March 23rd, 2018
I have so many questions.
I think I am going to rate this book 4.5 stars although I really wanted to give it 5 stars

The world and character building in CBB are so well done. Orïsha feels like the African continent in a parallel universe. The map on the endpapers really helps with that visualisation. The mythology and lore are very nicely done. I loved to learn every bit about it.
I have grown to love all three main characters, Zélie, Amari and Inan, and Tzain. I feel that especially the three main characters had some great character development and I absolutely love Amari's growth!

Reading this book felt like going through the first season of a really good show. Something in me hopes that it will be animated a la Avatar the Last Airbender. I saw a lot of similarities between ATLA and CBB

Spoiler

Especially, in the Holy Temple during the solstice with the statues glowing. But all their trials like the gladiator thing, the kidnapping of Tzain and Amari those felt like episodic adventures all leading to bringing magic back.

I definitely recommend this book.

Spoiler

I love the staff lessons with Mama Agba, she better not be dead. Speaking of death: is Inan dead? Or did Amari save him? The ending definitely has some lose ties but it is a series so I will forgive it.

Also, I liked the romance between Inan and Zélie but boy they burned bright and quick as in one day I think. Of course, I guess they got to know each other in the dreamscape but the kidnapping and celebration took place in like two days. That is a small amount of time to say that you belong together.

Moreover, I absolutely love the slow burn love growing between Tzain and Amari. I cannot wait until they get together. Also, I cannot wait until book two.

December 21st, 2017
OMG Tomi Adeyemi is coming to YALfest NL!! So excited!!