I originally heard of this book through tumblr, with several people posting links to early reviews that called it the “African Game of Thrones.” I wholeheartedly do not agree with that comparison or using GoT as a measuring stick for all fantasy nowadays, but I do think this is a good read for anyone looking to diversify their fantasy. The issues I had with this book were more about technique than plot - and even then, my preferences might not be yours, so just keep in mind that my reviews are skewed towards my personal tastes.

Things I Liked

1. Allegory: This book can be read, in part, as an allegory. Not only is it a commentary on oppression (hard to miss when one group of people is treated badly by another), but it deals with that oppression in honest and complex ways. I really liked that the maji were given very real, very understandable fears, yet some characters were horrified by the use of violence even when it seems justified. I liked how even though oppression was critiqued, the oppressors were given complex histories so as not to seem one-dimensional. It made the conflict as a whole seem less good-vs-evil, which piqued my interest immediately.

2. Characters: I like the range of characters that Adeyemi creates, and I especially like the characteristics she gives them. All seem to have admirable, endearing qualities alongside their shortfalls. Zelie is powerful and determined, yet impulsive and takes a lot of risks. Tzain is protective and caring, yet also can be controlling. All characters are like that, which makes them more rich than the stereotypical fantasy badass who can do no wrong.

3. Magic/Mythology: The magic system in this fantasy world derives from gods and goddesses, and I loved that the origin stories of these powers were rooted not only in a powerful and loving mother deity, but also in non-violent stories of her children (as in, no one kills or assaults the mother deity to get powers). Magic thus felt like a way to connect with one another as opposed to being just a tool or weapon.

4. Complex Results: While readers of the book may root for magic to return for the entirety of the novel, I really loved how the characters debated the merits of bringing magic back into the world after seeing how it is used for violence. Of course, this is not to say they submit to oppression; rather, they think about the consequences of actions and how impossible it is to ensure that everyone act a certain way when given extraordinary abilities. I think this was a great writing choice because it commented on power as well as justice and vengeance.

Things I Didn’t Like

1. Pace: This book is marketed positively as “fast-paced,” but I actually think the pace hurt some aspects of the novel. Events moved so swiftly that there was very little time to put weight on heavy decisions or character interactions. Characters seemed to flip flop between ideas too rapidly, which made a lot of decisions feel shallow or nonsensical. Romances developed way too fast to have an emotional impact on the reader. I almost think this book could have been cut in half and each half filled out again to give big events their proper due.

2. Chapter Divisions: This is nitpicky, but it bothered me. The chapters seem to be divided awkwardly, with breaks coming at strange moments in the narrative. For me, it was a little distracting.

Recommendations: I would recommend this book if you’re interested in fantasy, high fantasy, fantasy featuring people of color, African-inspired fantasy (specifically, Nigerian culture)
magic, magic systems where each person has a single ability, magic based on gods and goddesses, and quests to return magic to the world.