Set in the African-inspired continent of Yahwu, this character-driven story brings together dark magic and political intrigue.

The most powerful matriarchal force on the continent of Yahwu, the Odu Empire, is heading towards trouble. Princess Orisa, headstrong and sure of her place, is challenged on her right to succeed as the next ruling Kemet. Now she must choose her allies wisely. To make matters worse, something is lurking in New Odu City and for the first time in the Empire’s history a series of brutal murders have taken place in the capital, evidence some say of an extinct archaic magic. Taiwo, an ex-criminal, now apprentice to the Imperial Historian, is pulled back to the dark alleyways of his youth to search for who, or what, might be behind them. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the empire, the righteous warrior Desi, is set to be the next personal bodyguard to the Kemet. He travels through the mythic Kaiyu Forest with rival warrior Kunle and Chief Imperial Physician Amun on a secret mission. 

Princess Orisa, Taiwan and Desi are forced to overcome political coups, monstrous creatures, and evil forces, to decide if the empire should survive or die. 

FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to excellent original writing in horror, science fiction and fantasy. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress. Awarded independent publisher of 2024 by the British Fantasy Society.