Scan barcode
silverwings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the incredible start to Zélie’s story as she is pulled into an arduous journey seemingly bound by fate. Despite what sounds like the typical start of a hero’s journey, this was so much more - each of the POV characters, even some of the side characters, have a poignant role to play in the narrative.
I found the characters to be immediately compelling, more so after the first quarter. The theme of seeking justice in the face of immense violence and oppression is woven throughout - as an older reader, it is clear it is meant to be an allegory to modern violence and brutality by authoritarian groups. I felt strongly about this story and its characters: I was inspired by Zélie and her internal conflicts; Amari and her growth as more than a shy, compassionate-yet-powerless princess; Tzain as the brother enduring for his sister; and evenInan, who sacrifices everything despite awful truths about himself and blindly hopes to achieve peace for Orïsha and his father’s approval.
In short, this was a fantastic, heart-wrenching, and beautiful story.
Its small flaws (some rapid pacing and some minor character arcs left unexplored) can be overlooked since it is just the first part of the tale. I will definitely recommend it and reread it in the future, so 5 stars from me. The audiobook has a great narrator, Bahni Turpin, and she kept me in the minds of each character with her range and emotional narration. I was hooked by the first few chapters and listened to it everyday!
I found the characters to be immediately compelling, more so after the first quarter. The theme of seeking justice in the face of immense violence and oppression is woven throughout - as an older reader, it is clear it is meant to be an allegory to modern violence and brutality by authoritarian groups. I felt strongly about this story and its characters: I was inspired by Zélie and her internal conflicts; Amari and her growth as more than a shy, compassionate-yet-powerless princess; Tzain as the brother enduring for his sister; and even
In short, this was a fantastic, heart-wrenching, and beautiful story.
Its small flaws (some rapid pacing and some minor character arcs left unexplored) can be overlooked since it is just the first part of the tale. I will definitely recommend it and reread it in the future, so 5 stars from me. The audiobook has a great narrator, Bahni Turpin, and she kept me in the minds of each character with her range and emotional narration. I was hooked by the first few chapters and listened to it everyday!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Slavery, Vomit, Sexual harassment, and War
greysun69's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5⭐️ I don’t use this word often, but PROFOUND! Ughh! I can’t wait to buy this book and give it to everyone as birthday gifts.
This book is such a powerful work of art on the concept of oppression. Oppression of others and oppression of ourselves. It talks about the effect of trauma on our sense of self and strength and power. It also brings into view the power of forgiveness and togetherness. Who is worthy of forgiveness? How far is too far to be forgiven? At what point does someone go from being a product of their environment, to being a bad person with horrible intentions? I hated Anon for majority of the book and didn’t find him redeemable at all but I was able to see the good, the bad, and the lost boy trying to make Orisa great again 👀.
I could see the fear mongering that his father fed him and even be sympathetic so I appreciate that perspective. There is so much in this book and it is made digestible and open to interpretation due to how well this book was written! Easy 5 star read.
I think Zel forgave Anon too easily and was far too eager to let him in. Yes, I believe he changed and he cared but he also burned down your village due to mind control, sis. There will be no letting bygones be bygones lmao. I understand Zane being unwilling to have faith in him. Zane is an asshole but at least we KNOW he loves his sister. The ancestor veneration in this book at the end was PRECIOUS! I CRIED! And the fucking author’s note was everything I needed!
This book is such a powerful work of art on the concept of oppression. Oppression of others and oppression of ourselves. It talks about the effect of trauma on our sense of self and strength and power. It also brings into view the power of forgiveness and togetherness. Who is worthy of forgiveness? How far is too far to be forgiven? At what point does someone go from being a product of their environment, to being a bad person with horrible intentions? I hated Anon for majority of the book and didn’t find him redeemable at all but I was able to see the good, the bad, and the lost boy trying to make Orisa great again 👀.
I could see the fear mongering that his father fed him and even be sympathetic so I appreciate that perspective. There is so much in this book and it is made digestible and open to interpretation due to how well this book was written! Easy 5 star read.
