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Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher (Norton Young Readers) for the chance to read an advanced copy of this book!
I liked this book a lot. It really fit what I have been looking for and desperately hoping for when I requested it. What I had been looking for was a non-western European inspired fantasy story and this book, influenced by Western African mythology and written by a Nigerian author, really fit the bill.
I like the world that's been created and really enjoy the little bits of world building that just are different from what I'm used to finding in fantasy stories. Things like what they eat and how they dress, small details that allow you to feel immersed in the world.
The characters are all likable, even if I found Naborhi a little frustrating at times - especially early in the book. But, she is a well developed character and I especially liked that she had to struggle with the idea that her best friend and her sister both like the system that she's wanting so badly to escape. While Naborhi is very much the YA fantasy kick-butt girl, she never dismisses the girls and women that prefer more traditional roles. She's not trying to overthrow a corrupt regime, she's just trying to find her place in the world.
The two boys, Atai and Tamunor, were good characters and both very different from each other with distinct personalities. (But, let's be fair, this is Naborhi's story and they are just here.)
I love, love, love the idea of the Red Tapestry. Without giving away spoilers, the idea for a group of women like this appeals to me - and appeals to me all the more because I know where Naborhi comes from and I can see just how much it appeals to her. (Also, as someone that has a really hard time reading books that have culture/s where women are second class citizens (or worse) I loved that there were so many capable women in this story.)
Finally, I would like to note that there is attraction here, but it is minor and so not the point. Which it is super nice to find a YA book that isn't focused on the romance. Instead, it takes the time to build friendships which is a win as far as I'm concerned.
Now the problems I had were pretty minor and forgivable, but they were there.
First, I had a slight issue with the pacing. I do think most of that was the fault of the synopsis covering such a huge chunk of the book and, in fact, giving away 75% + spoilers. Because of this, I kept waiting for the things mentioned in the plot to happen, which made the first 30% or so seem really slow and then it almost felt like the rest flew by too fast.
Also this is a debut novel. And it feels like it at times. Sometimes things are ... under described? There is a bit of telling instead of showing. Not a lot, definitely not enough to ruin my enjoyment, but I do really look forward to what this author can do when she really starts perfecting her craft.
This review was duel posted to Netgalley and Goodreads.
