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Futility
For readers of Oyinkan Braithwaite's My Sister the Serial Killer and Bella Mackie's How to Kill Your Family, this is a monstrous, gleeful, bitingly funny tale of murder, body-swapping and bloody vengeance from the recipient of the Bram Stoker Award® for Lifetime Achievement and 'Queen of African Horror'.
Chia runs one of the best restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, and is renowned among the male clientele for her captivating beauty—she is every man's dream woman—and delicious hot pepper soup. But her hot pepper soup has a secret ingredient, and her beauty is not what it seems…
Claire is a 50 year-old British woman living in Abuja with her young Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, Shadé. Consumed by jealousy and resentment and blinded to the poisonous tendencies of her beloved son, after a night out at Chia's infamous restaurant, Claire's carefully organised life spirals into chaos…
Both women seethe with rage and bitterness, and when a trickster spirit offers them revenge on those who have wronged them, they cannot resist...
Crackling with wit, this is a blood-soaked, expletive-laden, vengeance-filled horror story. Satirical, twisty and murderous, this is bloody, deadly fun from a writer at the top of her game.
Chia runs one of the best restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, and is renowned among the male clientele for her captivating beauty—she is every man's dream woman—and delicious hot pepper soup. But her hot pepper soup has a secret ingredient, and her beauty is not what it seems…
Claire is a 50 year-old British woman living in Abuja with her young Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, Shadé. Consumed by jealousy and resentment and blinded to the poisonous tendencies of her beloved son, after a night out at Chia's infamous restaurant, Claire's carefully organised life spirals into chaos…
Both women seethe with rage and bitterness, and when a trickster spirit offers them revenge on those who have wronged them, they cannot resist...
Crackling with wit, this is a blood-soaked, expletive-laden, vengeance-filled horror story. Satirical, twisty and murderous, this is bloody, deadly fun from a writer at the top of her game.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 2, 2025
What a wacky ride.
These characters are designed to hate, as they can't help but be filled with self-hatred themselves. If you have to like or connect to characters to enjoy a book, this is not the one for you.
To sum it up in 5 words: Revenge, sacrifice, dick, farts and soup.
These characters are designed to hate, as they can't help but be filled with self-hatred themselves. If you have to like or connect to characters to enjoy a book, this is not the one for you.
To sum it up in 5 words: Revenge, sacrifice, dick, farts and soup.
Want to read
March 14, 2025Well, this cover certainly has my attention.
August 14, 2025
ARC for review. To be published October 14, 2025.
2.5 stars
The story of two middle aged women who have demons in their lives - both real and in the men with whom they are involved. Chia runs one of the most successful restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, famous for its hot pepper soup, but Chia owes much to a deal she made long ago. Her family stayed behind in their village, but they are drawn in to what Chia has wrought.
Claire is a white, British government attaché living in Abuja with her young Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, but her life turns upside down after a night at Chia’s restaurant.
There’s a lot going on in this book, maybe a bit too much. Women want to be young and beautiful, which was a bit depressing, considering both Chia and Claire seem they should be quite formidable regardless. I enjoyed the sections about Chia’s family a lot, but as both Chia and Claire were fairly unlikeable it was difficult to stay engaged with their stories, so that the book felt overlong. I’ve read and enjoyed Onoh before, but this wasn’t my favorite.
2.5 stars
The story of two middle aged women who have demons in their lives - both real and in the men with whom they are involved. Chia runs one of the most successful restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, famous for its hot pepper soup, but Chia owes much to a deal she made long ago. Her family stayed behind in their village, but they are drawn in to what Chia has wrought.
Claire is a white, British government attaché living in Abuja with her young Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, but her life turns upside down after a night at Chia’s restaurant.
There’s a lot going on in this book, maybe a bit too much. Women want to be young and beautiful, which was a bit depressing, considering both Chia and Claire seem they should be quite formidable regardless. I enjoyed the sections about Chia’s family a lot, but as both Chia and Claire were fairly unlikeable it was difficult to stay engaged with their stories, so that the book felt overlong. I’ve read and enjoyed Onoh before, but this wasn’t my favorite.
September 4, 2025
Futility by Nuzo Onoh
4🔮🔮🔮🔮
Est. Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria.
I had a date, a date with a restaurant. This was “the” restaurant in Abuja. The place to be, the places where your taste buds screamed for more. The owner, Chia, was the mastermind behind the famous hot pepper soup. I casually sat down at an awaiting table, and Chia herself came out to meet me. What was this? She was gorgeous, the straight-out-of-my-fantasies type of beauty. It was as if she were reading my mind. Coming back to my senses, I proceeded to order a beer and some of the hot pepper soup I had been hearing about. As the spoonful of goodness hit the back of my throat, I noticed a splendid flavor I had never experienced before. “Oh, my! This is fabulous.” I thought. Chia’s secret ingredient was weaving its magic, indeed. As I left the establishment, I graciously thanked Chia for this wonderful meal. With a sadistic smile, she winked at me. What was that smile for? It was sadistic, wasn’t it? How strange.
Upon my exit, a curious group of four people entered. An older woman, Claire Bellows, is taking center stage as the leader. Wholly unlikeable, I listened intently as she began to berate the waiter and everyone else in earshot. The young man to her right, Kolade, was her boyfriend? What tomfoolery was going on here? There was a strangeness in the air, creating an underlying havoc for both Chia and Claire, that I could not quite put my finger on. Who or what was orchestrating this tale of debauchery?
