Book Review: In the Shadow of Ruin by Tony Debajo

Genre(s): Historical fiction

Content warning: There are a number of very graphic/bloody battle scenes.

King Jide’s lands are under threat from an invading army led by his half-brother Olise. Olise’s forces are powerful and every city they come to falls. Whispers of black magic surround Olise, though the truth of the rumors and his motivation for conquering Jide’s realm aren’t immediately clear. Jide gathers his remaining forces and marches toward Olise’s army, uncertain of the inevitable battle’s outcome. The war between siblings threatens to tear the kingdom apart.

This book is set in ancient Africa and is filled with terms and references to the people and culture of the area and time period. The author did a fantastic job with his world-building. I’ll admit I’m not terribly familiar with the history of that area, so I can’t comment on the accuracy portrayed, but I loved feel I got from this book. Whether it’s historically accurate or not, it was a rich, well-developed world that lent itself beautifully to the story.

The story jumps between events of the present day, and those of the past which led up to the current conflict. The combat and battle scenes in the book were done very well – and there are a number of them – however, a few of the parts in between felt a little slow in comparison. In the Shadow of Ruin sets the stage for a second book, but be warned – the ending is heartbreaking in a number of ways.

All in all, a great story!

Author website: de-bajo.com/books/

---

Have a book you’d like me to read and review? Contact me here! (I’m a fan of science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, thrillers, horror, suspense, and the like.)