Debajo writes with a calm poise and a steady hand.
West Africa is a land rich with culture and steeped in tradition. King Jide Adelani has helmed the peace of his people with surrounding tribes. His greedy half-brother, Prince Olise, is now threatening that peace. Jide seeks counsel and guidance where he can, but an embittered Olise has quite a few tricks up his sleeve. Even the gods may not be able to stop the wicked schemes perpetrated by Olise and his warriors. Since war is an ugly, brutal thing, Jide must be willing to make difficult choices and possibly even fight to the death for that which he loves. And before the throne is secured by either side, there will certainly be casualties. The tribes will all have to rely on their gods and their loyalties to carry them through the troubling times.
Mystical and colorful, In The Shadow of Ruin explores some of the rich history and ancient folklore surrounding the Yoruba people. Although the story is fiction, the epic battles and personal look into the tribes and peoples feel authentic. Debajo has included a wealth of information in the glossary that is a valuable lesson on the culture that I’ve not gotten anywhere else. The pages are filled with grace and reverence for the customs and citizens, even while describing such mundane things as clothing or meals. The insights into the people, with their devotions, rituals and superstitions, are as critical to the story as the battles they wage. If all of this sounds too exotic or foreign, don’t be intimidated! Debajo writes with a calm poise and a steady hand that proves to be completely approachable, engaging readers on many levels. If you enjoy stories with heavy war themes or want a glimpse at the rarely explored world of African mythology, In The Shadow of Ruin is a grand struggle guided by the gods.
