A Dance of Burning Blades
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
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M. H. Ayinde
M. H. Ayinde is a rising talent in the world of epic fantasy, weaving intricate tales where magic, history, and power collide in unexpected ways. Born and raised in the heart of London’s East End, Ayinde draws upon her vibrant cultural heritage and her love for mythology to craft stories that transcend borders and immerse readers in fantastical worlds that feel both ancient and contemporary.
Her debut novel, A Song of Legends Lost, is the first book in the Invoker Trilogy and introduces a realm where only the elite can summon ancestral spirits for battle, a world built on rich pre-colonial influences and a complex social fabric. It follows the journey of Temi, an unlikely hero, whose unintentional invocation of a powerful spirit sets the stage for a revolution against a corrupt system. Ayinde's storytelling is filled with layers of emotion, suspense, and cultural depth, painting a portrait of a world where the past’s legends shape the present's realities.
Invoker Trilogy
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.
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?
Invoker Trilogy consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
