Reviews

Hijos de Sangre Y Hueso by Tomi Adeyemi

gardenfairyreads's review against another edition

4.0

This book really had it all. The magic system, the strong female characters, and the high stakes adventure story were all extremely strong points in this book. However, I feel like I can't give it 5 stars because of the romance. At the beginning, I really enjoyed it, but by the end of the book, Zélie and Inan just weren't doing it for me.

denjzen's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

makennaa06's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of the books that got me into reading I read it during the summer so I loved how each chapter was only a few pages but with so much detail at the same time. The world building and characters are one of the best I've seen.The map at the beginning of the book is so stunning too. There was so much I didn't expect to happen but in a good way, this is definitely a book that you will get emersed in you feel for all the characters, sad when they are in pain thier past memories that are written. And happy when there is the smallest success that they have been working hard to get to. this book also gets you so emotionally attached to the characters and relationships that you don't want anything or anyone to ever hurt them. As a Avatar the Last Airbender fan this book completely reminded me of it. The friendships,betrayal,and magic make It all the more surprising and exciting. All of the animals and landscapes are so well thought out too. incredible writing is also something I love in all books and Tomi Adeyemi did just that. It will have you feeling so many emotions throughout the book. all of the characters change so much and learn so much in this journey. The writing is so so descriptive, although there is lots of violence because of the fact they are in a war. But the author has a great way of including cute moments between the characters and funny comments too. A stunning version of African the last airbender as Tomi Adeyemi describes it. if you are looking for a book to read definitely read this one!

beccaraybair's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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

readingafrica's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the magic and the world that Tomi Adeyemi created, where these young people can save the world from darkness. However, I found that the story lacked authenticity in its use of Nigerian culture/language.

For example, the spells are written in Yoruba, but as a native Yoruba speaker they just read as clunky combinations of words (something you'd get if you just put words into google translate). If you don't read Yoruba, and you're not well-versed in Nigerian (Yoruba) culture then you probably won't notice these things, and the story would be fine.

Nevertheless, I like that this novel is out in the world, because it makes room for other talented African writers to publish their authentic narratives

emily_ruzova's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

livrawds's review against another edition

1.0

I don’t love this book the way I wanted too
I bought it expecting the hype that came with it and too love it like many do. But I did not which was disappointing the story and it’s cliche tropes couldn’t grip me at all and it was a struggle to push through to finish I have the second on my shelf and I know it won’t be read will probably give this away
However, I can’t shrug the good stuff that is in this novel like the diversity and the beautiful setting and the clearly researched mythology and I respect entirely what it represents however I didn’t enjoy it personally was disappointed.

casp801's review against another edition

5.0

SO GOOD but so disturbingly violent too. fairly obvious metaphors but presented beautifully. inan is a beautiful little bitch boy.

irishpierogies's review against another edition

dark hopeful sad 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? It's complicated

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

Minor: Sexual assault

klparmley's review against another edition

3.0

I liked this. There was a lot of running around in circles and rethinking everything.

I'm a little frustrated that it is clearly the beginning of a series. I have enough of those going. I'm not sure I want to add another one to my collection.