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Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone is a book that’s become a huge hit. Already on US bestseller lists, this Nigerian-inspired fantasy novel is a love letter to traditional West African folklore and tradition.
It’s a book that is exactly the kind of mould-breaking read I’ve been asking for in mythological fiction and folklore.
In an interview with TeenVogue, author Tomi reveals that the idea for the novel – which is about a girl fighting to bring magic back and get revenge against the ruthless king who ruthlessly stripped the country of Orisha of the maji – came from seeing beautiful images of African gods and goddesses of the Yoruba people.
Using the inspiration of the images, she came up with the complex magical system that forms the backdrop of the novel that has been receiving accolades from all over the world.
Here’s a more detailed description of the book:
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan publishers, we’re giving you the chance to win one of two copies of the book. All you need to do is ensure that you’re signed up to our book club newsletter, answer the question and fill in your details below.
Giveaway open to South African residents only and ends 25th June.
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