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turrean's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, and Physical abuse
Minor: Violence, Sexism, and Racial slurs
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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? No
4.0
I am speeding my way through this series, partly because of the ease of the reading/listening language (I do tend to read MG/YA faster), but also because it's a fantastic story, and told so well, and I just want to stay immersed in it!
After her adventures with Orlu, Sasha and Chichi in the first book, Sunny is settling into her learning and skill-building as a Leopard Person under the guidance of her mentor, Sugar Cream. But the terrifying Ekwensu, and the "end of the world" they're trying to bring, is not completely defeated yet. As Sunny's skill with juju and her ability to read Nsibidi grow, she (and the duality that is her spirit face, Anyanwu) must travel great distances to visit the city of Osisi, that exists both in our world and in the spirit world, to defeat Ekwensu for good. With the assistance of her friends, a giant flying grasscutter, and (to Sunny's surprise) her older brother, this dangerous task might actually be possible.
This is a great continuation of the story Okorafor began in Akata Witch. It jumps in right away (and continues consistently) with giving the reader more details about juju, Sunny's abilities, and the Nsibidi language, the vagueness of which was a (small) critique of mine from the first book, so I was really excited for that. As far as development from the last book to this one goes, I also loved the way Sunny's relationship with her brothers grows. First, having two brothers myself, I always love solid sibling relationship rep. But also, it was cool to see how, as Sunny's skill and confidence grew, they were able to help/support each other, as a two way street, and the respect that grew from that was wonderful to watch in action. This novel introduces relationships that move from just friends to...more than friends...and some of the drama that comes with that. Not always a favorite "added drama" reading trope, but a realistic one (for all ages, but especially with puberty), and Okorafor managed to include it smoothly and realistically but not in an overpowering way. Speaking of puberty, it was, generally, really cool to see an inclusion of puberty-related aspects (like body changes, independence from parents, etc.) which are universal, but making them unique to complement this magical coming of age as well. Very nicely done. Overall, the added depth in the world-building and character development in this novel was great.
In regards to the plot, it was solid. Nothing standout, as far as originality in development or anything, but entertaining and interesting. I enjoyed the way the "real" world was brought in a bit more here, with the way Sunny got involved in her brother's life (and the following consequences). And I totally loved that the final defeat of Ekwensu was accomplished in large part because of Sunny’s newness to the Leopard world and the insight and different perspective she gained from her previous, “regular,” life. The continued focus on things that seem on the surface to be weakness turning into the skill/knowledge/strength that help our characters succeed is wonderful. Also, I'm honestly extra interested in where the final book takes the story, since this finale makes it seem that the “big bad” has been defeated already. It's clear that some other potential quests are hovering, a bit ominously if I'm being honest, so the general direction is clear. But they're a very different storyline, and that's an unusual and unique way to handle a trilogy. I respect it.
Since Okorafor is a champion of delivering important messages and lessons in her writing, I want to highlight a few of my favorites here. I loved the way that magic (things beyond the normally swallowed/allowed “truth”) allows for a gender equality that is so opposite of many traditional societies (definitely within the families and social groups of the Nigerians represented here). It is both beautiful (this kind of magic can always see what’s most important, and that’s usually what’s below the surface) and, one would wish, more universal. The moment when the "wise one" helps redirect the young Leopard People with “you were looking for the worst (and missed the actual message) through misinterpretation” was SUCH a key message. Humans - looking at myself here - almost always tend towards pessimism. Love this reframe! When the power of stories (truth and vulnerability), is used like it is here, as a strength that holds deep and powerful currency and magic, is highlighted in magic systems/world-building (especially when it's traded to ageless deities, because stories are the only thing they haven't seen all of or gotten bored with yet), it's a trope I cannot get enough of. It was heart-wrenching and beautiful here. Oh! Random, but, I enjoyed the little details like Sunny's [sneezing] allergy to juju powder. And I am glad that soccer took a bit of a backseat in this book...it's a personality-rounding-out type detail, and those are important, but I still just feel like its inclusion is jarring, compared to everything else.
