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amandadevoursbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Thank you Net galley and Tor for access to this free advanced reader copy. I loved this book, and it's already on pre-order!
It's Abeni's birthday, and it's harvest festival. A witch arrives and whisks Abeni away just as her village is overrun by storm women and a goat man who steal the adults and children's away. Abeni is determined to save her village. To do so, she must learn magic and fighting, build a group of amazing, talented friends, and learn to control her impulses.
This is a story about friendship, belonging, growing up, knowing your history and yourself, and doing things even when your scared. It's about how adults can be wrong and kids can be leaders. It's also steeped in Black Girl Magic from the first page to the last page.
I've read all of P. DJélí Clark's adult fiction. The West African inspired world building and plotting here are on point and up to his other worlds. I also read a bunch of middle grade. Each chapter would be delightful read aloud. As a middle grade novel, this is delightful.
Abeni's name means "we asked for her and she is here." This book feels like a love letter to Black daughters everywhere, and I think it will interest many young readers with its monsters, spirits, and adventures. I cannot wait for book 2.
*My only note and why this isn't a five out of five star is one of her aunties tears her implying men like something to hold onto, which was a little ick.
It's Abeni's birthday, and it's harvest festival. A witch arrives and whisks Abeni away just as her village is overrun by storm women and a goat man who steal the adults and children's away. Abeni is determined to save her village. To do so, she must learn magic and fighting, build a group of amazing, talented friends, and learn to control her impulses.
This is a story about friendship, belonging, growing up, knowing your history and yourself, and doing things even when your scared. It's about how adults can be wrong and kids can be leaders. It's also steeped in Black Girl Magic from the first page to the last page.
I've read all of P. DJélí Clark's adult fiction. The West African inspired world building and plotting here are on point and up to his other worlds. I also read a bunch of middle grade. Each chapter would be delightful read aloud. As a middle grade novel, this is delightful.
Abeni's name means "we asked for her and she is here." This book feels like a love letter to Black daughters everywhere, and I think it will interest many young readers with its monsters, spirits, and adventures. I cannot wait for book 2.
*My only note and why this isn't a five out of five star is one of her aunties tears her implying men like something to hold onto, which was a little ick.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Kidnapping, and War
Moderate: Colonisation, Child abuse, Slavery, Confinement, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming
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