A review by vrkinase0411
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Overall Thoughts: 

Children of Blood and Bone takes a look at differing ideologies around oppression and responses and reactions to it. 

 

Zelie: Zelie is a relatable character where we recognize the need for liberation in all her actions. Her zeal to defend her brother and father expand is the only value of hers that supersedes her wanting to protect her village. We see that grow  immensely has she partakes the challenge of being the spearhead the gods use to bring magic back to Orisha.  

 

Tzain: While I understood Tzain and his motivations, I felt that some of reactions were incredibly hypocritical and childish. For instance, we see him blame Zelie for things that would be completely opposite of even his own character if he were in the same position, yet castigates Zelie for always making mistakes. Clearly he loves his sister, but there's still some internalized misogyny that has him immediately believing he always knows best and when Zelie doesn't follow that path, she is wrong. I admire his commitment, however, to his family namely Zelie. He connects her to his promise to their mother, but you see it also comes from his deep love for his sister. Not a lot of character development but it played an important (if feeble) conduit to Zelie and Amari's relationship development. 

 

Amari: Hands down, best character development and growth. Also the most interesting given her privilege within the oppressor class. Her inner beauty is also evident in her naivete and her love her friend (and Zelie makes an excellent assessment of friendship is one is the other's "slave" or exploiter) and zest for adventure. Her doubts and fear only amplify her compassion and courage. Her evolution from unwilling antagonist to foundational community member. I hesitate to say "friend" because it becomes so much deeper and more fulfilling for both her and Zelie. Also, when she steps into her essence, FIERCE! Man, chills ran through me in certain scenes and lines. Also, the inherent contradictions she had to hold for herself and realistically moved through them was masterfully done. I'm praying Adeyemi builds on this. 

 

Inan: Just waffly. Like, pick a lane and stay in it. Then eventually, the side he chose was to believe a man who has shown himself to be a liar and a despot but then wants to justify himself. It's.....I don't need him to be redeemed. I don't need to see him at all. I hate that there might be some "love triangle", like let's just call him a mistake of youth and keep it pushing.