In case "the first book in a trilogy set in fantasy Africa, by the Man Booker winning Marlon James" wasn't enough to hook you, this is also a novel that has shadowy roof walkers, lightning vampires, unreliable narrators, thoughtful exploration of gay sexuality, excellent cursing and one very smart buffalo. A mix of sword and sorcery and harrowing character drama, it's absolutely worth the investment of time and serious emotional anxiety it'll take to see it through.