Exiled by Iron

This impressive sequel to Okosun’s Forged by Blood expands the world and raises the stakes, bringing the epic adventure, inspired by Nigerian mythology, to a powerful conclusion. For the past year, two factions have sought to control the kingdom of Ifé: revolutionaries led by Lord Ekwensi, who seeks to free the magical but oppressed Oluso people by any means necessary, and rulers Jonas and Dèmi, who seek to fix societal strife through more peaceful methods. When an assassination attempt ends with Dèmi stripped of her magic and a loved one near death, she travels the kingdom, communing with formidable spirits and Ekwensi himself in hopes of making things right. A breakneck pace and captivating action sequences make the pages fly, while the emotionally fraught choices Dèmi faces in her quest will keep readers invested. Though the details of this richly developed universe grow a bit unwieldy at times, the worldbuilding remains imaginative and original throughout. Fans of lushly drawn epic fantasy should check this out. Agent: Jess Regel, Helm Literary. (Oct.)