I bought a copy for my home library as soon as it was released. I was so engaged that I wanted to know more of the folklore and did some background reading. Will be flagging this author for the future.

This really felt like a book of two halves for me. The first half was gripping and stunning and had me in the edge of my seat. It felt like the horror story that I was expecting. And then Bata returned to the normal world and it kind of lost its way with me. The story then felt slow and meandering and it was hard to know where it was leading to.

I liked that the ending was conclusive, but it also felt a bit rushed to me.

I enjoyed this book and the setting and the richness of the world that was built within it, but it also fell a bit short of my expectations.

Where the Dead Brides Gather is a perfect book for those who enjoy horror elements without the intense scary moments. This book truly explores the complexities of the horror genre in relation to the concept of marriage.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters of the novel, finding their complexities allowed for well rounded and fleshed out characters and the plot unique and intriguing, at times I found it felt longer than possibly necessary. However, this did not deter my enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this African folklore based horror novel was highly enjoyable and unique addition to the horror genre.

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Bata is a bright and ambitious child, longing for both a proper education and her family's love and approval. However, she soon learns she’s destined to be a Bride Sentinel, a role that requires her to protect engaged women from vengeful ghost brides. The story provides interesting insights into cultural traditions and community dynamics within Nigerian village life. The early chapters emphasise Bata’s awakening to her mystical powers and her experiences in a spirit world, while the latter half shifts to family drama upon her return to the physical world. I appreciated the author’s effort to create a horror novel inspired by African folklore, complete with a conclusive ending. While I didn’t find it particularly scary, and to caveat it is YA, readers who enjoy crossover fantasy will certainly enjoy.

I’m honestly not sure how to put into words how this book made me feel, so I’ll just be honest.

It made me cry.

Nuzo Onoh has managed to describe both the experience of being a child on the verge of womanhood, and also as a traveller between worlds. The deep honesty of Bata’s story is touching on a human level (even if I, as a mid-40s white British woman, cannot relate specifically to her experiences!), because death is the one guarantee in life that we all must face. Western culture has largely forgotten this, so when it comes, we find it difficult to process. This tiny Nigerian girl shows not only how we can face that final mystery, but also how it affects us as part of female life experience.

For yes, this is women’s story. Be it little girl, bride-to-be, bride-who-never-was or wife and mother (including those brides who are male), these are shown to be experiences that transcend borders, be they geographical or spiritual. From the crazy, often nonsensical familial and social politics of the ‘real world’, to then seeing truths and trying to understand after experiencing the sisterhood (and its warped alternative) in the Otherworld, Bata’s story struck a chord with me as I remembered walking similar paths myself as a youngster, and then as a wife, divorced and then married again.

This is a beautiful morality tale and true heroine’s journey as Bata battles to find her power. I learnt enough of Nigerian legend to inspire me to seek out more, and I love that a quick-witted girl can take on the power of a great goddess… and then return to her (rather hapless but very realistic!) family.

‘Where the Dead Brides Gather’ is an experience, marvellously told and which I shall absolutely be returning to again. I’m beyond grateful to the author for sharing such an adventure, reminding us to see the common ground between womanfolk and those who’ve gone before.

In <i>Where the Dead Brides Gather,</i> Nuzo Onoh presents a dark fantasy through the eyes and thoughts of a young girl, caught between a world of miraculous powers where Powerful deities work to protect Earth brides, and a patriarchal family ruled with an iron hand by her father. Fighting for the approval of her mother, step-mother, and father, stricken by violent dreams, Bata is plunged into a world where she must fight for the lives and marriages of the women of her village, while alternately being praised, and avoided by friends and family, while fighting against powers no one but she can see.

Very entertaining, and highly recommended.

There is a big battle near the beginning and I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. I didn't expect to have such a uniquely populated fantasy world to experience. This book was a new experience. I didn't know what I was getting into, but I enjoyed the experience. If you like a unique fantasy world and people battling for what is right, you will like this one.

Where the Dead Brides Gather is a beautifully written horror with deep Nigerian roots. I have to say I was intrigued by the blurb but more so by the mention of Suzuki, one of my favourite authors, and I was not disappointed. The story is complex and rich, as readers we are instantly brought into tale and never let go. I don’t like spoilers but I did enjoy how ‘possession’ was not used as it normally is but rather allowed Bata to help the malevolent ghost-brides. It was an unique accept that I adored.

