Title: Root of All Evil

Author: Ayura Ayira

Genre: Thriller

 

In Root of All Evil, Chinasa is a young girl who has to save her best friend. In this case, saving her meant taking her life to spare her from a greater suffering. Chinasa witnessed a great amount of violence in the war between two rival tribes, the Ijun and the Kcohomi. Chinasa was kidnapped at an early age and years later has risen to be the first lady to President Changa. Now known as Zayani, she runs a charity for the Ijun population. She soon meets and becomes intrigued with a mystery named Stefan. There is a spark between the pair, but Zayani knows that her marriage to the violent and controlling Changa prevents acting on it. Soon, a series of violent acts threaten the stability of the country along with Zayani and those closest to her.

Author Ayura Ayira takes the reader on a trip to the heart of darkness in a war-torn African country. The path of Chinasa’s life is determined early on with her abduction and her utilization as a child soldier. Pain and death are two factors that she is far too acquainted with in life. Ayira doesn’t shy away from describing brutality inherent in tribal warfare and politics. The various background players that often are pulling the strings, such as corporations and intelligence agencies are skillfully used by the author.

The center of the story revolves around Zayani. As a child, Chinasa was forced to mature rapidly as circumstances forced this. As a First Lady, she is admired if not completely trusted. However, she is wise to the ways of the world and power. She can quiet detractors with an icy stare or a quick word of reproach. She endures the brutality of Changa, yet won’t relinquish her dogged will. She is surrounded by men who claim to be smitten with her, yet all possess selfish agendas. The plot rises and falls with Zayani’s actions.

The primary theme in the book revolves around power and the plays that are made to preserve or seize it. The tenuous grasp that Changa holds on his presidency looms heavily on Zayani’s thoughts. A coup could lead to Changa’s ouster and a grim ending for President and First Lady. The intricacies of politics and covert action revolve around being one step ahead of your opponent along with the next bullet. Zayani has learned the killer instinct along with political skills and is able to use them in equal measure.

This book possesses many excellent attributes, but a little more background into Zayani’s life as a child soldier forward to President’s wife would prove beneficial. An additional scene between President Changa and his shadowy backers would also illuminate the book’s dynamic.

Root of All Evil excels as a dramatic thriller that captures the horror of living in a country wracked in a never-ending civil war. Despite the often-savage violence, the narrative never loses its direction or impact in portraying the journey of Zayani. This was a memorable and often riveting read.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.