plumquin's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
slvernon's review against another edition
4.0
* 3.5/4 stars.
This was a tricky one to grade as it took me a while to get stuck in. The beginning quarter of the book does a lot of heavy lifting to establish the world, politics and characters involved, and includes POVs from several characters (including side characters) which at times I did struggle to follow. However, once all of the information we need to know had been put across, the book really picked up the pace and became a sprawling fantasy epic on a grand scale, where the shifting POVs made more sense as the characters were spread out across the world. I particularly enjoyed the chapters from Esheme's perspective, and found her character arc to be the most interesting and unexpected, and look forward to seeing what happens with her character in the next books. The world itself was also fascinating, with its caste system and exploration of colourism. As previously mentioned, it took a while to get hooked as the world was so dense and intricate but I found it rewarding to persevere having learned the necessary concepts that define the novel's world.
(Many thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.)
This was a tricky one to grade as it took me a while to get stuck in. The beginning quarter of the book does a lot of heavy lifting to establish the world, politics and characters involved, and includes POVs from several characters (including side characters) which at times I did struggle to follow. However, once all of the information we need to know had been put across, the book really picked up the pace and became a sprawling fantasy epic on a grand scale, where the shifting POVs made more sense as the characters were spread out across the world. I particularly enjoyed the chapters from Esheme's perspective, and found her character arc to be the most interesting and unexpected, and look forward to seeing what happens with her character in the next books. The world itself was also fascinating, with its caste system and exploration of colourism. As previously mentioned, it took a while to get hooked as the world was so dense and intricate but I found it rewarding to persevere having learned the necessary concepts that define the novel's world.
(Many thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.)
punkhazard's review against another edition
3.0
It took me a long time to get into the book. But towards the end (like around page 300) it really started to click for me. It definitely feels like the set up to an epic adventure, for better or for worse.
I loved the Africa inspired mythology and world building. Thats always interesting to me. I liked the magic. I think the dialogue was very well done. And it had a few heart pounding moments that I really appreciate.
I didn’t like how it handled action, it was usually skipped over completely or skimmed through. There were a few plot conveniences that I didn’t care for(Danso getting the strongest thing to help him solve all his problems so easily, and Esheme’s whole arc). The book didn’t feel as epic as I usually like which led to a lot of moments feeling slow.
Wtf was the point of Zaq in the book? His whole character was super pointless to me. All he did was complain then nothing.
Esheme was done very well. She’s a very well written villain. I’m genuinely afraid of her and want to see where she goes from here
I’m interested in the next book but not super excited. But I’ll see where it goes.
I loved the Africa inspired mythology and world building. Thats always interesting to me. I liked the magic. I think the dialogue was very well done. And it had a few heart pounding moments that I really appreciate.
I didn’t like how it handled action, it was usually skipped over completely or skimmed through. There were a few plot conveniences that I didn’t care for(Danso getting the strongest thing to help him solve all his problems so easily, and Esheme’s whole arc). The book didn’t feel as epic as I usually like which led to a lot of moments feeling slow.
Wtf was the point of Zaq in the book? His whole character was super pointless to me. All he did was complain then nothing.
Esheme was done very well. She’s a very well written villain. I’m genuinely afraid of her and want to see where she goes from here
I’m interested in the next book but not super excited. But I’ll see where it goes.
toystory242's review against another edition
3.0
This was just kinda meh for me. I felt like it was a very stereotypical political fantasy if you’re into that, but for me it was just boring and nothing really happened. The characters were one note and just mean-spirited, they hardly interacted so I really didn’t get them having any feelings toward each other because they never SPOKE?? And as ya’ll know characters are my #1 thing that does it for me in books and it just wasn’t here in this one. This book isn’t bad and I welcome the diversity 100%, it was just very okay for me.
caitlinanncran's review against another edition
4.0
Not only is there so much to love here, but so much to marvel over. The depth and scope of the African-inspired world Suyi Davies Okungbowa has created is truly stunning. I’m still in awe of the level of politics, magic, and history he’s woven in here, especially when considering how all of that so powerfully pairs with the commentary on/themes of privilege, prejudice, colonialism, and belonging that steer the story. I did wish for more on the characters; while all of them are undeniably fascinating and complex, I couldn’t help but crave more chances to connect with them on a deeper level BUT fully recognize I have sort of lofty expectations when it comes to this, and it was only a small thing anyway (for instance Danso is everything I love in a fantasy character but I couldn’t help but feel there was still room to love him more, though the ending definitely started to close that gap and by the next instalment I’m sure I’ll be head over heels…it’s weird to explain) - regardless! Most of the emphasis in this first book is on the worldbuilding (which defs pays off, don’t get me wrong) and therefore only makes me even more excited for book 2, because you can tell there’s still so much to explore, and it’s gonna be so good. This series will definitely be a gem to add to every fantasy fan’s collection - I can’t say that confidently enough!!
