Those who know me well understand that I enjoy getting lost in the pages of a good book. I enjoy reading a good romance, but there is a special place in my heart for young adult fiction and fantasy. When I find a book that is a gripping combination of the two, I am locked in.

In May, I came across a book by author Akwaeke Emezi, whose work I have read before. They’ve authored ‘Little Rot’ and ‘You made a fool of death with your beauty’, and I enjoy their writing style and masterful storytelling. Akwaeke knows how to write a good book.

In comes ‘Somadina’, a story about magical twins set in West Africa, which blends coming-of-age growing pains with fantasy. I was lucky enough to secure an advanced copy of this book and VACUUMED it in one go. When the book was released, I strongly recommended it to my friends.

Here’s my review from Goodreads:

I was taken on a journey to a land rich with magic, to a place where African Gods walk among men. The book begins with the tale of a land before division, with whispers from a grandmother. From the onset, I knew each word and each detail mattered.

Somadina and Jakaiye have my heart. I watched these children grow into the hands of God, fold the land, and fix fissures. This world that this book built was vibrant and teeming with life. I could see the shifting colours in the forest, I could feel the hum of magic in the air, I could feel the urgency when the air smelt of iron and the realm and spirit and man meshed together.

I felt so much for Somadina, this woman who remained trapped in the body of a girl. Her insecurity, her fear, her anxiety and her confusion. It was very difficult shouting words of affirmation to her, only to remember she’s in the pages of a book. Sometimes, while reading, I felt myself moving in her shoes as she felt strong emotions, and I felt her loss.

I wonder what will become of Somadina and Uwafulamiro? I wonder what will become of Somadina and Jakaiye and whether their Crocodile God has more work for them to do… I even wonder about Nkadi and how her own circumstances shape how she will move through the world with her gifts.

All in all, this was a beautiful book that held me from the moment I made the right space for it. The ending felt like closing a circle, and it tied so beautifully into the beginning. A SOLID 5-star read from me. Akwaeke has outdone themselves.