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Sep 13, 2018
Sam
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For the most part, this is exactly what I wanted out of a standalone fantasy novel. The mythology is rich and interesting, the setting is unique, and I loved all of the characters. Onyesonwu's story is fascinating, and it was refreshing to read a fantasy/dystopian novel set outside of western society.
Where this novel lacked for me a bit was in the world building. I wish there were more details on how the society got to its current state. There are mentions of computers and an almost Icarus-like ...more
Where this novel lacked for me a bit was in the world building. I wish there were more details on how the society got to its current state. There are mentions of computers and an almost Icarus-like ...more
More like 3.5 stars. This is definitely a unique & dark novel that takes place in a post-apocalyptic Africa, which is heavily based in the reality of many war-torn parts of Africa today. From the beginning I was hooked - it's not easy to read - the genocide of a group of people, the rape of the women, racism, being an outcast in society and genital mutilation - but these things are essential to the story, and Okorafor is really gifted at painting a vision of the World and making me both see it a
...more
2.5
As has been said in other reviews, this book does take on many controversial issues and weaves them into the story line. The world this story takes place in, the controversial topics, the heroine are all compenents that compelled me to read the story.
Unfortunately, the story itself and the characters made this a very difficult book to finish. I did not like the characters, their behavior towards themselves, each other and the world at large kept me from becoming truly engaged in this story.
As has been said in other reviews, this book does take on many controversial issues and weaves them into the story line. The world this story takes place in, the controversial topics, the heroine are all compenents that compelled me to read the story.
Unfortunately, the story itself and the characters made this a very difficult book to finish. I did not like the characters, their behavior towards themselves, each other and the world at large kept me from becoming truly engaged in this story.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it's refreshing to read fantasy by an African-American author incorporating African folk tales and stories into the fabric of fantasy. On the other hand, I thought the magic here was a little too convenient. Every time there was a serious problem, the solution seemed to be that the sorcery powers could be used to solve it.
Part of my problem may have been that I didn't like the narrator for the audible audiobook much. She didn't seem to have ...more
Part of my problem may have been that I didn't like the narrator for the audible audiobook much. She didn't seem to have ...more
Jun 30, 2011
Heather (DeathByBook)
marked it as looks-interesting
Dec 21, 2011
Cindy AL
marked it as to-read
Jan 09, 2012
Jane
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Feb 26, 2012
Emilia
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Oct 02, 2014
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Jan 02, 2021
Kelly
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