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The Bone River
In Calabar, power flows through ancient bloodlines and the secrets of the Four Houses rule the unseen. The Secret Peace keeps the balance between order and chaos-but its laws may soon be broken…
Heych Henshaw, a freelancer on the run from a malevolent god, returns to a city she swore never to set foot in again. Drawn by debts and an inheritance of buried names, she’s pulled into the rising tide of conflict between the ancient Houses.
Afem Aba Ye Duop, the Hand of Death, is running out of time. The sole heir to a throne steeped in bone ash and blood, she wants more for herself than to be what her father requires she becomes when she turns twenty-one. When her father offers Afem her freedom in exchange for her help, she’s forced to work with the woman she vowed, if she ever laid eyes on again, she would kill.
As the Secret Peace falters and death magic stirs in forbidden places, both women find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of legacy, betrayal, and vengeful gods.
Heych Henshaw, a freelancer on the run from a malevolent god, returns to a city she swore never to set foot in again. Drawn by debts and an inheritance of buried names, she’s pulled into the rising tide of conflict between the ancient Houses.
Afem Aba Ye Duop, the Hand of Death, is running out of time. The sole heir to a throne steeped in bone ash and blood, she wants more for herself than to be what her father requires she becomes when she turns twenty-one. When her father offers Afem her freedom in exchange for her help, she’s forced to work with the woman she vowed, if she ever laid eyes on again, she would kill.
As the Secret Peace falters and death magic stirs in forbidden places, both women find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of legacy, betrayal, and vengeful gods.
- GenresFantasy
First published September 26, 2025
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October 6, 2025Official blurb:
A wild, fun and unapologetically African story of gods, magic, memory, and secret politics. You won't have any time to catch your breath as you get swept up into Nkereuwem’s version of Calabar where two women must forge their own destinies as necromancers, spirits, ancient houses and masquerades struggle for ascendancy in the shadows of a secret peace. If you enjoyed SHIGIDI AND THE BRASS HEAD OF OBALUFON or DAVID MOGO: GODHUNTER, you're liable to enjoy THE BONE RIVER.
A wild, fun and unapologetically African story of gods, magic, memory, and secret politics. You won't have any time to catch your breath as you get swept up into Nkereuwem’s version of Calabar where two women must forge their own destinies as necromancers, spirits, ancient houses and masquerades struggle for ascendancy in the shadows of a secret peace. If you enjoyed SHIGIDI AND THE BRASS HEAD OF OBALUFON or DAVID MOGO: GODHUNTER, you're liable to enjoy THE BONE RIVER.
October 29, 2025
Ehm, so… WHAT THE FUCK?
Why is there a “THE END” when the last thing Afem said was literally “War”? There better be a book two because what is this cliffhanger?? Where is Onari, my babe?! I feel completely starved. I mean, yes, I got the confession, but STILL.
I went into this story completely blind… the plot, the world-building, everything felt so unfamiliar and new to me. But did I eat it up? HELL YEAH, I DID. Like, what?? How do authors even come up with stories like this? Because this level of creativity cannot be real.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. Afem, Onari, and Ekom were my favorites, hands down. And honestly, I understand why every villain in this book is the way they are… except Okon. His claim felt a bit shallow, but I’m sure there’s more to uncover in book two. I love when villains have backstories that actually make sense.
Also, Afem completely broke me when she said this to her father:
“I chose Anatomy because of corpses. Yes. I knew you wanted a child that could help you break free of this place. I was trying to make you a body. I kept my work secret. I wanted to get you out of here without, you know… dying.”
Even though she hated him, she still wanted him to be free… even when she didn’t fully understand why he was in bondage. That conversation between them was so, so good, and I’m genuinely glad it happened.
The pop culture slang threw me off a little at first, but it worked… it gave the story that perfect urban fantasy feel.
And finally, I’m now officially terrified of stepping foot in Calabar. I haven’t even recovered from my Ogbomoso fear, and now there’s another city added to my list. 😭
Why is there a “THE END” when the last thing Afem said was literally “War”? There better be a book two because what is this cliffhanger?? Where is Onari, my babe?! I feel completely starved. I mean, yes, I got the confession, but STILL.
