They Made Us Blood and Fury

Ghana native Ntumy’s captivating debut epic fantasy, and Chronicles of Countless Clans series launch, sucks readers into a crisis for the Anyi clan as their great reservoir of silver-blue lifeblood runs dry. Lifeblood is both the body fluid of the queen of the Anyi and a source of magical power on which the rulers of other clans depend, making everything it touches “brighter, stronger.” With the queen of the Anyi dying and no successor appearing, clan elders reach out to buy back lifeblood they’ve provided other clans, triggering power struggles and the unleashing of the avlevi, the Anyi’s long-subdued secret superweapon. Contained within the body of a young woman, Aseye, the avlevi spirit heads home to the Anyi, while visiting violence on any, either friend or foe, who may impede its way. Trailing behind is Kwame, lost son of a seer and now agent of the Empire of Ka, who’s been instructed to bring Aseye back to the empire, but is also struggling with his growing feelings for her. Ntumy populates her saga with an expansive cast while giving inner life to all her characters, servants and guards included. Her deep, thoughtful worldbuilding is especially impressive. Readers will enjoy getting lost within this vibrant world and eagerly await the next volume. (Apr.)