hazeyjane_2's review against another edition
1.0
Points to the diversity. Minus points for the authorial/narratorial ‘voice’ being exactly like a host of other novels including Cursed Beauty, THG, Uprooted and Spinning Silver.
First person, ‘plucky’, ‘unique’ female narrator.
I DNF’d after the first five six pages due to the tone and the writing. Just too bland to hold my interest.
First person, ‘plucky’, ‘unique’ female narrator.
I DNF’d after the first five six pages due to the tone and the writing. Just too bland to hold my interest.
estheria's review against another edition
2.0
1.5 stars. I wouldn't burn this book. But it is like a musical piece with a single measure that is entirely a whole note with a fermata over it. It has the same pace, the same level of emotion, the same level of drama throughout. I understand that it's fantasy-action and YA to boot, the combo of which can create extra-dramatic drama, but there still needs to be some negative space, like in any work of art. There still need to be points of reflection, points of rest, because that makes the art lucid. This is muddled art.
A lot of the plot seemed cheap and even forced to me. Didn't buy the boat thing, didn't buy the many artifacts lying right in their path, the romance is too quick and certain even for teenagers, Zelie is super-skilled of course, and the story seemed propped up on improbable coincidences of timing.
As an aside, I think this book is the novel form of The Dress. Some people think there's a ton of action; some people think nothing happens. I read the book 1.67 times, having bailed the first time out of boredom, and I can see it both ways after the second reading. There's constant emotional seesawing without much substance to the plot. If emotion feels like events in a plot to you, you might be more likely to call the book action-packed, in which case you might enjoy it more than I did.
A lot of the plot seemed cheap and even forced to me. Didn't buy the boat thing, didn't buy the many artifacts lying right in their path, the romance is too quick and certain even for teenagers, Zelie is super-skilled of course, and the story seemed propped up on improbable coincidences of timing.
As an aside, I think this book is the novel form of The Dress. Some people think there's a ton of action; some people think nothing happens. I read the book 1.67 times, having bailed the first time out of boredom, and I can see it both ways after the second reading. There's constant emotional seesawing without much substance to the plot. If emotion feels like events in a plot to you, you might be more likely to call the book action-packed, in which case you might enjoy it more than I did.
sparksinthevoid's review against another edition
4.0
what the fuck did just happen(?)
-----------
• buddy read with el
I’m not quite sure where to start here. Overall, I really liked this book, but there were some things that I just wasn’t very fond of.
First of all, the representation is fantastic. All characters were people of colour (it’s inspired by West(?) African culture, so obviously) and that was one of the reasons why I even picked it up. I also found some elements of Avatar and, again, that’s amazing! The whole world-building was so rich and interesting, I can’t wait to see more.
Besides the I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding sentence, I absolutely loved the writing style. That’s also a reason why I didn’t really want to put the book down when I started reading, especially when we hit the half of the book. The events kept coming and there was never really a moment to catch a breath, there was always some action and it never stopped. However, the ending was too rushed and wrapped up too quickly which was the reason for some confusion at the end (at least on my end). I’m still not quite sure what exactly happened to Inan (though that’s probably intended) or how Zélie and Tzain’s father came to be with Inan and the king.
Speaking of the characters, I loved them, for the most part. From the three characters who tell the story I still think that Inan is my favourite even if I’m so disappointed. I’m pretty conflicted when it comes to him. I also head-canon Amari as bisexual and you can’t convince me otherwise. Also, the character development of these two is just amazing? I mean, after Inan took two steps forward, he also too took one back and I’m still not over that, but besides that it’s amazing. I just adore Zélie for being a strong character and fighting for what she thinks is right. And Tzain, lovely Tzain, what a precious boy.
He’s just a side character, but I hope we’ll see much more of him. I actually expect it. Roen. He’s so funny and I’ve just became weaker and weaker every time he smirked (aka always). He and Zélie had such a great dynamic and I’ll be satisfied even if it will be just a platonic relationship, as long as they interact.
Now, let’s come to some eh-things. The Romance. I didn’t mind AmarixTzain, I even found it cute and I just want more awkwardness, haha. But Inan and Zélie. For me, the line between hatred and kind of friendship and then romance was too blurry and crossed too quickly. I wanted slow-burn, but didn’t get that and I’m really sad about that.
But I still liked it very much and will definitely continue with the series.
4/5 stars
-----------
• buddy read with el
I’m not quite sure where to start here. Overall, I really liked this book, but there were some things that I just wasn’t very fond of.
First of all, the representation is fantastic. All characters were people of colour (it’s inspired by West(?) African culture, so obviously) and that was one of the reasons why I even picked it up. I also found some elements of Avatar and, again, that’s amazing! The whole world-building was so rich and interesting, I can’t wait to see more.
Besides the I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding sentence, I absolutely loved the writing style. That’s also a reason why I didn’t really want to put the book down when I started reading, especially when we hit the half of the book. The events kept coming and there was never really a moment to catch a breath, there was always some action and it never stopped. However, the ending was too rushed and wrapped up too quickly which was the reason for some confusion at the end (at least on my end). I’m still not quite sure what exactly happened to Inan (though that’s probably intended) or how Zélie and Tzain’s father came to be with Inan and the king.
Speaking of the characters, I loved them, for the most part. From the three characters who tell the story I still think that Inan is my favourite even if I’m so disappointed. I’m pretty conflicted when it comes to him. I also head-canon Amari as bisexual and you can’t convince me otherwise. Also, the character development of these two is just amazing? I mean, after Inan took two steps forward, he also too took one back and I’m still not over that, but besides that it’s amazing. I just adore Zélie for being a strong character and fighting for what she thinks is right. And Tzain, lovely Tzain, what a precious boy.
