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daja's review against another edition
I wouldn’t say that I had high hopes going into this story, but I really did expect to like this story. Whenever I read a book by a Black author, I always try look for things about the story that the author did well, However, reading The Smoke that Thunders made that hard. I DNF’ed the story at 18%.
This story follows Naborhi, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a small, traditional community. Naborhi’s family arranges for her to marry a man who upholds these traditional ideals, but she does not want to marry him or live the traditional life of a young woman in this society. Then she becomes bonded to a mysterious animal that opens her eyes to more things happening in the world.
My main problem with this story is the writing. At first, I thought I was getting into a YA book because that is what this book is being marketed as. This does not read like one. If anything, it reads more like a middle grade story in terms of the craft. The content itself does feel YA with a persistent theme on being a young woman groomed to be married, but not exploring that that theme in depth enough to actually make any notable commentary on them. It was surface level feminism at best to watch Naborhi say how much she didn’t want a traditional marriage.
The voice of the writing wasn’t my only hiccup with it. I feel like the scene transitions were jarring. Something would happen and then it would move on even though felt like there was supposed to be something more added to it (a character thought, more description, etc). It happened a little too frequently for me to truly get hooked into the story.
I think because of the basic craft issues I had with this story, everything fell flat. The world building made sense, from what I read, but from what I read, it didn’t really offer anything unique the other YA fantasy stories. (If I would have continued, maybe I would change my mind?) The characters feel like caricatures from most other YA fantasies, being very one dimensional so that I didn’t care for any of them. The plot itself had pacing issues, which I blame on the scene transitions but it also just could have been the plot points and meandering through details that didn’t seem to matter.
Overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this book to anyone. I don’t know who the intended audience is because the writing felt middle grade but the content felt YA. I just also don’t think it’s good on a craft level. But I’m just one person. Maybe try it for yourself to see if you like it.
This story follows Naborhi, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a small, traditional community. Naborhi’s family arranges for her to marry a man who upholds these traditional ideals, but she does not want to marry him or live the traditional life of a young woman in this society. Then she becomes bonded to a mysterious animal that opens her eyes to more things happening in the world.
My main problem with this story is the writing. At first, I thought I was getting into a YA book because that is what this book is being marketed as. This does not read like one. If anything, it reads more like a middle grade story in terms of the craft. The content itself does feel YA with a persistent theme on being a young woman groomed to be married, but not exploring that that theme in depth enough to actually make any notable commentary on them. It was surface level feminism at best to watch Naborhi say how much she didn’t want a traditional marriage.
The voice of the writing wasn’t my only hiccup with it. I feel like the scene transitions were jarring. Something would happen and then it would move on even though felt like there was supposed to be something more added to it (a character thought, more description, etc). It happened a little too frequently for me to truly get hooked into the story.
I think because of the basic craft issues I had with this story, everything fell flat. The world building made sense, from what I read, but from what I read, it didn’t really offer anything unique the other YA fantasy stories. (If I would have continued, maybe I would change my mind?) The characters feel like caricatures from most other YA fantasies, being very one dimensional so that I didn’t care for any of them. The plot itself had pacing issues, which I blame on the scene transitions but it also just could have been the plot points and meandering through details that didn’t seem to matter.
Overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this book to anyone. I don’t know who the intended audience is because the writing felt middle grade but the content felt YA. I just also don’t think it’s good on a craft level. But I’m just one person. Maybe try it for yourself to see if you like it.
bear_ridge_tarot's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-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
4.5
Naborhi has big dreams, bigger than the others in her little village. She is 16, coming of age, and wants more than anything to travel the world and not end up as some boy's wife. When she accidentally bonds with a mysterious creature while out in the woods, her predictable life gets turned upside down. Naborhi must decide if it is the best or worst thing to ever happen to her as she answers the call of a god not her own and journeys with the rival kingdom's Oracle's son.
This book was written so beautifully that I devoured it in one sitting. While two nations at war is nothing new, the way that the author wove West African and Urhobo folklore into the story gave life to tired tropes. The mythology is alive in the imagery, flowing seamlessly from one part to the next. The only thing I craved with this book was more. I would have loved more world-building, more magic explained, and more of the mysterious forces guiding Naborhi and her cohorts along their journey.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see the world through the eyes of a dreamer, and who loves adventures seeped in magical meddling.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy through NetGally. It does not affect my review in any way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Misogyny, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and War
svimm2056's review against another edition
The book is pretty interesting, but I don't think I'm the age demographic for it. But, I would recommend it to anyone ages 14 and up who would be intrigued to read this book. There are some good things going on in there, and it's my fault for why I can't finish the book.
kazthebookdragon69's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
4.0
*Thank you Netgalley and Norton Young*
TW: mention of domestic violence, mention of death of parents, some violence throughout
The story opens with Naborhi struggling with the life she has and dreams of something greater outside of her home village. After finding a mysterious animal, and strange dreams, she leaves her home with a couple companion's for this journey.
I really enjoyed following Naborhi and her companion's on their journey, but mostly hers. Also, I'm not well versed in West African mythology/folklore. There is also some Urhobo folklore in there as well. But again, I'm not well versed in it. I really enjoyed reading about those elements anyway. Especially with it being put into a story like this one.