Nuzo Onoh, author and sous chef, steadily holds a chef’s knife. Slow, steady sawing motions back and forth through the succulent flesh. Concocting a dish full of murderous intent, the pages dyed with bloody aftermath.
Chia and Claire are opposites and yet the same. On looks alone, they couldn’t be further from one another; however, what is festering inside is eerily similar. They are women scorned, both with revenge on their minds. But how? What plans will they hatch to get their desired outcomes?
An egoistic fog rolls off the shoulders of Chia and Claire. Money and power permeate through their skin, respectively. This isn’t man-made power; no, this seems the doing of a greater being. Perhaps Efu, the Deity of Despair, is the provider of these wicked powers, enabling both women great success and secret abilities.
Is there an excuse for the mistreatment of others? Hmm, a question I pondered throughout. On the one hand, I can understand the hostility both women harbored for being wronged in their lives. When does overstepping the line between fierce loathing and homicidal aspirations become reality? Let’s not mince words, dear readers; Chia and Claire are 100% horrible individuals. There were flashes of kindness sprinkled on the soup like parsley as a garnish, but ultimately, Nuzo Onoh presents these two in such an undesirable manner that I am sure some will be put off by it. I began to put myself in their shoes. If a genie grants you wishes in exchange for something, would you do it, no matter the cost? In modern-day society, this is on full display. Politicians are a perfect example. Selling the proverbial soul for the lifestyle entitlements that it provides.
I found this novel to be an interesting escape into the land of Nigeria. Certain customs and verbiage that I was unfamiliar with became a learning experience. The stark contrasts between Nigeria and London were evident, but materialism was bridging the gap between both worlds, at least in this story. The horror elements are well executed. Onoh did a fabulous job of meshing both Claire and Chia’s lives together in a satisfying conclusion.
So, as the last thud of the knife hitting the chopping block can be heard reverberating through the room, an ominous feeling lies in wait. Who will be the next victims? For now, I might suggest staying away from the soup!
Many thanks to Titan Books for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Recommended!
4🔮🔮🔮🔮
Est. Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria.
I had a date, a date with a restaurant. This was “the” restaurant in Abuja. The place to be, the places where your taste buds screamed for more. The owner, Chia, was the mastermind behind the famous hot pepper soup. I casually sat down at an awaiting table, and Chia herself came out to meet me. What was this? She was gorgeous, the straight-out-of-my-fantasies type of beauty. It was as if she were reading my mind. Coming back to my senses, I proceeded to order a beer and some of the hot pepper soup I had been hearing about. As the spoonful of goodness hit the back of my throat, I noticed a splendid flavor I had never experienced before. “Oh, my! This is fabulous.” I thought. Chia’s secret ingredient was weaving its magic, indeed. As I left the establishment, I graciously thanked Chia for this wonderful meal. With a sadistic smile, she winked at me. What was that smile for? It was sadistic, wasn’t it? How strange.
Upon my exit, a curious group of four people entered. An older woman, Claire Bellows, is taking center stage as the leader. Wholly unlikeable, I listened intently as she began to berate the waiter and everyone else in earshot. The young man to her right, Kolade, was her boyfriend? What tomfoolery was going on here? There was a strangeness in the air, creating an underlying havoc for both Chia and Claire, that I could not quite put my finger on. Who or what was orchestrating this tale of debauchery?
Nuzo Onoh, author and sous chef, steadily holds a chef’s knife. Slow, steady sawing motions back and forth through the succulent flesh. Concocting a dish full of murderous intent, the pages dyed with bloody aftermath.
Chia and Claire are opposites and yet the same. On looks alone, they couldn’t be further from one another; however, what is festering inside is eerily similar. They are women scorned, both with revenge on their minds. But how? What plans will they hatch to get their desired outcomes?
An egoistic fog rolls off the shoulders of Chia and Claire. Money and power permeate through their skin, respectively. This isn’t man-made power; no, this seems the doing of a greater being. Perhaps Efu, the Deity of Despair, is the provider of these wicked powers, enabling both women great success and secret abilities.
Is there an excuse for the mistreatment of others? Hmm, a question I pondered throughout. On the one hand, I can understand the hostility both women harbored for being wronged in their lives. When does overstepping the line between fierce loathing and homicidal aspirations become reality? Let’s not mince words, dear readers; Chia and Claire are 100% horrible individuals. There were flashes of kindness sprinkled on the soup like parsley as a garnish, but ultimately, Nuzo Onoh presents these two in such an undesirable manner that I am sure some will be put off by it. I began to put myself in their shoes. If a genie grants you wishes in exchange for something, would you do it, no matter the cost? In modern-day society, this is on full display. Politicians are a perfect example. Selling the proverbial soul for the lifestyle entitlements that it provides.
I found this novel to be an interesting escape into the land of Nigeria. Certain customs and verbiage that I was unfamiliar with became a learning experience. The stark contrasts between Nigeria and London were evident, but materialism was bridging the gap between both worlds, at least in this story. The horror elements are well executed. Onoh did a fabulous job of meshing both Claire and Chia’s lives together in a satisfying conclusion.
So, as the last thud of the knife hitting the chopping block can be heard reverberating through the room, an ominous feeling lies in wait. Who will be the next victims? For now, I might suggest staying away from the soup!
Many thanks to Titan Books for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Recommended!
