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Birth of a Dynasty #2
The Call of Crowns
Not yet published
Expected 24 Nov 26It’s a game of palace intrigue, survival, and plotting as Khalil and Zikora continue to grow up under the thumb of a tyrannical family in this electrifying second book in the Birth of a Dynasty trilogy.
The kingdom of Ahkelbulin is on the brink of war. Following a shocking death, the royal court is a viper’s nest of ambition and betrayal. The princes, once united, now eye the throne with hungry gazes, forging dangerous alliances that could tear their dynasty apart.
In the heart of the palace, Zikora navigates the treacherous political currents. Far from home and concealing a powerful secret, she is drawn into a high-stakes game where one wrong move could mean her end. Elsewhere, a new commander, Khalil, finds his loyalty tested as he is caught between warring factions, forced to choose between duty and morality.
As power shifts and loyalties are questioned, unlikely alliances will form and ancient powers will awaken. In a world where blood oaths hold immense power and the line between friend and foe is blurred, the struggle for the crown will demand unimaginable sacrifices. The very future of Ahkelbulin hangs in the balance, and not everyone will survive the call of crowns...
The kingdom of Ahkelbulin is on the brink of war. Following a shocking death, the royal court is a viper’s nest of ambition and betrayal. The princes, once united, now eye the throne with hungry gazes, forging dangerous alliances that could tear their dynasty apart.
In the heart of the palace, Zikora navigates the treacherous political currents. Far from home and concealing a powerful secret, she is drawn into a high-stakes game where one wrong move could mean her end. Elsewhere, a new commander, Khalil, finds his loyalty tested as he is caught between warring factions, forced to choose between duty and morality.
As power shifts and loyalties are questioned, unlikely alliances will form and ancient powers will awaken. In a world where blood oaths hold immense power and the line between friend and foe is blurred, the struggle for the crown will demand unimaginable sacrifices. The very future of Ahkelbulin hangs in the balance, and not everyone will survive the call of crowns...
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 20, 2026
5⭐️ And here, I thought this series couldn't get any better! Have you ever thought, how far is too far for the sake of Vengeance? And in a world where power and strength mean everything. How do those perceived as weak and non threatening, hide as wolves in sheep's clothing? And at what COST! In this book, hope is for the weak, and the only way to win is to participate in the culling games. The Call of Crowns was absolutely phenomenal. This series, has become one of my favorite series of all time. In the name of Vengeance ALL HAIL THE FORGOTTEN SON M'KURU MUKUNDI ! DEATH TO THE ZENZELE!
Thank you Harper Voyager for the E-arc copy🥰
Thank you Harper Voyager for the E-arc copy🥰
May 29, 2026
This book was a great read! I really enjoyed how unpredictable it was and how it continually surprised me throughout the story. The author struck the perfect balance with the twists and turns. In other books, unexpected plot twists can sometimes feel forced or frustrating, but every curveball in this one felt well-earned and added to the story.
The action was engaging, the storyline was compelling, and the book kept me captivated from beginning to end. My only concern—and it's not really a complaint—is the moral direction of the main characters. They are willing to do questionable things to innocent people for what they believe is the greater good, and it leaves me wondering how far they are willing to go and whether the ends truly justify the means.
I am glad I got the book before release, (first time ever!!!) but upset that I will have to wait for the next book in the series.
The action was engaging, the storyline was compelling, and the book kept me captivated from beginning to end. My only concern—and it's not really a complaint—is the moral direction of the main characters. They are willing to do questionable things to innocent people for what they believe is the greater good, and it leaves me wondering how far they are willing to go and whether the ends truly justify the means.
I am glad I got the book before release, (first time ever!!!) but upset that I will have to wait for the next book in the series.
March 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Unfortunately overall this book was a little disappointing after where I thought we were going at the end of book 1. The depth to world building I was craving never really came through, and the characters felt like they were becoming more reactive and juvenile rather than growing and becoming more savvy. That being said, starting around the 50% mark there were some genuinely interesting scenes and by the end I will definitely still give the conclusion a go, and hope this middle book was the lull in an otherwise great series. Only time will tell.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy to read via NetGalley.
Unfortunately overall this book was a little disappointing after where I thought we were going at the end of book 1. The depth to world building I was craving never really came through, and the characters felt like they were becoming more reactive and juvenile rather than growing and becoming more savvy. That being said, starting around the 50% mark there were some genuinely interesting scenes and by the end I will definitely still give the conclusion a go, and hope this middle book was the lull in an otherwise great series. Only time will tell.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy to read via NetGalley.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Thank you Harper Voyager.
5/5
I think this was the perfect second book. My jaw was on the floor the entire time. I loved the writing in this book the pace, the different POV and the character development of the main characters. I loved how this book is giving slow and steady wins the race. This book is everything I look for in a fantasy book. I haven’t read anything this good in a long time! Now I’m a little sad because I must wait for the third book. Hahahaha now but really an amazing book.
5/5
I think this was the perfect second book. My jaw was on the floor the entire time. I loved the writing in this book the pace, the different POV and the character development of the main characters. I loved how this book is giving slow and steady wins the race. This book is everything I look for in a fantasy book. I haven’t read anything this good in a long time! Now I’m a little sad because I must wait for the third book. Hahahaha now but really an amazing book.
May 5, 2026
3.5 stars, rounding up. I am a fan of the series, but this book was a bit harder for me to get in to compared with book 1. I tend to struggle with the 2nd book in trilogies, so it could be more of a personal preference. Just slow to dive back in and I did not love the conclusion. I still recommend the series and am excited for what is to come in book 3!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
Though The Call of Crowns begins 4 years after the end of Birth of a Dynasty, Khalil and Zikora are very much still in the same position as the end of the first book - trying to survive the cruel and unforgiving customs of the palace while searching for a way to avenge their families. Zikora, still unable to go home, struggles to navigate the treachery of the woman’s court, and Khalil finds himself forced to become even more deeply integrated into the cutthroat Rausi family.
However, the palace is a powder-keg waiting to explode. And explode it does, as an unexpected death in the royal family ruins any chance of peace between the two princes vying for the throne. As the Zenzele family becomes further weakened, alliances begin to shift, long-suffering tribes begin to rebel, and ancient powers are uncovered. When Khalil reveals his shocking secret to Zikiora, both realize that destiny awaits them - and that even the mightiest of dynasties can fall.
Birth of a Dynasty was one of my favorite reads of 2025, so I practically cried happy tears when I got approved for an ARC of the sequel. And rest assured, there is no sophomore slump here - The Call of Crowns does not disappoint! My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.
*World-building/Plot: The world-building was definitely expanded upon in this sequel. We learn more about the different tribes of Ahkelbulin, as well as their history. There are also more hints given as to the presence of magic in this world - I’m very intrigued to see where this part will go in the next book. The plot was incredibly high-stakes and left you on the edge of your seat. The first book consisted of many pieces being moved into place, and it definitely paid off here with non-stop action.
*Character Development: It was great continuing to spend time with Khalil and Zikora as they mature and learn to navigate life at court. Both characters serve to have the reader question what it means to be “good” and “just”, as both find themselves constantly making decisions that harm innocents to protect their identities and their loved ones. There were also multiple POV chapters from other characters that added emotional depth and showed how deeply horrible life is for everyone at court except for the king and his sons. I really appreciated these chapters, and felt that they added a lot of nuance to the story.
*Pacing/Writing Style: I am amazed at how Chinaza Bado can continue to develop such an immersive fantasy setting in such a compact number of pages - there aren’t any long, expository tangents or non-linear timelines to establish the world, yet Ahkelbulin feels incredibly familiar. This is particularly impressive when you combine it with the fast-paced action of The Call of Crowns.
I would highly recommend this sequel to anyone that enjoyed Birth of a Dynasty - the world-building is even richer, the political intrigue is turned up to 11, and the action leaves you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to see what happens in the last book of the trilogy, and am going to keep my fingers crossed that this series somehow gets an epic TV adaptation (looking at you, HBO!)
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Though The Call of Crowns begins 4 years after the end of Birth of a Dynasty, Khalil and Zikora are very much still in the same position as the end of the first book - trying to survive the cruel and unforgiving customs of the palace while searching for a way to avenge their families. Zikora, still unable to go home, struggles to navigate the treachery of the woman’s court, and Khalil finds himself forced to become even more deeply integrated into the cutthroat Rausi family.
However, the palace is a powder-keg waiting to explode. And explode it does, as an unexpected death in the royal family ruins any chance of peace between the two princes vying for the throne. As the Zenzele family becomes further weakened, alliances begin to shift, long-suffering tribes begin to rebel, and ancient powers are uncovered. When Khalil reveals his shocking secret to Zikiora, both realize that destiny awaits them - and that even the mightiest of dynasties can fall.
Birth of a Dynasty was one of my favorite reads of 2025, so I practically cried happy tears when I got approved for an ARC of the sequel. And rest assured, there is no sophomore slump here - The Call of Crowns does not disappoint! My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.
*World-building/Plot: The world-building was definitely expanded upon in this sequel. We learn more about the different tribes of Ahkelbulin, as well as their history. There are also more hints given as to the presence of magic in this world - I’m very intrigued to see where this part will go in the next book. The plot was incredibly high-stakes and left you on the edge of your seat. The first book consisted of many pieces being moved into place, and it definitely paid off here with non-stop action.
*Character Development: It was great continuing to spend time with Khalil and Zikora as they mature and learn to navigate life at court. Both characters serve to have the reader question what it means to be “good” and “just”, as both find themselves constantly making decisions that harm innocents to protect their identities and their loved ones. There were also multiple POV chapters from other characters that added emotional depth and showed how deeply horrible life is for everyone at court except for the king and his sons. I really appreciated these chapters, and felt that they added a lot of nuance to the story.
*Pacing/Writing Style: I am amazed at how Chinaza Bado can continue to develop such an immersive fantasy setting in such a compact number of pages - there aren’t any long, expository tangents or non-linear timelines to establish the world, yet Ahkelbulin feels incredibly familiar. This is particularly impressive when you combine it with the fast-paced action of The Call of Crowns.
I would highly recommend this sequel to anyone that enjoyed Birth of a Dynasty - the world-building is even richer, the political intrigue is turned up to 11, and the action leaves you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to see what happens in the last book of the trilogy, and am going to keep my fingers crossed that this series somehow gets an epic TV adaptation (looking at you, HBO!)
