Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is a high-fantasy novel set in the fictional land of Orïsha, which draws inspiration from West African mythology and culture. The story revolves around Zélie Adebola, a young girl who belongs to a persecuted group of people known as the Maji, whose magical powers were taken away by the oppressive monarchy. Zélie's mother was murdered during a massacre that wiped out many Maji, and magic was erased from the land.
The plot begins when Zélie discovers that magic can be restored through a powerful artifact, the sacred scrolls. She embarks on a dangerous journey to bring magic back, alongside her brother Tzain and a mysterious princess named Amari, who has defected from her royal family. Together, they face fierce enemies, including Amari's ruthless brother, King Inan, who holds his own magical powers that could prevent Zélie from succeeding.
Themes of oppression, resistance, identity, and the power of unity are explored throughout the book. The novel delves into the struggle for social justice, particularly for marginalized groups, and highlights the impact of trauma and loss on individuals and communities.
The first book in The Legacy of Orïsha series, Children of Blood and Bone was a critical and commercial success, praised for its world-building, strong characters, and rich exploration of themes related to race, power, and resilience.