October 8, 2025
2.5 Stars
This is a case where I loved the premise more than the execution. I appreciated some of the darker elements but it failed to hook me in. This was largely due to the fact that I couldn't connect with the characters. I don't need to like them but I generally found them flat.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a case where I loved the premise more than the execution. I appreciated some of the darker elements but it failed to hook me in. This was largely due to the fact that I couldn't connect with the characters. I don't need to like them but I generally found them flat.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 25, 2025
3.5 stars.
This is the second Nuzo Onoh book I've read, and this is just as unhinged as the first one.
I'm not sure if I actually like her books (the plotlines and the characters are so ridiculous and over the top), but I know that I'll always be in for a wild ride.
This is one of those books where none of the characters are likable. Every woman here is selfish and thinks so highly of themselves that they're caricatures. Is this a satire on beauty standards, ageism, and interracial relationships with power imbalances? Or is this a comedy horror where every terrible woman gets their due?
Whatever this novel is supposed to be, Nuzo Onoh's take on cannibalism and witchcraft definitely had me seated and snorting at every absurd and/or disgusting scene. And there are a lot of those.
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for this arc.
This is the second Nuzo Onoh book I've read, and this is just as unhinged as the first one.
I'm not sure if I actually like her books (the plotlines and the characters are so ridiculous and over the top), but I know that I'll always be in for a wild ride.
This is one of those books where none of the characters are likable. Every woman here is selfish and thinks so highly of themselves that they're caricatures. Is this a satire on beauty standards, ageism, and interracial relationships with power imbalances? Or is this a comedy horror where every terrible woman gets their due?
Whatever this novel is supposed to be, Nuzo Onoh's take on cannibalism and witchcraft definitely had me seated and snorting at every absurd and/or disgusting scene. And there are a lot of those.
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for this arc.
Read
October 19, 2025DNF @ ~75pg
I'm so sorry to say that I absolutely hated the writing style in this and the style of humor used. It's definitely the right book for a lot of people, but I'm not one of them.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
I'm so sorry to say that I absolutely hated the writing style in this and the style of humor used. It's definitely the right book for a lot of people, but I'm not one of them.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
September 5, 2025
I thought this book would be right up my alley. African horror, gruesome revenge plots with mystical man-eating demon entities, female rage, pepper soup laced with the cooked penises of cheating men? And that beautiful cover? Sign me up. But unfortunately it just didn't work for me. I must admit I am tired of powerful, radiant middle-aged women who are still obssessed with youth and physical appearance, and the men who wronged them. I was right with the women in the nail salon at the end - you don't need that man, not even for well deserved revenge.
The humor also kind of went over my head because it was so completely over the top. Who is that angry and rude in real life constantly? They almost became caricatures of wronged women. I was rooting for them to find a mission beyond men but they never did, even if I completely understood their motivations for acting the way they did.
Chia is a seemingly wealthy Nigerian woman who owns a famous restaurant that serves a specialty pepper soup. Thanks to the help of a demon who grants her a wish for the body of a man, she has hexed men to see their fantasy lay and set up a perfect life, despite being ugly and obese after letting herself go for losing her fiancee to her best friend after he dumps her when he learns she has a developmentally delayed brother.
Then there's Claire, an equally crass and racist white diplomat who is a former police officer, who was abused by a boss who handed her out to coworkers to sleep with her. She also has a pedophile son whom she has inexplicably protected all these years (gross).
The two women's fates become intertwined when they encounter the same demon, and their greed and lust for revenge soon overpowers them both.
I am not a fan of splatterpunk because I find it gratuitously gruesome and self-consciously offensive, and I'd definitely describe this as African splatterpunk meets body horror and laced with feminine rage. I could have dealt with unlikable characters but I found them so completely wild and unrealistic that it was hard to stay in the story.
I really understood the rage these women had, but I wanted them to stop obsessing about their looks and about shallow, abusive men so it became hard to be on their side and follow their journey to bloodthirsty vengeance. This sadly wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The humor also kind of went over my head because it was so completely over the top. Who is that angry and rude in real life constantly? They almost became caricatures of wronged women. I was rooting for them to find a mission beyond men but they never did, even if I completely understood their motivations for acting the way they did.
Chia is a seemingly wealthy Nigerian woman who owns a famous restaurant that serves a specialty pepper soup. Thanks to the help of a demon who grants her a wish for the body of a man, she has hexed men to see their fantasy lay and set up a perfect life, despite being ugly and obese after letting herself go for losing her fiancee to her best friend after he dumps her when he learns she has a developmentally delayed brother.
Then there's Claire, an equally crass and racist white diplomat who is a former police officer, who was abused by a boss who handed her out to coworkers to sleep with her. She also has a pedophile son whom she has inexplicably protected all these years (gross).
The two women's fates become intertwined when they encounter the same demon, and their greed and lust for revenge soon overpowers them both.
I am not a fan of splatterpunk because I find it gratuitously gruesome and self-consciously offensive, and I'd definitely describe this as African splatterpunk meets body horror and laced with feminine rage. I could have dealt with unlikable characters but I found them so completely wild and unrealistic that it was hard to stay in the story.
I really understood the rage these women had, but I wanted them to stop obsessing about their looks and about shallow, abusive men so it became hard to be on their side and follow their journey to bloodthirsty vengeance. This sadly wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
November 30, 2025Oh um okay
August 31, 2025
If you enjoy stories about two unlikeable, unhinged women who are fed up with their lives and out for revenge on men, then Futility might be right up your alley. It’s bloody, a bit outrageous, and has a darkly funny edge.
For me, though, it didn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped. I never really connected with the characters, which made it harder to stay invested in their descent. Some of the dialogue early on even felt a little immature for my taste.