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing this ARC.
As soon as I got to the last page of this story, all I could think was, "NOW THAT'S HOW YOU DO A SEQUEL!" Chinaza Bado left no crumbs with this tantalizing follow-up to Birth of a Dynasty. The Call of Crowns is full of intrigue, cunning alliances, murder, vengeance, and a constant suspense about what’s happening next that will keep you glued to the pages!
The story kicks off immediately, picking up four years later with now-teenage Khalil and Lady Zikora. If you have not read Birth of a Dynasty, you may want to go back and read that first, as the author doesn't provide much backstory, and you need that context to fully understand how things are playing out. A lot has transpired in the last four years, with both Khalil and Lady Zikora older, wiser, and much more hip to navigating life in the castle. Both find themselves caught in the scheming of the King's son as they fight to take over the crown from their father, all while navigating palace politics that have proven deadly. However, both Lady Zikora and Khalil have their own high-stakes agendas that they're trying to fulfill, and watching them balance loyalty, ambition, and survival adds an extra layer of tension to every move they make, with some surprising moments you will not see coming.
If you can't already tell, I loved this book. Where I found Birth of a Dynasty to be a slow build, The Call of Crowns picks up the pace and throws you right into the fray of palace life. The momentum rarely lets up, and there were several moments where I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out. We had a front-row seat to watching Lady Zikora and Khalil mature and hold their own, especially as they are forced to make increasingly difficult choices under pressure, while also getting a deeper glimpse into the other honorable houses of the Kingdom of Ahkelbulin and their customs, which adds even more richness to the story. Zikora uses her youth to disguise her cunning and build alliances, while Khalil leans into what their family house is known for, serving the kingdom and being a merciless warrior, to create a narrative that allows him to continue working toward his revenge undetected.
This book will become your next favorite read and is perfect for those who enjoy political fantasy, layered power struggles, and morally complex characters!
As soon as I got to the last page of this story, all I could think was, "NOW THAT'S HOW YOU DO A SEQUEL!" Chinaza Bado left no crumbs with this tantalizing follow-up to Birth of a Dynasty. The Call of Crowns is full of intrigue, cunning alliances, murder, vengeance, and a constant suspense about what’s happening next that will keep you glued to the pages!
The story kicks off immediately, picking up four years later with now-teenage Khalil and Lady Zikora. If you have not read Birth of a Dynasty, you may want to go back and read that first, as the author doesn't provide much backstory, and you need that context to fully understand how things are playing out. A lot has transpired in the last four years, with both Khalil and Lady Zikora older, wiser, and much more hip to navigating life in the castle. Both find themselves caught in the scheming of the King's son as they fight to take over the crown from their father, all while navigating palace politics that have proven deadly. However, both Lady Zikora and Khalil have their own high-stakes agendas that they're trying to fulfill, and watching them balance loyalty, ambition, and survival adds an extra layer of tension to every move they make, with some surprising moments you will not see coming.
If you can't already tell, I loved this book. Where I found Birth of a Dynasty to be a slow build, The Call of Crowns picks up the pace and throws you right into the fray of palace life. The momentum rarely lets up, and there were several moments where I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out. We had a front-row seat to watching Lady Zikora and Khalil mature and hold their own, especially as they are forced to make increasingly difficult choices under pressure, while also getting a deeper glimpse into the other honorable houses of the Kingdom of Ahkelbulin and their customs, which adds even more richness to the story. Zikora uses her youth to disguise her cunning and build alliances, while Khalil leans into what their family house is known for, serving the kingdom and being a merciless warrior, to create a narrative that allows him to continue working toward his revenge undetected.
This book will become your next favorite read and is perfect for those who enjoy political fantasy, layered power struggles, and morally complex characters!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This. Book. 😍
All the feels.
Because The Call of Crowns starts in right where the Birth of a Dynasty left off, I was immersed and obsessed immediately. I absolutely devoured this book and spent every spare minute of my life reading. Only to have regrets as soon as I finished because now it’s over and who knows how long I have to wait for the THIRD ONE!!! Accckkkk!!!
Man, I really did not expect to fall in love with this series the way that I did..it caught me completely by surprise in all the best ways. I love that!!!!
To me, it’s almost like Historical Fantasy, which I know sounds absurd, lol…But it kinda reads like historical fiction, only with a sprinkling of magic and fantasy to give it just a lil’ something extra special. Maybe a little more than a sprinkling…but still. ;)
As the story continues, so do the unbelievable power struggles and battles for control, the insane roles of men versus women, and the unfairness of the MC’s circumstances and so many around them. There were scenes that moved me to tears, which doesn’t happen often when I’m reading. But also, laugh out loud moments that were so much fun to read!
Normally, child MC’s would not be my fav, but the depth and growth that the characters show is captivating, and doesn’t ever feel like YA fiction. Maybe not always super realistic, but I just love them and the directions their lives are heading.
Another reviewer, Berserk Girlie Cassie, mentioned “hiding as wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and I thought that was a perfect description of our two unlikely heroes.
I’m so hopeful for happy endings for them both (together???), but I am also torn between anxiously awaiting to see how it all ends, and hoping it just goes on forever….
