At the Fount of Creation

October 1, 2024

Ash�ke has become the literal "Guardian of the Gods" in this follow-up to In the Shadow of the Fall, and she's failing. Her gods are never satisfied, the people who once believed in them have turned away, and Ash�ke has nowhere left to run. Everything leads to one last stand--Ash�ke and her gods against a charismatic teacher who has been plotting their deaths for centuries--while a trickster waits in the wings and laughs. But that truth sets Ash�ke free to finally become the guardian she was always meant to be, even if the cost has been unconscionably high for her people and for her most of all. VERDICT Readers still reeling from the plummet off the edge of the cliff-hanger ending of the first book will be desperate to get their hands on this epic conclusion to the "Guardians of the Gods" duology, while those who have loved the African-inspired epic stories of lies, secrets, and powerful tricksters found in the works of Moses Ose Utomi and Nnedi Okorafor will be thrilled to add Ogundiran to their lists of must-reads.--Marlene Harris

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 25, 2024
Ogundiran brings the Yoruba mythology–inspired Guardian of the Gods duology to a satisfying close (after In the Shadow of the Fall) with this taut story of outnumbered heroes. In the first book, Ashâke learned that she is the living vessel of the few remaining orisha spirits, who were largely wiped out 400 years prior. Six months later, she seeks a way to defeat the resurfaced godkillers, creatures capable of possessing human bodies. Despite warnings from the orisha, she sneaks into the city of Inysha, only to find the godkillers have multiplied supporters and are brutally executing any who still worship the gods. After being tricked by her old friend, Simbi, who hopes turning in Ashâke will earn the release of her family, Ashâke narrowly escapes death with the help of double agent Djábri. As Ashâke goes on the run, Djábri discovers that a strange blue stone he pocketed from Ashâke protects against possession. Both Ashâke and Djábri independently seek answers. Meanwhile, a troublesome orisha’s machinations appear clearer and flashbacks explain the origins of the godkillers. Ogundiran packs a lot into the limited page count, combining a fast-paced story, solid worldbuilding, and complicated ethical dilemmas. It’s a thrilling ride.