afros, Dreads! Oh Prince Katabazi’s dreads! I want to see them! That’s how beautiful you made them sound!
The kitenge gowns! The different herbs, the riddles, the rukiga here and there! Wow it was a breath of the freshest air in form of a book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
This book had unique world building that really drew me into the story. I loved the interweaving of the past and present in the storytelling. The writing felt like a fairytale.
I loved how Ekara wasn’t necessarily the most ambitious when it came to her powers. At times that can leave less to root for in a character, but she still fought for things in other admirable ways that were nice to read.
Kazani’s story was really intriguing, and I was a big fan of his whole scheme. However I wish more details of his past were brought in earlier, just so I could’ve gotten a full understanding of him as a character before the main plot ended.
Each of the princes and princesses had much to be admired about their characters (even with their sometimes frustrating actions). I really felt for each of their journeys.
I was’t a big fan of the romance. I think I wasn’t too convinced of the chemistry and the connection that was built. The other characters seemed to point it out a lot, but other than physical attraction, I didn’t get it (It made a little more sense from Kazani’s side cause he’d known of her briefly, but Ekara’s was a little harder to grasp).
Also the cover is so beautiful!!!
I loved how Ekara wasn’t necessarily the most ambitious when it came to her powers. At times that can leave less to root for in a character, but she still fought for things in other admirable ways that were nice to read.
Kazani’s story was really intriguing, and I was a big fan of his whole scheme. However I wish more details of his past were brought in earlier, just so I could’ve gotten a full understanding of him as a character before the main plot ended.
Each of the princes and princesses had much to be admired about their characters (even with their sometimes frustrating actions). I really felt for each of their journeys.
I was’t a big fan of the romance. I think I wasn’t too convinced of the chemistry and the connection that was built. The other characters seemed to point it out a lot, but other than physical attraction, I didn’t get it (It made a little more sense from Kazani’s side cause he’d known of her briefly, but Ekara’s was a little harder to grasp).
Also the cover is so beautiful!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
OK, so this book was really good. I know I say that about a lot of books but this one I truly mean it. I mean it with all the books but this one, I don’t know. It just hit different.
In this book, there’s four royal houses. House of blood, house of life, house of veil & house of hail. We have Ekara, who is from the house of blood. right in the beginning, we are seeing that the seal is empty. the seal is a palace where the king or queen sits. that’s where we get introduced to Ekara who has no ambition to sit on the throne. due to unforeseen circumstances, an oracle comes forth & sets the four royal houses to the oracle asylum where they go on a game of trials to win the throne.
This book was a mind twister forsure. I was even a little scared at some parts due to the events unfolding. When I fully locked in, I was able to fly to the ending. I did not want to put this book down. I’m sad it’s over. It ends with a happy ending if that’s your kind of thing. But yall should read thissss
•-
There’s dual POVs
Story is told in Past & Present time which I enjoyed
In this book, there’s four royal houses. House of blood, house of life, house of veil & house of hail. We have Ekara, who is from the house of blood. right in the beginning, we are seeing that the seal is empty. the seal is a palace where the king or queen sits. that’s where we get introduced to Ekara who has no ambition to sit on the throne. due to unforeseen circumstances, an oracle comes forth & sets the four royal houses to the oracle asylum where they go on a game of trials to win the throne.
This book was a mind twister forsure. I was even a little scared at some parts due to the events unfolding. When I fully locked in, I was able to fly to the ending. I did not want to put this book down. I’m sad it’s over. It ends with a happy ending if that’s your kind of thing. But yall should read thissss
•-
There’s dual POVs
Story is told in Past & Present time which I enjoyed
June 2, 2025
This book was such a fantastic and heart tugging read.The Oracle Asylum pulls you in from the first page and keeps you hooked till the end. The writing is simple but so immersive, you don’t even realize how deep you’ve gotten until you’re flipping pages.
♡◇
Ekara Amaare? Yeah, she’s that girl, the kind of character you want to be friends with. She starts out as a cropper (aka the lowest kind of magic wielder in Itakaa), but she became so much more throughout her journey.
Now let’s talk about Kazani, our MMC.
Honestly, in our ARC group, I felt he was overhyped but he was not, he’s just mad and I love him like that.🫠
♡◇
The magic system and plot were tight and every character felt well rounded and well-written, and it all wrapped up with a lovely HEA (which I absolutely live for).
If you’re into fantasy with layered characters, great worldbuilding, and a sprinkle of madness, you are going to enjoy this one.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
♡◇
Ekara Amaare? Yeah, she’s that girl, the kind of character you want to be friends with. She starts out as a cropper (aka the lowest kind of magic wielder in Itakaa), but she became so much more throughout her journey.
Now let’s talk about Kazani, our MMC.
Honestly, in our ARC group, I felt he was overhyped but he was not, he’s just mad and I love him like that.🫠
♡◇
The magic system and plot were tight and every character felt well rounded and well-written, and it all wrapped up with a lovely HEA (which I absolutely live for).
