A review by jsoakes
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

adventurous fast-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? Yes

4.5

Honestly felt like I was a kid reading Harry Potter for the first time again, just in Nigeria. I couldn't help but draw parallels. The magic world is hidden from lambs (muggles), the bad guy is somehow linked to the protagonist, they travel to a secret city to get supplies including a magical implement (knife vs wand), they travel through a dangerous forest, they study and have to pass "levels", the protagonist has no idea she has magic and so everything she learns is new and exciting for the reader, she can understand a special language, she is athletically gifted, and while not famous, extremely recongizable. And so on. This wasn't the deepest story, but it was definitely magical and hit all the right notes for me. There are definitely parts that were inexplicable, but they felt right for the story and didn't feel cheap. 

I also loved the emphasis on knowledge and learning. Learning is expected as a lifelong endeavour and not just a one-time schooling effort, so each student gets a teacher and a mentor, but they also are expected to read and learn and practice on their own. Excited to continue the series.
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