The epic second book in M. H. Ayinde's relentlessly gripping Invoker Trilogy, following the Sunday Times bestselling debut A Song of Legends Lost.
Tension simmers across Nine Lands. In the capital, the people of Lordsgrave seethe with resentment after the horrors of the greyblood attack. Clan Adatali are in open rebellion against the king. And as war in the Feverlands rages on, a humble tree feller who looks a lot like missing invoker Jinao Mizito, has not forgotten the promise he made to avenge his brother.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, the king's daughter Lyela continues to move her pieces across the board. Will the people of Nine Lands reclaim their stolen history and unlock the secrets that have been kept from them for centuries?
A Dance of Burning Blades is a sweeping epic of revenge and rebellion set in a richly drawn world of warring clans and ancestor magic.
Praise for A Song of Legends Lost:
'A relentlessly gripping, glorious epic fantasy - the exhilarating must-read fantasy debut of 2025'
Tasha Suri,
'A truly excellent debut, with a genuinely fascinating magic system, engaging characters and deep worldbuilding. A fantastic read'
James Islington, author of The Will of the Many
'An epic tale of conflict, betrayal, and intrigue . . . M. H. Ayinde weaves a rich and engrossing story through a unique and fascinating world'
Anthony Ryan, author of Blood Song
'Stunning and vividly told . . . Ayinde is a master storyteller'
Andrea Stewart, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Bone Shard Daughter
The series
In a world where the power of the past bleeds into the present, the Invoker Trilogy by M. H. Ayinde immerses readers in a realm where summoning spirits is both a privilege and a weapon. Here, the art of invocation can turn the tide of wars, elevate the lowly, and destroy the powerful.
Read full series description
The trilogy follows a young woman, Temi, born from the slums, who inadvertently summons a spirit far greater than anything she could ever have imagined. As she grapples with her newfound power, she is drawn into a world of ancient rituals, political intrigue, and dangerous forces from the past. But not all spirits are benevolent, and as the boundaries between the living and the dead begin to blur, Temi must navigate a path fraught with peril. Will she master the powers that have been awakened within her, or will the very forces she seeks to control consume her?
Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world, the Invoker Trilogy weaves together the mysticism of ancient traditions and the technology of a new era. With influences from a variety of cultures, including African and Filipino mythologies, Ayinde creates a world that feels both timeless and fresh, with complex characters, intricate politics, and a haunting atmosphere.
In this trilogy, themes of heritage, identity, and the destructive allure of power are explored with an intimacy that draws readers into Temi’s world, making them question the cost of power and the price of destiny. Every decision Temi makes ripples outward, altering the fates of kingdoms and generations to come.
Get ready to embark on a journey where legends are reborn, secrets are uncovered, and the fate of an entire world rests in the hands of one unlikely hero.
Be the first reviewer
Sign in and write the first reader review.
