I am a devotee of Marlon James, and a completist with regards to his work, so keep that in mind.
Moon Witch, Spider King (2022) is a … I’m not even sure how to classify it. Let’s go with a retelling of the events of Black Leopard, Red Wolf from the perspective of a different character.
I liked Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Liked it a lot. I loved Moon Witch, Spider King. I think the main character’s narrative arc is more compelling, and that James’ comfort with the mythically rich, Africa-inspired, magically imbued world he has built is deeper. It also may be that, having read the first volume, the major events are far less confusing, and the stories here serve to enrich the experience of the first narrative in hindsight.
But I also think this novel stands on its own.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf had some magnificent set pieces and some truly horrifying moments; Moon Witch, Spider King is more of a connected narrative, powerful for the arc of the protagonist’s journey from unnamed orphan to something akin to a goddess.
Strongly recommended.