Tomi Adeyemi
2019
Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the breathtaking second title in Tomi Adeyemi's YA fantasy trilogy, Legacy of Orïsha, following her ground-breaking, West African-inspired debut Children of Blood and Bone.After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji but also some nobles with magic ancestry. Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as strong and magical as they are. When Amari's mother forms an army of royals with newly awakened powers, Zélie fights to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath. But with civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must find a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.
I was thoroughly captivated by this sequel to 'Children of Blood and Bone'. The blend of African mythology and magical realism created a tapestry that is both exotic and profoundly moving. The narrative thrusts its characters into a whirlwind of political intrigue and moral complexity, a far cry from the usual fare. It's a refreshing addition to my collection of fantasy epics, and it resonated deeply with themes of self-discovery and resilience. A definite keeper for anyone looking for a story that challenges the status quo.