I've already started listening to the third book - I'm just having so much fun with this series.
“Superstitions are like stereotypes in a lot of ways. Not only are they based on fear and ignorance, they are also blended with fact.”
“To learn is to live.”
“It forced her to not only look at the way she given information but also the background of the author […] Now she understood not only the rules the book taught but how to read those rules.” (what a lovely critical thinking lesson/message for readers)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Bullying
Moderate: Ableism, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexism
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
greymalkin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I enjoyed the first book in this series, the world is rich and interesting, and the non-Eurocentric mythology is wonderful. But I did not enjoy this book. I was very uncomfortable with all the sexual behavior of the main characters. Sunny is 12 years old and is kissing boys in a romantic way and it's assumed that she must be romantically and sexually interested in the her best male friend. The book coyly talks about how no one knows how old Chichi is, but she acts the same as the her friends, so I would guess she's between 12 and 15. Which makes her relationship with Sunny's college-age brother uncomfortable (I assume he's 18-19). Especially with Chichi also getting naked with Sasha who is 15 (I think?). I know that kids play at relationships and such at any age, but this felt more like all the drama of teenagers, not tweens. I don't know why the characters had to be so young. Why couldn't Sunny and Orlu be 18? That would still be young, but then it's not quite so weird that they are running around kissing and then I'm supposed to assume that they all sleep chastely on their many unsupervised trips?
I also didn't care for Sunny in this book. I felt she had a very justified resistance and paranoia in the first book but in this one she actively and for no known reason, would decide not to share very important information with her friends. She also didn't seem to ever care that she upset those she loved for very long. She'd pay lip service to feeling badly for worrying them, but then it seemed to be like "oh well it's fine." She agonized in the first book over not being able to tell her parents about the Leopard Peopel stuff and in this book it was like "well they have sopped harassing me about it so it's all fine now and they're fine with it. Except that she'd note that her parents would stay up all night until she came home or would try their best to find out if she's okay. I really didn't like that change in her.
The other characters were annoying too. Well, Orlu wasn't annoying but he was barely in the book, I think he had like a dozen real lines but essentially was just Dr. Doolittle when they needed him to be. Chichi got boy-crazy and I wish that she wasn't so careless with their feelings or time. Sasha was reduced to jealous hangdog follower and that's a disservice to his much more defiant personality in book 1.
The plot was also tiresome. Everything would be set up to be so difficult or scary or hard, and it was, and then they'd be miraculously saved by either some previously-unmentioned power, or by some other being.
I did like the subplot with Sunny's older brother. Not because the con-fraternity torture was enjoyable (it was awful) but because there was actual emotional growth for the characters. Briefly. Which immediately went away, due to being tortured by the Leopard Council because for some reason Sunny decided not to tell the truth of what happened. Despite her knowing, after book one, that such things make a difference in their judgements.
For a world that is based on being rewarded for learning, the characters did remarkably little learning from their mistakes or adventures. Very frustrating.
The only thing I liked in the whole book is Della the wasp artist. Della seemed like the only reasonable and truly supportive creature in the whole book.
I don't think I'll read anything more in this series.
I also didn't care for Sunny in this book. I felt she had a very justified resistance and paranoia in the first book but in this one she actively and for no known reason, would decide not to share very important information with her friends. She also didn't seem to ever care that she upset those she loved for very long. She'd pay lip service to feeling badly for worrying them, but then it seemed to be like "oh well it's fine." She agonized in the first book over not being able to tell her parents about the Leopard Peopel stuff and in this book it was like "well they have sopped harassing me about it so it's all fine now and they're fine with it. Except that she'd note that her parents would stay up all night until she came home or would try their best to find out if she's okay. I really didn't like that change in her.