This is a YA story, but as an adult I feel anyone can read this.
j2024's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
The Smoke That Thunders hooks you right from the beginning and drops you into the plot which I love! It's such an adventure filled ride, with a loving take on the Urhobo people highlighting girl power, that I wish I could read a million more stories like this! In particular, the first few chapters hone in on a claustrophobic, smothered feeling of wanting to branch out and live your dreams and all I wanted was for Naborhi to leave her village! The first half of the book had me itching to know how Naborhi was going to get out from under her family and go on the mythical adventure she deserved. However, I liked the intricacies of the rights and rituals described throughout the book, particularly in Naborhi's village. During the adventure scenes, every mishap was quickly resolved, a bit too quick for my liking, as the group was always in and out of danger without a true feeling of high stakes, but that was fine because it was understood that every little adventure was taking place on top of their big mission. I loved that Naborhi got to be a leader and show everyone how capable and cunning she was, and I liked that the book acknowledged that both with her family and the kingdom honoring and respecting her in the end. I thought the happy ending was well deserved and I enjoyed learning each of Naborhi's family members' reasonings for their paths and perspectives. Overall, this is a great YA book and exploration into a Urhobo tale that had a little bit of everything for everyone including family (both found and born into), love (romantic, platonic, and familial), adventure, and a happy ending. I look forward to reading more from Erhu Kome and I can't wait to introduce her books to everyone I know!
crowinator's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
tmdreads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I received an Arc from NetGally but all opinions are my own.
A story of Naborhi, who wants for a different life then the traditional life of a women in the Kingdom of Kokori- marriage and making a family. It is her time to go through her rites of passage and become betrothed but she wants freedom. She dreams of a different life but could not imagine the twist her life takes when she encounters a spirit fox only she can see.
This starts as a slow pace story, a story of a regular life that turns in to an extraordinary one touched by spirits. The plot gets much more rushed at for the last third of the book as it moves fast through the quest Naborh must complete. Naborh is endearing and the world is very interesting.
It reads like a young YA book although the protagonist is 16 and being prepared to be married the writing reads on the younger end of YAFantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny and War
Minor: Animal death
kayu99's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katie_having_fun's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I loved this book and the adventure it took me on. I connected with Naborhi and her desire to forge her own path.
The ending felt like it wrapped up a little too nicely, but it wasn't an unvelivable end, just unlikely. If it had been left open, I would have been curious to see and learn more about the mostly mysterious antagonist in another book.
The ending felt like it wrapped up a little too nicely, but it wasn't an unvelivable end, just unlikely. If it had been left open, I would have been curious to see and learn more about the mostly mysterious antagonist in another book.
queer_bookwyrm's review
adventurous
inspiring
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
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: violence, domestic violence, death of a parent mention
"Despite those obstacles, despite those boulders, the water moves fast and strong. It cannot be held back. It cannot be less than it is. That is how you are Naborhi. Like the unstoppable waters."
The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome is a YA fantasy focusing on Urhobo and West African folklore. I was gifted this ARC by a friend, and I cannot recommend this enough! This was such a great stand alone book. It had such a unique voice and vibe unlike a lot of Western stories. The magic and fantasy was subtle, but the Black Girl Magic was fantastic!
We follow Naborhi Tanomare, a girl from a small village who wants so much more than to be valued by her bride price and what she can bring to a husband. When Naborhi starts getting visions of a boy needing help and a spirit fox, she is plunged into a journey to save him, stop a war, and leaves her provincial life behind.
We get to learn so much about what I assume is Urhobo culture, and there is a lot of background and world-building at first that sets us up for a hero's journey type of story. I love Naborhi, she is so strong willed and only wants freedom for herself and adventure. I also really liked her companions Atai, the cute son of an Oracle, and her comic relief cousin Tamunor. They were all such great characters that all had their own similar struggles around their parents' expectations of them.
Although this story was about saving a boy and stopping a war, ultimately it was about the importance of freedom and choice. The ability to choose your own happiness despite how difficult it might be to attain. I loved seeing all the different cultures and climates as our group travelled across the continent, and the multitude of strong, capable women. This was such a fun, short read.
"Despite those obstacles, despite those boulders, the water moves fast and strong. It cannot be held back. It cannot be less than it is. That is how you are Naborhi. Like the unstoppable waters."
The Smoke That Thunders by Erhu Kome is a YA fantasy focusing on Urhobo and West African folklore. I was gifted this ARC by a friend, and I cannot recommend this enough! This was such a great stand alone book. It had such a unique voice and vibe unlike a lot of Western stories. The magic and fantasy was subtle, but the Black Girl Magic was fantastic!
We follow Naborhi Tanomare, a girl from a small village who wants so much more than to be valued by her bride price and what she can bring to a husband. When Naborhi starts getting visions of a boy needing help and a spirit fox, she is plunged into a journey to save him, stop a war, and leaves her provincial life behind.
We get to learn so much about what I assume is Urhobo culture, and there is a lot of background and world-building at first that sets us up for a hero's journey type of story. I love Naborhi, she is so strong willed and only wants freedom for herself and adventure. I also really liked her companions Atai, the cute son of an Oracle, and her comic relief cousin Tamunor. They were all such great characters that all had their own similar struggles around their parents' expectations of them.
Although this story was about saving a boy and stopping a war, ultimately it was about the importance of freedom and choice. The ability to choose your own happiness despite how difficult it might be to attain. I loved seeing all the different cultures and climates as our group travelled across the continent, and the multitude of strong, capable women. This was such a fun, short read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent