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christineplum's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Physical abuse, and Racism
ginalucia's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.75
If you’re looking for an introduction to African mythology that’s beautifully-written and emotional, this is it.
First off, I have to say that I absolutely love the portrayal of the orisha in this book. They're depicted as divine and otherworldly, yet still maintain a sense of humanity - a perfect balance that keeps you on your toes and adds layers of depth to the story.
I adored the inclusion of additional African mythology throughout the narrative. It's beautifully written and incredibly immersive, adding richness and authenticity to the world the author has created.
The writing itself is intense, emotional, and undeniably beautiful. It draws you in from the very first page and doesn't let go until the very end.
And don't even get me started on the author's note - it's a gem worth reading. Not only does it provide valuable context and insight, but it also showcases the inspiration behind the story and solidifies the mythology within the book.
Can’t wait to read the next one.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Slavery, and Racism
shelbyslifer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery and Racism
Minor: Trafficking, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
jewels_pg's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amazing world-building, delightful characters, twists and excitement. I didn't want the story to end and seriously considered starting the book over as soon as I finished it so I could enter the world again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Trafficking
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Child death
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent
bbygirl21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This is a good book. It just wasn't my favorite. I'm mostly a romance reader, so even in a mythology packed fantasy book, I need at least some romance in it, and they're just wasn't in this book. The main character and the boy she saved are supposed to like each other, but I just didn't feel any romantic chemistry between them. Maybe that develops more in the second book, but I don't plan on reading that yet.
I did get quite emotional at some parts. Especially when it came to a particular death scene. I thought the writing was great, even if it wasn't for me. The ending was really good as well.
The ending is done well enough that you wouldn't necessarily need to read the second book. Yes it ends kind of open ended, with some questions left unanswered. But I don't necessarily consider it a cliffhanger. You could stop with this book and be fine in my opinion.
Overall this is a good book. I loved the mythology and the plotline. I wanted more romance, but if that's not your thing this is definitely for you. I'd probably still recommend this even if it wasn't entirely for me.
I did get quite emotional at some parts. Especially when it came to a particular death scene. I thought the writing was great, even if it wasn't for me. The ending was really good as well.
The ending is done well enough that you wouldn't necessarily need to read the second book. Yes it ends kind of open ended, with some questions left unanswered. But I don't necessarily consider it a cliffhanger. You could stop with this book and be fine in my opinion.
Overall this is a good book. I loved the mythology and the plotline. I wanted more romance, but if that's not your thing this is definitely for you. I'd probably still recommend this even if it wasn't entirely for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Body horror, Grief, Blood, Death, Genocide, Confinement, Murder, Colonisation, Child death, Racism, Slavery, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, and Trafficking
Minor: Pregnancy
squinnittowinit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Personally I would have enjoyed it more without the romance. I didn't really feel like there was much of a reason for it to be there outside of the little mermaid parallel. I also didn't love any of the characters. I thought they were fine, but I didn't feel like I knew them very well or that they had much depth overall. An okay book that's rather forgettable for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Child death, Kidnapping, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Death, and Blood
befrazzledenby's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Torture, Violence, Racism, Slavery, and Animal death
avisreadsandreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Racism, Slavery, Trafficking, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide
calamitywindpetal's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Slavery, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Death
Moderate: Racism
vercopaanir's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I felt like this book started off slow, although that could totally have been a lack of interest because it didn’t have the same vibes as the book I finished prior. But once it got going, it was really good. I loved the story, learning about West African mythology, and the characters. Simi is an amazing MC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation, Genocide, Kidnapping, Racism, Slavery, and Suicide attempt
The book takes place in the mid-1400s, so there is talk about White Europeans kidnapping and buying West Africans during the early slave trade. These are important catalysts for the events of the book and mentioned throughout, but the book is not about enslavement. The author gives a clear content note in the beginning for those concerned, as well.