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librarian88's review
Couldn’t keep track of everything happening and was a bit slow. But interesting plot and characters!
tishywishy's review against another edition
4.0
This book got a lot of hype and I went into excitedly it because 1) Fantasy 2) Magic 3) Elements 1 and 2 with black characters written by a black author 4) Steeped in Nigerian culture and Orisha
Was the hype worth it? Yes and No. It's a good story and the characters are engaging. Some of the story lines were easy to figure out and felt a bit idealistic but hey, fantasy right. I enjoyed the book and will read the sequel.
Was the hype worth it? Yes and No. It's a good story and the characters are engaging. Some of the story lines were easy to figure out and felt a bit idealistic but hey, fantasy right. I enjoyed the book and will read the sequel.
soramun's review against another edition
4.0
This book personally means a lot to me. Its one of many representing black culture/african culture and is also written by a black woman AND is a best seller praised by many. Let's just take a moment to let that sink in 🙌🏿✊🏿 She's one of the many writers I aspire to be like. The short excerpt acknowledging our fallen brothers and sisters was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
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This story is highly inspired by West African culture and follows Zélie Adebola, one of many diviners living in Orïsha. For the past 10 years a dark King has ruled and stripped magic from the lands killing and torturing anyone who dares defy him and his magic-free ideals.
When Zélie gets a chance to bring magic back, she and a few of her friends end up on a dangerous mission to escape the King's clutches to restore what was stripped from them.
This book was literally a world-wind of emotions and a gateway into traditions, language and culture I've never been exposed to. The descriptions of the land, the magic system and the people were so full of color and dimension and I really enjoyed following Zélie on this journey. Throughout the story she struggles with wanting to save her people and her family but also being afraid of what risks may arise if she does. She's no perfect character and her flaws show, but I gained respect for her because of her courage and sacrifice. At this point she, her father and brother have endured so much pain at the hands of the King and it's clear how dangerous he is and what he's willing to do to silence anyone who speaks of magic. But, with the help of those around her, she becomes this strong and powerful figure.
Though I loved Zélie as a character, I have to say her older brother Tzain was my favorite because his story and personality connected with me more. He's the oldest so he's tasked with doing whatever he can to protect the people he loves. With a lost mother and sickly father, Zélie is constantly pushing his bottoms with her rebellious attitude. He loves her to pieces though, and goes far beyond for his sister. He worries for his family and just wants his sister to stay in line and not bring any negative attention to them. I can totally see myself in him.
There was one thing I wasn't really a fan of in this book and that was the romance. I swear that's one of the hardest things author's seem to be tasked with. It felt extremely rushed and it didn't make much sense. Especially not with the history between the two. It threw me off and made it kinda impossible to feel anything for it. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but I just wasn't a fan.
I honestly don't have any other complaints. This was a really solid story with a unique plot, exciting scenes and interesting characters and world building. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone ♥
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This story is highly inspired by West African culture and follows Zélie Adebola, one of many diviners living in Orïsha. For the past 10 years a dark King has ruled and stripped magic from the lands killing and torturing anyone who dares defy him and his magic-free ideals.
When Zélie gets a chance to bring magic back, she and a few of her friends end up on a dangerous mission to escape the King's clutches to restore what was stripped from them.
This book was literally a world-wind of emotions and a gateway into traditions, language and culture I've never been exposed to. The descriptions of the land, the magic system and the people were so full of color and dimension and I really enjoyed following Zélie on this journey. Throughout the story she struggles with wanting to save her people and her family but also being afraid of what risks may arise if she does. She's no perfect character and her flaws show, but I gained respect for her because of her courage and sacrifice. At this point she, her father and brother have endured so much pain at the hands of the King and it's clear how dangerous he is and what he's willing to do to silence anyone who speaks of magic. But, with the help of those around her, she becomes this strong and powerful figure.
Though I loved Zélie as a character, I have to say her older brother Tzain was my favorite because his story and personality connected with me more. He's the oldest so he's tasked with doing whatever he can to protect the people he loves. With a lost mother and sickly father, Zélie is constantly pushing his bottoms with her rebellious attitude. He loves her to pieces though, and goes far beyond for his sister. He worries for his family and just wants his sister to stay in line and not bring any negative attention to them. I can totally see myself in him.
There was one thing I wasn't really a fan of in this book and that was the romance. I swear that's one of the hardest things author's seem to be tasked with. It felt extremely rushed and it didn't make much sense. Especially not with the history between the two. It threw me off and made it kinda impossible to feel anything for it. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but I just wasn't a fan.
I honestly don't have any other complaints. This was a really solid story with a unique plot, exciting scenes and interesting characters and world building. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone ♥
sazana28's review against another edition
5.0
I yelled a lot, few times I wanted to throw the damn book. Like the good kind of throw your book. Like there’s SO MUCH FEELING YOU HAVE TO RELEASE IT SOME HOW. And my way was the throwing kind. 😭😂 But oh my gosh was this worth the wait. The mythology alone had me salivating for more ( I will be getting my own copy soon because there’s so much I want to research on my own👏🏼).
So beautiful and diverse and in depth and real and it GAVE ME ALL THE FEELINGS. Joy and FURY and frustration and a lot more that I can’t put into words right at this moment, lmao. The cover is so breathtaking. I just can’t stand it. Like in real life so magnificent. You know how you have books that you go back and read just to feel what you felt when you first read it? This is gonna be one of those books for me.
So beautiful and diverse and in depth and real and it GAVE ME ALL THE FEELINGS. Joy and FURY and frustration and a lot more that I can’t put into words right at this moment, lmao. The cover is so breathtaking. I just can’t stand it. Like in real life so magnificent. You know how you have books that you go back and read just to feel what you felt when you first read it? This is gonna be one of those books for me.
mayankamal18's review against another edition
5.0
WOAH.
