FIRSTBORN OF THE SUN

588pp., paperback, Penguin, Reprint, London, (2025) 2026

ISBN: 9781405967594

A Yoruba-Inspired fantasy epic of forbidden magic, courtly intrigue and star-crossed love.

In the Kingdom of Oru, L'ore is the only one without agbára – the ability to harness power from the sun. She must conceal this secret from everyone, including her best friend, Alawani. Then the gods declare Alawani an Àlùfáà High Priest, and insist he is stripped of his power in a brutal trial likely to kill him. Unwilling to bear his death, L'ore vows to rescue him, but when she desperately attempts to channel agbára an icy shadow magic pours from her hands instead ...

"A rich and confident fantasy with expansive world building and a magic system as vicious as it is unique. Filled with intricately woven twists and action from beginning to end, readers will have a hard time putting this book down."  Angela Montoya, author of Sinner’s Isle and A Cruel Thirst

"Absolutely radiant. Anson has created a captivating, intricate world with characters who will stay with me for a long time. A perfect balance of political machinations and aching romance, wrapped up in a fast-paced action packed adventure. I loved it!" Bea Fitzgerlad, author of Girl Goddess Queen

Marvellous Michael Anson has been writing for over a decade and self-published a thriller, His Dark Reflection. She also wrote and produced an award-winning short film in 2016 and is a recipient of the 2017 AFRIFF Film School Scholarship Program. Firstborn of the Sun is her debut fantasy novel.