Birth of Orisha - (Orisha Cycle) by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In a world reshaped by nuclear devastation and cosmic betrayal, Birth of Orisha launches readers into the heart of a reborn Africa--where divine beings walk among mortals, and survival demands sacrifice. When a psychic cry echoes across the globe, a secretive band of elite hunters from Ife-Iyoku defy their elders and set out to rescue their goddess, the Mother Orisha. What they find is a threat unlike any they've faced before: one that has captured divinity itself--and plans to use her power to conquer the world all over again.

Seamlessly blending African mythology with visionary science fiction, this epic tale weaves together psychic warriors, quantum technology, ancient rites, and soul-shaking moral questions. From the ashes of global annihilation, a new civilization rises--steeped in the traditions of the Orisha but forced to confront the violent legacies of the old world. As hunters race to reclaim their goddess, they must also confront enemies who can trap souls and bend reality. But the greatest danger may lie within: in secrets buried deep in memory, tradition, and the human heart.

At its core, Birth of Orisha is a bold reimagining of power, faith, and identity. It doesn't just subvert the familiar tropes of fantasy--it reclaims them. With fierce queer protagonists, soul-bound warriors, and a rich tapestry of African spiritual cosmology, this book challenges the colonial gaze and centers a world where Black futures are not just imagined, but exalted.

Both mythic and immediate, intimate and cosmic, this is the opening chapter of The Orisha Cycle--a sweeping saga that begins with a divine disappearance and builds toward a reckoning that could remake the world. Perfect for fans of Nnedi Okorafor, Tade Thompson, and epic tales that walk the line between the spiritual and the speculative, Birth of Orisha is an unforgettable journey into a world where gods bleed, but hope endures.

About the Author

Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki is a Nigerian speculative fiction author and editor whose celebrated work has reshaped Afrofuturism and African fantasy. Ekpeki began publishing acclaimed stories in 2018, quickly earning the Nommo Award for Best Short Story ("The Witching Hour") in 2019 and the Otherwise Award and Nommo Award for his novella Ife-Iyoku, the Tale of Imadeyunuagbon (2020). In 2022, his novelette "O2 Arena" won the Nebula Award for Best Novelette, making him the first African-born Black author ever to win a Nebula, and he has since added a World Fantasy Award, British Fantasy Award, and multiple Locus Award wins and nominations to his name .