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A review by soramun
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
4.0
This book personally means a lot to me. Its one of many representing black culture/african culture and is also written by a black woman AND is a best seller praised by many. Let's just take a moment to let that sink in 🙌🏿✊🏿 She's one of the many writers I aspire to be like. The short excerpt acknowledging our fallen brothers and sisters was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
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This story is highly inspired by West African culture and follows Zélie Adebola, one of many diviners living in Orïsha. For the past 10 years a dark King has ruled and stripped magic from the lands killing and torturing anyone who dares defy him and his magic-free ideals.
When Zélie gets a chance to bring magic back, she and a few of her friends end up on a dangerous mission to escape the King's clutches to restore what was stripped from them.
This book was literally a world-wind of emotions and a gateway into traditions, language and culture I've never been exposed to. The descriptions of the land, the magic system and the people were so full of color and dimension and I really enjoyed following Zélie on this journey. Throughout the story she struggles with wanting to save her people and her family but also being afraid of what risks may arise if she does. She's no perfect character and her flaws show, but I gained respect for her because of her courage and sacrifice. At this point she, her father and brother have endured so much pain at the hands of the King and it's clear how dangerous he is and what he's willing to do to silence anyone who speaks of magic. But, with the help of those around her, she becomes this strong and powerful figure.
Though I loved Zélie as a character, I have to say her older brother Tzain was my favorite because his story and personality connected with me more. He's the oldest so he's tasked with doing whatever he can to protect the people he loves. With a lost mother and sickly father, Zélie is constantly pushing his bottoms with her rebellious attitude. He loves her to pieces though, and goes far beyond for his sister. He worries for his family and just wants his sister to stay in line and not bring any negative attention to them. I can totally see myself in him.
There was one thing I wasn't really a fan of in this book and that was the romance. I swear that's one of the hardest things author's seem to be tasked with. It felt extremely rushed and it didn't make much sense. Especially not with the history between the two. It threw me off and made it kinda impossible to feel anything for it. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but I just wasn't a fan.
I honestly don't have any other complaints. This was a really solid story with a unique plot, exciting scenes and interesting characters and world building. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone ♥
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This story is highly inspired by West African culture and follows Zélie Adebola, one of many diviners living in Orïsha. For the past 10 years a dark King has ruled and stripped magic from the lands killing and torturing anyone who dares defy him and his magic-free ideals.
When Zélie gets a chance to bring magic back, she and a few of her friends end up on a dangerous mission to escape the King's clutches to restore what was stripped from them.
This book was literally a world-wind of emotions and a gateway into traditions, language and culture I've never been exposed to. The descriptions of the land, the magic system and the people were so full of color and dimension and I really enjoyed following Zélie on this journey. Throughout the story she struggles with wanting to save her people and her family but also being afraid of what risks may arise if she does. She's no perfect character and her flaws show, but I gained respect for her because of her courage and sacrifice. At this point she, her father and brother have endured so much pain at the hands of the King and it's clear how dangerous he is and what he's willing to do to silence anyone who speaks of magic. But, with the help of those around her, she becomes this strong and powerful figure.
Though I loved Zélie as a character, I have to say her older brother Tzain was my favorite because his story and personality connected with me more. He's the oldest so he's tasked with doing whatever he can to protect the people he loves. With a lost mother and sickly father, Zélie is constantly pushing his bottoms with her rebellious attitude. He loves her to pieces though, and goes far beyond for his sister. He worries for his family and just wants his sister to stay in line and not bring any negative attention to them. I can totally see myself in him.
There was one thing I wasn't really a fan of in this book and that was the romance. I swear that's one of the hardest things author's seem to be tasked with. It felt extremely rushed and it didn't make much sense. Especially not with the history between the two. It threw me off and made it kinda impossible to feel anything for it. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but I just wasn't a fan.
I honestly don't have any other complaints. This was a really solid story with a unique plot, exciting scenes and interesting characters and world building. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone ♥