logo

74 pages 2 hours read

Moon Witch, Spider King

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Marlon James

Moon Witch, Spider King

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

656

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Africa • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Moon Witch, Spider King, Sogolon, also known as the Moon Witch, embarks on a journey of survival, revenge, and self-discovery, developing her unique powers after escaping an abusive upbringing. Over the course of her life, she confronts oppressive forces and forms complex relationships within the royal court, ultimately aiming to defeat the sinister Aesi who manipulates the kingdom. The novel depicts child sexual abuse, violent sexual assault, and enslavement.

Mysterious

Dark

Fantastical

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.3

5,305 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James has been praised for its rich and complex narrative, vibrant characters, and inventive use of language. Critics appreciate its unique perspective and engaging storytelling. However, some find the intricate plot difficult to follow and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is a compelling yet challenging read, offering a deep dive into a fantastical world.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Moon Witch, Spider King?

Fans of rich, complex fantasy narratives who appreciate the immersive African mythology in N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth trilogy and the intricate storytelling of Neil Gaiman's American Gods will relish Marlon James' Moon Witch, Spider King. This book caters to readers who enjoy deep world-building and nonlinear storytelling.

4.3

5,305 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Sogolon

Adopting a new name amid her struggles, Sogolon wields a unique gift to oppose misogyny and political terror, becoming a representation of resilience in the face of constant oppression.

As a shapeshifting lion and Marshall of the Red Army, Keme is drawn to Sogolon and forms a nurturing relationship with her despite the challenges arising from his secret identity.

A pivotal antagonist, the Aesi is a manipulative figure who exerts considerable influence within the kingdom, causing widespread chaos and serving as Sogolon's long-term nemesis.

An exiled noble living in Kongor, Mistress Komwono initially takes Sogolon from her difficult circumstances, aiming to refine her for court life with ulterior motives.

Emini, the sister of Prince Likud and a figure at court, shows a complicated mixture of interest and mentorship towards Sogolon while involved in political machinations.

A war hero dealing with memory loss, Olu's struggle to retain his past reflects on the significance of memory in shaping identity, with his forgotten deeds left as mere whispers in time.

Likud, the heir to the throne, exhibits cruelty and insecurity beneath his title, acting as a conduit for the Aesi's manipulations and displaying tyrannical tendencies.

Yétúnde is Keme's wife, a figure of domestic stability who harbors her understanding and secrets about Keme's true nature, reflecting societal norms and fears.

The water sprite, Bunshi, guides Sogolon on a crucial mission, while her motivations and loyalties remain enigmatic, adding layers of mystery to the narrative.

Tracker is a skilled bounty hunter with a remarkable sense of smell and a rich personal life, recruited to aid in a significant quest, carrying forward themes from earlier stories.

Lissisolo, a banished King Sister, plots to ensure her bloodline's continuation within royalty, representing ambitions and sacrifices amid overarching monarchy conflicts.

A southern griot committed to preserving history amidst sweeping memory erasure, Ikede plays a crucial role in maintaining the narrative's continuity through written records.

The Nnimnim Woman is a healer and magician whose skills with traditional African medicine and potions hold cultural significance within the story's context.

Book Details
Pages

656

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Africa • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.