Review by Booklist Review
In her debut, the first of a duology, Okosun creates a world based on Nigerian mythology that touches class, race, power, and colonialism. In Oyo, a world with four countries, magic users, Oluso, are not allowed to hurt anyone, and as nations started to fight one other, a division grew between those with magic and those without. The nation to the north, Eingard, went to an extreme and killed all its magic users and stole the throne from Dèmi's family. Dèmi's life is further complicated when Jonas reenters it. When they first met as children, they formed an instant bond. When they meet again as young adults, that connection is just as strong, but Dèmi kidnaps Jonas and wants to use him in a scheme against the Eingardian government. Dèmi is willing to do just about anything to change the fate of the Oluso. Dèmi is powerful, strong, and smart, with a kind heart--just the kind of main character readers will celebrate. While fighting the cruel Eingardians, she is also trying to figure out love and life. Add to that the spoton world building and political complications and fantasy readers will find something to enjoy in this powerful work.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Okosun's stunning debut puts a Nigerian spin on epic fantasy tropes to create an addictive tale of political intrigue, love, loss, betrayal, and magic. Nine-year-old Dèmi was born during a time of transition, when the queen of Ifé was replaced by a king who fears and hates hereditary magic users, called Oluso, leading to an ongoing genocide. Dèmi, an Oluso herself, assists with her mother's forbidden but necessary magical healing work--until she is forced to flee their village after they are betrayed by a former client, leading to her mother's death. Nine years later, the politician Lord Ekwenski tasks Dèmi with kidnapping the crown prince as part of his scheme to rise in power and become a voice for the Oluso on the king's council. This dangerous mission is complicated, however, when Dèmi discovers a surprising connection--and attraction--to the prince and uncovers secrets about her family's past and her own powers. Okosun's elaborate worldbuilding is lavishly detailed and meticulously constructed, but it never feels overwhelming. The result is an impressive and refreshingly original page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the second volume. Agent: Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maass Literary. (Aug.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
DEBUT In the land of Ife, those who hold magical powers are hunted by the king. Dèmi and her mother have magic and are hiding in a village pretending to be Ajes, those without magic, when thrust into a situation where their magic is needed. This magic comes from the gods, and they are bound to use it to help others. A wealthy woman brings them a boy dying from poison. Risking their lives, Dèmi's mother heals the boy, but they are betrayed by the woman, who fears their magic. Dèmi's mother is killed in front of her, leaving her an orphan. Years later, Dèmi is caught using magic to save children from enslavement and is given another choice--help her people, the Oluso, gain political power by kidnapping the prince or be turned in for using magic. Kidnapping the prince proves harder than expected; the more time they spend together, the more their attraction for each other gets in the way. VERDICT Inspired by Nigerian mythology, Okosun begins "The Tainted Blood Duology" with a fast-paced adventure that fans of Rebecca Ross and Tomi Adeyemi will enjoy.--Leigh Verburg
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