Tag: Tomi Adeyemi

Did book two live up to the magic of book one?

I just finished book two of Tomi Adeyemi’s series—she’s a local San Diego author, which makes me extra happy to support her work. Magic is back in Orïsha, and nothing is better. The magic system continues to be excellent, the world building is immersive, and the book cover? Absolutely stunning.

Zélie and Amari are at odds about how best to protect Orïsha and the maji, and their conflict is at the heart of the story. From page one, the action takes off and rarely lets up—there’s hardly a moment to catch your breath.

That said, I have a couple of nitpicks. I wanted more clarity around Zélie’s inner motivations, especially why she’s so resistant to peace. Her emotional arc felt a little underdeveloped in places. But the story is still gripping, and the surprise ending definitely left me wondering what’s next.

You are not your mistakes. Do not let one moment define or destroy you. The gods work in mysterious ways. Have faith in their greater plan.

Will I read book three? Likely yes. I’m invested enough in these characters to want to see where their story goes next. A solid fantasy read.

Why did I wait so long?

I finally got around to reading my signed copy of Children of Blood and Bone—a treasure I picked up from my local bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy, during the pandemic—and I’m so glad I did.

The world building in this book is phenomenal. From the characters to the magic system to the lyrical names, everything is vivid and immersive. And the cover? Stunning. I appreciated it even more after reading the book and catching the subtle symbolism woven into its design.

I was especially fascinated to learn that some of the magical elements are inspired by Yoruba beliefs, including Ase, the divine energy force. What a beautiful way to be introduced to aspects of Nigerian culture and spirituality through fiction.

This is a powerful, heart-pounding start to a series, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. Highly recommended for fans of richly imagined fantasy rooted in real-world mythologies.