I finally received my copy of the ARC, and it was totally a worthwhile wait. Now I'm super glad that I've already had it preordered since May--I'm looking forward to getting that hardcover book in my hands. Firstly, that cover is stunning. It's actually kind of tame--the dark black background, which brings into focus the lush leaves of the plant depicted, as well as the snake, mouth open and poised to bite. The black is a great contrast to those other color details, and it makes for a really striking cover.
As for the story itself: though the story was long, I couldn't get enough of it (and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one). The magic and the world building was superb, and thoughtfully laid out (the author clearly put a lot of thought into what this world would look like and how things operated there). I loved the development of the dynamic between Koffi and Ekon. I really liked reading about this world, but some might have trouble sticking with the story during lull points in the plot.
I have seen several reviews ding points for it not being "groundbreaking" but I don't really understand that critique. Like, how many authors being published today can you really call "groundbreaking"?. ALSO, having POC writers break into publishing (and get the acclaim they deserve) in itself is groundbreaking! Like, there's no monopoly on "tropes" ... they're literally tropes and meant to be used as familiar markers that guide you in the new terrain of whatever novel you've opened. Retelling stories and centering characters that previously have not been at the forefront of the novel in itself IS GROUNDBREAKING. But this isn't even a retelling, this author made up her own dang world and she did an amazing job at it. Can't wait to read more :)
As for the story itself: though the story was long, I couldn't get enough of it (and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one). The magic and the world building was superb, and thoughtfully laid out (the author clearly put a lot of thought into what this world would look like and how things operated there). I loved the development of the dynamic between Koffi and Ekon. I really liked reading about this world, but some might have trouble sticking with the story during lull points in the plot.
I have seen several reviews ding points for it not being "groundbreaking" but I don't really understand that critique. Like, how many authors being published today can you really call "groundbreaking"?. ALSO, having POC writers break into publishing (and get the acclaim they deserve) in itself is groundbreaking! Like, there's no monopoly on "tropes" ... they're literally tropes and meant to be used as familiar markers that guide you in the new terrain of whatever novel you've opened. Retelling stories and centering characters that previously have not been at the forefront of the novel in itself IS GROUNDBREAKING. But this isn't even a retelling, this author made up her own dang world and she did an amazing job at it. Can't wait to read more :)