Reviewed By: Nikki J.
Children of Blood And Bone is a 2018 young adult fantasy novel by Nigerian-American novelist Tomi Adeyemi. The first of a trilogy, it was the catalyst for starting Books & Stilettos. I had just completed Neanderthal Seeks Human a hilarious rom-com and was looking for my next great read when I stumbled upon this one.
In Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic, a fight for good, and a beautiful coming of age story in her West African-inspired fantasy debut. The main character Zelie Adebola is a young adult living at a time when magic has disappeared. During her youth, her people (the people of Orisha) were full of joy, magic flowed freely and her family thrived. But under the order of a tyrannical kosidán ruler magic was taken away, the wielders of magic (the maji) were executed including Zelie’s mother and her people became oppressed.
In the first installment of this series, Zelie is appointed by the gods to begin the quest to not only bring magic back but to liberate the people of Orisha thus striking back against the monarchy. But she is not alone–Zelie is supported by her skeptical big brother and a rogue princess. During the journey with her unlikely companions, Zelie discovers her power, begins to fall in love and meets her nemesis. Every challenge Zelie faces builds her character and increases her resolve to help her people rise.
I was enthralled by Children of Blood and Bone and quickly devoured the second book in the series, Children of Virtue and Vengeance. If you’ve already started the trilogy, I’d love to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, stay tuned for the movie adaptation currently in development at Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions.
Not familiar with the series? Get your copy of Children of Blood and Bone now.
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