The other thing is that while at times this is a terrifying read there are moments that a heartwarming, there are elements of family drama and how that is deal with and most importantly interesting explorations of death and the afterlife. Bata is a wonderful protagonist to follow. I adored how she came into her power.

While this was my first novel by Onoh I will most certainly be reading their other work.

As always thank you to the Titan Books and Netgalley for my copy. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.

I don't usually gravitate towards YA books but I was intrigued by the premise of this fantasy/horror centered on an eleven year old girl named Bata in Nigeria. Bata is a young, intelligent child who desires an education as well as her family's acceptance and affection more than anything. However, she soon discovers that she is a Bride Sentinel and must fulfill her duties to save betrothed women from vengeful ghost brides.

While I understand Bata is relatively young, she is primarily portrayed as a fearful girl who makes silly mistakes and self deprecating monologues that are rather repetitive and trite. There were times I sympathized with Bata, especially with all the scrutiny she faced once she took on her new role. However, I found Bata's character one dimensional for a majority of the story and would have loved to witness more of her growth.

The story itself was informative regarding some of the cultural aspects and community practices in Nigerian villages but it did not always flow seamlessly. The beginning portion focused more on Bata’s discovery of her supernatural powers and time in a spirit realm while the latter half showcased the melodrama surrounding her family following her return to world of the living. Given this, the sequence of events felt random and disjointed at times. The story ultimately dragged during the latter half before somewhat connecting back to the Bride Sentinel piece. 

Overall, I appreciated the author’s attempt at crafting an African folklore based horror novel with a neatly wrapped up ending. While a true scare factor was missing for me, perhaps others who enjoy middle grade stories with supernatural elements may find this more enjoyable.

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This story was a whirlwind. It was a little hard for me to keep up with the characters, because there were several of them within the family, not even taking into consideration the characters outside the family. I liked Bata, but did not love her character. I was intrigued by the idea of the Bride-Sentinel though, and the setting was rich and broody. All in all, enjoyable read for horror lovers, especially those looking for non-white authors and stories!

Where the Dead Brides Gather is a fascinating tale about ghosts, possession and the afterlife. I love stories that delve into different folklore and beliefs about the great beyond and this was such a brilliant exploration of these themes.

This Nigeria-set tale focuses on Bata and starts with her battling a ghost. But it is really when she dies (this isn’t a spoiler I swear, it is in the blurb) that things really start to happen. She is taken to the realm of dead brides which is such a specific and fascinating section of the afterlife. I have only read about ghost brides in one other book (‘The Ghost Bride’ by Yangsze Choo) and was completely taken by the idea. These young women are both tragic figures and aggressors. They can be sympathised with but also feared which is a great combination for a horror story.

Whilst I’m not sure I understood all of the references in this book and was, at times, confused by the world building, I was more than happy to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the setting. There are ghosts and ghouls but also some insightful looks at human nature. With Halloween coming up, it is the perfect time to read this unique book about possession and spirits.

Nuzo Onoh, the acclaimed “Queen of African Horror,” delivers a powerful and chilling supernatural tale in Where the Dead Brides Gather, blending West African folklore, family drama, and ghostly vengeance into a compelling narrative. Set in Nigeria, the novel masterfully intertwines horror with cultural richness, exploring the intersection of the spirit world and human emotions, all while presenting a heroine caught between both realms.

The story follows Bata, a young girl plagued by ominous nightmares who suddenly finds herself thrust into a battle between the living and the dead. Her cousin’s wedding day is overshadowed by the terrifying presence of a vengeful ghost-bride, a former fiancée of the groom, who seeks murderous revenge. Onoh crafts this opening with expert tension and atmosphere, drawing readers into the heart of a family haunted by more than just secrets—by spirits with unfinished business and deadly intent.

Onoh’s use of possession as a tool for empowerment, rather than a purely terrifying ordeal, is an intriguing twist on the trope. Bata, through a supernatural possession, finds herself uniquely equipped to confront the vengeful ghost-bride. Her journey to the eerie Ibaja-La, the realm of dead brides, takes the novel into more surreal, nightmarish territory, where Onoh’s talent for atmospheric horror truly shines. This otherworldly realm is as vivid as it is terrifying, populated by restless spirits with tragic, unresolved stories.

Bata’s visit to Ibaja-La is more than just a test of her survival; it’s a transformative experience. There, she is granted secret powers and knowledge to combat the malevolent ghost-brides that haunt the living. Onoh balances the supernatural with themes of coming-of-age and self-discovery, as Bata must learn to wield her newfound abilities while grappling with the dangers that await her in both the spirit and human worlds.