If you’re into fantasy with layered characters, great worldbuilding, and a sprinkle of madness, you are going to enjoy this one.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
April 26, 2025
** Arc review **
I really quite liked this story, it had a lot of potential and would've been maybe a 5* read if it was a duology or a series.
The characters are amazing. There aren't many fantasy books with POC characters and based on African mythology and I was very excited to read this. The characters all have their problems and interesting backstories. A little more depth would've been great, there were some holes in understanding why they had their fears. Ekana had such growth throughout the story and Kazani was just... *chef's kiss* The POV changes were also really nice.
The world building was great, but would've been a bit more suited for a duology or a series. There were a lot of interesting aspects (I mean... Mao people??) that could've had a bit more paper time, but that's of course difficult for a standalone.
Some parts did feel a bit rushed, but there were some great reveals and twists that kept my attention and wanting to read more.
I really quite liked this story, it had a lot of potential and would've been maybe a 5* read if it was a duology or a series.
The characters are amazing. There aren't many fantasy books with POC characters and based on African mythology and I was very excited to read this. The characters all have their problems and interesting backstories. A little more depth would've been great, there were some holes in understanding why they had their fears. Ekana had such growth throughout the story and Kazani was just... *chef's kiss* The POV changes were also really nice.
The world building was great, but would've been a bit more suited for a duology or a series. There were a lot of interesting aspects (I mean... Mao people??) that could've had a bit more paper time, but that's of course difficult for a standalone.
Some parts did feel a bit rushed, but there were some great reveals and twists that kept my attention and wanting to read more.
May 4, 2025
A Fresh African Fantasy
4.5 ⭐
I received an early copy of this book from the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
I would recommend The Oracle Asylum to anyone looking for an exciting story set in an original African fantasy world. I felt that the world-building in this was done perfectly. It was just complex enough to feel "real" without being overwhelming or difficult to understand. Fantasy books can sometimes be predictable, but I genuinely couldn't tell where this one was going for a lot of it, which I enjoyed. When all the story threads finally do come together, it's SO satisfying. The characters were compelling, especially Kazani. For most of the story, the reader doesn't fully know his plan or motivations, which makes his POV fun and intriguing. I also enjoyed Ekara's POV and found her to be the perfect audience surrogate. While the romance is not the main plot, it is beautifully written and works really well with the rest of the story.
However, the pacing was uneven. There's a lot of setup in the first two-thirds of the book, then everything is quickly wrapped up in the final third. Because of this, I feel like this story would have worked better as the first book of a duology or trilogy than as a standalone. And for a story about magical trials, I felt like the trials themselves took up relatively little page time, which was a bit of a disappointment.
But I still really enjoyed this and would definitely read more from the author!
4.5 ⭐
I received an early copy of this book from the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
I would recommend The Oracle Asylum to anyone looking for an exciting story set in an original African fantasy world. I felt that the world-building in this was done perfectly. It was just complex enough to feel "real" without being overwhelming or difficult to understand. Fantasy books can sometimes be predictable, but I genuinely couldn't tell where this one was going for a lot of it, which I enjoyed. When all the story threads finally do come together, it's SO satisfying. The characters were compelling, especially Kazani. For most of the story, the reader doesn't fully know his plan or motivations, which makes his POV fun and intriguing. I also enjoyed Ekara's POV and found her to be the perfect audience surrogate. While the romance is not the main plot, it is beautifully written and works really well with the rest of the story.
However, the pacing was uneven. There's a lot of setup in the first two-thirds of the book, then everything is quickly wrapped up in the final third. Because of this, I feel like this story would have worked better as the first book of a duology or trilogy than as a standalone. And for a story about magical trials, I felt like the trials themselves took up relatively little page time, which was a bit of a disappointment.
But I still really enjoyed this and would definitely read more from the author!
April 20, 2025
The premise of The Oracle Asylum, and it's cover appealed to me. Even so I didn't know what to expect, but if I would sum this up in one word? It would be beautiful!
From the way Mrs. Nkera describes her colors, making them vivid and come alife. The way her characters are all distinct eventhough we experience Ikaara through the lense of the two main characters. It doesn't matter how small their role is, they are memorable.
Then you have the story itself. which is layered in its symbolism and in the way it makes you think and feel.
This was my first read from her pen, but it will most certainly not be my last!
From the way Mrs. Nkera describes her colors, making them vivid and come alife. The way her characters are all distinct eventhough we experience Ikaara through the lense of the two main characters. It doesn't matter how small their role is, they are memorable.
Then you have the story itself. which is layered in its symbolism and in the way it makes you think and feel.
This was my first read from her pen, but it will most certainly not be my last!
April 25, 2025
As it stands this is my first introduction to this author. I’m honored to be an ARC reader because this book was magnificent. The pacing was solid, the writing was beautiful and Kazani had me on edge in the beginning. His introduction was slick and enticing. Ekara being a FMC that has no interest in the throne or power in general was refreshing. The care she has for her family driving her to compete is a perfect addition to her character. I wish I could say much more but I don’t want to spoil it for the many other interested readers. I will be reading more and I encourage others to do the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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