I was initially drawn to this book by its stunning cover, but I stayed for the captivating story. Essien begins her life following the expected traditional path but takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her unique powers, setting her on a journey with a mysterious prophecy that makes her a target for Gabriel. Enyemaka, a beloved character, does his best to help her survive. Book 1 establishes the tone for the upcoming sequel, and I'm eagerly anticipating Essien's journey to shape her own future. My heartfelt thanks to Didi Anofienem and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

What would the world be like if Africa had never been colonized—and if the transatlantic slave trade had never happened?

This was a really interesting attempt and dealt with some heavy themes. It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it and I feel like the author has a lot of potential in the future.