He’s just a side character, but I hope we’ll see much more of him. I actually expect it. Roen. He’s so funny and I’ve just became weaker and weaker every time he smirked (aka always). He and Zélie had such a great dynamic and I’ll be satisfied even if it will be just a platonic relationship, as long as they interact.
Now, let’s come to some eh-things. The Romance. I didn’t mind AmarixTzain, I even found it cute and I just want more awkwardness, haha. But Inan and Zélie.
Spoiler
Ah. You know each other for like 5 days, you tried to kill each other on day one and still Inan says that Zélie is the girl he loves. Boy, you don’t know each other even if her memories can’t leave your mind. You hated each other. These feelings don’t change within a few days.But I still liked it very much and will definitely continue with the series.
4/5 stars
mels_4ever's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very good! ...
My only problem with it is Inan and Zelie's relationship. It really didn't tug at my heart strings, and their relationship moved way too fast. I find it weird that I ship Amari and Tzain more than Inan and Zelie. Inan was a jerk for too much of a portion of the book for my heart to lie with him. In fact, I like Roen and Zelie better! I can see Zelie and Inan ending up together in the end though because of all the focus on him. All of the looks and the touching and the way Zelie feels for him for like a split second. That stuff makes my heart skip a beat, but knowing who Zelie lusts for makes it go right back to normal. Inan isn't very likable. He does a bunch of stupid stuff and sure he doesn't mean for some of it to happen, but he just isn't that smart and shouldn't be with Zelie. I'd recommend reading it if not for Inan and Zelie's oddly fast relationship (they go from hating each other to loving each other in like a week???).
Ok ok back to the actual book and whatnot. The plot is very good. I like the message that the book is sending about racism. It really inserts me emotionally in the book and has me in the shoes of each and every character. Amari's chapters had me feeling for a princess who was stupid and didn't stand up to her family before or see what was wrong but is not looking to make things right. Inan's chapters have me kind of hating him because of how he feels about himself throughout the entire book (he's quite infuriating). And Zelie's chapters have me feeling for a girl who grew up without a mother and stuck in a society that doesn't allow for her own freedom. I mean, it is WAY more than that, but you'll just have to read the book.
HOWEVER, the relationships are quite predictable. Ooh is it going to happen? Are they going to confess their love? Like hell yes it's going to happen except something bad is going to happen, and their relationship is going to die. Or hell yeah the relationship is going to happen, and they're going to be so cute and maybe have like one big argument by the end of the series.
A lot of the characters aren't totally likable. They always do something stupid or say something stupid (except for Tzain whom I love) right when you're starting to like them again. Which isn't totally a bad thing because it's relatable. I didn't become attached to all of the characters, but that's ok. There are certain ones I hate and certain ones I want to see happy.
Overall, was it the best book I've ever read? No. (Sarah J Maas owns my heart as of recently) But it was a pretty good book that has a very good plot besides the central romantic relationship. We can just ignore that disaster.
My only problem with it is Inan and Zelie's relationship. It really didn't tug at my heart strings, and their relationship moved way too fast. I find it weird that I ship Amari and Tzain more than Inan and Zelie. Inan was a jerk for too much of a portion of the book for my heart to lie with him. In fact, I like Roen and Zelie better! I can see Zelie and Inan ending up together in the end though because of all the focus on him. All of the looks and the touching and the way Zelie feels for him for like a split second. That stuff makes my heart skip a beat, but knowing who Zelie lusts for makes it go right back to normal. Inan isn't very likable. He does a bunch of stupid stuff and sure he doesn't mean for some of it to happen, but he just isn't that smart and shouldn't be with Zelie. I'd recommend reading it if not for Inan and Zelie's oddly fast relationship (they go from hating each other to loving each other in like a week???).
Ok ok back to the actual book and whatnot. The plot is very good. I like the message that the book is sending about racism. It really inserts me emotionally in the book and has me in the shoes of each and every character. Amari's chapters had me feeling for a princess who was stupid and didn't stand up to her family before or see what was wrong but is not looking to make things right. Inan's chapters have me kind of hating him because of how he feels about himself throughout the entire book (he's quite infuriating). And Zelie's chapters have me feeling for a girl who grew up without a mother and stuck in a society that doesn't allow for her own freedom. I mean, it is WAY more than that, but you'll just have to read the book.
HOWEVER, the relationships are quite predictable. Ooh is it going to happen? Are they going to confess their love? Like hell yes it's going to happen except something bad is going to happen, and their relationship is going to die. Or hell yeah the relationship is going to happen, and they're going to be so cute and maybe have like one big argument by the end of the series.
A lot of the characters aren't totally likable. They always do something stupid or say something stupid (except for Tzain whom I love) right when you're starting to like them again. Which isn't totally a bad thing because it's relatable. I didn't become attached to all of the characters, but that's ok. There are certain ones I hate and certain ones I want to see happy.
Overall, was it the best book I've ever read? No. (Sarah J Maas owns my heart as of recently) But it was a pretty good book that has a very good plot besides the central romantic relationship. We can just ignore that disaster.
lindseyhardison's review against another edition
5.0
I AM A MESS OF EMOTIONS AND I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW
danaxbee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I enjoyed reading this book, but I wanted a bit more from the characters and the plot. The audiobook was beautiful but I did have trouble distinguishing between some of the characters while listening because to my ear, the distinction was minimal. Despite that, the narrator was exceptional. Some plot points really were cringey but overall, I enjoyed the world the author created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Injury/injury detail, Torture, Physical abuse, Murder, Violence, Death of parent, and Child death
step_into_a_book_world's review against another edition
5.0
Copied from blog Step Into A Book World for more review and other content make sure to visit.