Still, there’s no denying the book’s boldness. It doesn’t hold back, and if you like messy characters making even messier choices, it is a wild ride.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for this arc
For me, though, it didn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped. I never really connected with the characters, which made it harder to stay invested in their descent. Some of the dialogue early on even felt a little immature for my taste.
Still, there’s no denying the book’s boldness. It doesn’t hold back, and if you like messy characters making even messier choices, it is a wild ride.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for this arc
October 15, 2025
3.5-3.75 stars - thank you titan books for the early copy!!
Weird, absurd, revenge filled, chaotic, and entertaining
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMPd7ShX/
Weird, absurd, revenge filled, chaotic, and entertaining
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMPd7ShX/
September 30, 2025
Reading for review in the October 2025 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: vengeance, voyeuristic, unapologetic
Other words: fierce, feminist rage, darkly funny at times-- heart breaking at others, murder, visceral, trickster demon, one older protagonist, a tantalizingly close look at the dark side of humanity, great descriptions of like in the city vs country, Africa vs England, how ups are treated if your skin is white or black, if you look young and beautiful or old and fat-- how you are treated often solely on your looks.
Draft Review:
Onoh, the Queen of African Horror, is back with an in-your-face story bursting with feminist rage. No one would ever call Chia (29,black) or Claire (50, white) good people. Both are nasty, horrible, and selfish women, but both have also been seriously victimized by bad men. As a result, they are consumed with vengeance. When given the chance to work with a trickster demon who promises them everything their bitter hearts desire, for the payment of a male human sacrifice (or 2 or 3), both women eagerly take the spirit up on its offer. What could go wrong? Told in alternating chapters as the women’s worlds inch closer together, until they violently collide, readers eagerly watch the bodies pile up, the horrors compounding and spiraling, for every character. However, amidst the darkly humorous goop, gore, and murder, Onoh forces readers to think about how badly all people treat each other, even the reader themselves.
Verdict: Add Futility to the growing list of visceral, voyeuristic, and unapologetically angry horror featuring women out for revenge like Queen of the Cicadas by Castro, The Eyes Are the Best Part by Kim, or anything by C.J. Leede.
Chia and Claire are not good women; in fact, they are despicable at best, evil at worst. But Onoh does a great job in giving them a back story-- each-- to explain their anger, pain, and obsession with revenge.
In fact, all of the characters here are complicated. Onoh has a very keene eye for character development. NO ONE here is a stereotype. She is creating real feeling people on the page. And they can all be awful. That is chilling. This book is about the anger of 2 women in particular but it is also an indictment on humanity in general.
But it is also fun to watch the horror happen, spiral, keep getting worse. There is no denying that. You do not ever think of looking away, even as it all gets goopy and gross and people get more and more awful. As a reader, you just keep going. That says a lot about the strong storytelling here.
Back to unapologetic as one of the three words. There are so many examples and it goes beyond the women in the story being awful and angry and willing to sacrifice others for revenge and powers:
She also uses Nigeria words and terms within the story without taking a break to explain them. Loved that. She includes a glossary at the back. The implication here is that why should she dumb down her story to wait for you, you non African readers don't wait for her. This is also incorporated into the story which makes me know for sure it is not on accident. Loved that.
I also loved the dedication of the book-- especially AFTER reading it. This book is dedicate to me! That carries a lot of the energy and power of this novel.
Visercal, voyeuristic, and unapologetically angry horror featuring women out for overdue revenge such as Queen of the Cicadas by Castro, The Eyes Are the Best Part by Kim, or anything by C.J. Leede.
Three Words That Describe This Book: vengeance, voyeuristic, unapologetic
Other words: fierce, feminist rage, darkly funny at times-- heart breaking at others, murder, visceral, trickster demon, one older protagonist, a tantalizingly close look at the dark side of humanity, great descriptions of like in the city vs country, Africa vs England, how ups are treated if your skin is white or black, if you look young and beautiful or old and fat-- how you are treated often solely on your looks.
Draft Review:
Onoh, the Queen of African Horror, is back with an in-your-face story bursting with feminist rage. No one would ever call Chia (29,black) or Claire (50, white) good people. Both are nasty, horrible, and selfish women, but both have also been seriously victimized by bad men. As a result, they are consumed with vengeance. When given the chance to work with a trickster demon who promises them everything their bitter hearts desire, for the payment of a male human sacrifice (or 2 or 3), both women eagerly take the spirit up on its offer. What could go wrong? Told in alternating chapters as the women’s worlds inch closer together, until they violently collide, readers eagerly watch the bodies pile up, the horrors compounding and spiraling, for every character. However, amidst the darkly humorous goop, gore, and murder, Onoh forces readers to think about how badly all people treat each other, even the reader themselves.
Verdict: Add Futility to the growing list of visceral, voyeuristic, and unapologetically angry horror featuring women out for revenge like Queen of the Cicadas by Castro, The Eyes Are the Best Part by Kim, or anything by C.J. Leede.
Chia and Claire are not good women; in fact, they are despicable at best, evil at worst. But Onoh does a great job in giving them a back story-- each-- to explain their anger, pain, and obsession with revenge.
In fact, all of the characters here are complicated. Onoh has a very keene eye for character development. NO ONE here is a stereotype. She is creating real feeling people on the page. And they can all be awful. That is chilling. This book is about the anger of 2 women in particular but it is also an indictment on humanity in general.
But it is also fun to watch the horror happen, spiral, keep getting worse. There is no denying that. You do not ever think of looking away, even as it all gets goopy and gross and people get more and more awful. As a reader, you just keep going. That says a lot about the strong storytelling here.
