The daughter who remains

This is the final chapter in the saga of Najeeba and her older daughter Onyesonwu, bringing Okorafor's epic to a stunning conclusion, following One Way Witch. As a sorcerer, Najeeba has long known the manner of her death. First, she has a duty to the past to fulfill. That journey takes her from her home, through a vast desert and back to the place she was born, before her daughter's sacrifice saved the world. Even though no one remembers her in the land of her birth, she is duty bound to return to save her people from the demon who blighted them. The saga of Najeeba and her older daughter began with Who Fears Death. She Who Knows took the world and its characters and provided a fascinating and fuller perspective on Onyesonwu's sacrifice by introducing readers to the mother she left behind. That Najeeba in her turn leaves a daughter behind when she sacrifices herself brings her journey full circle with a marvelously satisfying ending. VERDICT Recommended for those who are fascinated by Okorafor's work, for readers looking for more African futurism, and anyone who enjoys the work of Nisi Shawl, Tobi Ogundiran, and Suyi Davies Okungbowa.--Marlene Harris

Much has changed since Najeeba's last pregnancy. Her firstborn daughter, Onyesonwu, a powerful witch--introduced inWho Fears Death (2010)--transformed the world and left it, while Najeeba herself has become more dangerous and powerful--the kponyungo, sorcerer of fire, wind, and dust. Her mission, to find and kill the awful spirit that terrorized her father's family, remains unfinished. But where to begin? First, birth her miracle child. Warned about the dangers of this baby's birth, she journeys deep into the desert. With only Dedan, the baby's father, and their two mighty camels, she must find the Vah people, who live in a great sandstorm, to help her survive the birth. Though the temptation to live in the wind and sand with the community who saves her is strong, she must continue her mission. With an unlikely friend from the desert people, she finds a way forward. Najeeba will face off with the spirit, the Cleanser, and become the revenge her father sought. She will finish it once and for all, even if it ends her. This is a page-turning novella for all the mothers and daughters faced with impossible tasks who have the resolve to carry on anyway, a fable-like story about how to walk straight into the storm, face insurmountable challenges, and fight for freedom. There is a lesson in these pages if you don't chase it; let the words wash over you. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.