Reviews

This is a brilliant and phenomenal read. It’s a YA fantasy that draws deeply from west African mythology and it features Yoruba gods, language and culture. It is a layered story of oppression, marginalization and the journey to freedom. The world building and the magic system is really great and easy to understand. The world is loosely parallel to Nigeria in the sense that majority of the states were incorporated into this world.

I quite like the characters(except one person). I truly loved reading the different POVs. Each one added something to the story.

Zélie is a young girl who has gone through so much trauma and she really just wants to protect herself and her family but ends up having a greater responsibility of protecting and liberating her people. She doesn’t have everything figured out. She struggles and pushes her limits and learns. I love her so much. She’s my favorite.

Tzain, her brother is also one of my favorites. He’s loving and caring and protective.

Amari, the princess is a character whose development I also really enjoyed. She went from a cowering, people pleaser to a more brave, bolder, self assured person. She’s still growing and I’m looking forward to seeing her grow even more.

Inan is one of the most complex characters in this book. I have a love-hate relationship with him. He has a lot of inner struggles. His POVs were actually quite interesting to read. He’s been conditioned to believe so many things and unlearning is hard for him. He also craves his father’s approval so he wrestles a lot between right and wrong.
He hardly stands on business, changes his mind too easily, he’s fickle and not as brave as his sister. And by the end of this book, I hated his guts.
Overrall, most of these characters struggle with a lot of things. Their beliefs are challenged and you pretty much understand each person’s perspective.

I’m really excited to read the sequel and seeing the characters continue their journey.

Notes:
-Re: Worldbuilding: I do wish there was more language/tribe diversity. But I’ll allow it and excuse because it is fantasy.

-The romance was slightly rushed but I consider it necessary so it’s okay.

bhnmt61's review against another edition

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3.0

Given that Adeyemi must have been writing this novel when she was 23 or so, it is an amazing achievement. But there are definitely problems with pacing, character development, and over-the-top drama. I hope the next one will be better, but I think I will wait to read some reviews before I decide whether to read it.

kaymacb's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

bethan_clark's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No

2.0

Dragged out.
Twists for the sake of twists
Thematic analogies were heavy-handed and feel limited/biased to a US perspective of these themes - relatedly, shallow use of setting

emrm's review against another edition

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5.0

The emotional roller coaster this boom made me experience. Loved every single pg turning!

fleurlf907's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

poplartears's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

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