The Battle Drum

A Novel

By: Saara El-Arifi

Narrated by: Nicole Lewis, Dominic Hoffman

Murder. Secrets. Sacrifice: Three women seek the truth of the empire’s past. And the truth they find will have the power to ignite a war, in the sequel to The Final Strife, the continuation of a visionary fantasy trilogy inspired by the myths of Africa and Arabia.

Anoor is the first blue-blooded ruler of the Wardens’ Empire. But when she is accused of a murder she didn’t commit, her reign is thrown into turmoil. She must solve the mystery and clear her name without the support of her beloved, Sylah.

Sylah braves new lands to find a solution for the hurricane that threatens to destroy her home. But in finding answers, she must make a decision: Should she sacrifice her old life in order to raise up her sword once more?

Hassa’s web of secrets grows ever thicker as she finds herself on the trail of crimes in the city. Her search uncovers the extent of the atrocities of the empire’s past and present. Now she must guard both her heart and her land.

The three women find their answers, but not the answers they wanted. The drumbeat of change thrums throughout the world.

And it sings a song of war.

Ready we will be, when the Ending Fire comes,
When the Child of Fire brings the Battle Drum,
The Battle Drum,
The Battle Drum.
Ready we will be, for war will come.

Book Two of The Ending Fire Trilogy


* This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF that contains images and the glossary from the book.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Battle Drum

“El-Arifi grants readers a dramatic bird’s-eye view of both an unraveling world and the indomitable spirits of the women embroiled in its maelstrom. This is a knockout.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)


Praise for The Final Strife

“Saara el-Arifi deftly facets every layer of her debut. Epic in scope, its world building as intricate as filigree, The Final Strife sings of rebellion, love, and the courage it takes to stand up to tyranny, following three women whose journeys will keep you gripped to the last.”—Samantha Shannon, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree

“With a heroine with bite, a supporting cast of flawed but deeply human characters, and world building that is raw, unforgiving, and richly textured, The Final Strife is the real deal: epic fantasy turned on its head in the most compelling way imaginable.”—Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart

“The undercurrents of friendship, betrayal, and sapphic love, and the twists and turns of the competitive trials and political intrigue, come together to kick off a magnetic and appealing new series.”—Booklist

“El-Arifi tells a tale that is as fierce as its characters, plunging you into a sandy, stratified world until you can feel the grit between your teeth. Heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, The Final Strife is an unmissable debut.”—Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

“El-Arifi is a game-changing new voice in epic fantasy, and The Final Strife is a triumph of a book, full of rage, charm, and a cast of misfits you can’t help but root for. There are no Chosen Ones here—only bad choices and blood.”—Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

“Epic, gripping, and searing, The Final Strife weaves a fascinating tale of destiny, magic, and love set in a richly imagined yet brutally divided world. Its unexpected, gritty heroine is one you cannot help but root for, and the story will stay with you long after the last page.”—Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess

“Boasting an expertly layered world that is equal parts beautifully rendered and brutal in its depiction, with a protagonist who is as likely to save the day as she is to ruin it, The Final Strife brims with delicious tension—I loved every page.”—Ciannon Smart, author of Witches Steeped in Gold

Soooo Good

All I can say is, I’m upset that I’m finished with both books. Like… What am I to do with my life now? I’ve been in the hunt for something as good and I’ve been falling short for days now. The world building, character development, plot twists, and colorful imagery. Chefs kiss, honey. Do I throw shoes or roses?

Enthralled

Completely and utterly enthralling… this book has a little bit of everything. Brown folks for one! Mystery, romance, folklore, adventure, and all manners of gender and sexuality. All manners of beauty and of beasts. Lovely worded intimate sequences without being overly sexual. Action packed to the point of anxiousness. The twist, the turns, the conflict, the truths. Book one is equally amazing, but you soon realize, it was just beginning, and could not have prepared you for this sequel. Definitely adding this author to my list of beloved Black fantasy writers. And the narrator, simply talented and crisp - even with all the characters, you never confuse the voices. Each has their own inflictions.

Prepare yourself for some tow clenching escapism.

Great story

The author made a whole other world that was the same and different than this one. An excellent epic tale.

Even better than book 1

If the words, “and the plot thickens” were a book, this would be it! Book two added depth and background to the story. There is nothing like a strong female lead. In this one, there are several.
I don’t like all of the death. It can get just the right amount of dark. I guess I’m saying that I’m hoping for a happily ever after in the next book and less “rippings” , but we all know war is coming. Oddly, I’m here for it. Can’t wait for book three.

What an ending

I love a book that just left, right hooks you at the end. Wow, seriously! Starting the next book immediately!!