Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi repeatedly draws from mythology surrounding the Òrìṣà pantheon of deities from the Yorùbá religion, which is still practiced throughout southern Nigeria, other areas of West Africa, and the African diaspora. Ṣàngó, the bringer of thunder, is particularly highlighted: he is the namesake of capital city Ṣàngótè and a source of political legitimacy as the forefather of the Alàáfin (king). The novel depicts multiple Yorùbáland rituals starring Ṣàngó's storminess — after eating a chickpea during the first feast following her kidnapping by ruler Àrèmo, main character Òdòdó is only allowed to live because she is not subsequently met with Ṣàngó's lightning. This depiction of Ṣàngó is in line with how he represents wrath, fury, and masculinity, all of which are present in the patriarchal powers ...