I rarely seem to dole out 5 stars, but with this one, I just couldn’t help myself. I will be first in line for book three, that’s for sure… 😍
Thank you soooo much to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC!!! My very first one, which sets the bar really dang high!!! 🙌
All the feels.
Because The Call of Crowns starts in right where the Birth of a Dynasty left off, I was immersed and obsessed immediately. I absolutely devoured this book and spent every spare minute of my life reading. Only to have regrets as soon as I finished because now it’s over and who knows how long I have to wait for the THIRD ONE!!! Accckkkk!!!
Man, I really did not expect to fall in love with this series the way that I did..it caught me completely by surprise in all the best ways. I love that!!!!
To me, it’s almost like Historical Fantasy, which I know sounds absurd, lol…But it kinda reads like historical fiction, only with a sprinkling of magic and fantasy to give it just a lil’ something extra special. Maybe a little more than a sprinkling…but still. ;)
As the story continues, so do the unbelievable power struggles and battles for control, the insane roles of men versus women, and the unfairness of the MC’s circumstances and so many around them. There were scenes that moved me to tears, which doesn’t happen often when I’m reading. But also, laugh out loud moments that were so much fun to read!
Normally, child MC’s would not be my fav, but the depth and growth that the characters show is captivating, and doesn’t ever feel like YA fiction. Maybe not always super realistic, but I just love them and the directions their lives are heading.
Another reviewer, Berserk Girlie Cassie, mentioned “hiding as wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and I thought that was a perfect description of our two unlikely heroes.
I’m so hopeful for happy endings for them both (together???), but I am also torn between anxiously awaiting to see how it all ends, and hoping it just goes on forever….
I rarely seem to dole out 5 stars, but with this one, I just couldn’t help myself. I will be first in line for book three, that’s for sure… 😍
Thank you soooo much to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC!!! My very first one, which sets the bar really dang high!!! 🙌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley/the publisher for an ARC!
Wow what a sequel! More death, destruction, and mayhem! You almost get whiplash with all the political moves and counter-moves happening across this book. One thing this book does not hold back on is how brutal and cold these characters have to act. Even our main protagonists are not without their own viciousness. As the reader, you are constantly questioning the morality of every choice and decision. Nothing is black and white. Nothing is without a price. The only problem of reading something early is now realizing you have to wait even longer for the 3rd book to come out!
Favorite Quotes:
Dedicated to those who believed but were too scared to do anything more than dream.
"Ignore the mountain in the distance; focus only on the step ahead, and one day, the mountain will disappear."
"Every insult, every hardship, and every sacrifice you have suffered will be accounted for one day."
"What about my injustices? The things I inflicted on other people?"
"They will be judged as well," she said.
"You are no longer a child. No one will save you now if you fuck up." As opposed to all those who saved me when I was a child? he thought.
"Culture is not for you to like. It is for you to respect"
"The gods...the gods...the gods...What we don't know or understand we place in the hands of the gods or our ancestors. It feels lazy. I don't want justice in another lifetime, nor do I want to be crushed, and whatever vengeance there is to demand, I wish it to be my own."
"Why do I have a bad feeling you're going to do something stupid?" Ashton called out from behind him. "It's only stupid if it fails," Khalil replied, waving him off because he was not going to fail.
Wow what a sequel! More death, destruction, and mayhem! You almost get whiplash with all the political moves and counter-moves happening across this book. One thing this book does not hold back on is how brutal and cold these characters have to act. Even our main protagonists are not without their own viciousness. As the reader, you are constantly questioning the morality of every choice and decision. Nothing is black and white. Nothing is without a price. The only problem of reading something early is now realizing you have to wait even longer for the 3rd book to come out!
Favorite Quotes:
Dedicated to those who believed but were too scared to do anything more than dream.
"Ignore the mountain in the distance; focus only on the step ahead, and one day, the mountain will disappear."
"Every insult, every hardship, and every sacrifice you have suffered will be accounted for one day."
"What about my injustices? The things I inflicted on other people?"
"They will be judged as well," she said.
"You are no longer a child. No one will save you now if you fuck up." As opposed to all those who saved me when I was a child? he thought.
"Culture is not for you to like. It is for you to respect"
"The gods...the gods...the gods...What we don't know or understand we place in the hands of the gods or our ancestors. It feels lazy. I don't want justice in another lifetime, nor do I want to be crushed, and whatever vengeance there is to demand, I wish it to be my own."
"Why do I have a bad feeling you're going to do something stupid?" Ashton called out from behind him. "It's only stupid if it fails," Khalil replied, waving him off because he was not going to fail.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a chance to review this highly anticipated sequel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Call of Crowns picks up right where Birth of a Dynasty left off: a kingdom splintering apart, a court consumed by greed and ambition, and two young people carrying secrets far more dangerous than the crowns around them.
Zikora is trapped in the deadly politics of the palace, far from home and hiding a powerful truth that could destroy her if exposed. At the same time, Khalil has stepped into the role of commander, but every decision forces him to question where his loyalty truly belongs. Chinaza Bado keeps both characters under constant pressure, and that tension gives the story its edge.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how personal the political intrigue feels. Every alliance comes with suspicion, every conversation feels loaded, and the betrayals hit hard because you fall for the same deceptions the characters do. The court politics are not just background decoration here; they drive the entire story.