What makes Where the Dead Brides Gather stand out is its rich thematic depth. Onoh doesn’t just give us a ghost story; she explores the weight of familial obligations, long-buried secrets, and the generational trauma that ties the living to the dead. Bata’s journey mirrors the tension between tradition and modernity, between individual freedom and familial duty, all while maintaining an emotional core that is as touching as it is terrifying.

The novel’s horror is both visceral and psychological. Onoh’s depiction of the ghost-brides, especially the vengeful spirit hunting Bata’s cousin, evokes genuine fear, but it is the emotional stakes—the love, loss, betrayal, and guilt—that elevate the horror. The dead in this novel are not faceless monsters; they are tragic figures whose unresolved lives spill into the present, making their presence all the more harrowing.

Onoh’s writing is evocative, seamlessly blending the supernatural with the everyday life of her Nigerian setting. The cultural context adds a layer of richness to the narrative, as Onoh delves into West African beliefs surrounding death, spirits, and exorcism. Readers unfamiliar with these traditions will find themselves immersed in a world where the boundary between the living and the dead is porous, and where spiritual battles are as real as any physical conflict.

Where the Dead Brides Gather is a story of survival and resilience, not only in the face of supernatural threats but also in the face of personal loss and familial obligations. Onoh weaves these elements into a deeply human tale, where the bonds between family members are tested by forces beyond their control, and where a young girl must navigate the horrors of both her inner and outer worlds.

For fans of supernatural horror, especially those who appreciate folklore-infused storytelling, this novel is a must-read. Onoh’s unique voice and her ability to blend terrifying ghost stories with profound emotional and cultural resonance make Where the Dead Brides Gather a standout in the genre. Readers will find themselves both touched and haunted by Bata’s journey, and by the lingering presence of the dead brides she must face.

In conclusion, Where the Dead Brides Gather is an evocative and terrifying journey into the realms of the living and the dead, filled with richly drawn characters, emotional depth, and a uniquely African perspective on horror. Nuzo Onoh has once again proven why she is regarded as a master of the genre.

This Nigerian-set fantasy-horror started full-throttle and (almost) did not stop. Eleven-year-old Bata is horrified to discover that, after a possession earlier in her childhood, she has become the Bride-Sentinel: her job is to stop evil ghost-brides attacking women on the eve of their weddings. But when her powers overwhelm her, the local medicine man sends her spirit on a sojourn to the realm of dead brides, Ibaja-La, where Mmuọ-Ka-Mmuọ, who collects the ghosts of ghosts, will help her to fight the ghost-brides.

I hoped Nuzo Onoh's Where The Dead Brides Gather might be a little like Zen Cho's brilliant 'The Terra-Cotta Bride', and it does have that same edge of absurd humour, in places, as it deliberately embraces melodrama. I especially enjoyed a manifestation of fiery, flying geladas [a type of baboon] to which the villagers react in chorus: 'People gathered outside, staring with horror at the band of gurgling, glowing baboons whirling over our house in their diabolical flight... "How in God's heaven can baboons fly? This is evil sorcery beyond human powers. Oh, Jesus!'. The voice, however, often did not land for me; Bata is written as very young for her age, and her internal monologue can be grating. The baboon scene would have been even funnier if Bata was able to regard the villagers with a level head, but she's always in the same register ('Oh, my cursed luck! I know this foul smell!')

The weakest section of the novel ended up being the one I was most looking forward to: Ibaja-La. Unlike Cho's brilliant tongue-in-cheek portrait of the Chinese afterlife, Ibaja-La just seemed silly to me, full of frothy fake weddings and dumb brides, and it's where the book veers into feeling most like children's fiction (though it's definitely not). I didn't feel truly engaged by Where The Dead Brides Gather until Bata returns from Ibaja-La and is drawn into the centre of a family conflict when she realises, to her dismay, that she can now read minds. But this new power - which ends up being the key driver of the book - feels only very tenuously linked to the ghost-bride material. Having said all this, though, I'd rather read an exuberant mess than yet another bland soulless cookie-cutter novel, and this definitely delivers. 3.5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc of this upcoming release!

