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Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon

The Nebula Award finalist and gripping magical heist novel
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( 1,390 ratings, 346 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon is an urban fantasy adventure weaving Nigerian myth with modern heist elements. It follows Shigidi, a spirit seeking freedom, and his human partner Nneoma, as they embark on a daring mission to steal an artefact. The book explores themes of identity, myth, and the complex relationship between the divine and the mundane.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy a blend of vivid African mythology with thrilling heists and a rich touch of urban fantasy. The story intricately weaves together the supernatural with fast-paced action, offering a unique take on gods navigating a world of humans. This may appeal to you if you're fascinated by stories that explore cultural mythology with a contemporary twist.

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Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon

A bold new contemporary fantasy from an awards-winning author, reminiscent of Master of Djinn and The City We Became.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The Nommo Award Winner.
The Nebula Award Finalist.
The World Fantasy Award Finalist.
The British Science Fiction Award Nominee.

A contemporary fantasy filled with the mythos of Nigeria, featuring Yoruba gods liberating an artefact from the depths of the British Museum.

Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon follows Shigidi, a disgruntled nightmare god in the Orisha spirit company, who reluctantly answers the prayers of his few remaining believers to satisfy the demands of the company board. When he meets Nneoma, a sort-of succubus with a long and secretive past, everything changes.

Together, they attempt to break free of their constraints and live on their own terms. But the elder gods have other plans for Shigidi, and the Orisha Spirit Company is not so easy to leave. The chairman has a final job for Shigidi and Nneoma, one that will take them to the very heart of the British Museum.

From the boisterous streets of Lagos to the rooftop bars of Singapore and the secret spaces of London, Shigidi and Nneoma will encounter strange creatures, rival gods, and manipulative magicians as they are drawn into a spectacular heist that spans two realms and could turn their own worlds upside down.

A magical heist novel featuring gods, monsters, magicians and more. This is a contemporary fantasy perfect for fans of P. Djeli Clark's A Master of Djinn and Neil Gaiman's American Gods.

Here's what readers are saying:

'A fast paced heist story with a Nigerian twist. . . It was super unputdownable'

'Such an interesting look into African mythology and different settings that you don't often see'

'I love the way this book splices together both Nigerian and British myths and legends'

'It has everything: a tricky heist, African gods and succubi, romance. It was just a fun story with interesting characters and great world building'

'It is a fantasy heist book like nothing I have ever read. If American Gods and Oceans 11 had a baby it would be this book'

'This was OH SO SULTRY. There's poly rep with so much African Mythology featuring a Nightmare god and Succubus in a way that very vaguely reminds me of an adult version of Strange the Dreamer'

'This book was so ambitious trying to cram as many African (and even non-African!) mystical/religious elements as possible but I think it delivered!'

'Wow - what a ride! I learned much about Yoruba and orishas in this fantastical tale of Shigidi and Nneoma's adventures'

'A fascinating story that is based in Nigerian Yoruba traditional mythos, updated with a very modern twist'

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi is praised for its fast-paced and engaging narrative that combines elements of a high-stakes art heist with Nigerian mythology. Reviewers highlight its blend of romance, supernatural elements, and political intrigue, describing it as a thrilling and imaginative story. It's acknowledged for its rich storytelling and world-building, appealing to fans of contemporary African fantasy and godpunk, with comparisons to works like "American Gods" and the Ocean's film series.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399615662

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 230.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 304

About the Author

WOLE TALABI is an engineer, writer, and editor from Nigeria, whose stories have appeared in Asimov's, F&SF, Lightspeed and several other places. He has been a finalist for multiple awards, including the Nebula Award, the Jim Baen Memorial Award and the Locus Award, and he has won the prestigious Caine Prize as well as the Nommo Award. His work has been translated into Spanish, Norwegian, Chinese, Italian, Bengali, and French. In his spare time he likes scuba diving, elegant equations, and oddly shaped things. He currently lives and works in Australia.

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