This book was such a ride! I genuinely love African literature because they are always just so impactful! From the very beginning, I was hooked by Nena’s story; her trauma, her strength, and the way she slowly begins to take her power back. I love a main character who doesn’t just survive but rises, and Nena gave me just that and more.

Ofori’s betrayal was a bit expected if I’m being honest. You could see right from start that he was the weakest link of the brothers and he really proved it lol. Even knowing and expecting that, it was still so painful seeing him choose self-preservation over her when the others were ready, without hesitation, to gave their lives for her. Plus that whole Adam and Eve metaphor? Definitely a bit odd, I’m not going to lie. But it still doesn’t even begin to describe the emotional weight of what Nena went through or how far she’s come.

Even while knowing and recognizing that, the thing that still frustrated me, though, was her initial silence; like, why not just tell your dad or sister the truth about Smith? Why go the long way around them with with the lawyer? I’m glad she eventually told her sister, but the delay had me side-eyeing her choices. And speaking of her sister… whew. Aileen. Honestly, that girl was so so insufferable at times. From gaslighting Nena to making jokes when things were actually  really serious, and then constantly underestimating everything Nena had been through. Her lack of empathy was shocking; because she herself is African, and tbh there were multiple times I honestly wished the book would just write her out already!

On the flip side, the way Nena handled Mouiseur? 10/10 fr. I was cheering for her all through because imagine doing that to a vulnerable human - a child at that. And tbh, I lowkey loved that Lucian turned out to be Paul because I was kind of hoping Oliver would be his son too; just to add that little extra twist to the whole thing. What didn’t work for me was Nena revealing herself to Paul before doing more digging. Like, come on girl, you are supposed to be a professional! You’ve been smart this whole time, and it’s now you decide to be reckless?!

Still, the relationship between her and Court was a bit sweet. Maybe a little too fast for me, but the tension was so well done, that I was actually rooting for them by the third meeting. Plus  I loved the way he respected her boundaries. When he gave her that hug? So adorable! And I really loved his decision at the end to let her go because it was so mature and fitting. I mean he’s a lawyer; and she’s an assassin, it was bound to get complicated.

Plus I think she needed that push to get out of her shell because the ending with her going back to Ghana felt perfect. A full-circle moment. I even didn’t mind the magical realism woven in because it tied in beautifully with the cultural backdrop, the west African bits, of the book. One thing I hated about the ending tho was Aileen’s pregnancy. I honestly do not think it was needed but if it gives Nena a new purpose or helps her heal in some way, I guess I’ll have to accept it.

All in all, I think this book had some flaws, it wasn’t a perfect read. It did however give me everything I wanted in a revenge story led by an oppressed African girl child turned strong woman reclaiming her power. I was invested from start to finish and that’s all I’m always looking for.