“I requested a copy an ARC of Children of Blood and Bone from Netgalley. This review is written of my own thoughts and opinions.”
Children of Blood and Bone is my most anticipated book of 2018. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the ARC from Netgalley and I literally cried. This book will change the world of books as we know it. I know that the hype surrounding this book is huge, but trust me you NEED to believe the hype!
This book is one of the most empowering books I have ever read to date. It inspires you to change the world of today and reminds you what it feels like to be judge by others for the color of your skin or the race that we were born. We need to look at others and see the pure hearts that are inside.

Plot
Children of Blood and Bone tackles real-life issues that have become more concerning in the recent years around the world, such as racism, color, and the violence others do to people born from different nationalities around the world. The main character of this story is shoved in this horrible label and defined by others base on her heritage and the way she looks.
The story is centered around by the Magji who are born of white hair and were gifted different kinds magic by the gods such as fire, water, mind-reading, ability to summon light and darkness, diseases, raising dead spirits, and so many more.
The once great Magji have become nothing but dirt beneath the Kings foot ever since magic has left the world. The question is how long you can beat someone down before they finally decide it’s time to rise!

Writing Style/ World-Building
Tomi Adeyemi’s writing style is unlike anything I have ever read. It has the power to pull you into the story in a detailed world and make you feel the struggle of the characters. You can feel the character’s drive, passion, and sorrow leak off of the pages. This world was rich in details and history of the world that this story takes place.
The details and vast world she has created is unlike anything I have ever experienced. There was so much of this world shown and was done in a way that didn’t overload your brain. She put so much thought into each city, clan, gods, and magic that you are sucked into this world. Honestly perfection isn’t a strong enough word!