I went into this story completely blind… the plot, the world-building, everything felt so unfamiliar and new to me. But did I eat it up? HELL YEAH, I DID. Like, what?? How do authors even come up with stories like this? Because this level of creativity cannot be real.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. Afem, Onari, and Ekom were my favorites, hands down. And honestly, I understand why every villain in this book is the way they are… except Okon. His claim felt a bit shallow, but I’m sure there’s more to uncover in book two. I love when villains have backstories that actually make sense.
Also, Afem completely broke me when she said this to her father:
“I chose Anatomy because of corpses. Yes. I knew you wanted a child that could help you break free of this place. I was trying to make you a body. I kept my work secret. I wanted to get you out of here without, you know… dying.”
Even though she hated him, she still wanted him to be free… even when she didn’t fully understand why he was in bondage. That conversation between them was so, so good, and I’m genuinely glad it happened.
The pop culture slang threw me off a little at first, but it worked… it gave the story that perfect urban fantasy feel.
And finally, I’m now officially terrified of stepping foot in Calabar. I haven’t even recovered from my Ogbomoso fear, and now there’s another city added to my list. 😭
January 3, 2026
This is a story set in calabar where powers flow through ancient bloodlines. In this book there are 4 houses that rule the unseen [the bonehouse, the riverhouse, the firehouse and the masquerade society]. These houses are bound together by the secret peace to maintain peace and chaos but its law will soon be broken. Onari henshaw a freelance who swore never to set foot in calabar, she’s on a run frm a malevolent god, drawn by debts and inheritance of buried names is pulled to the ring ride of the conflict between the ancient houses. Onari is requested by the bonehouse cheif (the god of death)to work with Afem the hand of death to find the forces disturbing the peace of these ancient houses.
I honestly loveee how this story was beautifully written, how Albert carried the reader through on a journey, this book made me see calabar as a city filled with so many untold stories. What really stressed me while reading, was some scenes felt so flat and left me confused but I love how the author was able to narrate story on African gods and magic.
I thought I hated the bonehouse chief Untill I met okon 😡😡, I honestly cannot wait for book 2 to watch his demise. I love Onari sooo much, she’s such a selfless person, she lived for family and friends, she loved for love, forever loyal to the core(we all want a friend like Onari, even when their loyalty doesn’t make sense). Afem oh my goodness, I enjoyed how she was able to learn the truth and understand her purpose, she had always loved her life up until now in misunderstanding of her reason for her existence, I’m proud of her very decision and the upcoming war she wages, go in her favor.
This book made me reflect on how we often times say ”time heals” but in truth “time also steals a lot from us and we most times realize when it’s too late😪”
This book!!! It felt like I was in it, it felt realll.
I honestly loveee how this story was beautifully written, how Albert carried the reader through on a journey, this book made me see calabar as a city filled with so many untold stories. What really stressed me while reading, was some scenes felt so flat and left me confused but I love how the author was able to narrate story on African gods and magic.
I thought I hated the bonehouse chief Untill I met okon 😡😡, I honestly cannot wait for book 2 to watch his demise. I love Onari sooo much, she’s such a selfless person, she lived for family and friends, she loved for love, forever loyal to the core(we all want a friend like Onari, even when their loyalty doesn’t make sense). Afem oh my goodness, I enjoyed how she was able to learn the truth and understand her purpose, she had always loved her life up until now in misunderstanding of her reason for her existence, I’m proud of her very decision and the upcoming war she wages, go in her favor.
This book made me reflect on how we often times say ”time heals” but in truth “time also steals a lot from us and we most times realize when it’s too late😪”
This book!!! It felt like I was in it, it felt realll.
October 31, 2025
This book is set in modern Nigeria, precisely Calabar. The Initiated of Calabar, are ruled by four ancient houses, each drawing strength from different sources.
The Bone House draws from Nkpa (Death), the Fire House from Ikan (Fire), the River House from Mmon (Water), and the Masquerade Society from Ekpo (Spirit).
