Introduction
The Children of Blood and Bone is an action-packed tale encompassing the whimsy of Harry Potter with the strength and nobility of Black Panther. The young adult (YA) fantasy tackles heavy topics including death, prejudice and power dynamics in a West Africa fantasy world. Told through the eyes of a princess, a Maji and Orïsha’s future king, their points of view tell a story of love, loyalty and duality.
Plot
Tomi Adeyemi’s YA debut follows a beautiful, white haired heroine, determined to bring back the magic of her ancestors and defeat a ruthless king. After a mass murder of the Maji people years ago, Zélie never thought she’d hear of magic or the Gods again. That is until she comes face to face with Orïsha’s own Princess Amari. A woman on a mission of her own. As the story unfolds, Zélie, her brother Tzain and Princess Amari embark on a journey to bring magic back. However, unbeknown to them, Prince Inan is on a mission of his own, to end magic forever.
Experience
Prior to reading this book I had never heard of West African Mythology. As a young girl living in the United States, we were taught about Greek and Roman gods in school. While these lessons were always interesting to me, I never felt a personal connection to them as a Black person. That all changed when I read The Children of Blood and Bone. Tomi Adeyemi made sure that this book had something for everyone. From the black characters in positions of both power and oppression, to the world building that makes readers feel they have been transported to Inan’s beautiful dreamscapes, the story is hard to put down.
As I read, I often found myself torn over my desired outcome. Though I desperately wanted to see the Maji people regain their magic, I also understood how dangerous their powers could be in the wrong hands. The one thing I did not waiver on, was how badly I wanted everyone to survive. Though all of my wishes for this book didn’t come true, I can’t imagine the story ending any differently than it did. On a cliffhanger! So, be prepared future readers this is only the beginning. The real story lies in book two, The Children of Virtue and Vengeance.
Rating
9/10
Recommendation
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a story they can’t put down. This story is great to read on a vacation, a rainy day or on a Wednesday afternoon after work. It is a tearjerker so make sure to have tissues! Please, please, please give it a read! Take it from me, you won’t regret it. Grab your copy here then let me know how you like it in the comments! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Reviewed by Londyn Jackson
Feature image is from Audible and the second image is from Vicky Who Reads
