I was so excited to review this book just as much as I was excited to start it. You know when you start a book because the title was as intriguing as any title that hinted at fantasy could be, and it ends up hooking you from the very beginning to it's end, that peak feeling? That's exactly how this book was for me. I initially tried reading a non-nigerian book but I wasn't really feeling it and so, I went in search of another. Then, I found this one. I was so happy reading this that I asked my mom if she had heard the name of the god this book was written about, and the original pronunciation of his name. Yes, that's how much the book had me on chokehold.
Shigidi and the brass head of Obalufon, written by Wole Talabi, tells the story of a demotivated nightmare God, Shigidi, who works for the Orisha Spirit Company. When he is sent out to fulfill the wish of one of his few remaining believers, he meets Nneoma, a succubus and they agree to become partners, for both their personal gains. This changes everything for Shigidi. As partners, they do everything together - share sprits together, be free together and protect each other. But other gods in the Orisha spirit company, will do everything they can, to have Shigidi, who has now tasted freedom, within their power.
It is no news that once a book is of the fantasy genre, it has automatically earned more points in my book. The Nigerian fantasy genre is doing extremely well these days and it's so amazing because when I grew, I was very exposed to the poorly displayed side of Nigerian fantasy. Mostly those displayed on African Magic Epic and the likes. But to think that I'm coming to find comfort in that same genre, because it's being written so beautifully, is amazing.
I read this book and although I haven't really wished it before, i wished to stay wrapped up in it's pages even when the book ended. Having heard so much folklores, reading this book felt like home and I loved every bit of it. Have you ever experienced reading a book and through it, you could feel the amount of creativity flowing through the author? This book was IT, for me. The worlds were crafted so well that I began doubting if this was truly from someone's imagination. From the streets of Lagos, to the rooftops in Singapore and to the spirit spaces of London, I loved reading about Shigidi and Nneoma's escapades in every of those places.
I can't really pinpoint why exactly but I loved reading Nneoma. She aways took the lead in situations, even when Shigidi was being skeptical or did whatever he wanted to, and I liked that. She was such a cool, smart and interesting character I liked. I liked Shigidi himself but I feel he could have done with better character development. He would have been a very very worthy main character, had the author given an indepth description of his true self, and his potential. I enjoyed reading him anyways. Making one of my favourite gods, the villain here was not really something I liked. Villain him, tried clouding the wonderful impression i already had of him but it didn't work. My first impression of him was awesome and nothing's changing that. Not even making him a villain, lol.
Another highlight of this book for me was it's use of good dialogue. As talented as the author was, with crafting worlds, he was also very good at the dialogue between his characters. That was really nice to read because as a writer myself, good dialogue is something I find myself trying so hard to achieve but always end up finding myself with the regulars. I loved that so much.
The ending of this book though, wasn't as satisfying as it started out in the beginning. Apart from the fact that it ended too easily, it seemed to end on a cliffhanger. And there's no indication of a sequel anywhere online. It could have ended better, but I loved it either ways.
This was a very worthy read and I'll rate it 8.5/10. If you're looking for a book with a perfect blend of fantasy and humour, one that is rich in culture and folklore, then Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon should be a go-to option. I absolutely recommend.
Image is a screenshot from my e-library.