Children of Blood and Bone

I enjoyed hearing new mythological names and thinking of new versions of fantasy and magic. However, I didn't really connect with the characters. It's fine, but not a favorite. Maybe if I read it another time, I would think differently.

Good for what it is. Solid YA fantasy. Took me away to another world. Very vivid and beautiful. The romance subplots where very meh and I could do without them.

Oh man..where to even start...this is one book that will immerse you in the plight of the diviners and maji. The disgust at their treatment, the extinction of their families and magic that is ripped from their souls makes it hard to breathe. This is a book wrought with injustice, pain of a people who do not deserve the injustice, and the HOPE of change. Zelie, Tzain, and Amari fight for this change and are the hope shining brightly through the darkness.

This book took everything I thought I knew about fantasy and flipped it on it's head. I wasn't even reading by the middle of it, I was just there. And by the end I felt like I was connected to the characters in the way they're connected to each other. I don't have words for this. I was formulating a review towards the end as I read, but then the book ended and I sobbed and lost my words. I am so excited for the sequel, and so thankful for what this book has opened me up for.

Amazing characters that are messy, complicated, actually change opinions depending on what happened. World is detailed and interesting.
Recommend the audiobook so you can hear the words and chants.

Holy Skies!!!

I actually have no words for how amazing this book was. I loved every second of it and cannot wait to get hands on the next one.

My heart broke and sang with joy so many times.

It was just magical. The characters great. All of them. Even the bad guys were written so well.

Can't believe this a debut and I'm so excited for the sequel. If I could give it 100 stars I would!

El mejor libro que he leído en lo que va del año, es perfecto y todo lo que conlleva con respecto a #blacklivesmatter es lo mejor, lloré más de una vez

I fell utterly in love with the beginning of this book.

I'm not sure what happened, around the mid point I started to feel as though things were moving too fast and the plot wasn't being allowed to breathe.

I still enjoyed the story and I will probably even read the sequel.

I am too angry, too... emotional to give this book a rating right now.
Not Ok. F U, Tomi.

————————-

After I have calmed down a little and breathed.

So... I read this because it sounded interesting.
It wasn't bad, not at all, but it wasn't good either.
Tomi managed to make her message clear. Racism is very clearly presented, easily understood, and in that she does a good job.
The writing wasn't the best, but that's true about most books, so I'm not complaining about that.
I liked the characters.
What I didn't like was that I felt cheated. It felt like Tomi Adeyemi betrayed me, cheated me of a satisfying ending. Sold me short to prepare for the next book. I hate books that end with cliffhangers. I hate uncertainty, misery, unhappy relationships, people being angry with each other, especially when these feelings never get solved. She left me in a storm, she tainted the victory.
I hate it that Inan saved his father's life, just to have him kill him because of that. I hate it that we didn't get any real reason to why the king hated magic and majis. I hate it that Amari couldn't kill her father, but had no problems doing that a minute later. I hate it that Amari's magic is presented as something ominous, as if her magic was dangerous and she was going to become evil because of it. Nothing implied the premise of the next book. I hate it that Tzain was barely mentioned in the end. Is Inan dead or not? No-one in the book seems to care. I did.
So - not going to read any more of her books.
Also, “I cried a lot when I wrote this book”, she starts the afterword. I don't care.

After all the hype, I expected something much more impressive. Not unreadable but meandering and clumsy.

An intense and violent novel, that reflects the horrors of genocide and how ignorance bred from fear can devastate a nation.

Zelie lives in constant fear. As a child she watched as her mother was brutally beaten and killed during The Raid, a mass genocide orchestrated by the King. Now as a young adult, her family is still spat on and overtaxed by the monarchies guards, all because of her heritage. Zelie's mother was a Reaper, a maji able to communicate and work with the souls of the dead. During The Raid, the King eradicated all maji able to channel the power of the gods, and severed their connection to magic. But Zelie's hair is pure white, a sure sign that if magic ever returned, she too would be able to harness the power of the gods. Because of this, she and the diviners that are left are treated like objects. But the gods have other plans, and Zelie is about to be thrown into the last desperate struggle for magic.