Afem will do anything to break free from her father, the Bone chief’s control, while Onari will stop at nothing to cure her ailing brother from flesh eating sickness( vampire)
When they’re forced to work together to find a way to break the Bone chief’s prison, their lives become tangled in ways neither of them expected.
This book gave me everything I want from urban fantasy, the characters? Flawed yet unforgettable. The worldbuilding? Rich and immersive. The emotions? Deep enough to linger.
The author captured modern day Calabar so beautifully, the energy, the language, the rhythm of the city, it all felt alive. And as someone who has been to Calabar, I loved how authentic every description felt.
Then came the revelations, the discovery that one of the rulers of the four houses was the true mastermind behind everything that happened. That twist changed everything. And the heartbreak that followed , the death of a certain character made me sad.
The cliffhanger ending left me craving for a book two.
It’s the perfect blend of culture, fantasy , and emotion, a story about freedom, loyalty, and the painful beauty of sacrifice.
The Bone House draws from Nkpa (Death), the Fire House from Ikan (Fire), the River House from Mmon (Water), and the Masquerade Society from Ekpo (Spirit).
Afem will do anything to break free from her father, the Bone chief’s control, while Onari will stop at nothing to cure her ailing brother from flesh eating sickness( vampire)
When they’re forced to work together to find a way to break the Bone chief’s prison, their lives become tangled in ways neither of them expected.
This book gave me everything I want from urban fantasy, the characters? Flawed yet unforgettable. The worldbuilding? Rich and immersive. The emotions? Deep enough to linger.
The author captured modern day Calabar so beautifully, the energy, the language, the rhythm of the city, it all felt alive. And as someone who has been to Calabar, I loved how authentic every description felt.
Then came the revelations, the discovery that one of the rulers of the four houses was the true mastermind behind everything that happened. That twist changed everything. And the heartbreak that followed , the death of a certain character made me sad.
The cliffhanger ending left me craving for a book two.
It’s the perfect blend of culture, fantasy , and emotion, a story about freedom, loyalty, and the painful beauty of sacrifice.
January 9, 2026
This book has come to me during my journey to learning more about my language and culture and it being based in Calabar, so close to home, filled me with so much joy and wonder. It gave me a window into the spirit of Calabar through the author's eyes and built the Four Houses with such detailed lore, I could see them clearly in my mind's eye. I deeply enjoyed so many parts of this book and I look forward to more from the author, as well as more from authors who are my brethren.
Nkereuwem Albert, sọsọñọ!
Nkereuwem Albert, sọsọñọ!
Want to read
October 30, 2025Where's the ebook for the international audience?
Want to read
November 10, 2025This is on my TRB this festive season.
Honestly can't wait because; I've heard only good things about this book! And also, it's different from my usual jam, so yeah I'm excited!
Honestly can't wait because; I've heard only good things about this book! And also, it's different from my usual jam, so yeah I'm excited!
December 20, 2025
interesting
December 25, 2025
In Calabar, there is magic in the air and there re four major houses who keep a peace secret from the non-magic users, promising not to attack each other. When strange thing s start happening that have the potential to disturb the Secret Peace, Afem is employed by her father, The Bone Chief to discover the source of these incursions. She has to work with her former friend, Heych, whom she hates and these enemies have to work together to stop the Secret Peace from dissolving.
Through their journey, we explore the magical world of Calabar, its rich culture, the nature of magic and discover which is better at keeping the peace, a truth, or several lies?
The plot is great. The text gleans love letter to Calabar and situates us in the veins of the city. The pulse of the people is felt and Nkereuwem packs a lot of lore, inspired by pieces of Efik and Ibibio mythology to deliver delicious urban fantasy.
Through their journey, we explore the magical world of Calabar, its rich culture, the nature of magic and discover which is better at keeping the peace, a truth, or several lies?
The plot is great. The text gleans love letter to Calabar and situates us in the veins of the city. The pulse of the people is felt and Nkereuwem packs a lot of lore, inspired by pieces of Efik and Ibibio mythology to deliver delicious urban fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews