Children of Blood and Bone
Written by Tomi Adeyemi
Narrated by Bahni Turpin
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
*Winner of the Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year*
*This program is narrated by acclaimed reader Bahni Turpin, whose past work includes The Hate U Give and The Underground Railroad*
"Bahni Turpin's breathtaking narration of this exhilarating novel will keep listeners rooted to their seats, listening intently...an audiobook not to be missed." — AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner
In Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut.
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for an enemy.
Praise for Children of Blood and Bone:
"[Narrator Bahni Turpin] excels at customizing her voice to capture the unique personalities of each character...This excellent, refreshing performance of Adeyemi's exciting debut is recommended for all collections where fantasy is popular" — Booklist, Starred Review
“One of the biggest young adult fiction debut book deals of the year. Aside from a compelling plot and a strong-willed heroine as the protagonist, the book deals with larger themes, like race and power, that are being discussed in real time.”—Teen Vogue
Editor's Note
Runaway hit…
Imagine Harry Potter as a girl in Africa. Or “Black Panther” with magic. That’s how YA superstar Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 fantasy novel, “Children of Blood and Bone,” often gets described, so it’s no surprise that the book was an instant, runaway hit. Lucasfilm is bringing the story of Zélie and Amari to the big screen, so dive into the world of Orïsha and majis before it hits theaters.
Tomi Adeyemi
Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Tomi Adeyemi is a Hugo- and Nebula Award–winning writer, speaker, and model based in New York, New York. After graduating from Harvard University with an honors degree in English literature, she wrote her groundbreaking, instant #1 New York Times-bestselling series, which includes Children of Blood and Bone, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, and Children of Anguish and Anarchy. Tomi’s trilogy has sold over 3 million copies around the world, and its highly anticipated adaptation stars Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Regina King, and more. The adaptation is set for release in IMAX and theaters January 15th, 2027. When she is not busy writing, Tomi can be found kicking ass in her local boxing gym. tomiadeyemi.com
Related to Children of Blood and Bone
Titles in the series (3)
Children of Blood and Bone Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Children of Virtue and Vengeance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Children of Anguish and Anarchy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for Children of Blood and Bone
329 ratings34 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be an amazing story with an even more amazing message about the everyday struggles of Black lives. The integration of magic and African pride/culture, the well-developed characters, and the immersive world-building are highly praised. Some readers wish for more flushed out romance and better pacing, but overall, the book is described as powerful, moving, and beautifully written. It is considered one of the best books of the year and has left readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
I have already read both books in this amazing sequel but I wanted to hear the ancestral words. This audio didn't disappoint. I am looking forward to the movies. I hope they still come to fruition1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
An amazing story with an even more amazing message about the every day struggles of Black lives.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Very emotional! I love how she took current events and transformed them into this sad yet beautiful story! I’m excited for the next book! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Sep 26, 2023
Good book. Very impactful. I Don't understand any negative reviews. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Loveeee this book!! I could not put this book down !! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
This book is a roller coaster of emotions! It’s a beautiful world we dive into, filled with magic and blood. The characters are well developed and by the second half of the book, you come to love them all in their own way. I couldn’t stop listening! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
One of the Greatest books ever written. Thank you for writing it. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
This book makes you feel. It speaks to so many different aspects of life. This is by far the most well written piece of literature I have had the pleasure of experiencing in quite some time! All I can say to the author is THANK YOU! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Sep 26, 2023
It was really good. I wish the romance had been flushed out more. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Very good book ? I strongly recommend reading it - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
One of the best things I’ve read in 2020. Thank you! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
This is an amazing book . This as an audio book in particular is why I give it five stars . My heart does ache for the state of racism in “the land of the free” . Thank you for writing this beautiful story! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
There aren’t enough words to describe such a beautifully written novel! I enjoyed every detail and bit of imagination the author bought me through. The emotions— everything. Truly worth the read. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Such a powerful and provocative book! The mention of Black bodies being killed present-day made me weep and love the book even more. The epilogue was the sweetest and most gut-wrenching part of the book. Many thanks to Adeyemi for telling this story!?? - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!!! It was my first fantasy read and this book allows you to see so many images filled with color and emotion! It deftly takes you on a ride and keeps you on the edge of your seat! - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Sep 26, 2023
Ok book. Good read.
Pacing was a bit of a mess, the romance a bit contrived and paced horridly. Plot felt like it was twisted for shock value instead of believable character development.
Things it did well was world building, and prose was a little mediocre in some chapters but done well overall. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
I loved the integration of magic and African pride/ culture. I loved that it was mostly two ladies leading the fight. I loved that even the “bad guys” had background stories and motivations that rounded them out as characters. It’s was beautifully written and full of adventure. Can’t wait to continue to read the series! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
One of the best books I've read/ listened to. Loved it! - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Sep 26, 2023
Audiobook/reading: 4 stars (I really liked the narrator)
Story: 2.5 (I couldn't connect with the characters) - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Powerful, moving, wrenching and beautiful. Thank you Tomi Adeyemi for this gift. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Sep 26, 2023
A very interesting fantasy world, and some bold moves by the author in the directions she took the plot that took guts. I had a hard time getting through the book once a romance was introduced that I could tell was bad news for all involved (thus only 3 stars), but it resolves in a way I hope YA readers can learn from and avoid similar bad relationships. The author's note is quite inspiring, and the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the world and characters to life. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Fantastic book. Good world build. Love the African influence. Love the struggle. Can’t wait to experience the next book - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
What a wonderful story. So moving and complicated. I cannot wait until I read the next one. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Sep 26, 2023
The book is written from a couple of characters prospective so there is a lot of repetition with the different view points. But overall it was a great story. I am not impressed with the cliff hanger but at least I started reading when the second book had already been released. - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5
Sep 26, 2023
Overrated, to say the least. Was hoping I’d like it more. Saddened it wasn’t the ride I thought it’d be. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
A book! I stan! This book was so captivating, each chapter leaves you coming for more while gripping on your hearts strings. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
So good no complaints. The characters are relatable and the do things that no matter how frustrated I get makes sense to their personalities and I appreciate that when writing character development and scenes. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Excellent story from beginning to end! Not only is the story line fast paced and intriguing, but Adeyemi does a beautiful job of describing an alternate universe modeled in Africa with characters who looks like me! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Well written, immersive with internal monolog. Excellent narration. A tale of a young group on a magical quest from the Gods. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 26, 2023
Amazing! I loved every minute. This needs to become a movie.