I think Zel forgave Anon too easily and was far too eager to let him in. Yes, I believe he changed and he cared but he also burned down your village due to mind control, sis. There will be no letting bygones be bygones lmao. I understand Zane being unwilling to have faith in him. Zane is an asshole but at least we KNOW he loves his sister. The ancestor veneration in this book at the end was PRECIOUS! I CRIED! And the fucking author’s note was everything I needed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Hate crime, Racism, Torture, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War
bujoxbooked's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ok ok I get all the hype and love for this series! Initially it took me a minute to get into it because I am not a full fantasy girl but after hearing Ms. Tomi at two author talks and getting my book signed by her, I really wanted to keep going. I'm glad I did! I can’t waittttttt to see this in movie form and I already know it may not match the magical pictures in my head but baby! When Zelie says “that’s the last mistake they’ll ever make!” Let’s goooooooooooo! . I will say it is a really long book because 18 hours for an audiobook is crazy! There were portions of the book that could've been taken out for sure.
It took me almost a month to finish it but definitely enjoyable!!! I tried reading this back in 2021, BUT I finished it now!
It took me almost a month to finish it but definitely enjoyable!!! I tried reading this back in 2021, BUT I finished it now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and War
kyahs's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If I could rate this book higher I would. This is by far one of my favourite books of all time from the first page to the heart wrenching epilogue. The characters were amazing, culture pored off the pages and so many emotions were forced upon me. Black literature that captures the history and everyday experiences of oppression and fuses it with magic. Tomi Adeyemi is an artist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, and War
kristypinpim's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, and War
corsetedfeminist's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My goodness, this book is incredible.
I love Zelie and Amari. They’re both so brave and sassy, while remaining very distinctive characters, with their own flaws and traits.
The magic system is deceptively simple in the beginning of the book, slowly gaining complexity and depth as the worldbuilding progresses in the story.
All of the characters, even those we only see briefly, are vivid and endearing, such that even the death of someone we only met in the same chapter is heartrending.
By now you all know that my great weakness is truly morally grey characters and generally complex characters, and this book has them in spades. Inan both tugged at my heartstrings and made me angry, and his decisions made sense even when he made the wrong ones.
I also appreciated that there is no detectable Western influence, including in the morality and the plot. It is West African through and through, without getting distracted by any white people.
I will be happily be continuing the series, probably within the week.
I love Zelie and Amari. They’re both so brave and sassy, while remaining very distinctive characters, with their own flaws and traits.
The magic system is deceptively simple in the beginning of the book, slowly gaining complexity and depth as the worldbuilding progresses in the story.
All of the characters, even those we only see briefly, are vivid and endearing, such that even the death of someone we only met in the same chapter is heartrending.
By now you all know that my great weakness is truly morally grey characters and generally complex characters, and this book has them in spades. Inan both tugged at my heartstrings and made me angry, and his decisions made sense even when he made the wrong ones.
I also appreciated that there is no detectable Western influence, including in the morality and the plot. It is West African through and through, without getting distracted by any white people.
I will be happily be continuing the series, probably within the week.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Torture, Violence, Murder, and War
pagecalico's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really liked this book! I loved the adventurous rush i felt when reading it! It felt a bit slow at first but after 150 pages i loved every scene!
Im glad that Inan is dead lol. He didn’t deserve to have redemption arc especially after he betrayed Zelie even after finding out about his powers. He just didnt GET IT.
Also, I really didnt like the idea of Zelie and Inan being together. Like I get its meant to be enemies to lovers but he burnt down Zelie’s village for God’s sake. It’s more oppresser x oppressed and just felt forced. Hell I prefer Zelie and Roen together more.
Also I really liked that the author didnt go the whole ‘we dont need a revolution and we can resolve systemic issues with peace and liberal debates’ route and reaffirmed the importance of liberation of the oppressed through fighting back and revolution, because i was really starting to get pissed off atZelie for reiterating the same BS the kosidans were spewing about ‘magic being dangerous
I wish the author would tone down the amounts of similes but i cant wait to read the next book!!
Also, I really didnt like the idea of Zelie and Inan being together. Like I get its meant to be enemies to lovers but he burnt down Zelie’s village for God’s sake. It’s more oppresser x oppressed and just felt forced. Hell I prefer Zelie and Roen together more.
