Read but was not terribly memorable. I am clearing out the books published in 2020 from my "to review" shelf!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. While this title is no longer within the realm of my current reading interests I appreciate the opportunity in receiving an ARC.

The Half-God of Rainfall is an epic story and a lyrical exploration of pride, power and female revenge. When the young Demi's emotions seem to control the powers of nature, his mother Modupe knows she must sacrifice everything to protect him. In a world full of those who seek to tear us down for our differences, Modupe and Demi walk the line between destiny and danger. Can they overcome their obstacles? Read to find out!

I absolutely loved this collection of lyrical short stories. Demi, the protagonist of this piece is unlike his peers in many ways. He is half-Grecian god and half-Nigerian mortal. Through vivid descriptions and conscientious storytelling, Ellams, the author, is able to blend ancient Greek mythology with a more modern plot set in Nigeria and the United States. While some poetry collections can feel disjointed or be too abstract and confuse readers, The Half-God of Rainfall was neither of those things. If you are someone who has not read much poetry, I would recommend this title as it is short in length and easy to comprehend.

This unexpected book combines a unique epic-like Greek tragedy with modern day basketball myth/legend, and I loved it. Incredibly original ideas for where basketball greats come from, what gives them their otherworldly abilities on the court. Such empowering lines in a battle against Zeus, and intriguing descriptions of power and overcoming tyranny. Definitely recommend!

This rating is honestly probably more because of me than the book.

I found myself confused as to the whole world I was reading for a large portion of the beginning, which in a small book like this was a problem for me.

I also didn’t understand the inclusion of the basketball part of this book? That just really took me away from the more important themes of assault and justice.

Overall, I felt lost in this book, but I can see why others admire the writing. I did like the ending quite a bit.

This truly felt like an epic. The ties between modernity and mythology were so lovely, creating a story through verse that felt expansive and gorgeous. The story itself was so unique and unexpected, and I loved how strange the intersection of Greek mythology felt. Such a gorgeous and poetic story.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the Reader's Copy!

Imaginative and deeply emotional, Inua Ellams "Half God of Rainfall" is an epic, modern day retelling of Demi, the bastard child of Zeus, seeking his place in the world. While his mother, Modupe worries about how to best keep her son alive in the face of imminent danger, Demi grows more and more frustrated with his father's lack of acknowledgement. It is the terse relationship between Modupe and Demi that interested me the most.

How do you raise a child in a world that will be hostile to them, and still fill them hope? How do you continue to say "Go and fulfill your destiny" knowing that they could die at any moment? Each second spent with the child then becomes that much more precious, a stolen second of life from the world.

"Half God of Rainfall" is ebullient from the basketball Court to the Court of Zeus, a journey seeped in ancient mythology and urban legend. Check it out today!