Reviews

Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor

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This is an awesome book. There is a bit of death at the beginning of the novel and it does get a little grim so recommended for a read-along with grown-ups or a true middle-grade audience. The audiobook was AMAZING

jenmangler's review

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3.0

Ikenga captures the overwhelming grief, fear, and anger of losing a parent. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Nnamdi and Chioma.

mdevlin923's review

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3.0

Nnamdi and his mother are distraught after the death of Nnamdi's father, Kaleria's chief of police. On the one year anniversary of his death, Nnamdi meets the ghost of his father, and receives an Ikenga from him. The Ikenga can turn Nnamdi into an intimidating, incredibly strong, hyper-aware man to fight crime. At first Nnamdi has a difficult time controlling this side of him, and it's worse because he wants to solve his father's murder, as well as improve Kaleria since it's fall into corruption after his father's death...but he does eventually learn to control himself and vows to use his powers for good.

A solid late-elementary/middle grade fantasy.

tracykondrit's review

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adventurous hopeful mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

heyshay07's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

jess_mango's review

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5.0

A middle grade fantasy novel by the author of Binti? Yes, please!

I read this book with my 5th grader and after finishing it he declared it "one of the best books you've ever read to me!" He loved it!

Set in Nigeria, this novel has elements of African folklore, mystery and fantasy. Nnamdi is the 11 year old son of the chief of police of their town Kaleria. His father is the best police chief the town has ever had. He readily pushes back the criminals that are trying to invade the town. And then, Nnamdi's dad is murdered. No one knows who killed him. Nnamdi and his mother are left alone. After the death of the police chief the criminal element is free to reign over the town.

On the one year anniversary of his father's death, Nnamdi follows a mysterious figure out of his home's gates and is presented with an Ikenga, a figurine with mystical powers. With the Ikenga in his possession, Nnamdi soon discovers he has new powers. Powers that can help him track down his father's killer and avenge his father's death. BUT, will he be able to control the powers and stay true to his own morals?

This was a great story. It was interesting and engaging throughout. It had lessons about using power for good vs. evil and staying true to yourself. Nnamdi was a relatable character and the author did an excellent job expressing Nnamdi's inner turmoil. We also really liked that the book was set in Africa and gave us a peek at what life is like there.

I highly recommend this book to middle grade and older readers!

The audiobook narrator has a deep soothing accented voice that helped to add to the atmosphere of the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and BookishFirst for the review copy!

lsparrow's review

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5.0

I always enjoy this story teller and this was no exception. A super hero, self discovery, grief journey story.

readmoreyall's review

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4.0

A good middle grades book about power, friendship, grief...lots of adventure and the supernatural elements are well done. I think middle schoolers will really enjoy it.