Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Legacy of Orïsha
Rating: 4.5/5
Synopsis (Goodreads)
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy
My Thoughts
The first in it's series, Children of Blood and Bone keeps you on the edge of your seat! What an amazing book! Usually when books receive so much hype I feel a little hesitant to read them just because I don't want to be disappointed if it is not my cup of tea, however Tomi Adeyemi's novel was far from disappointing. The novel has the perfect pace, starting off with an action scene, and then soon after providing us with a back story, but keeping the reader guessing for a short while, what exactly these characters are fighting for. Written in alternating points of view, this fantasy is filled with all of the best things; magic, loss, betrayal, love, and internal conflict within almost all of the characters.
With today's fantasy or "action" packed novels, almost all characters appear to be fearless in the face of their challenge, but for Zélie, Tzain, Amari and Inan this is most certainly not the case. They are also facing a challenge, but they are not fearless nor do they ever become fearless, which makes these characters with all their skills and magical powers more relatable. If anything, these characters are simply resilient or courageous. Zélie and Tzain are brother and sister living in an opression while Amari and Inan come from the royal family, and with each other all of the character interact in a love hate relationship with each other, but throughout the story learn to love one another in different ways.
The important thing that readers can take away from this novel is that Zélie and those on her side are not just fighting for the magic that was ripped from the lives of many years ago. They are fighting to end the discrimination that comes from the upper hand of the monarchy. They are fighting to protect the vulnerable. They are fighting for their faith. Most importantly, they are fighting for a change that even the real world is in need of.
The only downfall of this book, like any book in a series, is that the ending leaves you with so many questions! I need answers! I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Have you read Children of Blood and Bone? Is it on your TBR list? I'd love to hear your thoughts!