Children of Blood and Bone

Fantasy

Image:

Justification: I selected this book because it dovetails perfectly with my interest of focusing on #ownvoices in YA novels. The #Ownvoices movement contends that an author from a marginalized group should write about their own experiences---or their own authentic voice. (The opposite of #ownvoices is when someone from an outside perspective writes as a character from an under-represented group.) Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian American writer who creates a fictional fantasy world filled with tribal clans, deities, royalty, and the quest for magic. Her novel is influenced by West African culture and language and it features black people, including the protagonist. Children of color need to see themselves in books and Children of Blood and Bone is an excellent example.

Reader's Response: This epic high fantasy novel takes place a world called Orisha. It is populated by divided clans of people and focuses on a challenge to rekindle lost magic. We quickly are introduced to Zélie, our spitfire heroine, who we learn is a diviner. Diviners have darker skin and are distinguished by their snow white hair. They also possess the capacity to use magic. There exist another class of people who are known as kosidán. The kosidán do not have the ability to be magical. They have lighter skin and are the ruling class in this novel.

On the surface, the reader encounters a princess, a prince, and an evil king. There are overarching themes of good versus evil. However, it would be reductionist to boil the book down to just these tropes. There are much deeper, complex themes of of oppression, slavery, and discrimination (and there are even executions) running through the text. We find the diviners enslaved by the kosidán and they are disparaged for both the color of their skin and their hair. Adeyemi raises significant issues of race and class and how they can be used to divide a nation.

The text alternates narratives between Zélie, princess Amari, and prince Inan. Zélie's brother Tzain features in the book but I found it interesting that he lacks his own voice in the narration. I wondered why the author chose to do that since Tzain accompanies Zélie on a journey alongside the fugitive princess Amari to restore her people's magical abilities. I did, however, enjoy the strong female protagonist in Zélie. In fact, it's important to note the female characters are the ones who forge ahead and lead the charge which is a refreshing change.

Conclusion: After reading this novel, I'm excited to read the next book in Adeyemi's series which she plans to be a trilogy. Book two is Children of Virtue and Vengeance. I would happily recommend this book to young adult boys and girls alike who are interested in high fantasy. Children of Blood and Bone hits all of the high notes for this genre: Adeyemi has created an entire unique universe featuring magic, which draws inspiration from West African myth, folklore, and oral tradition. It was refreshing to read a high fantasy book featuring people of color and it will come highly recommended by me.

APA Reference: Adeyemi, T. (2018). Children of Blood and Bone. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.