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j_e_n_n's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.5
odin45mp's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable ride alongside a plucky young girl and her friends. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy YA fiction, fantasy, and magic.
a_kings's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookhouseboi's review
adventurous
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
2.0
bluesav10's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
This has been on my to-read pile forever, and I’m so glad I finally did. This story of Nigerian-American Sunny coming into her powers with the help of her friends is so fresh and engaging. I wish the cover had a little more YA appeal, but maybe now that Akata Warrior is out, new editions will go for a similar look. The comparisons to Harry Potter have merit in terms of the excellent world-building (but you are NOT going to Hogwarts!) and in terms of the appeal across age groups, from middle grade on up to general adult.
alwaysairie's review against another edition
4.0
Basically, Harry Potter but black, in Africa with knives instead of wands and easily two times better!
The book is great and reading it writing definitely makes me think back to my younger years reading Harry Potter but fulfilling the wish of actually seeing how would the magic system and environment be in a black country, here Nigeria.
What I very much loved is that Nnedi Okorafor beautifully built both her world and its magic system, sure taking heavy inspiration from her J.K Rowling but making sure that every detail feels like a parallel rather than a copy. First of all, because the magic system revolving around West African mythology adds an amazing layer of depth to the whole wizard trope. You actually learn about myths and heroes as well as creatures popular in West African culture and for those who have ties to it or even to voodoo culture, some creatures and stories will definitely hit home (s/o to Haitian Vaudou and the ref to Papa Legba, subtle but very much appreciated here
The book is great and reading it writing definitely makes me think back to my younger years reading Harry Potter but fulfilling the wish of actually seeing how would the magic system and environment be in a black country, here Nigeria.
What I very much loved is that Nnedi Okorafor beautifully built both her world and its magic system, sure taking heavy inspiration from her J.K Rowling but making sure that every detail feels like a parallel rather than a copy. First of all, because the magic system revolving around West African mythology adds an amazing layer of depth to the whole wizard trope. You actually learn about myths and heroes as well as creatures popular in West African culture and for those who have ties to it or even to voodoo culture, some creatures and stories will definitely hit home (s/o to Haitian Vaudou and the ref to Papa Legba, subtle but very much appreciated here
kat_sanford's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.5