Back to unapologetic as one of the three words. There are so many examples and it goes beyond the women in the story being awful and angry and willing to sacrifice others for revenge and powers:
She also uses Nigeria words and terms within the story without taking a break to explain them. Loved that. She includes a glossary at the back. The implication here is that why should she dumb down her story to wait for you, you non African readers don't wait for her. This is also incorporated into the story which makes me know for sure it is not on accident. Loved that.
I also loved the dedication of the book-- especially AFTER reading it. This book is dedicate to me! That carries a lot of the energy and power of this novel.
Visercal, voyeuristic, and unapologetically angry horror featuring women out for overdue revenge such as Queen of the Cicadas by Castro, The Eyes Are the Best Part by Kim, or anything by C.J. Leede.
December 23, 2025
3 stars
Every woman in this story is a despicable creature. Just the way I like it.
I’m also obsessed with the fact that the author is in her 60’s and wrote such a freaky little book. Goals.
Every woman in this story is a despicable creature. Just the way I like it.
I’m also obsessed with the fact that the author is in her 60’s and wrote such a freaky little book. Goals.
September 19, 2025
4/5 stars
This was just so much fun. Violent and funny, Nuzo Onoh writes a horror novel I don’t think I’ll forget.
We follow Chia, a Nigerian woman who has made bargains with a malevolent spirit for power, beauty, and money. We also follow 50 year-old Claire, a British diplomatic working in Nigeria and living with her much younger boyfriend and his cousin. When their two worlds collide we get some crazy shit and thus this novel is born.
Never have I read a book where I loathed a main character so much. Claire was the actual devil, and I rooted for her death the entire book. The good thing is, you’re meant to. I don’t think you’re meant to like either Chia or Claire, recognising them as quite evil women who have largely been shaped by the wicked men in their lives. Chia was also heinous but in a more funny way that I could forgive: she’s very greedy and focused on revenge over the sheer hatred that dominates Claire’s POV. Anybody compared to Claire is a saint tbh
The story is centred around the Nigerian spirit of Futility and how it doles out gifts for its subjects at the price of male flesh. The dark humour here was great and I really enjoyed the look into Nigerian family culture and relationships. The prose was so easy to read and flowed really well; this book could easily be read in one sitting, especially since it’s quite short at only 200-ish pages.
Definitely the best book I’ve read in a while, helping me kill an awful reading slump I’ve been in for too long now :’) Totally recommend this bat-shit crazy book for some gory, mythological horror!!
Thank you so much to Titan Books for an ARC via NetGalley! Releases October 14th, 2025!
This was just so much fun. Violent and funny, Nuzo Onoh writes a horror novel I don’t think I’ll forget.
We follow Chia, a Nigerian woman who has made bargains with a malevolent spirit for power, beauty, and money. We also follow 50 year-old Claire, a British diplomatic working in Nigeria and living with her much younger boyfriend and his cousin. When their two worlds collide we get some crazy shit and thus this novel is born.
Never have I read a book where I loathed a main character so much. Claire was the actual devil, and I rooted for her death the entire book. The good thing is, you’re meant to. I don’t think you’re meant to like either Chia or Claire, recognising them as quite evil women who have largely been shaped by the wicked men in their lives. Chia was also heinous but in a more funny way that I could forgive: she’s very greedy and focused on revenge over the sheer hatred that dominates Claire’s POV. Anybody compared to Claire is a saint tbh
The story is centred around the Nigerian spirit of Futility and how it doles out gifts for its subjects at the price of male flesh. The dark humour here was great and I really enjoyed the look into Nigerian family culture and relationships. The prose was so easy to read and flowed really well; this book could easily be read in one sitting, especially since it’s quite short at only 200-ish pages.
Definitely the best book I’ve read in a while, helping me kill an awful reading slump I’ve been in for too long now :’) Totally recommend this bat-shit crazy book for some gory, mythological horror!!
Thank you so much to Titan Books for an ARC via NetGalley! Releases October 14th, 2025!
Read
October 3, 2025DNF @ 45 pages
November 28, 2025
1.5
I liked the plot of this book enough to find out what happens at the end, but that is it. I genuinely found the language used throughout the book offensive; and no I’m not talking about swearing, I’m talking about slurs.
A clever author can make it obvious that a character is ableist, transphobic, etc. without using such disgusting language imo… very disappointing.
I liked the plot of this book enough to find out what happens at the end, but that is it. I genuinely found the language used throughout the book offensive; and no I’m not talking about swearing, I’m talking about slurs.
A clever author can make it obvious that a character is ableist, transphobic, etc. without using such disgusting language imo… very disappointing.
October 20, 2025
I was really excited to read Futility because of its premise, but it ended up not really working for me. There were parts of the story I really enjoyed, especially Zeuwe & Chia’s storylines, but I HATED reading Claire’s chapters. Her evilness felt overly cartoonish at points and her inner monologue was over the top and horrible to read.
I usually love reading from unlikeable main characters but Claire was just obnoxious and I dreaded her portions of the story. The humor in this book also didn’t mesh with me, so that could’ve been a reason why I didn’t love her parts!
I also wish there had been a bit more gore and horror during the parts of the book that I enjoyed. Overall, I didn’t love the reading experience, but I didn’t hate it either. I think this was just a book that wasn’t meant for me as a reader.
Thank you to Titan and Netgalley for the ARC!
