“TheAukmondi: Curse of the Uninspired” by H.D. Higgins is a gripping historical fantasy novel set in the lush yet perilous landscapes of mid-eighteenth-century East Africa. Published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
It tells the story of a peaceful tribe whose harmonious way of life is torn apart by vengeance, betrayal, and an unthinkable supernatural curse. Weaving together rich cultural details, tribal politics, and elements of African spiritual traditions, the book immerses readers in a world where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms blur. At its heart, it is a tale of the human spirit’s struggle against forces beyond its understanding deeply emotional journey that examines what happens when morality, grief, and power collide.
H.D. Higgins Jr. was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. After studying psychology for two years at the University of Arkansas, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served for more than twenty years in military intelligence, and completed tours of duty in England, Turkey, Italy, and Japan. He retired from the Air Force in 1995 and has since lived in Baltimore where he works as a technical writer. This is his first novel, but he is hard at work in a second.
In the Aukmondi Valley, life flows in balance with nature—until Mfalme Abul-Gwan, a powerful tribal leader and shrewd trader in animal products, arrives with his mate Abul-Tess and the feared Vodun houngan, Onu-Vey. Abul-Gwan seeks permission to hunt in the region but faces opposition from the barbaric Wabanga tribe. Hoping for aid, he approaches the Aukmondi leader, Mfalme Ramuza Ncobba, requesting help in driving out the Wabanga. But the Aukmondi’s unwavering respect for all life leads Ramuza to refuse. Tragedy soon strikes when Abul-Tess dies in a sudden mishap, leaving Abul-Gwan bitter and seeking retribution. In his grief-fueled rage, he commands Onu-Vey to summon the Loa of Death—a terrifying spirit whose sole
purpose is to annihilate the Aukmondi people. The curse sweeps through the valley, killing countless men, women, and children, including Ramuza himself.
With the tribe in chaos, young Prince Adaulah ascends as the new leader. Despite his inexperience, he makes a brave attempt to stop the killings, but the Loa’s power proves overwhelming. The Aukmondi’s spiritual leader, Kon-Shambique, is paralyzed by his own grief, and even the Supreme Spirit seems absent. As the death toll rises, the people’s faith falters, leaving them to wonder if anything—or anyone—can end the Loa’s relentless slaughter. This is a story that grips readers from the first page to the last, blending elements of high-stakes adventure, supernatural horror, and profound human emotion.
The book explores themes of vengeance, morality, grief, and the spiritual resilience of a people under siege. The novel also delves into the conflict between honoring principles and ensuring survival, the destructive nature of unchecked anger, and the question of whether divine justice exists in a world marked by suffering. Supernatural elements—rooted in African Vodun traditions—serve not merely as fantasy but as allegory, deepening the narrative’s exploration of life, death, and the unseen forces that shape human destiny.
This is not just a story, it’s an experience. The novel’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the vibrant yet volatile world of 18th-century East Africa, where every decision carry weight and every action ripples through the community. The emotional depth of its characters, combined with the tension of a supernatural threat, creates a page-turner that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Readers will find themselves drawn into moral complexities, questioning what they themselves would do when faced with impossible choices.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, supernatural tales, or stories rich in cultural texture, The Aukmondi: Curse of the Uninspired offers a powerful and unforgettable journey.
“The Aukmondi: Curse of the Uninspired” by H.D. Higgins is now available for purchase through the links provided below:
- Citi of Books: https://citiofbooks.com/bookstore/action-adventure/the-aukmondi-curse-of-the-uninspired/
- AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/AUKMONDI-CURSE-UNINSPIRED-H-D-Higgins/32254192500/bd
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/8bKmxoi
- Barnes and Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-aukmondi-h-d-higgins/1124812329?ean=9798893917574