The Rage of Dragons

Starred review from April 15, 2019
Winters’s stunning debut fantasy epic is rich in complex characters and a well-wrought world with both European and African influences. Tau Tafari is a common boy of the Omehi people, whose society is strictly divided by class. When his father is murdered needlessly to assuage the ego of an offended noble, Tau vows to take advantage of the only opportunity his class is given and become an Ihashe in the Omehian military. Tau’s determination wins him a spot as an initiate, though most of the other initiates have far greater skill. Desperate to improve himself, Tau breaches the underworld, Isihogo, with the help of his lover, Zuri, a young woman training to become an Enervator (those with the ability to siphon power from the underworld during battle). While his physical body remains untouched, Tau’s soul is free to spar with the demons that stalk Isihogo, and this twisted training changes him far more than he expects. Winter’s secondary characters support his hero’s story and amplify its themes of brotherhood, but it is Tau himself, far more nuanced than a simple underdog, who will move readers to eagerly seek the next volume. This impressive series launch holds tremendous promise. Agent: Erin Malone, William Morris Endeavor.

With his signature deep baritone, narrator Prentice Onayemi delivers a spectacular performance of this epic fantasy focused on revenge. Tau was born without any gifts, but he doesn't let his common lineage stop him from becoming the greatest swordsman the Omehi have ever seen. Onayemi's depiction of Tau accurately reflects his development; his soft voice hardens and deepens over time as he builds his confidence and sets his goals. Onayemi employs a full range of pitches, pacing, and African accents to paint vivid pictures of multiple characters. While his neutral tone for the fight scenes breaks immersion in the story, the more emotional moments are sincere and compelling A.K.R. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine