Birth of A Dynasty

by Amanda Williams

When the average person thinks of fantasy, they may think of a princess’ tale, a dashing knight, mythical creatures such as dragons, or a brave wizard. While these are iconic fantasy elements, people often overlook the richness of West African-inspired fantasy.
 
Birth of a Dynasty is the first book of an enchanting fantasy series by Chinaza Bado. The story is set in Ahkebulin, a continent that is ruled by a tyrannical dynasty called Zenzele. The novel follows M’Kuru Mukundi and Zikora Nnamani, two young protagonists who are motivated by revenge and prophecy. Our protagonists come from two noble houses that are prophesied to cause the fall of Zenzele if they unite. This prophecy causes Nnami’s house to be closely surveilled and Mukundi’s to be nearly wiped out. The entire story centers on themes of revenge, destiny vs. free will, and political betrayal.
 
Throughout this enthralling novel, Bado draws on elements of West African mythology, specifically Yoruba traditions, where ancestry and spiritual power intertwine. Bloodlines can carry destiny, protection, or damnation. The prophecy involving Zikora is portrayed as being cosmical and inescapable. This reflects Yoruba beliefs where deities called Orisha embody morals and determine human fate. While West African mythology is incredibly diverse, something that appears within most myths is giants.
Bado was also inspired by Egugun spirits, who take the form of giants, and Biriir ina Barqo, a legendary giant from ancient Somalia.
 
Mukundi and Nnamani’s journeys taught me how power is often built on fear and that even though your ancestry shapes you, it doesn’t define you. Birth of a Dynasty urges readers to think about the nature of authority and how much control we have over our fates. For those who have enjoyed this novel like me and want more from the world of Ahkebulin, The Call of Crowns, book two of the Birth of a Dynasty series, is now available for pre-order and is set to release on November 24.  

Fun Facts about Chinaza Bado

1. Chinaza Bado was born in Canada, but her parents are both of the Igbo tribe, a group from the Southeastern region of Nigeria.
2. Birth of a Dynasty is her debut novel.
3. In a Q&A for Goldsboro Books, she said that if she could swap bodies with any of the characters, she would choose Zikora’s mom.
4. Her goal when writing is to make readers question themselves.