Characters
What I loved about this book is we get different perceptive of each character. We get to see how they struggle and fight to find where they stand in the world full of hate and oppression. There was so much character development that was involved that you will fall in love with each character. The way that each character slowly changes over the course of the book made me connect to them and feel their drive and passion.
One of main character Zélie is a strong-willed trained fighter who is full of passion, fire, and hope. Zélie is a descendant of the Magji .
Zélie’s people are forces to obey the man who conquered their tribe and murder those they loved. They are thought of as only maggots and treated as dirt because of the color of their skin and color of their hair. Zélie’s hate for those who have enslaved her people and killed her mother is the drive of this story.
Her fire and strength to fight for those who she loves and those that can’t defend their selves is so empowering. When she gets knocked down it makes her willing and strength grow.

Final Thoughts
This book is a must read book that has the power to change your whole life. Trust me when I say this you need this book in your life. Everything about this book has buried itself into my heart forever and became my favorite book. I literally couldn’t put this book down, in fact I was walking though my house reading it when I had to do something.
I honestly can’t think of one thing I would change about this book! I have NO complaints or negatives!

“I requested a copy an ARC of Children of Blood and Bone from Netgalley. This review is written of my own thoughts and opinions.”
Children of Blood and Bone is my most anticipated book of 2018. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the ARC from Netgalley and I literally cried. This book will change the world of books as we know it. I know that the hype surrounding this book is huge, but trust me you NEED to believe the hype!
This book is one of the most empowering books I have ever read to date. It inspires you to change the world of today and reminds you what it feels like to be judge by others for the color of your skin or the race that we were born. We need to look at others and see the pure hearts that are inside.

Plot
Children of Blood and Bone tackles real-life issues that have become more concerning in the recent years around the world, such as racism, color, and the violence others do to people born from different nationalities around the world. The main character of this story is shoved in this horrible label and defined by others base on her heritage and the way she looks.
The story is centered around by the Magji who are born of white hair and were gifted different kinds magic by the gods such as fire, water, mind-reading, ability to summon light and darkness, diseases, raising dead spirits, and so many more.
The once great Magji have become nothing but dirt beneath the Kings foot ever since magic has left the world. The question is how long you can beat someone down before they finally decide it’s time to rise!

Writing Style/ World-Building
Tomi Adeyemi’s writing style is unlike anything I have ever read. It has the power to pull you into the story in a detailed world and make you feel the struggle of the characters. You can feel the character’s drive, passion, and sorrow leak off of the pages. This world was rich in details and history of the world that this story takes place.
The details and vast world she has created is unlike anything I have ever experienced. There was so much of this world shown and was done in a way that didn’t overload your brain. She put so much thought into each city, clan, gods, and magic that you are sucked into this world. Honestly perfection isn’t a strong enough word!

Characters
What I loved about this book is we get different perceptive of each character. We get to see how they struggle and fight to find where they stand in the world full of hate and oppression. There was so much character development that was involved that you will fall in love with each character. The way that each character slowly changes over the course of the book made me connect to them and feel their drive and passion.
One of main character Zélie is a strong-willed trained fighter who is full of passion, fire, and hope. Zélie is a descendant of the Magji .
Zélie’s people are forces to obey the man who conquered their tribe and murder those they loved. They are thought of as only maggots and treated as dirt because of the color of their skin and color of their hair. Zélie’s hate for those who have enslaved her people and killed her mother is the drive of this story.
Her fire and strength to fight for those who she loves and those that can’t defend their selves is so empowering. When she gets knocked down it makes her willing and strength grow.

Final Thoughts
This book is a must read book that has the power to change your whole life. Trust me when I say this you need this book in your life. Everything about this book has buried itself into my heart forever and became my favorite book. I literally couldn’t put this book down, in fact I was walking though my house reading it when I had to do something.
I honestly can’t think of one thing I would change about this book! I have NO complaints or negatives!
mushimilda's review against another edition
4.0
Je lis de moins en moins de fantasy car j'en peux plus des bouquins qui se déroulent dans un vague Moyen-Âge européen sans chercher plus loin. J'ai du coup été ravi de ce livre d'une autrice nigériane, qui reprend des éléments d'histoire et de culture d'Afrique de l'ouest. J'ai trouvé les personnages attachants et les thématiques intéressantes : survivre au traumatisme, luter contre l'ordre établi, se plier ou non à l’autorité parentale, apprendre à devenir autonome, et ça me semble très bien pour un livre qui cible un public YA.
msellisatgodinez's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0