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A review by popthebutterfly
Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia
5.0
Disclaimer: I received the e-arc for this book from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own and support your authors!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!