Dannii Elle's Reviews > Children of Blood and Bone

First Read: May 2018, Rating: 4/5 stars
Second Read: August 2o24, Rating: 4/5 stars

The hype surrounding this release was immense. I was initially hesitant to begin this book, for my expectations were so highly placed and I felt there was no way that the book could live up to the pedestal the internet had placed it on. I had, however, followed the author on Twitter, around this time, and found her to be come across as such a warm and inviting individual and I was eager to explore the story she had to tell. And what do you know? The hype is real!

This is such a wonderfully diverse read. As a white, Western reader I have spent my whole life with the ability to find myself in the pages of books. But not every individual has had the same reading experience that I have. It is incredibly exciting that a more diverse and inclusive representation is now available, especially in the fantasy genre. Exploring this West-African inspired culture and world was mesmerising and I could continue to read another 500 pages following such nuanced characters placed in such a vivid setting.

It is also so pleasing to see that this representation is captured inside a bloody good story-line! Intrigue follows action follows plot twist in a pace never lets up. I was continually anxious as I was immersed in yet another plight that had befallen these characters, who I had so quickly bonded with. The diversity of this book alone, although fantastic to see, would not have been enough to garner such ardent support as it has done. This book delivers on every front and is a well-rounded story, with authentically nuanced characters, all placed inside an elegantly structured world the reader was given free reign to roam over.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Tomi Adeyemi, and the publisher, Henry Holt and Co., for this opportunity.