David Mogo, Godhunter

David Mogo, Godhunter is a Nigerian urban fantasy novel set in Lagos after an event called The Falling, which brought thousands of orishas (gods) crashing down to Earth. The story centers on David Mogo, a demigod who makes his living hunting and capturing these fallen deities in the chaos-filled streets of Lagos. The novel approaches African mythology and urban fantasy from a distinctly Nigerian perspective, incorporating Yoruba deities and folklore into a modern setting. The story structure is divided into three distinct parts, each focusing on different challenges David faces as he navigates relationships with both gods and humans in this transformed city. The book stands out in the godpunk subgenre for its non-Western viewpoint and its exploration of family, identity, and power in a world where the divine and mortal realms have violently collided. Its fresh take on urban fantasy earned it the 2020 Nommo Award for Best Speculative Novel by an African.

Readers praise the Nigerian urban fantasy setting in Lagos and the incorporation of Yoruba mythology, calling it a fresh take on the genre. Many note the book offers an authentic portrayal of Lagos life and culture. Liked: - Fast-paced action sequences - Detailed worldbuilding and mythology - Nigerian pidgin English dialogue adds authenticity - Complex moral choices faced by protagonist Disliked: - Plot pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Some character development feels rushed - Writing style can be uneven - Mythology elements need more explanation for non-Nigerian readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (100+ ratings) Reader quotes: "The Nigerian setting and mythology make this stand out from typical urban fantasy" - Goodreads reviewer "Struggled with pacing in the middle but loved the unique worldbuilding" - Amazon reviewer "Needed more background on the gods and mythology" - LibraryThing review

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🌟 Lagos, where the novel is set, is Africa's largest city with over 15 million inhabitants, making it a fascinating backdrop for this supernatural tale. 🌟 The Yoruba pantheon features over 400 orishas (deities), each with unique powers and domains - from Shango, the god of thunder, to Eshu, the divine trickster. 🌟 The term "mythpunk" was coined by author Catherynne M. Valente to describe fantasy that subverts or reimagines traditional mythological tropes. 🌟 Suyi Davies Okungbowa teaches writing at the University of Arizona and was named one of "Nine Nigerian Authors Changing the Face of Nigerian Fiction" by Open Country Mag. 🌟 The novel's format of three interconnected parts mirrors the traditional Yoruba concept of "ese meta" (three legs), symbolizing the balance of physical, spiritual, and ancestral realms.