Reviews

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

jollyjord's review against another edition

Dumb. Couldn't stand the characters with overly exaggerated stereotypes. Not that I even found it offensive, just stupid. Couldn't take the book seriously beyond that point. 

the_eucologist's review against another edition

3.0

As the first in a series it does a fairly good job setting up the world its characters inhabit. I even loved how cleverly cultural tensions are referenced even if they don't necessarily determine or shape narrative trajectories. But it's hard to come away from this feeling as though it isn't written with an overly cinematic approach, where large set pieces and plot points are prioritized over stable character development. Sunny in particular seems a somewhat distant figure even if on paper her experiences being marginalized mirror mine. I suppose I am mostly frustrated that the novel wants to be both a tale about being a "fish-out-of-water" but also acts as if its characters--and, crucially, readers--know everything about the world we are thrust into. The logic of the latter conspires to keep us and this newest Oha coven in the dark when is clearly needed are clarity and illumination.

trinibabee's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

erinthered's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

smateer73's review against another edition

4.0

I really really enjoyed this book. It is so intricate and interesting, and also one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. I loved all the characters, they are the perfect balance of young and mature. Sunny is so amazing and talented and so are all of the others. I loved this book, it can get dark without ever being scary. I love learning about the African culture too, it’s so vibrant.

jnishi's review against another edition

5.0

I have read a lot of YA fantasy and this one is nothing at all like the others. While it has echoes of The Great Harry Potter, Okorafor has created a uniquely imaginative story that has you hooked from the first page. It is wonderful to see not only a cast of characters that are entirely POC but to see stories come to life that we normally don’t hear about. When Queen Ursula LeQuin says this story has vivid imagination in it, you know it’s the truth. Honestly one of the most refreshing stories I’ve read recently.

nic190's review against another edition

Just can't read this anymore, it's boring. I wanted to like this, but I just didn't. 

njdarkish's review against another edition

4.0

Other than a rushed ending this book was almost flawless, taking African folklore into modern urban fantasy in a fascinating way that feels so natural, even to somebody largely unfamiliar with the folklore covered.

tkaryn's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Solid 4 stars for this book. I've loved Nnedi Okorafor, since the day I read Binti in an hour. I've been telling my friends this is like an aged-up, slightly darker HP, and the author is amazing instead of being a TERF. Read this to your adolescent kids instead of that other trash. The audiobook was amazing, and so beautifully done. The climax resolved a little too quickly for my taste, but as a 30 something, I'm not the target audience for the book, so I'm okay with it. Highly highly recommend for a very different fantasy book!!

trude_am's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75