My favorite kind of horror is nestled in the cozy corner of own voices and different cultures. It is something we are seeing more and more but it still is not where it could be nor should be for the times. 'Where The Dead Bride Gather' is a beautifully written tale that blends culturally rich elements and gothic atmosphere. It blends fantasy and horror and does so with finesse.
This was wonderful, however, it just missed the mark.

This is a highly original story. I really enjoyed the narrative of the child, in this book! It has just about the right elements to keep you interested and on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what the author thinks of next.

I enjoyed reading Where the Dead Brides Gather, but it wasn't what I was expecting. Nor was it what I wanted--I had expected a more gothic horror story, but this felt more like a middle grade horror than anything else. I like Onoh's writing, I'm just not sure that I see this as adult level horror.

I got through about 20-25% of this book and decided to DNF it. But not because anything about the book was bad! On the contrary, the book was very well-written and I enjoyed the way the author established the characters.

I chose to DNF it because I had a hard time keeping track of what was happening within the story. This is a completely personal issue, but I'm finding that I struggle with keeping up with a ghost story. Some I can follow and some go over my head, and this book was the latter.

If you enjoy ghost stories and are more adept than I am at keeping track of everything, I would recommend this book. As I said, the writing was top-notch.

I've provided a rating as required by NetGalley based on the author's writing rather than the book as a whole since I didn't finish it.

3.5 stars rounded up.

I really loved the concept and the atmosphere of this book. I found the story itself to drag quite a bit in the middle. I felt more explanation could have been done for the brides, their realm, and Bata's powers. I wanted a little more world building and lore.

Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and one of the more unique books I've encountered this year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Where the Dead Brides Gather is a mesmerising and eerie novel set in Nigeria, blending supernatural horror with rich cultural traditions. The story follows Bata, an eleven-year-old girl tormented by nightmares. One night, she wakes to find herself transformed—her hair, skin, and eyes a dazzling white—standing outside her cousin Keziah’s door. Keziah is set to marry the next day, but first, she must survive an attack from a vengeful ghost bride, a spirit who was once engaged to her groom. Possessed by a mysterious force, Bata fights and defeats the ghost-bride but collapses, and tragically dies during an exorcism attempt by the village witch doctor.

Bata’s journey continues in the spirit realm of Ibaja-La, where she encounters the ghosts of brides from different cultures who died tragically before their weddings. In this realm, she is given secret powers by Mmuọ-Ka-Mmuọ, the ghost-collector, to battle evil ghost-brides. When she returns to the human world, Bata must learn to harness these powers to protect her loved ones.

Where the Dead Brides Gather beautifully intertwines themes of Catholicism, African folk traditions, and supernatural horrors, particularly focusing on the experiences of women. The book offers vivid depictions of village life, mixing modernity and tradition, and explores the unseen forces that shape the world. Known as the "Queen of African Horror," the author delivers a haunting, immersive tale that lingers long after the final page. Fans of supernatural horror and folklore will find this book a must-read.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

This was a really different reading experience for me. I really enjoyed how the storytelling and flow wasn't necessarily what I expected, though I went into the story without any knowledge or expectations, not having read Nigerian-set fiction nor the work of Nuzo Onoh before. I very much enjoyed it though!

There were plenty of interesting supernatural elements that were new to me, and I loved how they were so woven into the cultural and personal focuses of the story. Being able to see a bit of Nigerian culture was fascinating as well as difficult, with issues raised around child brides, male violence, and misogyny.

The plot moved well most of the time, occasionally struggling with pacing. It didn't go in the directions I thought it would at times, and this was a pleasant surprise. The characters were mostly well-developed and distinct, especially seeing Bata's growth throughout while still remaining accurate to her age (so many young FMCs end up talking and thinking like adults very quickly in stories like this, which feels unrealistic, but not here).

There are elements however that I'm not certain on. There are instances of insensitive language, and some observations of what could be transgender characters within the story that could be offensive. I feel like through a cultural lens the words and actions of the characters are probably accurate considering the Nigerian setting, and the characters also speak positively/in defense of the mentioned background characters in a way, so this could be seen in a positive light too. The treatment of women within the story can also be seen as a statement against this misogyny, and how it realistically takes place within the culture, rather than condoning the treatment.

I also wouldn't say it was as horror-based as I expected, with more of the book based on the social/family aspects of Bata's experience. There were certainly some graphics elements, with warnings for animal death, but the rest was more centred around the spooky supernatural elements.

I think I'd happily read more from this author and would love to read more fiction with Nigerian settings or myths. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for access to this ARC - all opinions are my own, honest and freely given.