A review by bookswithjk
Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
reflective
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
4.5
Another unique fantasy book that’s about racial tensions from an entirely different viewpoint. I had assumed that yellowskin referred to Asians, but after reading the author’s clarification, I was completely foolish to assume so, especially since there’s no indication of an Asian culture in a world that’s definitively African based/inspired. The magic system reminds me of Terry Brooks’ Elfstones, although with more costs/limitations.
Pacing wise, the story does start out slow - Part One does the hefty job of outlining the author’s vision, but the two subsequent parts run much faster. As for the characters, I didn’t really bond with them as much as I would have liked. Danso is at times irritatingly naive, although he does mature, Lilong is a wary outsider (understandably so), and Esheme is…well, she reads as sociopathic. They’re all interesting characters, however, and I’m more invested in our emperor, given the special circumstances of her powers.
All in all, I enjoyed it and am now eagerly waiting for the sequel!
Pacing wise, the story does start out slow - Part One does the hefty job of outlining the author’s vision, but the two subsequent parts run much faster. As for the characters, I didn’t really bond with them as much as I would have liked. Danso is at times irritatingly naive, although he does mature, Lilong is a wary outsider (understandably so), and Esheme is…well, she reads as sociopathic. They’re all interesting characters, however, and I’m more invested in our emperor, given the special circumstances of her powers.
All in all, I enjoyed it and am now eagerly waiting for the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Murder, Violence, Racial slurs, and Fire/Fire injury