The time jump between the books works well because it allows the characters to grow into sharper, more thoughtful versions of themselves. Khalil and Zikora understand the dangers of power now, and you can feel that experience shaping every choice they make.
With the political intensity of She Who Became the Sun and the sweeping worldbuilding of Children of Blood and Bone, this series keeps proving itself as one of the strongest modern epic fantasy stories out right now. The Call of Crowns is an exciting, satisfying sequel that understands exactly how dangerous power becomes when people are willing to destroy everything to hold onto it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Call of Crowns picks up right where Birth of a Dynasty left off: a kingdom splintering apart, a court consumed by greed and ambition, and two young people carrying secrets far more dangerous than the crowns around them.
Zikora is trapped in the deadly politics of the palace, far from home and hiding a powerful truth that could destroy her if exposed. At the same time, Khalil has stepped into the role of commander, but every decision forces him to question where his loyalty truly belongs. Chinaza Bado keeps both characters under constant pressure, and that tension gives the story its edge.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how personal the political intrigue feels. Every alliance comes with suspicion, every conversation feels loaded, and the betrayals hit hard because you fall for the same deceptions the characters do. The court politics are not just background decoration here; they drive the entire story.
The time jump between the books works well because it allows the characters to grow into sharper, more thoughtful versions of themselves. Khalil and Zikora understand the dangers of power now, and you can feel that experience shaping every choice they make.
With the political intensity of She Who Became the Sun and the sweeping worldbuilding of Children of Blood and Bone, this series keeps proving itself as one of the strongest modern epic fantasy stories out right now. The Call of Crowns is an exciting, satisfying sequel that understands exactly how dangerous power becomes when people are willing to destroy everything to hold onto it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Chinaza Bado, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the e-ARC. All the following are my honest and freely given opinions.
I absolutely consumed this and finished within 24 hours. A very fast-paced sequel to Birth of a Dynasty taking place four years later and this time centered more on court politics and palace intrigue (which I love!). POV across a myriad of characters but primarily centered on our main two characters Zikora and Khalil as they come of age.
This is a very solid middle book to this series, filled with nonstop strategies, plot changes, shifting alliances, and a great set up for the next book. I do enjoy both our leads although at times I find their single-minded focus (I know, it’s a revenge story!) and their ability to somehow always make the “right” choices in difficult situations to be a bit of a hard sell but it ultimately doesn’t detract from the story itself. I do enjoy the ongoing reflections of how there is no entirely correct or just choice and as Khalil was warned in the first book, he will be making choices between evils.
I also appreciate the cast of side characters and various POVs to help bring to life the complexities of court life. It’s clear that Bado has put a lot of time and heart into creating a fully fleshed out kingdom and multi-layered politics. I do hope for more development for Ashon as I thought he was interesting in the first book and he’s not given too much time in this one.
I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series!
3.75 stars, rounded up.
I absolutely consumed this and finished within 24 hours. A very fast-paced sequel to Birth of a Dynasty taking place four years later and this time centered more on court politics and palace intrigue (which I love!). POV across a myriad of characters but primarily centered on our main two characters Zikora and Khalil as they come of age.
This is a very solid middle book to this series, filled with nonstop strategies, plot changes, shifting alliances, and a great set up for the next book. I do enjoy both our leads although at times I find their single-minded focus (I know, it’s a revenge story!) and their ability to somehow always make the “right” choices in difficult situations to be a bit of a hard sell but it ultimately doesn’t detract from the story itself. I do enjoy the ongoing reflections of how there is no entirely correct or just choice and as Khalil was warned in the first book, he will be making choices between evils.
I also appreciate the cast of side characters and various POVs to help bring to life the complexities of court life. It’s clear that Bado has put a lot of time and heart into creating a fully fleshed out kingdom and multi-layered politics. I do hope for more development for Ashon as I thought he was interesting in the first book and he’s not given too much time in this one.
I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series!
3.75 stars, rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would love to thank Chinaza Bado, HarperCollins Publishers, and NetGalley for this arc!
First let me say from the day I read Chinaza Bado’s first book Birth of a Dynasty, I have not stopped thinking about it. Truly an amazing start to a series, so when I was browsing NetGalley for arcs and came upon The Call of Crowns I knew I had to request it. To my surprise, I was approved. I finished this amazing high fantasy in one day and am already begging for the third book in this series!!
This story follows up the first installment in this series in a third person multi-pov style. Zikora is still stuck at the palace attempting to navigate the extremely dangerous and cunning political climate and court. Khalil is ushered into manhood as a new commander and is forced to make a choice in which prince to support. With new alliances, blood oaths, murder, around every corner you never really know what is going to happen and that kept me at the edge of my seat.
The Call of Crowns was filled with the most beautifully detailed world building, complex and growing characters, and the most politically intriguing plot.
This book was full of surprises, I enjoyed every minute of it and am anxiously awaiting the final book in this trilogy. I would give this book a hundred stars if I could.
First let me say from the day I read Chinaza Bado’s first book Birth of a Dynasty, I have not stopped thinking about it. Truly an amazing start to a series, so when I was browsing NetGalley for arcs and came upon The Call of Crowns I knew I had to request it. To my surprise, I was approved. I finished this amazing high fantasy in one day and am already begging for the third book in this series!!
