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About The Book

HER RISE TO POWER, PAID IN BLOOD

Òdòdó’s home city of Timbuktu has been conquered by the warrior king of Yorùbáland. Under their new oppressive ruler, conditions for Òdòdó and the other women in her ostracised blacksmith guild grow even worse.

Then Òdòdó is abducted and whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, where she is shocked to discover that her kidnapper – the apparent vagrant who had visited her guild just days prior – is none other than the warrior king himself, and he has chosen her to be his wife.

Òdòdó soars to the very heights of society, and into a world of battle and politics. As tensions with rival states grow, revealing elaborate schemes and hidden enemies, Òdòdó must defy the cruel king she has been forced to wed and reforge the shaky loyalties of the court in her favor, or risk losing everything—including her life.

Loosely based on the myth of Persephone, O.O. Sangoyomi’s Masquerade takes you on a journey of epic power struggles and political intrigue which turn an entire region on its head.

About The Author

O.O. Sangoyomi is a Nigerian American author with a penchant for African mythology and history. During a childhood of constantly moving around, she found an anchored home in the fictional worlds of books. Sangoyomi is a recent graduate of Princeton University, where she studied literature. Her debut novel, Masquerade, will be published by Macmillan/Forge and Rebellion/Solaris in July 2024.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Solaris (July 31, 2025)
  • Length: 400 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781837862290

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Raves and Reviews

“Mixing political intrigue and slow corruption with a captivating heroine and gorgeously rendered setting, Sangoyomi delivers an incisive examination of gender, temptation, and the lengths people will go to hold power—a magnificent debut!” — Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi

“With sweeping romance, an incredible setting, and a heroine who will stop at nothing to have the life she deserves, Masquerade is a triumphant blend of history and folklore that will keep you glued to the page.” — Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf

“A bewitching, thrilling and vibrant novel that had me enthralled with every twist and turn.” ? Jennifer Saint, New York Times bestselling author of Ariadne

“Richly detailed worldbuilding and inspiration from the Persephone myth all lend to a layered, immersive storyline in Sangoyomi’s debut.” ? Library Journal, starred review

“Paints a vibrant picture of the people, the colors, and the sights of the era for the reader. And nothing is better imagined than the character Òdòdó, a female blacksmith by trade...Her growth into a leader is the highlight of the novel.” ? Booklist, starred review

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