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Children of Blood and Bone
(Legacy of Orïsha #1)
by
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 ...more
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 ...more
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Hardcover, 544 pages
Published
March 6th 2018
by Henry Holt Company
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Note: I'm going to start blocking people who come onto this review to tell me that I have read or reviewed it incorrectly. I tried it, I didn't like it, I wrote about my feelings. What do you want? A five-star review? Write your own. 😊
Note Pt. 2: Seriously. I don't want to argue with you dissenters about MY opinion. I was honest about how I felt. End. Of. Story. If you're going to come on here to argue with me about something in this re ...more

An oversimplified extra-tropey YA on steroids.
Hmm, where does one begin?
Sooo, does the book that made headlines well before it was even published live up to its hype? It truly saddens me to say this but unfortunately, no. It absolutely does not and I’m pretty certain I’m in the minority.
At its core, this book was supposed to be about Institutional racism and oppression so I loved the message it was trying to relay but I hated the execution. What could have been an epic fantasy was ruined by its ...more
Hmm, where does one begin?
Sooo, does the book that made headlines well before it was even published live up to its hype? It truly saddens me to say this but unfortunately, no. It absolutely does not and I’m pretty certain I’m in the minority.
At its core, this book was supposed to be about Institutional racism and oppression so I loved the message it was trying to relay but I hated the execution. What could have been an epic fantasy was ruined by its ...more

5/5 ⭐
Full review on my Blog: The Dacian She-Wolf 🐺
Let’s start with the basics: I am *in love* with the cover! Like, for real. Just look at it. It’s gorgeous. Lit. So pleasing to look at.
Okay, moving on. How much, on a scale of 1 to 10 do I love a good old dark mysticism story? The correct answer is 11. I do love this stuff. But it has to be really good. And the one expanded in Children of Blood and Bone is actually excitingly good. The book is part of the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, so I am expect ...more
Full review on my Blog: The Dacian She-Wolf 🐺
Let’s start with the basics: I am *in love* with the cover! Like, for real. Just look at it. It’s gorgeous. Lit. So pleasing to look at.
Okay, moving on. How much, on a scale of 1 to 10 do I love a good old dark mysticism story? The correct answer is 11. I do love this stuff. But it has to be really good. And the one expanded in Children of Blood and Bone is actually excitingly good. The book is part of the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, so I am expect ...more

Mixed feelings, this one.
While it's a good book (for most YA fans), I found it far too typical, too clichéd, too predictable.
The book has spawned a lot of awesome reviews. For a debut novel, Tomi Adeyemi has actually done quite well. The writing style is especially good. But then, most of the good reviews garnered by this book are from Americans and Europeans, not Africans (especially Nigerians). She has the right idea, blending Yoruba mythology with regular YA. It's a great idea, but I must s ...more
While it's a good book (for most YA fans), I found it far too typical, too clichéd, too predictable.
The book has spawned a lot of awesome reviews. For a debut novel, Tomi Adeyemi has actually done quite well. The writing style is especially good. But then, most of the good reviews garnered by this book are from Americans and Europeans, not Africans (especially Nigerians). She has the right idea, blending Yoruba mythology with regular YA. It's a great idea, but I must s ...more

“No matter how much I crave peace, the gods have other plans.”
4 1/2 stars. Wow, I have had quite a week. I started Children of Blood and Bone last Thursday as I was going into labour (because, why not?). Normally, I would devour a book like this in a day or two, but those of you with kids will know that's just not going to happen with a newborn.
Instead, this book rode with me through the hospital stay, sleepless nights, and postpartum weepies. It kept my eyes open on those long, long nights ...more

5 STARS! This is genuinely the greatest debut fantasy novel, greatest fantasy novel in general that I have read in a very long time. Initially, I was TERRIFIED to read Children of Blood and Bone. The combination of it’s size and an epic high fantasy novel was very daunting to me, but I am so happy I picked it up. I cannot possibly recommend it enough.
The writing was fantastic. Despite being such a large novel, the pacing was well-done, where I felt I was flying through the novel much quicker tha ...more
The writing was fantastic. Despite being such a large novel, the pacing was well-done, where I felt I was flying through the novel much quicker tha ...more

This was a gripping read. The world building here is phenomenal. The main characters are richly drawn and I was invested in each of their struggles. This book is very action packed. So much is happening! The ending is such a cliffhanger and I want to know what’s next. This is well worth reading and such a strong debut. Tzarin could be more developed. Who is he beyond his sister’s protector? At times the story felt overly dramatic. Zelie and Inan were deep in their feelings all the time and it be
...more

THE HYPE IS REAL!
I always prefer to decide for myself if the new overhyped YA book is worth it... and I'm happy to say that this new Fantasy book totally was!
I loved the magic system, the world, the characters and cannot wait for the next book!
My only complain is with the romance. I hate romance. I hate how everyone needs to be paired up especially in YA and how cheesy it is. I kinda wish this series was adult instead but if you're looking for a book you'll fly through I totally recommend this o ...more
I always prefer to decide for myself if the new overhyped YA book is worth it... and I'm happy to say that this new Fantasy book totally was!
I loved the magic system, the world, the characters and cannot wait for the next book!
My only complain is with the romance. I hate romance. I hate how everyone needs to be paired up especially in YA and how cheesy it is. I kinda wish this series was adult instead but if you're looking for a book you'll fly through I totally recommend this o ...more

I didn't really like this book but no matter, it has served its purpose which was introducing me to Amari so thanks for that I guess.
It wasn't a terrible book, I am just a horrible hollow kind of indifferent towards it. My heart was itching for an experience that I just didn't get. ...more
It wasn't a terrible book, I am just a horrible hollow kind of indifferent towards it. My heart was itching for an experience that I just didn't get. ...more

You'll like this book. I'm biased, but I need to meet my goodreads challenge so I'm marking this as read.
...more

4.5*
I'm definitely going to have to reread this, but the audiobook was an awesome introduction to this story! ...more
I'm definitely going to have to reread this, but the audiobook was an awesome introduction to this story! ...more

Hmmmm... I’m seriously falling out of love with ALOT of my books! I still like this one but I’m only keeping the kindle and Audible versions of this and the second book. I actually like the cover of the second book better than the book 🤔. That cover is everything. Anyway, cleaning house on rereads of physical books I don’t still love love!
************************************* old review
Gah! I was just talking about how I hoped I get my poster for the book and it came and it's freaking awesome! ...more
************************************* old review
Gah! I was just talking about how I hoped I get my poster for the book and it came and it's freaking awesome! ...more

A thoroughly dissappointing read.
Before i dive into this review, i'd just like to say that i did like the premise of this book. I liked the fact that Tomi wanted to explore Yoruba mythology, i also absolutely loved the fact that she wanted to put Nigeria not just as a place representing Africa as a whole but a country with it's unique culture and all that - she failed in that though , but hey at least she didn't do the whole Africa is a country thing.
First of: Adeyemi had a chance really to pro


ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Adri! 🦊
(And my favorite BookTube reviews: Frankie's, Tati's, & Lauren's!)
“You crushed us to build your monarchy on the backs of our blood and bone. Your mistake wasn’t keeping us alive. It was thinking we’d never fight back!”
Children of Blood and Bone is worth every ounce of hype and praise it has received thus far, and I only anticipate it to receive more and more, especially since you’re al ...more

Here's the written review
Psst. A new video is up - all about the bad books I've read this year!
Now that you know that this one is on it, check out the Worst Books of 2019 video to see what other ones made the cut!
*cue me tearing my hair out*![]()
I won't let your ignorance silence my pain
Okay, so I saw a lot (and I mean a LOT) of positive reviews for this one on Goodreads, so I absolutely could not wait to pick it up.
The reviewers were raving, the cover was gorgeous, the blurb promised ...more

Children of Blood And Bone is such a rich and excellently built fantasy world my opinion is just: WOW. I also feel like this book is most definitely mega-hyped but worth it, ohhh so worth it. The writing is stunning, but we just need to all sit down in a bucket and admire the world building. And the characters go from headstrong-little-stubborn-darlings-making-bad-decisions to headstrong-little-stubborn-darlings-making-bad-decisions-BUT-WITH-MAGIC-AND-EMOTIONS which is excellent development.
So t ...more
So t ...more

i binged read this all day so....
"As it fades, I see the truth - in plain sight, yet hidden all along. We are all children of blood and bone. All instruments of vengeance and virtue. This truth holds me close, rocking me like a child in a mother's arms. It bind me in its love as death swallows me in its gasp."
This was an amazing read. I wanted to read this book since it came out and once I started it I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the world building, it was AMAZING. The writing w ...more
"As it fades, I see the truth - in plain sight, yet hidden all along. We are all children of blood and bone. All instruments of vengeance and virtue. This truth holds me close, rocking me like a child in a mother's arms. It bind me in its love as death swallows me in its gasp."
This was an amazing read. I wanted to read this book since it came out and once I started it I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the world building, it was AMAZING. The writing w ...more

