October 2020 First in a Series BOTM - Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi

[Alaina]

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.

[Emejota]

I totally missed we were reading this for BOTM! I've had it on my TBR for a while now, I will be starting it this weekend :)

[Deanie]

25% (view spoiler)[ I'm really liking this universe. The African mythology adds a lot to what would otherwise be a fairly standard hero quest story. Zélie's rebellious past makes her the perfect hero to bring back magic to Orïsha (hide spoiler)]

50% (view spoiler)[ Wow. That was intense. Part of me wonders what the king would think of what his nobles were doing, but I assume he probably wouldn't care, since the 'maggots' are expendable. Zélie has some serious power and now Amari is coming into her own. I can't wait to find out what happens next. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanie]

75% (view spoiler)[ This author never does anything easy. Inan fighting his magical nature and (sometimes) not fighting his attraction to Zélie. Can she trust him, or will he betray her in the name of the kingdom? (hide spoiler)]

100% (view spoiler)[ I'm kind of disappointed that the ending is cliffhanger-y, but I do have the second book, and I understand about building anticipation. I can't wait to find out what happens next. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

I need to stop listening to audios and pick up my physical copy of this book! Only a few days left in the month though..

[Marissa]

Chapters 1-14 (view spoiler)[
I am really enjoying the start of this book! All of the characters are likeable and unique (Zelie is definitely me favorite so far), the world and the plot is really interesting, and the pacing has been exciting. I've heard great things about this book, so I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for me. (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 15-34 (view spoiler)[
Wow, Kaea is ruthless. She destroys anyone and anything that stands in her way. All the innocent people that she has killed! I can't stand her! I wish it didn't have to be Inan who killed her, though. I really want him to be redeemed and separate himself from his father. However, her death has only fueled his goal even more. Not only that, but he lied about who actually killed her… (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 35-61 (view spoiler)[
This book just keeps getting better and better. I am loving this story so far! I love the characters and the plot. I also love how magic is portrayed in this world. Also, the pairings between Tzain and Amari and Zelie and Inan are extremely cute! (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 62-Epilogue (view spoiler)[
Inan is driving me crazy! He won't stand up to his father, and then ultimately betrays Zelie and tricks her into destroying the scroll. Then, just like Zelie said, when Saran found out about Inan, he tried to kill him. I honestly don't think Zelie should ever forgive him. I guess Tzain was right after all. (hide spoiler)]