Book Review: Children Of Blood And Bone

Verdict: Highly Recommended

Honestly, I could sum this whole review up by simply saying: this book is epic — buy it, read it, and celebrate the fact that it’s a wonderful time to be African. But sadly, that’s not how book reviews work. So, here goes nothing.

First things first, how did I hear about this book? I first heard about Children of Blood and Bone through an online article about Tomi Adeyemi, a 23-year-old Nigerian-American Harvard graduate who had just landed a million-dollar deal for a YA trilogy to be published by Macmillan’s Children Publishing Group. On top of that, movie rights had already been snatched up by Fox 2000, with producers from Maze Runner, Twilight, and The Fault in Our Stars attached. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued.

At its core, this is a Young Adult fantasy novel. Yes, it carries some familiar YA ingredients — a high-stakes quest, a sprinkle of romance, and a plot designed to span across three books. But what truly sets Children of Blood and Bone apart from many of its contemporaries is its unapologetic African identity.

The story is deeply rooted in Yoruba mythology, which made me feel right at home, especially since I’ve been doing some research into it myself. It was thrilling to recognize many of the gods, goddesses, and terminologies scattered throughout the book. It felt like reading a fantasy novel where, for once, I wasn’t simply visiting a faraway imagined world — I was walking through one shaped by familiar stories and cultural references

The story is set in the kingdom of Orïsha, once a thriving land of magic. That magic is now outlawed, following a brutal purge led by a tyrannical king who has executed the magi and banished their traditions. What remains are the dïviners — marked by their distinctive snow-white hair — who live oppressed and powerless, waiting for magic to return.

Our protagonist, Zélie, carries the double burden of mourning her mother and coping with the loss of her magical heritage. Along with other dïviners, she faces relentless discrimination from non-magic citizens. But fate intervenes when a chance encounter with Princess Amari — a royal on the run — sets Zélie on a dangerous journey, one that could resurrect magic and give the dïviners a fighting chance against their oppressors.

One of the book’s strongest points is its rich character development. The narrative alternates between three perspectives: Zélie, Princess Amari, and Prince Inan — who also happens to be their pursuer. I found it particularly impressive how Tomi Adeyemi managed to humanize even Inan, the antagonist. His internal struggles are so well-written that you find yourself empathizing with him, despite his role as the villain.

And it’s not just the antagonist who has depth. The protagonists are also beautifully crafted, each undergoing genuine character growth — something that, frankly, is often missing in YA novels.

My only minor gripe is with King Saran, the villainous monarch. His hatred of magic and his motives behind the brutal oppression are somewhat one-dimensional. However, given that this is the first book in a trilogy, I’m hoping we’ll get more insight into his character in the sequels.

Beyond the magic, adventure, and romance, Children of Blood and Bone is also a powerful commentary on racial tensions, systemic oppression, and societal inequalities. Much like Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing, this debut novel doesn’t read like a debut. Adeyemi delivers a story that is both entertaining and socially conscious.

In her author’s note, Adeyemi reveals that this story was born out of anger at the racism and injustice that still exists in America today. Yet, instead of being a heavy-handed message, her anger is channelled into a thrilling, thought-provoking, and highly enjoyable fantasy.

⚠ Reader beware: the cliffhanger at the end is ruthless. I mean truly brutal. I may or may not have let out a gasp and whispered, Tomi, how could you? Now, like the rest of the fandom, I’ll be anxiously awaiting book two.

FINAL VERDICT: Highly Recommended.
For lovers of fantasy, fans of African mythology, or anyone who just loves a well-crafted story with heart — this one is for you.