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The Usurper's Dream
“If you can, you wrestle with fate and damn everything else”
The story of Osei Tutu begins under the tyranny of the mighty Denkyira. Destined for a life of captivity, Osei Tutu must risk everything to free his people from the over a century rule of Denkyira. His fight will cause division among the very gods that set him on his path and he will threaten everything in his quest for freedom.
The Usurper’s Dream combines all the elements of pre-colonial adventure, magic and history in describing the lives of its heroes. A delightful, entertaining story with disparate takes on characters whose belief in magic, gods and destiny shapes their lives.
The story of Osei Tutu begins under the tyranny of the mighty Denkyira. Destined for a life of captivity, Osei Tutu must risk everything to free his people from the over a century rule of Denkyira. His fight will cause division among the very gods that set him on his path and he will threaten everything in his quest for freedom.
The Usurper’s Dream combines all the elements of pre-colonial adventure, magic and history in describing the lives of its heroes. A delightful, entertaining story with disparate takes on characters whose belief in magic, gods and destiny shapes their lives.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
9 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Yeayi Kobina
4 books7 followersBefore embarking on a career as a novelist, Yeayi Kobina spent over a decade as a journalist and news anchor.
His first book series, the historical fantasy 'A Weaving of the First Gods' is an adaptation of the history of the Ashanti Empire. One of Africa's most prominent kingdoms.
His first book series, the historical fantasy 'A Weaving of the First Gods' is an adaptation of the history of the Ashanti Empire. One of Africa's most prominent kingdoms.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 6, 2025
If you enjoy historical fiction and mythology, this is the book for you.
In this book, we follow three princes of the Ashanti kingdom tied to the same destiny - ending the tyrannical reign of the Denkyira Kingdom. I love how this book weaves African mythology and history together in this adventure. I particularly enjoyed the “africanisms” like the use of proverbs and manner of speech used by the royals. I also enjoyed reading about the Ashanti culture and very real people who inspired characters like Anokye and Osei Tutu.
I wished I could see more of certain characters like Anansi and his siblings, or Braku’s wives. There were so many characters in the book that I lost track a few times of who was central to the story.
That said, I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to continue the adventure through the other books in the series.
In this book, we follow three princes of the Ashanti kingdom tied to the same destiny - ending the tyrannical reign of the Denkyira Kingdom. I love how this book weaves African mythology and history together in this adventure. I particularly enjoyed the “africanisms” like the use of proverbs and manner of speech used by the royals. I also enjoyed reading about the Ashanti culture and very real people who inspired characters like Anokye and Osei Tutu.
I wished I could see more of certain characters like Anansi and his siblings, or Braku’s wives. There were so many characters in the book that I lost track a few times of who was central to the story.
That said, I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to continue the adventure through the other books in the series.
May 1, 2023
The usurper's dream is a fictionalized retelling of the history of the Ashanti kingdom. It tells the story of the wars, the bloodshed, the ploys, and the careful maneuvering that fought for the dynasty we see today.
Three boys, Anokye, Tutu, and Amofa, have different backgrounds but are all tied to the same destiny. They have one purpose; to end the reign of the Denkyiras. Do they challenge all odds and fulfill their destiny? I think we know that. How do they do it? I'm as clueless as you.
The story mainly revolves around these people, but other vital personalities steal the show. I introduce to you; Bremann. A slave girl who is to be the undoing of someone. A girl so clever in her scheming that she attains heights one could only dream of.
I also present two other women whose children are to be blamed for their affliction: Maana Kotosi and Sisa.
Last but not least, I will tell you about Brako and the wife who comes close to being the end of him.
Yeayi got the brief and wrote this story impeccably. It's the first book in his series, A Weaving of the First Gods.
I'm not even exaggerating. The book is excellent. It's written well with succinct chapters. It draws you in till you finish, and even then, you can't wait for the next one.
Three boys, Anokye, Tutu, and Amofa, have different backgrounds but are all tied to the same destiny. They have one purpose; to end the reign of the Denkyiras. Do they challenge all odds and fulfill their destiny? I think we know that. How do they do it? I'm as clueless as you.
The story mainly revolves around these people, but other vital personalities steal the show. I introduce to you; Bremann. A slave girl who is to be the undoing of someone. A girl so clever in her scheming that she attains heights one could only dream of.
I also present two other women whose children are to be blamed for their affliction: Maana Kotosi and Sisa.
Last but not least, I will tell you about Brako and the wife who comes close to being the end of him.
Yeayi got the brief and wrote this story impeccably. It's the first book in his series, A Weaving of the First Gods.
I'm not even exaggerating. The book is excellent. It's written well with succinct chapters. It draws you in till you finish, and even then, you can't wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
This is the first book in a series based on known Ghanaian Legendary and mythological figure.
The story is explores on the rise of the Ashanti Kingdom with the central figures being Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye. There are also interesting side characters who storylines dovetail to Osei Tutu's destiny.
I would have loved to see the writer explore the relationship between Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye a bit more. I'd also have love to learn more about Okomfo Anokye's powers, it's boundaries and a bit more about the society of Asaase Yaa of which he belonged.
I love how the fantasy parts of the book do not take away from the story. Magic is not a Deus ex machina to get out of difficult situation rather.
I loved reading it and look forward to the next books in the series. I look forward to learning more about the various characters and exploring the world they exist in.
The story is explores on the rise of the Ashanti Kingdom with the central figures being Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye. There are also interesting side characters who storylines dovetail to Osei Tutu's destiny.
I would have loved to see the writer explore the relationship between Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye a bit more. I'd also have love to learn more about Okomfo Anokye's powers, it's boundaries and a bit more about the society of Asaase Yaa of which he belonged.
I love how the fantasy parts of the book do not take away from the story. Magic is not a Deus ex machina to get out of difficult situation rather.
I loved reading it and look forward to the next books in the series. I look forward to learning more about the various characters and exploring the world they exist in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
Loved itttt!! Looking forward to reading other books in the series 🥹🤎
July 19, 2025
Found it very difficult to follow and complete
August 11, 2024
Nice story
July 18, 2025
I appreciated the short chapters as they made the book more digestible ; but there were just too many characters to keep track of, and I found myself getting lost at times. I actually think this story would work much better as a TV series, where the visuals could help ground all the different perspectives. The writer’s imagery was strong, but even with the quick chapters, the plot took far too long to get going. I ended up losing interest and didn’t finish it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews