Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
(Format used for this read: Print–hardback)
Finished the first book in this trilogy last night and can’t wait for the second book to be released in March (My oldest is excited to read it next…I’m passing it on to him when he’s done with the current series he is on)
This book is drawn from African folklore and is about magic, oppression, family, inner strength, friendship, love, ancestoral heritage, culture and fighting for justice and human decency.
So many things packed into the pages y’all.
Strong, fierce, complex powerful women characters too.
This young author calls her book “an allegory for the modern black experience”.
I won’t say anymore than that because I want you to read it and see for yourself the artistic statement she has created in this story.
Highly recommend.
PS I should probably tell you this book is technically a YA novel….which shouldn’t matter because it is really good for adults to read as well….but I know some of y’all get weird about things like that so if official “grown up” books are your thing then keep on moving 🤣
OH! And here is the OFFICIALLY summary:
“With five starred reviews, Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy debut, and instant #1 New York Times Bestseller, conjures a world of magic and danger, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir.
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.”