Reviews

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

ashtonj's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

bright_winter_moon's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars. The character development was definitely the strong suit, though the world building was also thorough and detailed. I really appreciate the depth of characters and their moral grayness, and how much they learn from each other. I didn’t always enjoy reading their perspectives but I think that was because they were all so realistic. Lots of complicated layers to the society created in this story that address many forms of privilege and relationships that were excellent. Some of the plot developments/character choices (for certain characters) felt a bit out of context/unexplained/I was confused, and it was slow at time as the world was laid out.

foolofatook22's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

neera_exlibris's review against another edition

Couldn't get past how annoying Danso was

krystallotuslang's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

violethazel's review against another edition

3.5

first three quarters were mind numbing lowkey but def got much better at the end, enough so that i will continue reading the series. if you're looking for complex characters this is it, they were fantastically well developed but the story wasn't as strong as a result. i would say push through because it was worth it in the end. 

abigable's review against another edition

5.0

A Gory, fast paced and fantastical epic. What more could you want? There was definitely some twists I did not expect. Excited for the next one!

enbyglitch's review against another edition

5.0

This is a well imagined and crafted fantasy adventure, with lots of cultural elements that manage to set it apart within the genre. I enjoyed the characters greatly, though occasionally their temperaments seemed to follow the needs of the plot.

There are definitely statements to be found in this book as well! Racism has been flipped on its head, and it is interesting to see people of only slightly lighter skin tones discriminated against. Combined with revelations about the magic system, I could see this continuing down a dark eugenics path in the sequel.

Also impressed by seeing the violent succession of one corrupt and problematic government by another (with all too recognizable ideals). As with real life, having a long and nationalistic history does not change the problems deeply rooted within a system; People advocating change can also have far worse goals and use positive messages for their own gain.

For a story about young adults, their parents and their rocks, quite the potent political (sub)text!

pemdas97's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense 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

3.25

kepheus's review against another edition

4.0

This one definitely starts off slow and then rushes quickly towards the end. I was a bit surprised to see where Esheme's story lead, and though it does lead to some interesting places in the next book, I don't know I'll be back as none of the characters really held me.

That aside, I loved the world-building and especially the magic system. These things should have costs and grounding that cost puts real stakes and challenges the users.