Debut Novel Inspired by Ancient West African History
LAUREL, MD - 1/8/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET) -- Maryland-based writing and IT professional Dayo Chiedozie Akinwande—who is also referred to as D-C-A—recently released his first book, which is titled Leopard Killer. Covering a seventeen-year period in the first half of the 15th century, the Epic West African novel is set in the southwestern region of what is now known as Nigeria.
Leopard Killer is named after the novel’s protagonist, Ajani. At the age of fourteen, he bravely fights and kills a leopard that terrorizes two of his friends. From that point on, his life is never the same. Ajani’s profile rises in his hometown of Itoro, which was founded almost a century ago by a man worn down by conflict, war, and bloodshed. With neighboring kingdoms brewing with dreams of conquest and empire, some look up to Ajani for increasingly challenging Itoro’s peace-oriented existence. Others, though, fear his dominance and his growing influence on Itoro. And Ajani is caught in the middle, realizing that he is now the most powerful man in his homeland, even without a crown on his head. He also realizes that he has to be careful—very careful.
Leopard Killer mainly profiles a young man caught between the sturdy pillars of tradition and the powerful winds of change. However, on a broader scale, the book primarily showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the Yoruba—one of Africa’s largest and most influential ethnic groups—through the fictional peoples that comprise the four towns portrayed in this novel. Akinwande drew inspiration for writing the book from his heritage and childhood years in Nigeria, his passion for research and African history, and his desire to see more books covering Africa before the Age of Imperialism.
Akinwande finished the manuscript for what would become Leopard Killer in 2009, while still in grad school. He started shopping for a book deal, only to realize that literary agents, while praising the quality of writing, were not sold on the commercial viability of the subject matter. So, Akinwande waited for the best time to publish it on his own. Eventually, with constant coaxing from friends and family members, coupled with the further democratization of technology and publishing tools, Akinwande finally went back to the manuscript, worked on it, and released it as Leopard Killer.
Prior to becoming an author, Akinwande worked as a writer and editor for publications and media companies such as Congressional Quarterly (now CQ Roll Call), Express newspaper, Road & Track, and Internet Brands. He currently works as a technical writer and information security analyst for a D.C.-area technology firm. He has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Georgetown University.
Leopard Killer is now available for purchase at Amazon.com. It is priced at $3.99 for the eBook and $11.99 on paperback.
Media Contact
Company Name: Naijakana
Name: Dayo Akinwande
Phone: (240) 486-6446
Email Address: dca@naijakana.com
Website: www.naijakana.com