David Mogo, Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

Lagos, the largest city on the continent of Africa, is the site of The Falling, the day the gods took to the Earth. They have been semi-quarantined on the Island, yet lose themselves on the people on the Mainland to cause trouble. A demigod named David Mogo has made a business around helping people rid themselves of thes minor spirits. He’s good at it. His godessence is strong and has been honed my his wizard mentor, Papa Udi. He’s a stoic old man who has agreed to guide David through his training and provide him with his wards…

The book consists of three story arcs, you might call them separate novellas, Godhunter, Firebringer, and Warmonger. Each has David learning more about the nature of his power and the internal struggle of being a demigod who is policing the gods. The first story pits him against a greedy wizard who tries to create an uprising by controlling children to do his bidding. The action is crisp and the ramp up is pretty tight.

This piece of Nigerian urban fantasy is overall a good read. The pacing is a bit off in places as the author gives up information too quickly. Even though I liked the world and David’s voice, there could have been some nuance to the storytelling. And unfortunately, it seemed the organization of each novella was too similar.

There are several parts of those info dumps that I did like. For example, the recipe and procedure to create the wards was pretty cool. I could see them measuring, stirring, and boiling that wicked stuff in preparation of taking on the kiddie zombies.

Overall, David Mogo: Godhunter has many things I like in a book: a distinct mythos, an engaging main character, and a good mentor relationship, but the storytelling was garbled and at times repetitive.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebellion Press, and the author for an advanced copy for review.