I honestly hate it when people compare new books to popular shows or movies, but in this one instance, I have to point out how much this story reminds me of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It wasn't necessarily the plot, though there are certain similarities, but it was more of the emotion I felt develop throughout the story as the main characters continue on their journey together. It felt refreshing, with each character taking a journey of their own that tied together in a common thread and bound them together. Though Zélie is the main character of this story, it wasn't just her story that the story was telling. It was likewise her comrades' and their enemies' story, which helped to create a more round perspective of the entire conflict rather than simply Zélie's perspective.
At the beginning of this story, our protagonist is a ball of anger. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Zélie's rage is palpable, bloody, and seemingly unending. As a reader, it occasionally grated on my nerves, as it kept resurfacing at every turn and seemed an all-consuming thought, but its inclusion was absolutely necessary in this story. It not only played a fundamental role in the underlying meaning of this book but it was likewise integral to Zélie's character arc. What is particularly wonderful about this story is that the author understands that a powerful, independent character doesn't necessarily equal a strongly written character, even if those particular characteristics are what audiences want and need. Instead, Zélie is made a powerful and strong character because the author wasn't afraid to highlight her flaws. In fact, its some of those flaws that later play into her greatest strengths. I really appreciated this protagonist, and actually felt as though she was the one who was taking me on a journey, rather than the plot.
Since the book is fantasy, I feel like I should talk about the magic system. Though I still have many questions for book 2, I believe it was well-developed and intriguing. It wouldn't be a stretch for me to personally say that its unlike anything I've ever read before.
On another note, I know very little about the Yoruba religion, so I can't say much of its portrayal in this book. However, it informed me about more than I already knew (though I'll have to look into how accurate it all is and what parts are fictional).
At the beginning of this story, our protagonist is a ball of anger. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Zélie's rage is palpable, bloody, and seemingly unending. As a reader, it occasionally grated on my nerves, as it kept resurfacing at every turn and seemed an all-consuming thought, but its inclusion was absolutely necessary in this story. It not only played a fundamental role in the underlying meaning of this book but it was likewise integral to Zélie's character arc. What is particularly wonderful about this story is that the author understands that a powerful, independent character doesn't necessarily equal a strongly written character, even if those particular characteristics are what audiences want and need. Instead, Zélie is made a powerful and strong character because the author wasn't afraid to highlight her flaws. In fact, its some of those flaws that later play into her greatest strengths. I really appreciated this protagonist, and actually felt as though she was the one who was taking me on a journey, rather than the plot.
Since the book is fantasy, I feel like I should talk about the magic system. Though I still have many questions for book 2, I believe it was well-developed and intriguing. It wouldn't be a stretch for me to personally say that its unlike anything I've ever read before.
On another note, I know very little about the Yoruba religion, so I can't say much of its portrayal in this book. However, it informed me about more than I already knew (though I'll have to look into how accurate it all is and what parts are fictional).