Despite growing up as royalty, Princess Amari has never seen the diviners as less than human. Her oldest friend and chambermaid Binta, is one such diviner. But when the King comes into possession of a maji artifact, one that can awaken magic, Amari will witness her father's cruelty. Horrified at his actions, Amari will escape the palace with the artifact and come face to face with Zelie. Young and naïve, Amari will have to come to terms with her actions and become the Queen she never thought she could be.

Beaten down both verbally and physically, Prince Inan is being groomed for succession. Taught to hold the safety of Orisha over his own desires, the King has also instilled in Inan the need to keep a strangle hold on magic. When Amari runs off with an artifact that could bring back magic, he must track down his own sister. But will duty force him to slaughter his own kin? Conflicted, broken, Inan will struggle with his mission and the deadly secret he harbors. A secret he is only just learning himself.

Together, this cast of characters will either bring hope and magic back to the world, or destroy an entire culture and race.

This was a fast paced adventure, where the characters are forced to come to terms with their imperfections. I enjoyed the depth of character development and watching each of them struggle with their inner demons. Creating three complex characters is no easy feat, especially with the depth of world building Tomi Adeyemi had to do as well.

Poverty and oppression are brought to life throughout the novel. Your heart will ache as you watch the brutality and injustices inflicted on the diviners. And it is a harsh reflection of the actual world's police brutality against innocents. You will see a rich culture come near extinction, and cry out for its salvation.

The only reason I did not give this a five-star rating was the fact I would not allow my teenager to read this novel. It is filled with genocide, attempted rape and violence. Adults would connect better with the concepts, and be able to understand the politics governing the actions of the characters, yet it was marketed to young adults.

Very full of cliches and tropes. This came highly recommended, but that recommendation should be directed to young readers who are new to stories of this scope.

I still have YA fatigue, but this was engaging from the beginning. It wasn't unique in its story (fantasy, magic, forbidden romance, parental death), but it was different because of who the young adults were. It did feel a bit rushed and then slow then rushed and slow, but nevertheless I still enjoyed it.

Stories like this are the reason I love to read.

I feel as though I've felt a lifetime of emotions taking this journey with these characters. It's a journey I would gladly rejoin, full of love, fear, hope, guilt, anguish, and humor—-reality of humanity at its core.

Tomi is simply a brilliant writer. The multiple perspectives she writes from weaves an intricate and intimate picture of each character, which makes this story much deeper and heartfelt, and real. She tackles an extremely important theme I found throughout the story with such honesty and clarity—perspective, empathy, and understanding. From Inan's “curse” and his true inner feelings, to Amari's experiences shaping who she is and not her birthright, it encapsulates one big message: No matter who we are or where we come from, We Are All Children Of Blood and Bone.

I'll be a loyal reader of this series, and can't wait to see what Tomi Adeyemi writes in the future.

I'll be honest, when I picked up this book I wasn't expecting it to have an asshole turns nice because he falls in love plot. Had I known, I wouldn't have read it. I like the worldbuilding, I like the characters just fine (even though I do think they're not all that developed and you can tell it's the author's first book), I liked the plot idea... and yet it took me almost a month to get through the book because of the poorly written romance. It's not only poorly written, rushed and forced. It also makes no sense to me why the author would choose Inan as Zel's love interest when 1) romance isn't needed at all for the plot and 2) Amari and Roën exist. If the romance had been a slow build up one, with them falling for each other through the books and not in this one then I would have accepted it, but it's unrealistic that they want to murder each other one day and the next they're in love. And no, Inan wanting to destroy magic but still save Zel isn't romantic. Stop with this horrible trope of assholes will turn nice if you love them enough. Stop.

PS. I hope he's dead for real so that Zel can either have no romance or hook up with Roën/Amari in the next books.
PS2. With how Amari talked/thought about women all through her episodes I was actually surprised the author decided to give her a romance with Tzain. Then again, heteronormativity. I guess. I was sure she was in love with Binta.

I...didn't hate Children of Blood and Bone. Adeyemi knows how to construct a detailed, layered sense of place without too many flowery tedious descriptions. She's so good at it, sometimes it almost feels like reading a film.

I think Zelie and Amari are both interesting characters. Featuring both of them allows Adeyemi to explore themes like fear, bravery, family, etc. with more complexity, through multiple characters. They appear as at odds in the beginning, both to the reader and one another. But as the book progresses, they find more common ground and turn to one another for understanding and encouragement.

Here's some things I didn't like as much:
-I don't mind a long book, but I don't like when books feel redundant, regardless of page count. I think at least 100 pages could easily be cut without the story suffering.
-The romantic subplots. Of course, I knew they were coming. But the book kind of stalled in the middle and REALLY WENT IN ON THE ROMANTIC SUBPLOTS. None of it was organic, all of it was corny, and more importantly, there just was not time for it! Children of Blood and Maybe Wait to Bone Until After the Solstice.
-One particular character flip-flopped constantly. It seemed like every time anything happened, they would do a 180. I needed them to just pick a side and stay there for more than twenty minutes. It seemed like their inconsistency was just a way to lurch the plot forward.

Una historia poderosa, llena de altos y bajos, con una narración atrapante desde el punto de vista de cada personaje. Llenó mi alma de sentimientos; espero que las siguientes entregas desarrollen aún más a mis amados personajes.

Adeyemi, you have created an untouchable stunner.

This book is one of the most unique stories I've had the delight to read and the author masters a four-POV narration in a world like no other.

Top five reads of my year.
All👏🏽the👏🏽stars!

We are all children of blood and bone.All instruments of vengeance and virtue.I've had this book since March and I finally got around to reading it because I was halfway through [b:Siege and Storm 40794768 Siege and Storm (GrishaVerse, #2) Leigh Bardugo https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531432398s/40794768.jpg 19699752] and dear god, it was annoying the hell out of me by being so slow with all the whiny characters (except Nicolas). Anyway, I picked up this book at B&N (special edition) even though I had already seen it at Amazon Books. Now, before buying a book from a new author, I always try to read at least the preview on Kindle, and a random page from in between the book. The special edition had an annotated chapter from the author, which really sold this book for me. I loved the small notes she had written on one of the cutest chapters in the book. Also, I have a thing for books with maps, especially if they turn out to be posters. Oh, and the book cover is so intimidating. I love the color scheme there.As for the plot, the starting was not slow like other fantasy novels. I though it would take time to set the backstory, but it took like one chapter, and we jump right into the action which none of the characters understand either. The characters were all so natural. So we had two pairs of siblings: Zelie and Tzain, whose family has suffered because of the King oppressing the Maji, and Amari and Inan, the children of said king, who, by the way, was like the worst father ever. He tops the bad father list. I wanted somebody to slap him in the face in the book. He was such an ass, not just to the people of his kingdom, but to his own children. I understand your first family died and you killed your emotions with them, but why the hell are you making your son hurt his own sister, your daughter, with a freaking sword. What point are you trying to prove here? Amari and Inan both need serious psych treatments considering they had a shit father, and a useless mother. Where the hell was she when Amari was hurt? I really liked Inan's character. I was really banking on him to do the right thing by the end. He did what he thought was right, but till the end he sought his abusive father's approval even after realizing his methods were wrong. This is one of the things I liked in this book. It was mentioned by the author in the notes that all the characters have to make choices and think about where to draw the line when someone hurts you for reasons you can understand, and would've done the same in their shoes?Amari was a badass. She started off as a slow and gentle character, but by the end she really did become a lionnaire. Her last line to her father, "Do not worry, I will make a far better queen" was an amazing point in character development for her. Because near the end of the book I was thinking this myself, that Amari would make far less stupid decisions than Inan and should rule instead.Zelie and Tzain's relationship was so warm. They argued back and forth a lot like siblings, but when the time came, they were always there for each other. Something Amari and Inan should take notes of. Zel's powers as a reaper were well written. I liked the arena fight where she summoned souls. Oh, also have to mention the dreamscape here. It was one of the favorite parts of the book for me. You guys are enemies and you keep meeting each other in a dream?! Also, how Zel's presence had an effect on Inan's magic controlling abilities by calming him down. Does it get any sweeter than that? I'm a sucker for cute, love plots like that. Even if it all went to hell in the end. (*Fingers crossed for part 2*) Also, I was mad a bit at Inan near the end because he could have used his powers on the King to control him and get Zel out. Maybe? Poor guy endured too much trauma at the hands of his freaking father to be able to do anything against him.I usually don't like cliffhanger endings if the next book is not out yet, but I really liked this one. Zel gave everyone magic powers by performing the ritual so I'm hoping Inan will have less of a moral dilemma in the next part. The only other solution to destroying magic was to give everyone powers but I didn't think the author would go there. But would you look at that? Consider me shocked and satisfied. Cue everyone going berserk in the next part. I can't wait to find out what Amari and Tzain's powers are. Also, is Inan okay? Dear God, the cliffhanger I can handle but he got stabbed by a freaking sword, majacite sword? He better not be dead or in a coma (looking at you [b:Monsters of Men 20758105 Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3) Patrick Ness https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1423863391s/20758105.jpg 7160343]).List of things I liked:* Two pairs of siblings, each one being the opposite's love interest. So well written!* Dreamscape! I want more of it.* Amari, being considerate and a badass, depending on the situation* Inan's powers – being able to feel Zel's pain more prominently than anything else* Zelie and Inan together (I don't know what happened in the end. I'm in denial till it gets fixed in the next book)* Amari and Tzain being playful and teasing each other. More please!* Zel's hair getting tangled up the more she used magic :D* Roen was a nice addition near the end. I liked his small, easy going talks with Zel.* The God's being one of the central themes in this book. Never thought fantasy would take me there.* Love the way the characters curse, Skies! Sky Mother! Hahaha, thank you for appealing to my soul so much. I love this book far too much. It's like the way Newt curses in [b:Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay 29363501 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them The Original Screenplay J.K. Rowling https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481542648s/29363501.jpg 50435175], Merlin's beard :D

