The growing renaissance in African speculative fiction is gaining another significant contribution with the release of The Bako of Zereshé, the second novel by Irish-based, Nigerian-born author Dexter Loko.

Scheduled for release on 19 July through GrandTouch Press, the standalone fantasy novel spans approximately 170,000 words and marks Loko’s most ambitious literary work to date. Combining expansive world-building with strong cultural influences, the novel further establishes the writer as an emerging voice contributing to the evolution of African fantasy literature.

Speaking in an interview at his family’s residence in Abuja, Loko described the project as the culmination of years of disciplined writing and creative development.

“Writing a fantasy novel of this scale demanded hundreds of hours of concentration,” he said. “The goal was always to create a world that felt completely immersive, where readers could lose themselves in the lore, the characters and the magic system. I hope readers will find that world as captivating as I imagined it.”

A lifelong passion for storytelling

Loko traces his love for storytelling to childhood, crediting both of his parents for nurturing his passion for books.

“My father filled our home with books,” he recalled. “I was free to play with friends, ride bicycles and enjoy games, but books always held a special place. He never had to force me to read because I genuinely loved discovering new worlds through stories.”

He also paid tribute to his mother, who regularly read his favourite stories aloud.

“I would ask her to read the same stories repeatedly, and she always did with incredible patience,” he said. “Both my parents loved reading, and when I eventually told them I wanted to become a writer, they were fully supportive.”

Loko made his literary debut in November 2023 with The Day the Sun Vanished, a collection of 15 short stories spanning fantasy, science fiction, romance and dystopian fiction.

“I originally wrote those stories for myself during the pandemic,” he explained. “They were never intended for publication, but I’m grateful I eventually decided to share them.”

Themes of friendship, hope, love, power, survival and personal resilience continue to feature prominently throughout his writing.

Building an African fantasy world

At the heart of The Bako of Zereshé is Jeremy Fletcher, a young British journalist who travels to Nigeria hoping to revive his struggling career, only to discover Zereshé. In this secret thirty-seventh state, magic forms an integral part of everyday life.

Loko said readers can expect an expansive fantasy adventure that combines political intrigue, supernatural elements, mystery and richly developed characters.

“My early readers consistently mentioned the pacing,” he said. “Although it’s a substantial novel, they found it surprisingly easy to read because the story keeps moving. The world-building is extensive, but everything serves the narrative.”

 

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The novel also explores themes that Loko believes will resonate strongly with Nigerian readers while remaining accessible to international audiences.

“I wanted to write a story that readers would want to savour rather than rush through,” he said.

Published as a premium 550-page paperback, the novel features specially commissioned cover artwork and is designed to appeal to fantasy enthusiasts seeking richly imagined fictional worlds.

Looking beyond a second novel

Following the completion of his second book, Loko has already set his sights on an even larger literary ambition.

“I’ve always wanted to write a trilogy,” he said with a smile. “Whenever I see authors who have completed an entire series, I’m incredibly impressed. Having published a short story collection and now a standalone fantasy novel, creating a trilogy feels like the natural next step.”

He acknowledged the influence of contemporary African speculative fiction writers, particularly Nigerian authors who have helped establish fantasy and science fiction as important genres within African literature.

“They proved these genres don’t belong exclusively to the West,” Loko said. “Growing up in Nigeria gave me an endless source of culture, imagination and inspiration, while living abroad has broadened my perspective even further.”

Now based in Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature, Loko said he hopes African fantasy will continue to gain international recognition while remaining firmly rooted in authentic African experiences and storytelling traditions.

The Bako of Zereshé will be available from 19 July in selected bookstores across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Kaduna and Warri. Paperback, hardback and digital editions will also be available to readers worldwide through the author’s official website.