She was a warrior, a diplomat, a queen who refused to kneel.

In the turbulent 17th century, as Portuguese ambition casts a long shadow over West Africa, Princess Njinga of Ndongo steps onto the treacherous stage of colonial power politics. Sent by her brother to negotiate with Governor João Correia de Sousa, she faces calculated insults designed to establish European dominance. But Njinga possesses a mind as sharp as any blade. In a legendary act of defiance, she transforms a moment of intended humiliation into a stunning display of sovereignty, refusing the floor mat offered and commanding her attendant to become her living throne.

This is only the beginning of her epic journey. Facing Portuguese military might, internal rivalries, and profound personal loss, Njinga rises above expectations. Forced into exile, she rallies her people, adapts indigenous warfare with captured European techniques, and forges alliances, even with the Dutch, enemies of her Portuguese foes. In a bold move that challenges centuries of tradition, she assumes the role and attire of a king to command armies and unite kingdoms.

From the riverine battlegrounds of the Kwanza to the complex diplomacy with European powers, Throne of Lions brings to life the brilliant, adaptable, and utterly unforgettable Queen Njinga—a woman who dared to challenge empires, redefine leadership, and forge a legacy of resistance that echoes across centuries. Her story is a gripping saga of resilience, strategy, and the enduring power found not in rigid strength, but in the wisdom to adapt and endure