This story follows up the first installment in this series in a third person multi-pov style. Zikora is still stuck at the palace attempting to navigate the extremely dangerous and cunning political climate and court. Khalil is ushered into manhood as a new commander and is forced to make a choice in which prince to support. With new alliances, blood oaths, murder, around every corner you never really know what is going to happen and that kept me at the edge of my seat.
The Call of Crowns was filled with the most beautifully detailed world building, complex and growing characters, and the most politically intriguing plot.
This book was full of surprises, I enjoyed every minute of it and am anxiously awaiting the final book in this trilogy. I would give this book a hundred stars if I could.
May 27, 2026
ARC granted by Avon and Harper Voyager of The Call of Crowns Book Two of Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado
This is the first time I have regretted reading an ARC of a series because now I have to wait even LONGER for the next one!!!
Each characters story introduced in the first book unfolds into even deeper court-led drama in the second book that transforms the young characters into complex, human-flawed, and justice seeking adults.
Khalil and Zikora’s stories, which are strong enough to hold their own weight by themselves, interweave into an intense epic that includes ancestral fortune telling magic, tests on family loyalty, military training and preparation, giants!!!, concubines, princes, slaves, and of course murder; all in front of the backdrop of the chess-game that comes with both protagonists plans of revenge on the royal court.
If you thought you liked the first part of this story, the second installment doubles in intensity and leaves the reader (me!!) wanting more and more and more.
This is the first time I have regretted reading an ARC of a series because now I have to wait even LONGER for the next one!!!
Each characters story introduced in the first book unfolds into even deeper court-led drama in the second book that transforms the young characters into complex, human-flawed, and justice seeking adults.
Khalil and Zikora’s stories, which are strong enough to hold their own weight by themselves, interweave into an intense epic that includes ancestral fortune telling magic, tests on family loyalty, military training and preparation, giants!!!, concubines, princes, slaves, and of course murder; all in front of the backdrop of the chess-game that comes with both protagonists plans of revenge on the royal court.
If you thought you liked the first part of this story, the second installment doubles in intensity and leaves the reader (me!!) wanting more and more and more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC
What a fantastic second book! This book picks up 4 years after the end of Birth of a Dynasty, and packs just as much of a punch as the first book. I won't spoil anything from either book, so I won't say much more about the plot.
The first half of the book was maybe a bit slower, but the second have was super fast paced and I couldn't put it down. Zikora's arc this book was phenomenal and she is rapidly becoming one of my favorite fantasy characters. Khalil was incredibly moody and blood thirsty at times, but it makes sense with his character.
The politics were politicing super hard, and the world continued to be built out. I do wish we'd get a bit more of the magic system, but the characters don't really know anything about it either so I can't complain too much.
Overall, I gave this 4.5 stars. Not QUITE as good as the first one but still amazing!
What a fantastic second book! This book picks up 4 years after the end of Birth of a Dynasty, and packs just as much of a punch as the first book. I won't spoil anything from either book, so I won't say much more about the plot.
The first half of the book was maybe a bit slower, but the second have was super fast paced and I couldn't put it down. Zikora's arc this book was phenomenal and she is rapidly becoming one of my favorite fantasy characters. Khalil was incredibly moody and blood thirsty at times, but it makes sense with his character.
The politics were politicing super hard, and the world continued to be built out. I do wish we'd get a bit more of the magic system, but the characters don't really know anything about it either so I can't complain too much.
Overall, I gave this 4.5 stars. Not QUITE as good as the first one but still amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This deserves every one of these 5 outstanding stars. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a fantasy book this much in a while. So many machinations happening all at once. I haven’t read or seen this much betrayal, plotting, and scheming since Game of Thrones.
Khalil is now 16 and as a “son” of the Great General Rausi, his manhood celebration includes one night at a brothel, expected to be given an army of 100 men when he’s presented to the king, and will have to kill someone to prove his loyalty to the crown. Surprisingly, at the presentation, he is given 1000 men, which further stokes the animosity and competition amongst him and his 4 “brothers”. Great General Rausi is told by the king that of all his sons, Khalil is the most like him. Khalil is now positioned perfectly to execute his plan for vengeance against the man and King who betrayed his father and is responsible for the execution of his entire family and enslavement of their people.
Zikora is now 15, is becoming a woman, and is expected to be married at 16. She is still favored by the king, but fully understands that she is a hostage and they never plan to let her leave. They are unaware of her abilities, so she continues to pretend to be the innocent, naive girl, train, and plot her escape. She notices Khalil at his presentation ceremony and thinks there is something about him, though intrigued, she doesn’t trust him because he is a Rausi. He is fascinated by her.
Together, they are destined to fulfill the prophecy, if they survive. This is a game of chess, and as the last sentence of the book states, “Blood will be paid for with blood!”
My issue with the first book is addressed, there are family trees to assist with understanding all of the houses. I did have a time trying to keep the 4 “K” Rausi brothers straight.
While I appreciate getting the chance to read it early, I’m sad that I have to wait so long for the next one. At least I have the audiobook to look forward to in November.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in return for my review.
