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sloreads_ca's review
3.0
Full Review
I picked this book based on an insta recommendation and dove right in without checking the blurb. I knew it was fantasy, I knew Nnedi Okorafor has been really well reviewed and I knew lots of people really liked this book, but I didn’t know it was YA. I generally don’t read YA and if I do it’s usually older teens, so this book wasn’t a great fit for me.
That’s not to say that Okorafor didn’t crush it. Excellent world building and well developed magic. The elements were consistent and creative. The writing was well polished and clear.
I picked this book based on an insta recommendation and dove right in without checking the blurb. I knew it was fantasy, I knew Nnedi Okorafor has been really well reviewed and I knew lots of people really liked this book, but I didn’t know it was YA. I generally don’t read YA and if I do it’s usually older teens, so this book wasn’t a great fit for me.
That’s not to say that Okorafor didn’t crush it. Excellent world building and well developed magic. The elements were consistent and creative. The writing was well polished and clear.
trapwomanistcyborgwitch's review against another edition
4.0
Re-read for the third book in the series. Very imaginative and unique. Love all of the Nigerian folklore and magic interwoven in the story. Great Character growth for Sunny.
sarahhhht's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
I really liked the system of magic she created here! I thought the West African/Nigerian setting was really interesting and loved seeing that intertwined with the structure and systems of magic.
rebeccajanereads's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jenhurst's review
4.0
This isn’t YA since the main characters are 13/14, it’s middle grade. The writing is also very juvenile but the story is still fantastic. I liked the magic system and the blending of African folklore with modern day. It’s interesting seeing a protagonist as an Albino, since usually anyone with a disability of sorts doesn’t get to be front and centre in a story. The other characters with powers are dyslexic or ADHD. I liked seeing those celebrated
kathrinpassig's review
Es fing ganz gut an, das Versprechen "Harry Potter in Nigeria" (und mit einer weiblichen Hauptfigur) interessierte mich schon deshalb, weil endlich mal was nicht in England spielt und ich sehr wenig über Nigeria weiß. Aber bei 50% des Buchs gab es immer noch keinen Plot, nur eine Abfolge von "und dann besuchten wir diese Magieperson und dann jene und dann flogen wir auf dem Rücken eines großen Vogels herum, und dann, und dann, und dann". Auch stilistisch wirkte es in der Mitte liebloser heruntererzählt als am Anfang. Vielleicht wird es in der zweiten Hälfte noch richtig gut, ich hatte nicht die Geduld dafür.
pacele's review
3.5
Cute and engaging! Had I read this in middle school I think I would have absolutely loved it. I’m excited to read the next few books.
uniimitedskies's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5