Locus Award 2020.
The epic novel from Marlon James, the Man Booker Prize-winning author of A Brief History of Seven Killings: an African Game of Thrones.
In the stunning first novel in Marlon James's Dark Star trilogy, myth, fantasy, and history come together to explore what happens when a mercenary is hired to find a missing child.
Tracker is known far and wide for his skills as a hunter: "He has a nose," people say. Engaged to track down a mysterious boy who disappeared three years earlier, Tracker breaks his own rule of always working alone when he finds himself part of a group that comes together to search for the boy. The band is a hodgepodge, full of unusual characters with secrets of their own, including a shape-shifting man-animal known as Leopard.
As Tracker follows the boy's scent - from one ancient city to another; into dense forests and across deep rivers - he and the band are set upon by creatures intent on destroying them. As he struggles to survive, Tracker starts to wonder: Who, really, is this boy? Why has he been missing for so long? Why do so many people want to keep Tracker from finding him? And perhaps the most important questions of all: Who is telling the truth, and who is lying?
Drawing from African history and mythology and his own rich imagination, Marlon James has written a novel unlike anything that's come before it: a saga of breathtaking adventure that's also an ambitious, involving read. Defying categorization and full of unforgettable characters, Black Leopard, Red Wolf is both surprising and profound as it explores the fundamentals of truth, the limits of power, and our need to understand them both.
The series
In The Dark Star Trilogy, Marlon James ventures into uncharted territory, fusing African mythology, epic fantasy, and dark, haunting narrative into a stunning, world-shattering tale. With the first book, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, James redefines what a fantasy epic can be—leaving behind the traditional tropes of the genre and crafting a story that is as sprawling and complex as it is visceral.
Read full series description
Set in a world where gods, monsters, and human desires collide, the trilogy is a multi-layered exploration of identity, power, and the consequences of choices. At its heart is Tracker, a mercenary whose search for a missing child drags him into a web of betrayal, treachery, and a reality that is anything but ordinary. With every turn, the series invites readers into a universe where morality is as fluid as the dark waters of the myths it draws from.
The richly woven world of The Dark Star Trilogy pulses with vivid settings—forests of treacherous magic, cities teeming with political intrigue, and untold dangers lurking beneath every surface. The atmosphere is thick with tension, making each chapter a journey through treacherous terrain, both physically and emotionally. This is not just a tale of monsters and warriors; it’s a story of fractured selves, lost histories, and the brutal complexities of a world that is never as simple as black and white.
James’s trademark narrative style is as bold and unpredictable as the world he creates. His storytelling defies conventional structure, offering fragmented, fragmented narratives that draw readers deeper into the tension between what is known and unknown, and what is myth versus reality. Every page feels like a discovery—an exploration of deeper truths buried beneath layers of language, character, and conflict.
For readers drawn to intricately woven tales that transcend genre boundaries, The Dark Star Trilogy is a breath of fresh air—a tale where fantasy isn’t bound by rules, but driven by rich histories, powerful emotions, and world-altering stakes. This series is a rich tapestry that will keep readers captivated and questioning long after the final page is turned. With its epic scope and psychological depth, the trilogy is a powerful testament to the art of world-building, offering a unique, immersive experience that will stay with you long after the adventure ends.
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