“Masquerade” by O.O. Sangoyomi – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Year Published: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Page Count: 352
Quick Summary
If you’re looking for a book that feels like a historical epic but with a fresh, unique setting, Masquerade might be your next read. It’s set in a reimagined version of 15th-century West Africa and follows Òdòdó, a young blacksmith from Timbuktu who’s kidnapped by King Àrèmo of Yorùbáland. He wants to make her his wife, but Òdòdó has other plans. Navigating court politics, shifting allegiances, and her own growing power, she quickly realizes that survival means playing the game better than anyone else.
What I Loved
The World-Building is Stunning: The rich descriptions of the setting, culture, and traditions made everything feel immersive. It’s one of those books where you can almost feel the heat of the forge and the weight of the palace walls.
The Plot Moves Quickly (Mostly): Once things get going, it's hard to put down. There's a good mix of political intrigue, power struggles, and action that kept me engaged the whole way through.
A Strong, Complex Heroine: Òdòdó is fascinating. She starts out kind and perceptive but pretty naive. Over time, she transforms into someone willing to make ruthless decisions to protect herself and those she cares about. Her character arc is really satisfying.
The Blacksmith “Witch” Concept: I loved how blacksmiths were seen as "witches" not because they had actual magic, but because they were skilled, independent women who didn’t rely on men for their survival. Such a cool take on power and perception.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
Her Growth Felt Too Fast: Òdòdó goes from being completely unaware of court politics to playing the game like a master strategist in record time. It was still fun to read, but I would have loved to see a more gradual progression.
Her Motivations Were… Confusing: At times, I wasn’t sure what Òdòdó really wanted. She adapts quickly to palace life, but I struggled to figure out if she actually wanted to be there or was just playing the long game.
Who Should Read This?
Historical Fiction Enthusiasts: If you're interested in stories set in unique historical contexts with rich cultural backdrops, this book is for you.
Fans of Strong Female Protagonists: Òdòdó's journey of empowerment and self-discovery will resonate with readers who appreciate complex female leads who don’t always make the “right” choice..
Readers Seeking Diverse Narratives: The West African setting and incorporation of Yoruba culture provide a fresh perspective in the historical fiction genre.
Final Thoughts
Masquerade was a gripping, beautifully written read that transported me to another time and place. While there were moments where the pacing or character development felt a little uneven, the story as a whole was engaging, immersive, and well worth the read. If you love stories about power, resilience, and survival in a historical setting, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!