Also, I definitely recommend checking out this note the author has written that thoughtfully and thoroughly addresses a valid concern from another reader about a certain terminology used in the book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3922985497. Very helpful for context!!
Also, I definitely recommend checking out this note the author has written that thoughtfully and thoroughly addresses a valid concern from another reader about a certain terminology used in the book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3922985497. Very helpful for context!!
claire_michelle18's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating and intriguing world-building and characters, cannot wait to see how this series develops
pagesofglory22's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Son of the Storm is a fantasy following Danso, who lives in a world divided into different castes. He does not feel like he fits in anywhere. One day, he makes a decision that will forever change his life, and this leads to a dangerous adventure. On this adventure, he learns a lot of secrets about the world he lives in.
The first third of this book is incredibly slow. Once the “journey” part of the book starts, the pace picks up a bit. It was hard to know where the story was headed, since there are so many different points of view being told, and you do not necessarily realize how they all fit together until a bit later on.
I enjoyed seeing a fantasy that centered on non-white characters. There was also some LGBTQ+ representation. I did not necessarily like any of the characters, but I did enjoy reading about them, as I feel that they were well fleshed out.
Seeing the characters’ relationships with each other was also interesting, and I liked how the characters developed through these relationships.
The book is incredibly well-written, although hard to read at times, because it is very dense. The writing felt a bit impersonal to me, which made me feel disconnected from the story and the characters.
I would say that the world-building in this book is its strongest point. The world is rich in terms of culture, politics, and history. I feel that there is a lot that can be explored. The magic system was also unlike any other, and I would love to dive a bit deeper into that.
I very much enjoyed reading an African fantasy as opposed to the normal fantasies that I read, as they can get a bit repetitive, and this was a breath of fresh air.
While this was a very good book, I did not enjoy it all the time. The ending also felt a bit too rushed for me in comparison to the rest of the book.
Overall, I do think that this is an important book, as it tackles many serious topics. Even though it was hard for me to read, the author is clearly talented, and I would be eager to read more of their work.
Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Son of the Storm is a fantasy following Danso, who lives in a world divided into different castes. He does not feel like he fits in anywhere. One day, he makes a decision that will forever change his life, and this leads to a dangerous adventure. On this adventure, he learns a lot of secrets about the world he lives in.
The first third of this book is incredibly slow. Once the “journey” part of the book starts, the pace picks up a bit. It was hard to know where the story was headed, since there are so many different points of view being told, and you do not necessarily realize how they all fit together until a bit later on.
I enjoyed seeing a fantasy that centered on non-white characters. There was also some LGBTQ+ representation. I did not necessarily like any of the characters, but I did enjoy reading about them, as I feel that they were well fleshed out.
Seeing the characters’ relationships with each other was also interesting, and I liked how the characters developed through these relationships.
The book is incredibly well-written, although hard to read at times, because it is very dense. The writing felt a bit impersonal to me, which made me feel disconnected from the story and the characters.
I would say that the world-building in this book is its strongest point. The world is rich in terms of culture, politics, and history. I feel that there is a lot that can be explored. The magic system was also unlike any other, and I would love to dive a bit deeper into that.
I very much enjoyed reading an African fantasy as opposed to the normal fantasies that I read, as they can get a bit repetitive, and this was a breath of fresh air.
While this was a very good book, I did not enjoy it all the time. The ending also felt a bit too rushed for me in comparison to the rest of the book.
Overall, I do think that this is an important book, as it tackles many serious topics. Even though it was hard for me to read, the author is clearly talented, and I would be eager to read more of their work.
rogue_leader's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars. I always have trouble with fantasy and keeping track of everything but this was a solid story. Got a little lost around the middle but things picked up quick and the last third of the book is amazing!
twiggykins's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely loved
The only wish was there was a stronger connection between Danso and his life in Bassa and intended.
The only wish was there was a stronger connection between Danso and his life in Bassa and intended.