Mel Bell's Reviews > In the Shadow of the Fall

Excuse me? An African mythology cosmic war fantasy??? Yes, please! I honestly had no idea that this was what was missing in my life. But, ok, I'm here for it. Lessgo 🙌🏻

Ashâke, an acolyte in the hidden temple of Ifa, grapples with her identity and faith as she finds herself embroiled in a celestial conflict that has simmered for centuries.

The author does not ease us into this story, we are dropped feet first with a simple, implied, command of "keep up". In 114 pages, we are given the ingredients of an epic-level fantasy baked with a contemporary voice but the flavor palette of literary canon. And, I say that with the utmost sincerity and reverence because stories like this are why I fckn love literature.

I believe the chonky fantasy novels are here to stay, but I also see the emergence of fantasy novellas, particularly those featuring non-western tales, as a valuable and necessary expansion to the genre.