I usually love reading from unlikeable main characters but Claire was just obnoxious and I dreaded her portions of the story. The humor in this book also didn’t mesh with me, so that could’ve been a reason why I didn’t love her parts!
I also wish there had been a bit more gore and horror during the parts of the book that I enjoyed. Overall, I didn’t love the reading experience, but I didn’t hate it either. I think this was just a book that wasn’t meant for me as a reader.
Thank you to Titan and Netgalley for the ARC!
October 16, 2025
This is a tale of Chia, a woman running a famous restaurant in Nigeria, who’s beauty seems to confound and dazzle every male visitor, and who’s special soup ingredients are not what they seem… and of Claire, a bitter and jilted woman who’s life turns upside down after visiting Chia’s restaurant… Think body-swapping, vengeance and so much more…
It’s baby’s first Onoh and I knew going in that I was on board for a fast paced horror meets contemporary litfic, but I’m loving how bold and how far off the page the characters are leaping!
A tale of bitterness and female rage, of trickster spirits and good soup 👀 FUTILITY is sharp, unabashed and definitely for anyone who wants a messy little story to sink their teeth into (just don’t be a man and you’ll be fine??) I was drawn into the slap round the face start and hooked on the acidity of our two narrators, the unapologetic prose, and the blade-sharp flaws of our FMCs. These are not likeable characters! And yet, their story of trauma and revenge, the circumstances that brought them together is compelling as a car crash.
It’s baby’s first Onoh and I knew going in that I was on board for a fast paced horror meets contemporary litfic, but I’m loving how bold and how far off the page the characters are leaping!
A tale of bitterness and female rage, of trickster spirits and good soup 👀 FUTILITY is sharp, unabashed and definitely for anyone who wants a messy little story to sink their teeth into (just don’t be a man and you’ll be fine??) I was drawn into the slap round the face start and hooked on the acidity of our two narrators, the unapologetic prose, and the blade-sharp flaws of our FMCs. These are not likeable characters! And yet, their story of trauma and revenge, the circumstances that brought them together is compelling as a car crash.
Want to read
March 1, 2025Had me at meat and eyeballs. Highly anticipated 2025 horror!
December 1, 2025
In case you couldn't tell by the cover, this is a weird book. Amazon should classify it under Female Rage and What the Hell did I just read!?!?!
That being said, I kind of dug it.
I loved the Nigerian setting and I absolutely loved that our two main characters were two not-so-nice women. I liked one more than the other, but both were tragic in their own ways. Actually, on second thought, I didn't like one at all. She was a racist, classist, rude woman who was way too protective over someone who was a waste of skin. (That's my not spoiler description - when you read it, you'll know what I mean).
The language style - especially from one character - may be a little off putting for some readers. She's...a lot in more than one way. But she grew on me and her weird patter became fun to read.
This is definitely a not-for-everyone sort of read, but if you like the weird, I'd give it a try.
That being said, I kind of dug it.
I loved the Nigerian setting and I absolutely loved that our two main characters were two not-so-nice women. I liked one more than the other, but both were tragic in their own ways. Actually, on second thought, I didn't like one at all. She was a racist, classist, rude woman who was way too protective over someone who was a waste of skin. (That's my not spoiler description - when you read it, you'll know what I mean).
The language style - especially from one character - may be a little off putting for some readers. She's...a lot in more than one way. But she grew on me and her weird patter became fun to read.
This is definitely a not-for-everyone sort of read, but if you like the weird, I'd give it a try.
November 3, 2025
Disturbing.
September 13, 2025
Halfway to this book, I thought this would be a good reading material for lit class. It covers quite a few lit theories (especially postcolonial).
So, I basically came for two females that I thought would be teaming up into EATING MEN LITERALLY as I read the synopsis on Edelweiss. Half it did, and the other did not.
The whole experience I had with this book is quite a roller coaster. I am awe, terrified, and shook with everything that happened here.
I definitely hated Claire, Kol, Tommy, basically all men. Probably not so much of Chia's father and definitely not Zeuwu (I forgot the correct spelling 😭).
Chia and Claire were something of a read that one would be both decenly approved and utterly disgusted. They definitely did serve a complex character structure, and it was both a ride to get into their psyche.
What fascinated me the most is definitely the Deity here, They were so terrifying that I, too, had to try and not utter their name 😭.
I kind of feel sorry for Shade, but still, she's made her bed in this.
Overall, I SURELY WAS INVESTED. Tho I really did wish they were teaming up to eat men literally 😫.
Thank you, Titan Books, for the arc copy.
So, I basically came for two females that I thought would be teaming up into EATING MEN LITERALLY as I read the synopsis on Edelweiss. Half it did, and the other did not.
The whole experience I had with this book is quite a roller coaster. I am awe, terrified, and shook with everything that happened here.
I definitely hated Claire, Kol, Tommy, basically all men. Probably not so much of Chia's father and definitely not Zeuwu (I forgot the correct spelling 😭).
Chia and Claire were something of a read that one would be both decenly approved and utterly disgusted. They definitely did serve a complex character structure, and it was both a ride to get into their psyche.
What fascinated me the most is definitely the Deity here, They were so terrifying that I, too, had to try and not utter their name 😭.
I kind of feel sorry for Shade, but still, she's made her bed in this.
Overall, I SURELY WAS INVESTED. Tho I really did wish they were teaming up to eat men literally 😫.
Thank you, Titan Books, for the arc copy.
dnf
November 28, 2025DNF @ 35%
I'm so bummed to DNF this book, I was looking forward to reading it. I was completely caught off guard because the description of the book did not prepare me for the opening two chapters, which left me in "What did I just read?" mode. I did find it entertaining in a bizarre way, but my interest started to dip after the third chapter. The plot felt all over the place and I had a hard time following it. The characters are extremely unlikeable, which I'm sure is the intention, but it was more draining than anything to read about them. Once the pedophile character was introduced, my interest in the book diminished completely. I didn't find anything feminist with the book's constant fatphobic descriptions, and emphases on women's obsession with beauty standards and men. The cover art is amazing though.
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
I'm so bummed to DNF this book, I was looking forward to reading it. I was completely caught off guard because the description of the book did not prepare me for the opening two chapters, which left me in "What did I just read?" mode. I did find it entertaining in a bizarre way, but my interest started to dip after the third chapter. The plot felt all over the place and I had a hard time following it. The characters are extremely unlikeable, which I'm sure is the intention, but it was more draining than anything to read about them. Once the pedophile character was introduced, my interest in the book diminished completely. I didn't find anything feminist with the book's constant fatphobic descriptions, and emphases on women's obsession with beauty standards and men. The cover art is amazing though.
Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 19, 2025
If you're looking for angry women taking out their revenge on men, this is a book for you. The characters are unapologetically unlikable, but the revenge is gruesomely sweet. A deliciously twisted horror novel that I enjoyed at times, and others just had to shake my head in frustration. Overall, just ok for me.
I received a complimentary arc of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary arc of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 1, 2025
I ... don't even know what to say about this book. There was so much I did not enjoy, and yet I found it compelling enough to essentially listen to the entire book in a single day. I hated both of our main characters, Claire and Chia, and while that was no doubt the point, it made it hard for me to truly connect with this story - and that's leaving out all of the body horror, gore, and horrendous behavior present in its pages. This book had a great premise, but bad execution. I don't know if I'd read from this author again if this is her norm.
November 24, 2025
I should learn to DNF
September 19, 2025
really loved this one. full review soon. thanks netgalley and publisher 🩵
November 8, 2025
Bambino Chick!! Agu Nwanyi!
I’ve long anticipated this book since I got wind of its impending release and after such a terrific showdown with the author’s previous work I’d read, Where the Dead Brides Gather, owh, the joy I felt when I finally got my hands on this one! At this point, I can confidently say I’ve gotten accustomed to Nuzo Onoh’s writing style — I love it, I’m at home with it.
Futility tells the story of two women, Chia and Claire, who both enter into a liaison with a deity, Efu (also known as Ochi). In exchange for having their wishes granted, they sacrifice men to it. Throughout the story, revenge sits at the heart of their actions, driving them even through the most horrific events. The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” finds full expression here.
For young and promising Chia, love turned bitter when her fiancé absconded with her best friend. She spiraled emotionally, hit rock bottom, and turned to prostitution just to survive. Eventually, she meets an army general who sets her up with a food business and it is in that new establishment that she encounters Efu. The deity grants her wish, blesses her with wealth, but demands that she sacrifice men to it — men who, in turn, become meat for her cooking pot. Efu also gives her the power to transform into any man’s fantasy, allowing her to lure prey for sacrifice and keep her business booming.
Then we have Claire, a white woman living in Nigeria with her much younger boyfriend. Efu tricks her into making a wish, and in a wild twist, she wakes up in the body of a black woman. Through Claire’s eyes, we see what it means to be black in a world that privileges whiteness, even within a black country like Nigeria.
And then there’s Zeuwa. Dear, innocent Zeuwa, a grown teenager with the mind of a child. Efu tries to trick him into making wishes and offering sacrifices too. Through Zeuwa, the author beautifully portrays the dynamics of siblinghood — the good, the bad, the ugly — and still shows how deeply rooted love among siblings can be.
As has become familiar with Onoh’s works, Futility also delves into polygamy, painted in vivid strokes that neither glorify nor condemn it, but simply tell a story and a fascinating one at that. The general tone of this book hinges on retribution — for every action, there is indeed a consequence.
One of the things I love most about Futility is its unpredictability. I had no idea where the story was heading, but I knew I was in for a ride. Even if you cling to the mantra “good always conquers evil,” who exactly is good here? Who is evil? You can’t really tell, because every character is just as flawed as the next.
Chia remains my favourite character. She’s the perfect femme fatale; selfish, yes, but layered. We see that she wasn’t always that way, and as weird as it might sound, I found myself rooting for her. She’s chaotic, magnetic, and a mess of a character, but I genuinely enjoyed reading her. She’s the real definition of a strong female lead.
Nuzo Onoh’s writing is nothing short of spectacular. There’s this conversational, almost childlike humour woven through her narration, especially in the characters’ monologues that genuinely had me laughing out loud. You wouldn’t think horror could be this funny, but she balances it all so perfectly.
I also love that the author doesn’t overdo things with this story. She makes her own pot of pepper soup while standing on the back of those urban legends many Nigerians whisper about restaurants and what they really serve in their food. If you’re in doubt, you could listen to Styl-Plus’s “Iya Basira.”
By the time it all wraps up, we come full circle to the title — Futility — Efu, and all that happens around it, reminds us that so much in life can indeed be much ado about nothing.
I’ve long anticipated this book since I got wind of its impending release and after such a terrific showdown with the author’s previous work I’d read, Where the Dead Brides Gather, owh, the joy I felt when I finally got my hands on this one! At this point, I can confidently say I’ve gotten accustomed to Nuzo Onoh’s writing style — I love it, I’m at home with it.