Also I really liked that the author didnt go the whole ‘we dont need a revolution and we can resolve systemic issues with peace and liberal debates’ route and reaffirmed the importance of liberation of the oppressed through fighting back and revolution, because i was really starting to get pissed off at
I wish the author would tone down the amounts of similes but i cant wait to read the next book!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
pheyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow, wow, WOW! This is the best fantasy book I’ve read in years. I clapped when it ended and shed tears at the authors note. This was not an easy read. The lore and world building was a lot to learn about. The brutality and description of marginalization hurt, because ofc it mirrors so much of real life. However it somehow manages to keep an element of fun discovery, adventure, and romance. The characters are so well written and their dynamics with each other are nuanced. The climax was INCREDIBLE! I love when a story sets up a path with such fierce obstacles and makes you feel the fear and hopelessness. And getting to read how these characters navigate against all odds is a treasure. Can’t say too much more while keeping this spoiler free. But yes overall this book was a journey that is engaging from the first page, it’s intense, the world is so interesting reminds me of ATLA, the characters are amazing and that climax whew! 5 stars for Children of Blood and Bone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Torture
sauvageloup's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An engaging fantasy read with good writing and pacing.
pros:
- what set it apart the most I think was the Nigerian cultural influences, and how Yoruba and the gods made the magic and the worldbuilding different and interesting. There was hints of a larger world which was interesting, but it made a great change to be set in fantasy Africa.
- the writing was solid, imaginative and emotional and the dialogue was good. I didnt enormously connect to the characters, but I did like them and appreciated their complexities and back stories.
- I did like the romance between Tzain and Amari, that felt more natural, and I liked Amari's character and how she develops.
- I also liked that magic was shown through hair (as well as the usual eyes), which I think emphasised the importance of hair in Black peoples culture and how they have been the subject of racism and oppression because of it.
- Adeyemi draws attention to the parallels between the oppressive tyrant in the book and the police brutality in real life and I did feel that resonance in the book.
cons:
- throughout, I felt it very strongly had the YA revolution, fantasy, romance tropes going on. maybe it was fresher at the time, but the romance felt shoved in there for extra drama (esp between Zelie and Inan, Amari and Tzain's felt more natural), and I did roll my eyes a little at some of the plot points (getting a "quest" for a magic stone and scroll, the bad guy flicking back and forth in alliances, Zelie randomly losing her magic for maximum effect, magic being lost to the realm, having to do a ritual on one special day, dead parents fuelling all motivation, etc.). other things were tropes, like everyone being badass with a weapon and them riding giant beasts, but those were more fun.
- also, character motivations felt weird. why did Inan fluctuate so much in his loyalties? I couldnt rly understand that. Zelie too made some odd decisions which seemed to just serve the plot.
- the last line also confused me, not sure if it was meant to or not? clearly magic wasnt lost but why was it so shocking that Amari had magic.
overall, a bit mixed, maybe just because it was written nearly 10 years ago now so didnt feel as fresh. still want to read the 2nd one.
pros:
- what set it apart the most I think was the Nigerian cultural influences, and how Yoruba and the gods made the magic and the worldbuilding different and interesting. There was hints of a larger world which was interesting, but it made a great change to be set in fantasy Africa.
- the writing was solid, imaginative and emotional and the dialogue was good. I didnt enormously connect to the characters, but I did like them and appreciated their complexities and back stories.
- I did like the romance between Tzain and Amari, that felt more natural, and I liked Amari's character and how she develops.
- I also liked that magic was shown through hair (as well as the usual eyes), which I think emphasised the importance of hair in Black peoples culture and how they have been the subject of racism and oppression because of it.
- Adeyemi draws attention to the parallels between the oppressive tyrant in the book and the police brutality in real life and I did feel that resonance in the book.
cons:
- throughout, I felt it very strongly had the YA revolution, fantasy, romance tropes going on. maybe it was fresher at the time, but
- also, character motivations felt weird. why did Inan fluctuate so much in his loyalties? I couldnt rly understand that. Zelie too made some odd decisions which seemed to just serve the plot.
- the last line also confused me, not sure if it was meant to or not? clearly magic wasnt lost but why was it so shocking that Amari had magic.
overall, a bit mixed, maybe just because it was written nearly 10 years ago now so didnt feel as fresh. still want to read the 2nd one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
itszainab's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Rereading to prepare for Anguish & Anarchy (Book 3) and I remember why I love this book so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and War