Rumi and his family are Odu, stricken with poverty and disparaged by the other tribes. When ruthless agents of the Palmaine - the colonising nation that dominates the continent of Basmine - threaten to destroy the village market, Rumi takes it upon himself to liberate his family. Taking a place in the prestigious Golden Room, where earnings from his music offer a chance at freedom, he shoulders his pride and resentment in a bid to make it to the top.

On what should be Rumi's greatest night at the Golden Room, his life is turned upside down. A terrifying individual known as the Priest of Vultures attacks Rumi and his family. Before her death, Rumi's mother, Adunola, solicits the help of a dying god and saves Rumi, setting him on the path to become a Shadowwielder: warriors with the ability to use their shadow as a weapon. But Rumi's need for vengeance may be more important to him than the future of his people...

About the Author

Born in London and the first of three, Rogba was raised across both London and Lagos, Nigeria. He is a descendant of John Augustus Otunba-Payne; the noted lawyer, writer and murdered prince of the Ijebu-Ode royal family. Rogba first began writing while studying law at university - where the shapes of the characters in his debut, 'the Dance of Shadows', first took form.



He is particularly interested in the deep-rooted beliefs, myths and stories that underpin culture and the beautiful lies that often inspire them.



Now a lawyer, living in Lagos, he is most alive writing speculative fiction that examines issues of power, prejudice and spirituality.


Rogba studied law in England before returning to Nigeria, where he found employment at a corporate law firm. There he worked his way up to a Senior Counsel before leaving to start his own practice with three like-minded peers. At the same time, Rogba actively pursued a literary career.

Book Information
ISBN 9781399612616
Author Rogba Payne
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Gollancz
Publisher Orion Publishing Co