Futility tells the story of two women, Chia and Claire, who both enter into a liaison with a deity, Efu (also known as Ochi). In exchange for having their wishes granted, they sacrifice men to it. Throughout the story, revenge sits at the heart of their actions, driving them even through the most horrific events. The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” finds full expression here.
For young and promising Chia, love turned bitter when her fiancé absconded with her best friend. She spiraled emotionally, hit rock bottom, and turned to prostitution just to survive. Eventually, she meets an army general who sets her up with a food business and it is in that new establishment that she encounters Efu. The deity grants her wish, blesses her with wealth, but demands that she sacrifice men to it — men who, in turn, become meat for her cooking pot. Efu also gives her the power to transform into any man’s fantasy, allowing her to lure prey for sacrifice and keep her business booming.
Then we have Claire, a white woman living in Nigeria with her much younger boyfriend. Efu tricks her into making a wish, and in a wild twist, she wakes up in the body of a black woman. Through Claire’s eyes, we see what it means to be black in a world that privileges whiteness, even within a black country like Nigeria.
And then there’s Zeuwa. Dear, innocent Zeuwa, a grown teenager with the mind of a child. Efu tries to trick him into making wishes and offering sacrifices too. Through Zeuwa, the author beautifully portrays the dynamics of siblinghood — the good, the bad, the ugly — and still shows how deeply rooted love among siblings can be.
As has become familiar with Onoh’s works, Futility also delves into polygamy, painted in vivid strokes that neither glorify nor condemn it, but simply tell a story and a fascinating one at that. The general tone of this book hinges on retribution — for every action, there is indeed a consequence.
One of the things I love most about Futility is its unpredictability. I had no idea where the story was heading, but I knew I was in for a ride. Even if you cling to the mantra “good always conquers evil,” who exactly is good here? Who is evil? You can’t really tell, because every character is just as flawed as the next.
Chia remains my favourite character. She’s the perfect femme fatale; selfish, yes, but layered. We see that she wasn’t always that way, and as weird as it might sound, I found myself rooting for her. She’s chaotic, magnetic, and a mess of a character, but I genuinely enjoyed reading her. She’s the real definition of a strong female lead.
Nuzo Onoh’s writing is nothing short of spectacular. There’s this conversational, almost childlike humour woven through her narration, especially in the characters’ monologues that genuinely had me laughing out loud. You wouldn’t think horror could be this funny, but she balances it all so perfectly.
I also love that the author doesn’t overdo things with this story. She makes her own pot of pepper soup while standing on the back of those urban legends many Nigerians whisper about restaurants and what they really serve in their food. If you’re in doubt, you could listen to Styl-Plus’s “Iya Basira.”
By the time it all wraps up, we come full circle to the title — Futility — Efu, and all that happens around it, reminds us that so much in life can indeed be much ado about nothing.
October 14, 2025
I would like to politely ask, what the hell did I just read?
This was so unhinged (in a good way), that I hardly even know how to review this?! The plot was honestly not what I expected at all, although I did enjoy it! It was completely unhinged, and I honestly had no idea what to expect next through the majority of this book.
If you’re looking for a book where the MCs are extremely hateable, this one’s for you. Two woman, both fueled by their desire for revenge, and beauty, and the Nigerian spirit of Futility, who is willing to give, in return for male flesh. I really enjoyed the insights into Nigerian culture throughout too.
Normally I love an unhinged FMC with lots of feminine rage, but I just couldn’t get myself to like Claire or Chia at all (although I think maybe that’s the point?). I know this is meant to be satirical but I cringed/felt repulsed by Claire so many times.
This book touches on some pretty horrible topics, but it’s also really funny at some points. I think this kind of just made it even more unhinged (and honestly.. 10/10 here, no notes).
I definitely don’t think this book will be for everyone, but if you quite like a combination of dark humour & feminine rage, I think this one may be for you.
This was so unhinged (in a good way), that I hardly even know how to review this?! The plot was honestly not what I expected at all, although I did enjoy it! It was completely unhinged, and I honestly had no idea what to expect next through the majority of this book.
If you’re looking for a book where the MCs are extremely hateable, this one’s for you. Two woman, both fueled by their desire for revenge, and beauty, and the Nigerian spirit of Futility, who is willing to give, in return for male flesh. I really enjoyed the insights into Nigerian culture throughout too.
Normally I love an unhinged FMC with lots of feminine rage, but I just couldn’t get myself to like Claire or Chia at all (although I think maybe that’s the point?). I know this is meant to be satirical but I cringed/felt repulsed by Claire so many times.
This book touches on some pretty horrible topics, but it’s also really funny at some points. I think this kind of just made it even more unhinged (and honestly.. 10/10 here, no notes).
I definitely don’t think this book will be for everyone, but if you quite like a combination of dark humour & feminine rage, I think this one may be for you.
November 30, 2025
So I read this in 7 hours today and I can't tell you why I kept reading, but it is essentially a fable of two terrible women doing terrible things and dying in the end. It is filled with diabolical fatphobia, ableism, and internalized misogyny that just gets worse and worse as it goes on. A blurb on the back claims it is "feminist rage at it's finest" and I don't think this person read the same book. These women are probably the worst characters I've ever read. Definitely the most hateful characters I've ever read. They hated everyone and said the most deplorable obscenities to everyone and took their anger and insecurities out on other women, ruining their lives in atrocious ways because they felt scorned by men. This is like the opposite of a good for her book. I just wanted them to stop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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