”We are the people who fill the king’s prisons, the people our kingdom turns into laborers. The people Orïshans try to chase out of their features, outlawing our lineage as if white hair and dead magic were a social stain.”
I really don’t know how to begin this review and I’m pretty certain that this is mostly due to the fact that it seems to be unpopular opinion time. *lol* Truth be told, this rarely happens when I read a book. If my friends say they loved it, I usually end up loving it too and ...more
I really don’t know how to begin this review and I’m pretty certain that this is mostly due to the fact that it seems to be unpopular opinion time. *lol* Truth be told, this rarely happens when I read a book. If my friends say they loved it, I usually end up loving it too and ...more

It doesn't happen too often that I actually, really dislike a book. And I still can't really express how sad I am about the fact that it had to happen with this one.
Initially, I was wary about Children of Blood and Bone. Apart from the West-African mythology aspect, it didn't sound like it was bringing anything new to the table, and as someone who primarily reads fantasy, it's pretty hard at this point to find a truly unique story. But when more and more over-the-moon, positive reviews came flo ...more
Initially, I was wary about Children of Blood and Bone. Apart from the West-African mythology aspect, it didn't sound like it was bringing anything new to the table, and as someone who primarily reads fantasy, it's pretty hard at this point to find a truly unique story. But when more and more over-the-moon, positive reviews came flo ...more

"We are all children of blood and bone. All instruments of vengeance and virtue."
*Insert standing ovation here.
Wow. This was incredible! I'm always cautious going into a hyped book because you never know what you're going to get. I've arrived at the point in my reading experience where I'm feeling a bit "been there, done that" with YA fantasy. Not to say I don't enjoy it, but up until now, it's been a hot minute since I've found a truly unique setting and cast that's blown me away. I'm a white ...more
*Insert standing ovation here.
Wow. This was incredible! I'm always cautious going into a hyped book because you never know what you're going to get. I've arrived at the point in my reading experience where I'm feeling a bit "been there, done that" with YA fantasy. Not to say I don't enjoy it, but up until now, it's been a hot minute since I've found a truly unique setting and cast that's blown me away. I'm a white ...more

Full review to come!
In the meantime - THIS WAS AMAZING. Each of the characters goes on their own intriguing journeys throughout the story, and I enjoyed going along for the ride so much. The setting, magic, and characters were so vibrant and full of life.
I need the sequel, and I don't know what to do without it D:
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
In the meantime - THIS WAS AMAZING. Each of the characters goes on their own intriguing journeys throughout the story, and I enjoyed going along for the ride so much. The setting, magic, and characters were so vibrant and full of life.
I need the sequel, and I don't know what to do without it D:
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
![destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1614916030p2/15335689.jpg)
This review has been in the works for a little too, but that’s because it’s a tough title for me to review. I originally received this as an eARC earlier in the year, and made it to about the 40% mark before DNFing it a few weeks before its release. I had already pre-ordered it and wanted to try it again, so I grabbed my finished copy off the shelf in May and read the rest of it over the span of a few days.
Sometimes, when I set a b ...more
“Courage does not always roar. Valor does not always shine.”
Sometimes, when I set a b ...more

UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT!!!!!
I think 99% of my friends loved this book, and trust me. I wanted to love it, too. The diverse cast of characters, a land of magic, themes of revenge, and fantasy- the ideas were all gripping. I thought I was going to love Zélie and her badass nature, and that there was going to be all the elements of a wonderful fantasy book. I thought I would find a new favourite YA fantasy!
mild spoilers ahead, major are marked.
That’s not to say this book was horrible . There we ...more
I think 99% of my friends loved this book, and trust me. I wanted to love it, too. The diverse cast of characters, a land of magic, themes of revenge, and fantasy- the ideas were all gripping. I thought I was going to love Zélie and her badass nature, and that there was going to be all the elements of a wonderful fantasy book. I thought I would find a new favourite YA fantasy!
mild spoilers ahead, major are marked.
That’s not to say this book was horrible . There we ...more