That ending though..
Okay. let's get back to the very beginning, I thought the author was kind of a beginner- like you know when someone hasn't really mastered their craft yet and it shows?
However, the more I read, the more I fell in love with the characters and the story.
Especially Zellie. (I think I have a thing for heroines with a fierce attitude and white hair i-e Manon Blackbeak, remember her?)
Anyhow, the fantasy element along with forbidden magic and ruling monarchy is just the thing for me, so its no surprise how much I love this book.
++there was never a dull moment in this book.
+++the inspiration behind the book is the "black lives matter" movement. Remember that every time one of the characters faces an untimely death.
That ending though..
Okay. let's get back to the very beginning, I thought the author was kind of a beginner- like you know when someone hasn't really mastered their craft yet and it shows?
However, the more I read, the more I fell in love with the characters and the story.
Especially Zellie. (I think I have a thing for heroines with a fierce attitude and white hair i-e Manon Blackbeak, remember her?)
Anyhow, the fantasy element along with forbidden magic and ruling monarchy is just the thing for me, so its no surprise how much I love this book.
++there was never a dull moment in this book.
+++the inspiration behind the book is the "black lives matter" movement. Remember that every time one of the characters faces an untimely death.
xmomo's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't finish the book, I found the characters a little dense and unrelatable for me. There are some interesting ideas but the story didn't feel unique and wasn't that interesting personally. However, it is good to see some diversity, which I feel is missing in the genre of fantasy in general.
ericapie's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
5.0
nilla_beanie19's review against another edition
4.0
My goodness. I’d say this is a 4/4.5 star read for me. There are so many things to say and it’s still all tangled since I just finished the book. I’ll come back and do my review later, but my goodness that ending!
joanna1905's review against another edition
4.0
This book is fricken amazing! From the get-go, I was super intrigued and excited for a YA fantasy heavily inspired by West African culture. Both YA and high fantasy has long been dominated by white characters written by middle-aged white men - and don't get me wrong two of my favorite fantasy authors GRR Martin and Pat Rothfuss and they're being white men certainly doesn't diminish how incredible their work is - However, it is hella refreshing to get an awesome fantasy that's both written by a black women, has an entirely black cast of characters and is inspired by West African culture.
While the concept of the bad guy taking control of magic isn't a new one, Adeyemi executed it in such an original way it can hardly be compared to any books with a similar premise; and as a debut novel, it's incredible.
Whilst reading this I did feel like something was missing, but I'm not really sure what it was... The world and magic system was very well developed, particularly for a debut novel. I often find that the first book in a YA fantasy series, especially if it's a debut novel can be underdeveloped; but Adeyemi did an awesome job and certainly didn't fall into this trap.
I loved the characters both Zelie and Amari were awesome badass females in their own unique way. and it warmed my heart to see the friendship between them slowly build. I can't wait to see it continue to develop more in future books.
I have mixed feelings when it comes to both Tzain and Inan. I liked Tzain and think he's a pretty solid guy (I also think him and Amari are super cute together) but he had a tendency to be quite cruel to Zelie when he got angry with her. I'm not sure what the age difference is but I think he forgets that she's younger than him and is going to make mistakes.
I'm not sure how I feel about Inan, at times I liked him and thought he had finally seen that magic wasn't the problem, his father was; but ten seconds later he'd be back to being his father's perfect little soldier. Inan is by far the weakest character in the book and he changes his beliefs just to please whoever his at the moment. If he's even still alive I look forward to seeing what side he picks, though I expect we'll see some kind of redemption arc.
I also wonder if Saran is actually dead, it was never specifically stated which makes me think he's going to rock up in the next book.
The ending of this book is what really made it, it was a fantastic ending that really leaves you excited to read the next book. It wasn't a ridiculous cliffhanger but it was enough of a cliffhanger to keep you keen!
I picked this book up due to the high praise it received online and the awesome representation and I wasn't disappointed, and I'm super keen to see where the series goes.
While the concept of the bad guy taking control of magic isn't a new one, Adeyemi executed it in such an original way it can hardly be compared to any books with a similar premise; and as a debut novel, it's incredible.
Whilst reading this I did feel like something was missing, but I'm not really sure what it was... The world and magic system was very well developed, particularly for a debut novel. I often find that the first book in a YA fantasy series, especially if it's a debut novel can be underdeveloped; but Adeyemi did an awesome job and certainly didn't fall into this trap.
I loved the characters both Zelie and Amari were awesome badass females in their own unique way. and it warmed my heart to see the friendship between them slowly build. I can't wait to see it continue to develop more in future books.
I have mixed feelings when it comes to both Tzain and Inan. I liked Tzain and think he's a pretty solid guy (I also think him and Amari are super cute together) but he had a tendency to be quite cruel to Zelie when he got angry with her. I'm not sure what the age difference is but I think he forgets that she's younger than him and is going to make mistakes.
I'm not sure how I feel about Inan, at times I liked him and thought he had finally seen that magic wasn't the problem, his father was; but ten seconds later he'd be back to being his father's perfect little soldier. Inan is by far the weakest character in the book and he changes his beliefs just to please whoever his at the moment. If he's even still alive I look forward to seeing what side he picks, though I expect we'll see some kind of redemption arc.
I also wonder if Saran is actually dead, it was never specifically stated which makes me think he's going to rock up in the next book.
The ending of this book is what really made it, it was a fantastic ending that really leaves you excited to read the next book. It wasn't a ridiculous cliffhanger but it was enough of a cliffhanger to keep you keen!
I picked this book up due to the high praise it received online and the awesome representation and I wasn't disappointed, and I'm super keen to see where the series goes.