I just was not super impressed by this book. I struggled through it, but I wasn't really drawn in to the story. The premise is interesting. I am sure many people will enjoy it. I just personally did not. ( )

It's not bad, and it's good that there is more African based fantasy for YA readers, but Clark hasn't got the knack for pacing a novel and other than cultural elements this story doesn't offer real novelty. ( )

I particularly enjoyed the way this story became richer and more complex as it progressed. It's a mix of loss, resilience, trust, courage, and friendship. The journey Abeni must take would be challenging for anyone, but she's twelve when it begins. She's saved by the old 'witch' who protects her village, but the invaders are too powerful for this woman to repel. What happens as she trains Abeni, then is attacked by an evil spirit, and becomes something new, starts the reader on a very exciting path. The entities the two meet as they try to find the witch's sister and the kidnapped children from Abeni's village are a most interesting and varied group. I truly enjoyed the story and hope there's more to it. ( )

A rich fantasy about a young girl whose tribe is captured and taken far away. She enlists the help of an old witch woman on a quest to find out where the are and if they are OK. She is particularly interested in the young children who were also taken. Along the way they are joined by several interesting creatures including a porcupine girl and a straw man. Ultimately there is a villain to be defeated and a set up for a second novel in what appears to be a series. The novel has an African tribal vibe to it. ( )

3.5 Stars. Long stretches of this had a meandering feel, the pacing did pick up whenever Abeni had a mission to work towards. The writing style also kind of added to the slowness, it’s quite dense, minimal dialogue which I’m not sure will be a fit for some of the middle-grade readers who are actually middle-grade age, it’s a test of patience at times.

I wanted more emotion from this one, there’s a bit there early on when Abeni receives a huge blow to her life, and every now and again those emotions crop back up again, but it truly is a huge blow this girl experiences and I just don’t think something of that magnitude or her loneliness afterwards was felt quite keenly enough.

So far it sounds like I borderline hated this one, I didn’t, and that was due in large part to the wonderful cast of girls and the friendships they formed as the story slowly rolled along, their interactions were humorous and heartfelt, I loved that even though they bicker they have each other’s backs, if anything compels me to continue this series, it will be because of the girls and their distinct personalities.

I received an ARC through a giveaway and Netgalley, this did not affect my review. ( )