In the first book of a thrilling duology inspired by medieval West Africa mythology, a warrior of death determined to stay out of politics gets pulled into a holy war.

They call her Death’s First Wife, a Messenger of Shadows, but she was born Amina Misenga, Noble Daughter of the House Zaira. On a day that marks the end of a two-year-long battle, Amina carries the spoils of war and what she hopes will be the key to her rightful place among the Rangers she’s led into battle. Crossing the threshold to the lush lands of Akoyo, the villagers’ drums pound in honor of the Rangers’ victory with Amina at the head. But Amina is determined not to be groomed as a future queen. She intends to retain her place as a warrior and messenger.

Yet this return to Akoyo is not solely a celebration. This day also marks the arrival of a man who claims to be the heir of a long-lost city at the edge of the world. This stranger's appearance turns all eyes to the council of four ruling houses that hold onto a shaky treaty. In order for this stranger to obtain his inheritance, and for the political scales to be tipped in her house’s favor, Amina and the Rangers become entangled in a holy war bringing about dark spirits and a mythic history thought to be buried, yet only hidden.

For most of her life, Amina has evaded being a pawn of the royal throne, but this battle brings her closer to the gods she’s sworn allegiance to and the wicked forces she’s pledged to fight. As a strange power grows inside her, Amina seeks to protect everything she’s ever known from the restless souls who are plotting her downfall.