Since the third novella picks up right where the second one left off (that cliffhanger, oh my goodness!) and I read them both in one sitting because it's that engaging, I’m treating this as one review covering both novellas.

Binti has an unfathomable amount of responsibility, in being a peacemaker between the Himba, Khoush, and Meduse.

Throughout the (little over a year) that the series takes place, Binti undergoes several transformations. In order to understand herself, she has to gain a better understanding of her heritage. The explanations related to this were fascinating as was the rest of the worldbuilding (I love that the ships are living organisms!).

Bintis' relationship with her family is complicated and extremely emotional to read about. She's proud of her culture and acknowledges that  her inquisitive and rebellious nature has resulted in an atypical life for a young Himba woman.

Bintis' growing friendships with Okwu and Mwinyi is a highlight of this series. Okwu and Binti have a unique bond and understand each other on a molecular level that an average person cannot. Mwinyi and Binti learn from each other and I like how they approach their peacemaking differently.

The second and third novellas include what I believe to be a realistic representation of trauma and using therapeutic techniques to heal. Binti experiences frequent flashbacks and grounds herself, often by focusing on a particular number or equation. 

The conversation around gender roles/societal expectations that this series exhibits is one which people could probably write papers about it. I appreciated the inclusion of a trans woman in the second nevolla and the dedication in the third novella, to those who have experienced something (in this case seen the night masquerade) that is thought to only affect a gender different than one’s own.

I’d recommend this trilogy to anyone looking to expand their SFF bookshelf beyond euro-centric literature. This series stands apart due to Africanfuturism influence, as well as how Binti as a character grows. Something happens to her during the third book that readers don’t see in many stories, and I really like how it was handled/resolved. I’m looking forward to reading Nnedi Okorafor’s other works, especially Akata Witch, within the coming months.