Feb 26, 2018
Warda
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
characters-of-colour,
author-of-colour
PSA FOR TODAY.
THIS BOOK IS OUT NOW!!
Do your shelves and soul a favour is all I'm saying.
You're welcome.
--------------------------------------
[4.5 stars]
Thank you Macmillan Books for this arc.
Honestly, I don't know how to review this book. My emotions are everywhere at the moment and as much as I wanted to write something comprehensive, I doubt that'll happen.
Like the author has stated, this is a story inspired by her West-African heritage, which seeps through the writing and the world and the ...more
THIS BOOK IS OUT NOW!!
Do your shelves and soul a favour is all I'm saying.
You're welcome.
--------------------------------------
[4.5 stars]
Thank you Macmillan Books for this arc.
Honestly, I don't know how to review this book. My emotions are everywhere at the moment and as much as I wanted to write something comprehensive, I doubt that'll happen.
Like the author has stated, this is a story inspired by her West-African heritage, which seeps through the writing and the world and the ...more

Nov 30, 2018
Mary ~Ravager of Tomes~
marked it as to-read
Truly, I don’t keep up with an author’s every move to make sure they’re always on their best behavior. Some of the best authors in the business are dreadful people.
But I have to say that Tomi Adeyemi’s recent call out of Nora Roberts on Twitter, accusing this well known & well loved author of capitalizing on her recent bestseller’s fame by copying the title? It’s not a good look. It’s taken the wind out of my sails a bit, and now I am not so excited to read this book. Since I own a copy, I’ll le ...more
But I have to say that Tomi Adeyemi’s recent call out of Nora Roberts on Twitter, accusing this well known & well loved author of capitalizing on her recent bestseller’s fame by copying the title? It’s not a good look. It’s taken the wind out of my sails a bit, and now I am not so excited to read this book. Since I own a copy, I’ll le ...more

2nd read: August 2019. Audiobook
5 stars
Reread in anticipation of Children of Virtue and Vengeance!
1st read: May-April 2018. Physical
5 stars
5 stars
Reread in anticipation of Children of Virtue and Vengeance!
1st read: May-April 2018. Physical
5 stars

Transcript of a conversation heard between Tomi Adeyemi and Marissa Meyer:
TOMI: Skies! I am so excited to meet you!
MARISSA: Stars, I know, right!
TOMI: Skies, yes!
MARISSA: Stars!
TOMI: Skies!
MARISSA: STARS, STARS!
TOMI: SKIES, SKIES, SKIES!
But, I digress . . .
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It had some really cool character development and world building. And, it culminated in a really awesome and intense climactic scene.
Then . . . I dunno what happened.
The last half, for me, was jus ...more
TOMI: Skies! I am so excited to meet you!
MARISSA: Stars, I know, right!
TOMI: Skies, yes!
MARISSA: Stars!
TOMI: Skies!
MARISSA: STARS, STARS!
TOMI: SKIES, SKIES, SKIES!
But, I digress . . .
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It had some really cool character development and world building. And, it culminated in a really awesome and intense climactic scene.
Then . . . I dunno what happened.
The last half, for me, was jus ...more

This is a 500+ page book which I devoured in 2 days. I'm so surprised by how fast I finished this. This was such a good ASS book. I was 100% invested in it and found it impossible to put down whenever I was reading. This book is fucking amazing and deserves all the hype it's getting!! I found myself getting attached to these characters so quick and literally on the edge of my seat because everything is so action packed and intense and death can happen to anyone at any fucking time in this book j
...more

”With the right blow I could knock him off his feet; with the right thrust I could crush his throat.”
I’m speechless 😶! This book was everything that I was hoping for and more.
The writing is brilliant and beautiful, the story is magnificent, the magic is so unique and the characters are THE BEST PART OF THE BOOK.
At the same time, they are very alike, they are very different. All of them have different reasons to fight but they are fighting for the same thing, PEACE.
All of the characters at t ...more
I’m speechless 😶! This book was everything that I was hoping for and more.
The writing is brilliant and beautiful, the story is magnificent, the magic is so unique and the characters are THE BEST PART OF THE BOOK.
At the same time, they are very alike, they are very different. All of them have different reasons to fight but they are fighting for the same thing, PEACE.
All of the characters at t ...more
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Another World Boo...: February 2021: Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi | 3 | 3 | Feb 18, 2021 08:43PM | |
The Bookie Cookies :
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Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego, California. Her debut novel, CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, comes out March 6th, 2018 and the movie is currently in development at Fox with the producers of Twilight and The Maze Runner attached. After graduating Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she received a fellowship that allow
...more
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Legacy of Orïsha
(3 books)
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2 trivia questions
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“I won't let your ignorance silence my pain”
—
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“I teach you to be warriors in the garden so you will never be gardeners in the war.”
—
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