They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Wow. Just, wow. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is a fantatastic piece of fiction. I was drawn into the narrative with the first words that my eyes took in; the story is instantly engaging and poetically written. The story unfolds at a masterful pace, Adeyemi brings the reader into the world of Orïsha both all at once and slowly, satisfying an unknown craving for more lore while dropping breadcrumbs along the way for more. I can see this book and subsequent series being adapted for film and being as impactful for this generation as Harry Potter was for mine.
Orïsha is a kingdom without magic, but it wasn't always that way. Before the Raid eleven years prior there were 10 clans that were gifted by the gods, each specializing in a different type of magic. But hatred, fear, and vengeance led King Saran to cleanse Orïsha of maji and eliminate magic. But it seems that the gods have something else in mind, and a small group led by Zélie Adebola has the chance to bring magic back.
This book delves into the act of growing up and reconciling what one has been taught growing up with how they perceive the world. Faith and in believing in yourself. Power. How power corrupts. Important themes for YA (and arguably for everyone since as an adult these themes still resonate with me).
Children of Blood and Bone is a breakout start for a series that I cannot wait to devour with fervor. With excellent pacing throughout the entire book, lovable characters with immense depth, and writing that is so poetic it is tough to put down, I cannot recommend this book enough.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), for granting my wish and providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading subsequent books in the series!