Birth of a Dynasty

A Novel

By: Chinaza Bado

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

Combining the political intrigue of She Who Became the Sun with the gorgeous world-building of Children of Blood and Bone, Birth of a Dynasty is the start of a thrilling epic fantasy trilogy centered around three families’ fight for power in Ahkebulin, a land where magic is feared, giants are real, and prophecy holds sway.

We shall not forgive. We shall not forget. We will have our vengeance.

After witnessing the massacre of everyone he’s ever known and loved, M’Kuru Mukundi, the sole surviving member of the High Noble House Mukundi of Madada, vows revenge. M’kuru flees to a small village where he hides under the guise of farm boy Khalil Rausi… unaware that the real Khalil’s father is the bloodthirsty General of Zenzele army, and under the direction of the King’s scheming son, Prince Effiom, was responsible for the murder of M’kuru’s people. When an imposter claiming to be M’kuru shows up in the village, the real M’kuru—now Khalil—must bide his time amongst his enemies, pretending to be everything that he hates in order to get vengeance.

In another part of the country where giants roam free, young Zikora Nnamani, the only daughter of Lord Nnamani, knows nothing of political intrigue—she wants little more than to be a fierce Seh Llinga warrior. But a well-known prophecy places too much potential power on her small shoulders, and—as far as Prince Effiom and the King know—she is the only living threat to their dynasty ruling forever. However, when a messenger arrives to “invite” Zikora to stay at the palace, her family is not in a position to refuse. Before she is taken away, she begins The Rite of Blessing, a magical inheritance that she will need to learn how to use, but that may also bring the world one step closer to the completion of the prophecy that Prince Effiom so fears.

Between scheming ladies at court, backstabbing princes on the prowl, and paranoid kings, M’kuru and Zikora must do what they can, no matter how terrible, to save their people and claim vengeance for their families. But they are just two young people against an entire kingdom—and a prophecy destined to thwart their dreams—and the last thing they can do is trust anyone…even each other.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

5 stars!!!!

This book was amazing! Fast paced, great world building! My favorite fantasy of 2025!! I need the sequel to this book like yesterday.

Birth of a dynasty

Excellent story telling and interesting story. Wish I could read book 2 & 3 already. Would recommend for YA and adults.

Please don’t make me wait too long

Omgoodness! The way she built each character and their place in the drama 😮‍💨 baby I was captivated. I am team Zikora and I can’t wait to see her evolve. I need the rest now please 5/5 stars for sure

Wow wow wowwww

I know this author from her other books and when I heard she was coming over to fantasy I knew it would be easy and a hit because she does world building amazing well already and this was no different. I started reading fantasy this year and this is the best I read all year fantasy and any genre. This is my 2025 number 1. I absolutely need book 2 &3 immediately I need the book tour everything. Matter fact get it on the screen. The narrator was everything thing she always does her thing.

An underrated gem!

This book is filled with political intrigue and scheming. I really enjoyed it! And the narrator was amazing.