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thecaptainsquarters 's review for:

The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor
4.0

Ahoy there me mateys! I was mesmerized by books one and two of the Binti series and was happy to finally get me hands on the third and last book. If ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post and go read me review of that one. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

This novella was another stunning read in the series. In this installment, Binti is yet again fighting to maintain peace between two warring alien cultures. But this time, the resurgence has occurred in Binti’s home town and brings her family into the thick of things.

I continue to find the juxtaposition of maintaining a sense of culture and self with the additions of change and technology to be fascinating. I found Binti’s predicament in this regard to be heart-wrenching. And yet she continues to be an intelligent, thoughtful, resourceful, and beautiful within her being. I also loved the addition of the new ship and getting to know Mwinyi better.

The main problem I had with this book was the ending. It felt anti-climatic – mostly because I just wanted more! While the story did resolve the conflict in Binti’s town, it just seems to halt Binti’s growth and story while there is still so much unanswered. With the addition of the new ship and Mwinyi, I would love to know more. The afterward made it clear that the author told the story she wanted to tell and I do respect that. But I, for one, would be willing to read anything else she choses to write in this marvelous world.