Khalil is now 16 and as a “son” of the Great General Rausi, his manhood celebration includes one night at a brothel, expected to be given an army of 100 men when he’s presented to the king, and will have to kill someone to prove his loyalty to the crown. Surprisingly, at the presentation, he is given 1000 men, which further stokes the animosity and competition amongst him and his 4 “brothers”. Great General Rausi is told by the king that of all his sons, Khalil is the most like him. Khalil is now positioned perfectly to execute his plan for vengeance against the man and King who betrayed his father and is responsible for the execution of his entire family and enslavement of their people.
Zikora is now 15, is becoming a woman, and is expected to be married at 16. She is still favored by the king, but fully understands that she is a hostage and they never plan to let her leave. They are unaware of her abilities, so she continues to pretend to be the innocent, naive girl, train, and plot her escape. She notices Khalil at his presentation ceremony and thinks there is something about him, though intrigued, she doesn’t trust him because he is a Rausi. He is fascinated by her.
Together, they are destined to fulfill the prophecy, if they survive. This is a game of chess, and as the last sentence of the book states, “Blood will be paid for with blood!”
My issue with the first book is addressed, there are family trees to assist with understanding all of the houses. I did have a time trying to keep the 4 “K” Rausi brothers straight.
While I appreciate getting the chance to read it early, I’m sad that I have to wait so long for the next one. At least I have the audiobook to look forward to in November.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in return for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 - I can’t emphasize enough how good this series is.
This was an incredibly well done second book. Like Birth of a Dynasty, The Call of Crowns was hard to put down. More than the first book, this focused on the court politics and internal conflicts within the family. As Zikora and Khalil continue their separate fights for survival within the palace walls, they find themselves noticing, and even helping each other. The plot twists in this book were absolutely insane, many moments causing me to quite literally scream at the top of my lungs. I really enjoyed Zikora’s character development from the first book to this, and was interested in seeing how she matured. Overall, this was an incredible sequel, and I need the next book as soon as possible.
Thank you Harper Voyager for the review copy!
This was an incredibly well done second book. Like Birth of a Dynasty, The Call of Crowns was hard to put down. More than the first book, this focused on the court politics and internal conflicts within the family. As Zikora and Khalil continue their separate fights for survival within the palace walls, they find themselves noticing, and even helping each other. The plot twists in this book were absolutely insane, many moments causing me to quite literally scream at the top of my lungs. I really enjoyed Zikora’s character development from the first book to this, and was interested in seeing how she matured. Overall, this was an incredible sequel, and I need the next book as soon as possible.
Thank you Harper Voyager for the review copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Honestly I just knew this was gonna be just as good as the first book. Chinaza bado just has a way with her writing that just pulls you in and hooks you from start to finish. The character development of both our main characters is absolutely seamless as they go from children to teens fighting to have a grasp and upper hand in this oncoming war. The political intrigue, the betrayals, and twists were just as well thought out as the first book. It was honestly so amazing to see how well all the pieces coming together with this second book and I’m so excited for book 3. This author’s pen never ceases to amaze me. This book definitely solidified my love for this series 🖤
Thank you Harper Voyager for the E-arc copy ☺️
Thank you Harper Voyager for the E-arc copy ☺️
March 12, 2026
I DEVOURED THIS OMG. Chinaza’s pen has to be on fire when she writes because this series is just so good! I love how this book picks up right where book 1 ends and there was so much conniving, plotting, and action from every angle in this story. But i think one of my favorite parts of this book was the character growth that we get from both of our main characters! Zikora is turning into a powerhouse of an FMC, while Khalil has everyone fooled yet singing his praises and the way that all of this is for revenge?!! Then don’t even get me started on the glimpses of the romance slowly brewing between them! I’m honestly so sat, and so grateful to have received this ARC! Thank you to Harper Voyager for this E-ARC! I cannot wait for book 3!
May 16, 2026
"If there was chaos before, this could only be described as the end of the world."
This was the perfect second book within this trilogy. The political intrigue, the witty banter, the character growth, the twists and turns I never saw coming.... I laughed, I cried, I screamed...and I read it so fast, when I finished all I could think was, "how can I wait so long for the last book?!" "Blood will be paid for with blood."
Until then, may my favorite heroine of all time, Lady Zikora, live rent free in my head.
" What Zikora truly enjoyed was her sleep, and anything that interrupted her sleep had to be the work of evil." Same, Zikora, Same.
Also, as an aside...every time we heard from the ancestors, all I could see were the ancestors from Mulan in my head😄so it was giving me life.
This was the perfect second book within this trilogy. The political intrigue, the witty banter, the character growth, the twists and turns I never saw coming.... I laughed, I cried, I screamed...and I read it so fast, when I finished all I could think was, "how can I wait so long for the last book?!" "Blood will be paid for with blood."
Until then, may my favorite heroine of all time, Lady Zikora, live rent free in my head.
" What Zikora truly enjoyed was her sleep, and anything that interrupted her sleep had to be the work of evil." Same, Zikora, Same.
Also, as an aside...every time we heard from the ancestors, all I could see were the ancestors from Mulan in my head😄so it was giving me life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all | definitely feel honored being able to read this book before it gets released on Nov. 24, 2026. This is the second book of Birth of a Dynasty Series by Chinaza Bado. Honestly at first I felt kinda hesitant to read it cause of how slow the first two chapters are but it starts to pick up after awhile.
Also I never really read a book that has to deal with a dynasty before! You read from the POV of multiple characters. You learn their secrets, flaws, and what drives them to do what they do. I couldn't put the book down once everything started to pick up!
Thank you NetGalley and Chinaza Bado for being able to read this arc! @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS
Also I never really read a book that has to deal with a dynasty before! You read from the POV of multiple characters. You learn their secrets, flaws, and what drives them to do what they do. I couldn't put the book down once everything started to pick up!
Thank you NetGalley and Chinaza Bado for being able to read this arc! @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS
April 23, 2026
These characters and story telling is everything. I genuinely enjoyed this book and all the storylines being told. I do feel that this book (series it seems) is very character driven not so much plot driven because nothing is really happening but a bunch of political mess. Almost every character has a POV which is interesting at times but mostly not. I feel as though because I like the characters and writing style this is why I like the book so much. I can’t wait until all is finally revealed and get to read everyone’s reactions. THERE BETTER BE EVERY CHARACTERS REACTION POV LIKE IT HAS BEEN SO FAR.
May 8, 2026
This sequel!!! 💕 Amazing! I loved the new POV’s! This series is very much African GOT vibes. There was a lot of character and world building in the beginning that I really loved but some may find slower paced. However, I think Chinaza does a fantastic job of immersing you in the story/world and the way stuff starts to pop off! Soooo goooodddd!! I was not a fan of the ending though because now there’s no telling how long I’ll have to wait for the next book 😔 Definitely a must read for 2026 if you’ve read the Birth of a Dynasty…and if you haven’t go ahead and start it!✨
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC copy!
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was the careful planning of the beginning of sweet vengeance for Mkuru and Zikora and I ATE IT UP. I could not get enough of the clever court politics, witty characters, and the high stakes plot. This story was beautifully told through multiple pov which made the plot richer because of the added perspective from all sides. I’ve been rooting for these characters from the beginning of book one, so to see them continue their journey as they get older and wiser was so rewarding. I absolutely can’t wait to read book 3 and watch the brewing war unfold.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an ARC review curtesy of NetGalley. This is one to watch! We are immediately immersed into the thick of court schemes, blood oaths, and brutality. The MCs are teenagers but have the maturity of adults because of there past making them grow up fast. Zikora is so interesting and bold. Khalil had a dark past that pushes him to choose between bad or worse choices. This has so many twist and turns and there were elements I’ve never read in a fantasy book. The are some triggers to look out for and the POV changes between many characters so make sure to pay attention to that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5. Nobody is more disappointed than me that this isn’t an enthusiastic 5 star after LOVING Birth Of A Dynasty. The characters in this seem much more immature than their book 1 counterparts, and they talk so much of vengeance, but nothing ever comes to fruition until the epilogue. I still love Khalil and ESPECIALLY Zikora, but this installment was much weaker than its predecessor
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This leans hard into political fantasy, and when it works, it really works—power struggles, shifting loyalties, and characters making decisions that actually matter. But the pacing is uneven, with stretches that feel slower than they need to be. If you’re here for action, you might get frustrated. If you’re here for strategy and tension, it delivers.
May 13, 2026
This was so cinematic; it’s like watching a marvel film for Wakanda minus the American government and Avengers . It’s incredibly fast paced and I think this series will be perfect for a weekend binge or people who are new to the fantasy genre. I’m looking forward to the last installment!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OKAY!!! drama! Politics are so intense! the meticulous world just got even more complicated but so worth every drop of mind wrecking detail. Thank goodness for maps and things… book 2 stepped up this series game 200%.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK THREE ME PLEASE
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Do you want kindness or freedom?”
Birth of a Dynasty was my absolute favorite book of 2025 and this sequel absolutely did not disappoint! I was so excited for this book that I skipped all over my curated reading schedule and immediately dived in - and I finished it within 2 days, despite working two separate 12hr shifts in the middle! That’s how much I recommend this trilogy.
This book focused more on the inner politics of the palace now that both Khalil and Zikora are in the same place. With Zikora navigating the inner politics between the women’s court and the impending political shift, and Khalil the politics of his own family and the effects on the next chosen king - both are forced to become more than they were in the first book if they hope to survive.
This trilogy is without a doubt one of my absolute favorites and I cannot wait to see where it ends!
A huge thank you to the author, Netgalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this e-ARC.
Birth of a Dynasty was my absolute favorite book of 2025 and this sequel absolutely did not disappoint! I was so excited for this book that I skipped all over my curated reading schedule and immediately dived in - and I finished it within 2 days, despite working two separate 12hr shifts in the middle! That’s how much I recommend this trilogy.
This book focused more on the inner politics of the palace now that both Khalil and Zikora are in the same place. With Zikora navigating the inner politics between the women’s court and the impending political shift, and Khalil the politics of his own family and the effects on the next chosen king - both are forced to become more than they were in the first book if they hope to survive.
This trilogy is without a doubt one of my absolute favorites and I cannot wait to see where it ends!
A huge thank you to the author, Netgalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this e-ARC.
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