You know how some stories just start and you already feel like you are in a different world? That is exactly how this book feels. It takes you straight into the heart of Hausa land, but not just the parts we see every day. It talks about a place that is huge and full of different people and tribes. The author, Umar Faruq D, really took his time to build a world that feels so real. You can almost smell the dust and hear the sound of horses when you read it. It starts by showing us the different kingdoms that make up this world. First, there is Wasai. This place is like the center of everything. It is a big Islamic kingdom, very wealthy, and full of traders. If you want to see how a proper royal setting looks, Wasai is the place. It has power and history, and everyone respects it. If you are looking for more stories about big kingdoms and power, you should definitely check out Taskar Novels because they have so many options.
But the story does not stay in Wasai for long. It moves to another place called Kagul. Now, this place is very different. It is in the west, and it is full of Fulani people who love their cattle more than anything. But there is a twist. Even though they are in Hausa land, they don't really know much about religion. They don't care about the usual things people care about. Instead, they focus on their animals and their "tsafi" which is their local magic. One part of the book says — "Even a small child in that kingdom has their own magic, they taught them and gave it to them since they were little." (translated from Hausa). This tells you everything you need to know about them. They are tough, they are scary, and they don't play when it comes to their heritage. They have this dark heart that doesn't bend for anyone. If they say they won't do something, nobody on earth can make them do it. This kind of stubbornness reminds me of some characters in MAFARI HARGITSIN RAYUWA, where life just pushes you to the wall.
The book also takes us to a place called Karfuz in Malin. This is where things get even darker. They call it the Black Kingdom, or Bakar Masarauta. In this place, they don't know anything about God or religion. They worship fire, water, and the sun. They don't value human life at all. To them, killing a person is just like killing a sheep. It is a place of pure wickedness and power. The way the author describes it makes your skin crawl. You can feel the lack of mercy in the air. It is not like the soft drama you find in DR SAHEEB where things are a bit more organized. This kingdom is wild and dangerous. It is the kind of place where you have to be strong to survive even one day. For those who love to download Hausa novels that have this kind of intense energy, this is the perfect one for you.
Then we meet the person everyone is talking about. Her name is Princess Tasmir. Oh my God, the way she enters a room is something else. She is the only daughter of King Barbaru, the leader of the Black Kingdom. She is beautiful, but not in a soft way. She has this "wankan tarwatsa" skin—that beautiful dark Hausa complexion. She is tall and has these big, white eyes that can pierce through your soul. Her nose is straight and perfect, and she has long hair that looks like she spent hours on it. But don't let the beauty fool you. She is full of pride and power. When she walks, the whole place goes quiet. The book describes her walk so well. It says — "She is the kind of princess that just the sound of her footsteps makes the hearts of slaves shake." (translated from Hausa). Imagine being so powerful that people are scared just because they hear you coming.
Tasmir doesn't talk much. In fact, she can go a whole day without saying a single word to anyone. Talking seems like too much work for her. She just uses her eyes and her presence to control everything. When she walks out, she wears this long black dress that sweeps the floor behind her. She has two young girls who follow her just to hold the edges of the dress so it doesn't get too dirty. And she is surrounded by these huge, scary men who are her guards. They don't wear shirts, just black cloths around their waists, and their bodies are covered in the tattoos of the kingdom. Their eyes are red, and they look like they have never felt pity in their lives. They carry whips and swords, ready to strike anyone who even looks at the princess the wrong way. It is a very heavy scene, and it makes you wonder what kind of life she lives inside that palace. It is a bit like the mystery you see in ABBANA, but with more swords and danger.
The atmosphere in the Black Kingdom is always tense. When Tasmir is around, nobody dares to make a sound. It is as if the whole world stops breathing. You can see that she is angry about something because her face is always set in a frown. She has the mark of the kingdom on her forehead, and it makes her look even more royal and terrifying. There is no smile on her face, and nobody expects one. This is a girl who was raised in a place where blood is like water. You start to feel for her, even though she is scary. You want to know what made her this way. Is she really heartless, or is she just a product of her environment? The drama is so deep, just like what you get when you read AZAL. You can't help but keep reading to see what happens next.
I really like how the story switches between these different worlds. You see the peaceful, organized side of Wasai, the magical and stubborn side of Kagul, and the dark, merciless side of Karfuz. It makes the world feel so big. It’s not just a small story about two people; it’s a story about nations and how they clash. If you enjoy reading Hausa novels online, you will notice that this one stands out because of the world-building. Most stories stay in one city, but Umar Faruq D takes us on a journey. The way the characters are introduced, especially the guards and the servants, makes you realize how much detail went into this book. Every person has a role, and every kingdom has its own vibe. It is definitely one of the best Hausa novels if you like action and royal drama mixed together.
As the story goes on, you begin to see how these different kingdoms might start to interact. You wonder if the peace in Wasai can survive against the darkness of the Black Kingdom. You wonder if Tasmir will ever find something that makes her speak or smile. The tension is just like the one in NEEHAL, where you are always waiting for the next big thing to happen. The way the author writes about the "tsafi" in Kagul and the idol worship in Karfuz is very vivid. You can almost see the rituals and the fire. It is a very visual book. One more quote that really stuck with me is when the author says — "This Black Kingdom is different from other stories, it is the kind of story you have never seen before." (translated from Hausa). And honestly, I agree. I have read many books, but this one has a different kind of soul.
The way Tasmir carries herself is the highlight for me. Even though she is in a place full of men with swords and red eyes, she is the one in charge. She doesn't need to scream or shout. Her silence is enough to keep everyone in line. It shows a different kind of strength for a female character. Usually, in some books, the girls are always crying or waiting for help, but Tasmir is the one people are afraid of. It reminds me of the strong themes in IDAN KAYA YA GAJI. If you love a story where the woman is powerful and respected, even if she is a bit scary, then you will love this. The guards follow her like she is a god, and the way they are painted with black paint from head to toe just adds to the whole mystery of the Masarauta.
I don't want to give away too much because you really need to experience the flow of the words yourself. The way the story builds up from the first page is just amazing. You start with a wide view of Hausa land and then slowly zoom into this dark, mysterious palace. It is a journey of discovery. You learn about the culture of these different people, their beliefs, and their fears. It is more than just a drama; it is like an epic tale. Umar Faruq D really did a great job here. If you are bored and looking for something that will take your mind away from the real world, this is it. You will find yourself thinking about the Black Kingdom even when you are not reading. It has that kind of effect on people.
If you want to read this amazing story and many others like it, you should go to Taskar Novels. They have the full version and so many other interesting books that will keep you busy for days. Whether you like romance, action, or this kind of royal drama, they have everything. You can find best Hausa novels there without any stress. Just head over to Taskar Novels and start your journey into the world of Bakar Masarauta. You won't regret it at all, I promise.
