As a sci-fi/ fantasy novel there is a lot of world building.

So sometimes the princess sounds like a man! Sometimes it’s unclear which character is speaking! The male narrator reads too fast, you have to slow his voice down. The problem with that is that sometimes characters cross chapters. The reading is set up where the narrators alternate chapters. Were there no African actors to narrate? Were there no actors that could pull off a Nigerian, Liberian or Ethiopian accent? The narrators do a poor job of distinguishing between characters. It comes across as inauthentic and a little insulting. The narrators don’t even try to pronounce words with an African accent. Narration: this is a story that takes place in West Africa. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone.' ( Publishers Weekly, 'An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List')ĭon't miss the second book in this epic duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence ! 'Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West-African folklore. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death? When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic.requiring the beating heart of a king. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated her court threatens mutiny and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal - kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.īut Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. This New York Times best seller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.įor Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West-African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction - from debut author Roseanne A.

A song of wraiths and ruin