From Marlon James, author of the bestselling National Book Award finalist Black Leopard, Red Wolf, the second book in the Dark Star trilogy.
In Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Sogolon the Moon Witch proved a worthy adversary to Tracker as they clashed across a mythical African landscape in search of a mysterious boy who disappeared. In Moon Witch, Spider King, Sogolon takes center stage and gives her own account of what happened to the boy, and how she plotted and fought, triumphed and failed as she looked for him. It’s also the story of a century-long feud—seen through the eyes of a 177-year-old witch—that Sogolon had with the Aesi, chancellor to the king. It is said that Aesi works so closely with the king that together they are like the eight limbs of one spider. Aesi’s power is considerable—and deadly. It takes brains and courage to challenge him, which Sogolon does for reasons of her own.
Both a brilliant narrative device—seeing the story told in Black Leopard, Red Wolf from the perspective of an adversary and a woman—as well as a fascinating battle between different versions of empire, Moon Witch, Spider King delves into Sogolon’s world as she fights to tell her own story. Part adventure tale, part chronicle of an indomitable woman who bows to no man, it is a fascinating novel that explores power, personality, and the places where they overlap.
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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