Scan barcode
steffiraquel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Slavery, and Torture
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, and Abandonment
obviousthings's review
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Death
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Sexual content
stubbornlybookish's review
adventurous
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
mar's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content and Drug use
rorikae's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'The Black God's Drums' by P. Djèlí Clark is an exciting novella set in a steampunk version of New Orleans. In the novella, we follow Creeper, who has an African God speaking in her mind and is seeking to leave the streets of New Orleans behind by joining the crew of an airship. To do this, she must prove her worth to its captain and save New Orleans from a new weapon that is just on the horizon.
Clark does a great job of fitting the plot perfectly to a novella length. I find this especially impressive because I've read many novellas that have novel sized plots that feel as if they have been forced into a novella length. This isn't at all true with 'The Black God's Drums.' Clark sweeps us up and into his steampunk version of New Orleans, acquainting us quickly but firmly with Creeper and the world that she inhabits. With world building fluidly added in as the plot progresses, it's easy to feel as if we have stepped into Clark's world as we become comfortable with its fantastical elements. The weapon at the center of the plot is ingenious but terrifying and I would love to see what else Clark would choose to explore in this world if he returns to it in a future book.
I would highly recommend the audiobook though I am sure that this story is a fun ride no matter what way you encounter it. I was left hoping for more adventures with the crew of the Midnight Robber and knowing that I'll be looking to pick up more of Clark's work soon.
Clark does a great job of fitting the plot perfectly to a novella length. I find this especially impressive because I've read many novellas that have novel sized plots that feel as if they have been forced into a novella length. This isn't at all true with 'The Black God's Drums.' Clark sweeps us up and into his steampunk version of New Orleans, acquainting us quickly but firmly with Creeper and the world that she inhabits. With world building fluidly added in as the plot progresses, it's easy to feel as if we have stepped into Clark's world as we become comfortable with its fantastical elements. The weapon at the center of the plot is ingenious but terrifying and I would love to see what else Clark would choose to explore in this world if he returns to it in a future book.
I would highly recommend the audiobook though I am sure that this story is a fun ride no matter what way you encounter it. I was left hoping for more adventures with the crew of the Midnight Robber and knowing that I'll be looking to pick up more of Clark's work soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death
More...