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natashaleighton_'s review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A rich and thoroughly bewitching debut steeped in magical realism and Nigerian mythology that genuinely ensnared me— so much so the hours flew by without my noticing!
Set in Nigeria, Dazzling follows the POVs of two girls, Ozoemena and Treasure-who,despite living vastly different lifestyles, find their fates intertwined when students disappear at their Nigerian Boarding School. With the stakes higher than ever before, both girls must make some difficult choices
Ozoemena, newly arrived at the school is learning to deal not only with a whole new social environment (which puts her own sister’s teasing to shame) but also the knowledge of her patrilineal legacy, to defend her people by turning into leopards.
Treasure, having lived in abject poverty since her father’s death, unwittingly struck a deal with a spirit, in order to bring her father back…no matter the cost.
It’s a story that explores the lengths two girls are willing to go (and what they’re willing to sacrifice) to survive in a world that’s increasingly determined to see them both fail.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started reading this-as magical realism isn’t something I read very much of (I tend to read more YA, historical or epic fantasy than anything contemporary.) But the world building and complex characters really made this a standout and memorable read!
I loved how visceral and detailed the descriptions were which really added depth to the narrative. There is some gore however it’s pretty mild in comparison to a lot of contemporary horror novels (Grady Hendrix’s for example) so if you’ve read those then you’ll probably be fine here. Though I do recommend checking TWs just to be on the safe side.
What I can say, however, is that adult fantasy fans will almost certainly love the uncanny intensity and vividness of Emelumadu’s gorgeous prose.
Our main characters, Ozoemena and Treasure both have such strong narrative voices and I loved how easy it was to distinguish between them both (a pet peeve of mine is reading multiple POV books and getting confused on who perspective I’m currently reading.)
Both girls were incredibly well written and endearingly complex in very different ways and some of their experiences (particularly Treasure’s experiences) were incredibly heart wrenching—hoping that both young women would find some semblance of happiness or satisfaction by the end.
I also enjoyed the similarities we see in the struggles and upheavals both girls face (Treasure in the literal loss of her father and Ozoemena in the absence of hers—it’s one of many instances that really highlights just how intrinsically tied they both are to each other and the roles they have to play.
The theme of ancestral legacy was also incredibly fascinating—through Ozoemena and her gift we see the physical presence of generational heritage and how at odds those traditional practices have become in the advent of more ‘western’ cultural practices. But through the Spirits Treasure encounters and makes a pact with we also see a darker side to this need for survival.
The mystery aspect surrounding Treasure’s school identity fabulously intriguing and I have to admit my guess for who she is was soo unbelievably wrong. But it did mean the twist we encounter at the end—which was *chef’s kiss* perfection, was something I didn’t see it coming AT ALL.
Overall, this was a breathtakingly imaginative and powerfully feminist debut that lovers of magical realism and contemporary fantasy simply don’t want to miss!
Also a massive thank you to headline for the stunning proof.
Set in Nigeria, Dazzling follows the POVs of two girls, Ozoemena and Treasure-who,despite living vastly different lifestyles, find their fates intertwined when students disappear at their Nigerian Boarding School. With the stakes higher than ever before, both girls must make some difficult choices
Ozoemena, newly arrived at the school is learning to deal not only with a whole new social environment (which puts her own sister’s teasing to shame) but also the knowledge of her patrilineal legacy, to defend her people by turning into leopards.
Treasure, having lived in abject poverty since her father’s death, unwittingly struck a deal with a spirit, in order to bring her father back…no matter the cost.
It’s a story that explores the lengths two girls are willing to go (and what they’re willing to sacrifice) to survive in a world that’s increasingly determined to see them both fail.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started reading this-as magical realism isn’t something I read very much of (I tend to read more YA, historical or epic fantasy than anything contemporary.) But the world building and complex characters really made this a standout and memorable read!
I loved how visceral and detailed the descriptions were which really added depth to the narrative. There is some gore however it’s pretty mild in comparison to a lot of contemporary horror novels (Grady Hendrix’s for example) so if you’ve read those then you’ll probably be fine here. Though I do recommend checking TWs just to be on the safe side.
What I can say, however, is that adult fantasy fans will almost certainly love the uncanny intensity and vividness of Emelumadu’s gorgeous prose.
Our main characters, Ozoemena and Treasure both have such strong narrative voices and I loved how easy it was to distinguish between them both (a pet peeve of mine is reading multiple POV books and getting confused on who perspective I’m currently reading.)
Both girls were incredibly well written and endearingly complex in very different ways and some of their experiences (particularly Treasure’s experiences) were incredibly heart wrenching—hoping that both young women would find some semblance of happiness or satisfaction by the end.
I also enjoyed the similarities we see in the struggles and upheavals both girls face (Treasure in the literal loss of her father and Ozoemena in the absence of hers—it’s one of many instances that really highlights just how intrinsically tied they both are to each other and the roles they have to play.
The theme of ancestral legacy was also incredibly fascinating—through Ozoemena and her gift we see the physical presence of generational heritage and how at odds those traditional practices have become in the advent of more ‘western’ cultural practices. But through the Spirits Treasure encounters and makes a pact with we also see a darker side to this need for survival.
The mystery aspect surrounding Treasure’s school identity fabulously intriguing and I have to admit my guess for who she is was soo unbelievably wrong. But it did mean the twist we encounter at the end—which was *chef’s kiss* perfection, was something I didn’t see it coming AT ALL.
Overall, this was a breathtakingly imaginative and powerfully feminist debut that lovers of magical realism and contemporary fantasy simply don’t want to miss!
Also a massive thank you to headline for the stunning proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Misogyny
Moderate: Abandonment, Body horror, Sexual harassment, and Religious bigotry
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