February 2021 Not First in a Series BOTM - Children of Virtue and Vengeance, by Tomi Adeyemi

[Alaina]

After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too.

Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful as they are. But when the monarchy and military unite to keep control of Orïsha, Zélie must fight to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath.

With civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

**This BOTM thread will be open until March 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Marissa]

Chapters 1-21 (view spoiler)[
I love how Amari is becoming her own unique person. She always had potential, but also seemed a bit more timid. I have enjoyed and continuing to enjoy watching her evolve into a strong character. I can't believe her mother tried to kill her! Talk about favoritism considering she seems to love Inan. Speaking of Inan, that is going to be a really awkward (and potential painful) reunion when him and Zelie finally meet up in the real world… (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 22-39 (view spoiler)[
Maybe I missed it, but why didn't Inan inquire about Amari at all? The first time he talked about her was when his mother had paid a mercenary for information on her. He thought about Zelie a lot, but hadn't mentioned his sister. Also, their mother is scary with her two sides. She was murderous and powerful when attacking Amari, but is kind and reassuring to Inan. I hate how she likes one of her kids better than the other. Amari deserves better! Also Zelie and Inan against each other again is destroying me!! I have to believe that everything will work out, and it will be okay! (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 40-63 (view spoiler)[
This whole section was absolutely heartbreaking! Zelie and Inan's reunion didn't go too well. Not only that but Amari has lost Zelie's trust, and Inan has lost Amari's trust, along with reaffirming Zelie's hatred towards him, and he didn't even mean to. Although I totally don't agree with him believing that peace is no longer an option. Then Mazeli also died :'( ugh my heart! I am going to go be sad now. (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 64-Epilogue (view spoiler)[
I hate cliffhangers so much! They are so cruel and unfair, especially when the next one will not be out for months!
I thought the ending was really good and I loved the build up to what seemed like the final battle. I also really liked the rise and kind of fall of Amari when she realized that she was more like her father than she thought.
I want everyone to make up and be friends/more than friends again, but apparently I need to wait until the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Of course I'm reading this on the very last day!

[Kelly]

Ch 25 - (view spoiler)[I read the first book not too long ago yet I don't remember much. Amari's mother is a piece of work... (hide spoiler)]
Ch 38 - (view spoiler)["I think I know how to beat the Queen." nice, tell me how and then go kick some ass please. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 41 - (view spoiler)[ugh Zelie's annoying, she doesn't even want to hear Inan out.. Worse, she hurt him badly. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 75 - (view spoiler)[I haven't really been loving this book but Roën's almost death got to me. Also Amari just sacrificed an entire village like it's nothing?... (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[The ending picked up my interest which it had lost for a time in the middle. I feel like every character went downhill in this book but I guess they'll be better in the next one. (hide spoiler)]