Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (review)

After the king of Orïsha attempts to erase magic from the land completely in a genocide known as the Raid, the divîners, the children whose powers have not yet been awakened, are all that's left. Marked by their silver eyes, shockingly white hair, and dark skin, divîners of Orïsha are subject to a life of marked inferiority and systemic oppression. Zélie Adebola was just a child when the Raid happened; the memory of her mother's hanging body is burned into her mind, and she longs for the warmth and goodness of the magic that she lost. When events present an opportunity to not only return magic to the people of Orïsha but to also rebuild their nation's governing system, Zélie, her brother, and a rogue princess set off on a journey that will test their limits and transform life as they know it. Adeyemi draws on Nigerian culture, expertly weaving together the beauty and mysticism of the Yoruba orishas with contemporary issues of race, power, and privilege in a fast-paced and enthralling novel. With narration that moves between Zélie, the Orïsha princess in the midst of social awakening, and her loyal and rule-abiding crown prince brother, the book builds on the varying perspectives as the characters attempt to interpret one another's true intentions. Despite a heart-clenching end battle, Adeyemi plants a seed extending Zélie's destiny, which hopefully means that the war will soon rage on in a second installation. This title is sure to be a conversation starter, perhaps leading to more difficult conversations about real-world culture, society, and values. MK