By Toni Adeyemi
Published: 2018
AR level: 4.8
AR points: 20.0
I suggest: 7th through 12th grade
I’d had this on my “to read” list for a while. I love epic fantasy novels, and this one is refreshingly new and exciting with its West African influence. The landscapes and magic are a new brand from the same-old, same-old, but what really got me?
The characters are magnificent. I just love the individuality and purpose in them that I discover as I read.
This is not a book for the faint-hearted. It is a book that is mature and thoughtful, and perfect for high schoolers looking for some their next favorite.
Description from B&N:
Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir.
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for an enemy.
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