Dang cliff hanger ending. So much gorgeous stuff here.

4.5. It took me a long time to read, not just because it's over 500 pages, but becauseI kept putting it down and then coming back, partly due to the intensity of the story. Adeyemi does not shy away from real violence, torture, and death to/against characters that you care about. Though none of it is gratuitous and it all makes sense within the story, it's tough and intentionally so, because this is a larger allegory around BLM/POC lives and the police state/structural racism/white patriarchy that doesn't value their very existence. That she takes on these major themes within a realy well written YA fantasy with Nigerian magic is a testament to her awesome ability. I didn't love the romance but again understand it in the plot. The audio is by my favorite narrator (and best in the game), Bahni Turpin, and I recommend it if you can devote the time to it.

I'm a mess. All the feels.

I keep going between 4 and 5 stars. The relationship made the story a bit clunky. After thinking about it I'm keeping it 5 stars, amazing first novel.

I was a little bit skeptical about buying this book because I've been disappointed in over-hyped books many times before. I am so glad I gave it a chance! The only thing I didn't care for was the romance. I am not a romance fan at all. Other than that, everything was great. I loved the characters, the magic, the world. I was fascinated by Nailah and the other ryders.

This book follows Zelie and her life after her mother was murdered and magic taken away from her people.

Ever since the Raid, Zelie and her people live in fear. They are called maggots, and treated as such. Now, King Saran has raised their taxes yet again and if her family can't pay, Zelie will end up in the stocks. Zelie must travel to Lagos and sell their prized sailfish to pay the tax.

In Lagos, Zelie is approached by a young woman begging her for help. Her decision will change the world forever.

This was a fast-paced, exciting read. I was sad when it ended. And with this ending, I have to read the next one!

Tomi Adeyemi's #1 New York Times bestselling novel is about a quest to restore magic and working against a tyrannical ruler, as well as the effects of oppression and cruelty, the power empathy, and the strength of people working together. Although I thought it had a fantastic arc and the author did an excellent job with characterization and making her characters' feelings palpable, I did find large parts of the middle rather tedious.

Rating: 6.5/10 (Very torn between a 6 and a 7 because there are parts I loved but I also found parts of it dull between the strong beginning and ending sections)

Full Review on My Website

He wants to believe that playing by the monarchy???s rules will keep us safe, but nothing can protect us when those rules are rooted in hate.

One of the best reads of 2018. If you like strong women characters, magic, adventure, PoC representation, and a compelling story, this will probably be your jam.

Excited for the rest of this series.

I had both the Kindle and the audiobook copy, and Bahni Turpin is a great narrator. I've never been disappointed in her.