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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I really love this series and the world Okorafor creates.
I'm not sure I approve of books having cliff hanger endings on page 164 (I'm not the biggest fan of cliffhanger endings in general, mind you). I was getting to the end, thinking that I'm enjoying this, likely to be a 4 star book. And then...it ends there. Until I did a quick search I was afraid it was just going to end there as some sort of literary ending.
The funny thing is, that I was surprised to learn that Binti had a sequel, but finishing this my reaction was, there's gotta be a sequel.
The funny thing is, that I was surprised to learn that Binti had a sequel, but finishing this my reaction was, there's gotta be a sequel.
The middle entry of this trilogy, this novella feels very much a transitionary one - bridging the Binti who was left at the end of the first novella to whoever she will be in the third. It doesn't quite feel complete, ending on a small cliffhanger and with more questions than answers.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked getting to see more of Binti's family and homeland. The only thing that I didn't like was the ending. It feels like the story was deliberately cut off in the middle just to keep it novella length. Thank goodness I already ha to the third book and could immediately pick it up to continue the story.
What? NOOOOOO! It can't end on a cliff-hanger... I want to know what happens... Now!
I am really enjoying this series! One of the things I forgot to mention about the first book is how much I love the idea of mathematical mediation and how it also functions as a kind of magical engineering. As with the first book, I enjoyed this book on two levels: plot-wise, it's an engaging, unpredictable story about a young woman coming of age and embracing her identity (if you can forgive the cliffhanger at the end), and then there are a lot of important themes that I think make this an excellent series for middle grade readers. (I haven't seen it listed as a middle grade or young adult series, which surprised me — I'm enjoying it as an adult, but it seems perfectly crafted for that kind of age group.) Near the beginning, we see Binti experiencing PTSD from the events of the first book and going to therapy, and she is able to use the technology she has to help her recognize and deal with panic attacks. All of that was woven into the plot in a way that didn't feel heavy handed. Then, Binti has to confront her own prejudices and how they are related to her family and personal identity. And I absolutely loved that what was supposedly evidence of the "desert people's" backwardness turned out to actually be their super-advanced technology! I wish we'd gotten more of Okwu in this book — except for one scene, it kind of goes into its gaseous tent and stays there for most of the story — but it really was Binti's story this time. I also need to mention Robin Miles' excellent narration for this series. It's hard to know if I would like the series as much if I wasn't experiencing it on audio. In any case, I definitely recommend it!
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Once again this series is very thought provoking! I think even more so in this book now that her family is involved. Their relationship did get rough since Binti chose to follow her dreams instead of following in the family’s footsteps. I also like how she meets her grandmothers folk which adds more depth to her character and ancestry. This is very engaing, well written, and layered. Yet it’s written so clearly! I just bought the last book and I’ll probably finish it this week😃
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
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:
No
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes