Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone was my pick for the 2021 PopSugar Reading Challenge's Afrofuturism prompt. Children of Blood and Bone has been one of the buzziest YA fantasy books in recent years, and has paved the way for future writers and works in the Afrofuturism genre - fantasy stories that are inspired by African culture and myths. Children of Blood and Bone, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series, takes readers into the mythical world of Orïsha, where magic once reigned supreme, but has since been vanquished by a ruthless and vengeful king. The tale follows a teenage girl, Zéile, after she is unwittingly tasked with bringing magic back to Orïsha. To further complicate already complicated matters, Orïsha's king is hellbent on finding Zéile and destroying her and magic for good. Will Zéile be able to preserve Orïsha's magical past and save its future before its too late? Children of Blood and Bone is a mystical story full of possibility and wonder. Adeyemi has developed a fantastical world where anything can happen, and often does. Her story is rooted deep in West African mythology and culture, and draws upon some of her own family's Nigerian and Yoruba heritage. This tale is dark and powerful, managing to be both scintillating and eye-opening at the same time. Adeyemi even draws parallels to the real world with issues of racism and prejudice, as well as brutality at the hands of those in authority. In all, Children of Blood and Bone brings something special to a fantasy genre that is oversaturated with similar-sounding stories. Take note - Children of Blood and Bone is on the scene with a voice all its own that needs to be heard.
Availability: Book; Book on CD; Playaway; eBook & eAudiobook in cloudLibrary Rating: **** Stars (I really liked it)
Reviewer: Brooke, Public Relations Librarian
ARE YOU AND THIS BOOK A GOOD MATCH? DISCOVER MORE WITH NOVELIST APPEALS! Children of Blood and Bone
GENRE: African American Fiction; Afrofuturism and Afrofantasy; Fantasy Fiction
THEME: Chosen One (Prophets foretold of these heroes. They are destined for greatness.); Return of Magic (Magic seeps back into the world, restoring lost power, making real what was legend.)
PACE: Fast-Paced
STORYLINE: Own Voices
CHARACTER: Culturally Diverse
WRITING STYLE: Compelling
SUBJECT: Escapes; Imaginary Kingdoms; Magic; Princes; Seventeen-Year-Old Girls
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