A Journey through the Kingdom of Oru: A Review of Firstborn of the Sun by Marvellous Michael Anson
As a lifelong fantasy enthusiast, I have always been drawn to stories rich in magic and culture, and Firstborn of the Sun ticked all those boxes and more. Thank you so much to Penguin Michael Joseph, Marvellous Michael Anson, and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this enchanting debut! From the moment I dove into the pages of this book, I knew I was in for a treat.
Set in the vibrant Kingdom of Oru, where everyone is born with agbára—the ability to harness the sun’s power—the story revolves around L’ọrẹ, a fiercely loyal young woman with a secret that could lead to her ruin: she has no agbára. This underlying tension adds to the novel’s captivating plot, especially when her best friend, Alawani, is thrust into a dangerous destiny as a priest of Oru. The premise drew me in, and the stakes escalated beautifully, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Anson’s worldbuilding is truly the heart of this novel. Oru, inspired by Yoruba culture, is crafted with care, featuring six distinct rings—each with its own unique exports and cultural significance. The sense of place is palpable, and even though we mainly inhabit Oru, the hints of a broader world only whetted my appetite for the sequel. I found the concept of a monarchy where the High Priest becomes Lord Regent a fascinating twist, creating a complex power dynamic that I’d never encountered before in fantasy literature, adding layers of intrigue to the plot.
L’ọrẹ is a character that resonated deeply with me. Her relentless loyalty and fierce protectiveness of her loved ones made her journey profoundly relatable. While I often found her decisions impulsive—making me gasp in disbelief at times—I came to understand her motivations as her character developed. The inclusion of Tofa and Milúà’s perspectives only deepened the emotional complexity, showcasing Anson’s remarkable skill at creating multi-dimensional characters. It was refreshing to see characters that evoke care and empathy, even those positioned as adversaries.
The writing itself captivated me. Anson has a flair for rendering vivid battle scenes that felt cinematic, pulling me right into the heart of the action. I could almost see a film adaptation of this gripping tale unfolding before my eyes.
My only qualm was the burgeoning romance between L’ọrẹ and Alawani, which felt a bit rushed for my taste. Despite their rich friendship, I yearned for more slow-burn moments to develop their feelings, as I often cherish the tension inherent in "friends to lovers" stories. Nonetheless, as teenagers grappling with monumental challenges, I was compelled to forgive their choices, even when they led me to roll my eyes.
Firstborn of the Sun is a mesmerizing debut that harmoniously blends rich cultural elements with adventure, magic, and a dash of youthful rebellion. I believe this book will resonate with anyone who appreciates epic fantasy, particularly those eager for diverse stories that embrace different cultures and magical systems. Anson has left us with tantalizing hints for the sequel, and I can’t help but feel excited about the journeys that lie ahead for L’ọrẹ and her companions.
Reading this book was a delightful experience, and it awakened a curiosity in me to explore more works steeped in Yoruba culture. If you’re searching for an enchanting escape filled with evocative worldbuilding and a cast of characters that you’ll root for, then look no further than Firstborn of the Sun. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
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