Gollancz snares Payne’s epic fantasy inspired by West Africa in three-book deal

Gollancz has snapped up The Dance of Shadows, the first book in a trilogy inspired by the religion, rituals and heritage of West Africa, by Rogba Payne.

Publishing director Marcus Gipps acquired world language print, digital and audio rights, in a three-book deal from Jordan Lees at the Blair Partnership. The Dance of Shadows will be released in hardback, e-book and audio on 15th February 2024, with the second and third volumes in the trilogy coming yearly.

The Dance of Shadows is Payne’s first published novel, a high fantasy inspired by West African spirituality that follows a young musician drawn into a battle between gods. Described as “perfect for fans of the world-building of Marlon James, the musical magic of Patrick Rothfuss and the realistic characterisation of Joe Abercrombie”, the publisher says the book “marries the best of fantasy with a striking new take on magic and mythology as well as a hard look at the realities of colonialism".

The synopsis reads: “Rumi and his family are Odu, stricken with poverty and disparaged by the other tribes. When ruthless agents of the Palmaine – the colonising nation that dominates the continent of Basmine – threaten to destroy the village market, Rumi takes it on himself to liberate his family. Taking a place in the prestigious Golden Room, where earnings from his music offer a chance at freedom, he shoulders his pride and resentment in a bid to make it to the top. 

“On what should be Rumi’s greatest night at the Golden Room, his life is turned upside down. A terrifying individual known as the Priest of Vultures attacks Rumi and his family. Before her death, Rumi’s mother, Adunola, solicits the help of a dying god and saves Rumi, setting him on the path to become a Shadowwielder: warriors with the ability to use their shadow as a weapon. But Rumi’s need for vengeance may be more important to him than the future of his people…”

Gipps said: “I fell in love with The Dance of Shadows straight away. It’s a great fantasy book with a remarkable lead character in Rumi, whose successes and failures are a joy to encounter for the reader, if not always for him. Rogba has created a whole world for Rumi and his family to explore, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes.”

Payne, a lawyer, said: “I am thrilled to be working with Marcus and the team at Gollancz on The Dance of Shadows. I can’t wait to share this world with readers. Fantasy, at its best, has always been honest, thought-provoking and exciting to me and I hope this story is as enchanting to read as it was to write.”