The other characters were annoying too. Well, Orlu wasn't annoying but he was barely in the book, I think he had like a dozen real lines but essentially was just Dr. Doolittle when they needed him to be. Chichi got boy-crazy and I wish that she wasn't so careless with their feelings or time. Sasha was reduced to jealous hangdog follower and that's a disservice to his much more defiant personality in book 1.
The plot was also tiresome. Everything would be set up to be so difficult or scary or hard, and it was, and then they'd be miraculously saved by either some previously-unmentioned power, or by some other being.
I did like the subplot with Sunny's older brother. Not because the con-fraternity torture was enjoyable (it was awful) but because there was actual emotional growth for the characters. Briefly. Which immediately went away, due to being tortured by the Leopard Council because for some reason Sunny decided not to tell the truth of what happened. Despite her knowing, after book one, that such things make a difference in their judgements.
For a world that is based on being rewarded for learning, the characters did remarkably little learning from their mistakes or adventures. Very frustrating.
The only thing I liked in the whole book is Della the wasp artist. Della seemed like the only reasonable and truly supportive creature in the whole book.
I don't think I'll read anything more in this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Body horror, and Torture
Moderate: Emotional abuse
philippam's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Bullying
glitterdeww's review against another edition
4.0
As vivid and fantastical as it's predecessor, Akata Witch, this sequel adds to the intrigue and lush worldbuilding of Okorafor's Nsibidi Scripts. I thoroughly enjoyed diving back into this world and will gladly continue as soon as I get my hands on the third installment. There were a couple elements to this novel that didn't hit as well for me compared to the first book, but it's common enough with sequel stories.
The first quarter of the book has sections of exposition scattered throughout it, most of which catch up the reader on what events happened in Akata Witch. It's understandable enough, though it did start the pace at a slow roll. Additionally, some interpersonal conflicts occur with Sunny's friends throughout the story. The actions of the characters fit well with their personalities, they just gave me some added frustration, but in the way like... You know when you see a dear friend doing something soooo dumb that you just want to shake them and tell them to knock it out? It felt like that. 😅 Well executed and gave something to the story, but annoying on a personal level? Lol
Also, love Grashcoatah, he is my sweet cheese and good time boy. 🐹🪰❓😄
The first quarter of the book has sections of exposition scattered throughout it, most of which catch up the reader on what events happened in Akata Witch. It's understandable enough, though it did start the pace at a slow roll. Additionally, some interpersonal conflicts occur with Sunny's friends throughout the story. The actions of the characters fit well with their personalities, they just gave me some added frustration, but in the way like... You know when you see a dear friend doing something soooo dumb that you just want to shake them and tell them to knock it out? It felt like that. 😅 Well executed and gave something to the story, but annoying on a personal level? Lol
Also, love Grashcoatah, he is my sweet cheese and good time boy. 🐹🪰❓😄
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
mattyb's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
nodogsonthemoon's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
zombiezami's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Torture, Kidnapping, Violence, Death, Body shaming, Body horror, Gore, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Infidelity, Religious bigotry, Misogyny, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cursing, Racial slurs, Car accident, Slavery, Suicide, Vomit, and Infertility
Colorism, Hazing, Environmental disasterforeverinastory's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have finally read the sequel after reading Akata Witch for the 3rd time.
Rep: Albino Nigerian-American female MC, Nigerian-American male side character, Nigerian female side character, Nigerian male side character with dyslexia, Nigerian female side character with severe scoliosis.
CWs: Ableism, blood, body shaming, bullying, confinement, death, gore, injury/injury detail, violence, spiders including small and very large ones. Minor: Racism/colorism, racial slurs, misogyny, animal death.
Rep: Albino Nigerian-American female MC, Nigerian-American male side character, Nigerian female side character, Nigerian male side character with dyslexia, Nigerian female side character with severe scoliosis.
CWs: Ableism, blood, body shaming, bullying, confinement, death, gore, injury/injury detail, violence, spiders including small and very large ones. Minor: Racism/colorism, racial slurs, misogyny, animal death.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Blood, Bullying, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Racial slurs, Racism, and Misogyny
antonique_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence