She Who Know: Firespitter is a prelude to my favorite book by Okorafor, Who Fears Death. While the novella can stand on its own, I really loved getting insight to Onyesonwu's mother's journey. This novella is a testament to women making a way and I loved the voice Okorafor used.

In summary, in the novella, Najeeba is a young girl who does not conform to the expectations of her gender and was criticized for it by her family and friends. Every year her father and brothers would venture out to the Salt Roads to sell their findings in the market. However, this user Najeeba gets "the call" and joins her father and brothers on the road, despite the danger that can be found there for women. This propels us into a story of surpassing gendered limits and adventure.

I cannot wait to dive deeper into this universe that Okorafor has been weaving for over a decade.

She Who Knows by Nnedi Okoroafor is a prequel to Who Fears Death. I read the latter a while ago and this was a good reminder and also provided some perspective to Who Fears Death. Quite intriguing. Now, I feel like rereading Who Fears Death.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Netgalley

This novella captures the story of Najeeba, the first girl in the memory of her village to feel the mystical call to journey to travel the Salt Roads. The story introduces a rich and complex African-futurist world: a town of a scorned people, built on the sale of salt, and the young girl who can ‘travel,’ allowing her a view of the world and of herself beyond what her family or town can understand. Though the novella is quick to read, it builds a deep and complex world and explores the intersection of gender roles and cultural norms in an engrossing coming-of-age tale. I thoroughly enjoyed reading She Who Knows: Firespitter and am excited to read the rest of this trilogy as it is released.

This book is set in the same world as some of the author’s other works. After reading this novella, I certainly plan on reading more in the series. I found She Who Knows to be very approachable and complete even without reading other novels in the universe.

I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was incredibly beautifully written and a very enjoyable novella; though the ending was a tad rushed, I am excited to continue Najeeba’s story in the rest of the trilogy.

"She Who Knows: Firespitter" is an engaging novella about a young woman named Najeeba and her otherworldy skills. I loved this African-futurist fiction and look forward to more books in this triloy. Nnedi Okorafor is able to convey so much character and setting development in a short novel. I also loved the bonds of love shown among Najeeba's family, and the pushing of gender boundaries in this book. Looking forward to more of this trilogy. Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for an eARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an arc to this for an honest rating.

First, this was a novella but it read like a full novel, in a positive way. I really enjoyed this. Najeeba, our main character, realizes she has the calling to go to the ice fields with her father and 2 brothers, which isn't a usual thing, as men are normally the people who go. Determined to break down barriers and answer her calling she tags along. She sooon realizes she has more than just a calling and will do anything to help her people and find out more about herself.

Najeeba is a loveable character, I connected with her and really took her seriously, especially for a teenager. I don't want to spoil anything so I will say this, the writing was great. As I mentioned I felt like I was getting a lot of necessary information in just a short amount of pages, 176, and really felt like it wasn't rushed. That is until the end. It's 4🌟 simply cause I felt like the end was rushed and I worry too much was left open for the second book in this trilogy, especially if that book is also going to be a novella.

Overall I enjoyed this and encourage you to give it a chance when it releases in August!

4.0/5.0 Stars

Thank you to DAW books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book to review!

She Who Knows is a Sci-Fi/Post-Apocalyptic setting with West African influences. It is a prequel or prelude to a previously published work from this author "Who Fears Death" and this is explained at the beginning of the novella. I was worried that it would be difficult to understand the characters or world building but I was able to jump right in.

The writing is very clear and descriptive, not much fluff and I'm not sure if this is the author's writing style or the character's narration style - either way I enjoyed it because I was able to devour this novella quickly! The pacing is consistent and hooks you in, the plot was interesting and characters felt real. I loved the tone of the book had me on the edge of hopeful and defeated, which made the reading experience dynamic for me.

The story does feel a little rushed or concluded quickly at the end, but this seems to be the writing style with lots of time jumps between important scenes. I wish there was more elaboration or reveals about our main character at the end, because I enjoyed reading about her and following her journey.

Overall it was a quick, enjoyable and unique read. It hooked me into the world and motivates me to continue reading this series!

WOW. This is such a beautiful and powerful book. Sci-fi mixed with African futurism with some great conversations about gender.

Really looking forward to reading more from this universe.

#SheWhoKnowsFirespitter #NetGalley

Najeeba knows it is time to travel the Salt Roads. It is always the job of men, but her father and brothers take her to mine for salt in the Dead Lake. Najeeba slowly challenges other norms in her society, some are slowly accepted but of course there is backlash.
I felt that Najeeba was quietly telling me this story, as her close confidant, who feels as she does. It’s an amazing story and I can’t wait to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for this DRC.
#SheWhoKnowsFirespitter #NetGalley

Oh Nnedi Okorafor, you works are perfect!!!

She Who Knows: Firespitter is probably the best book I've read this year. Nnedi Okorafor, the Nigerian sorceress strikes again like Najeeba. As someone who had read Who Fears Death, it was a great joy to be back in the desert with Najeeba and experience her life before the novel. I loved her Nnedi Okorafor tweaks in Nigerian linguistics in her dialogue.

It's safe to say Nnedi Okorafor is the mother of Africanfuturism. I'll be reading all the novellas in the trilogy.


Final review : 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received an ARC for a honest review. Thank you Netgalley.

I loved being back in this world and getting to know more about Najeeba and how her life started. Makes me want to re-read Who Fears Death.

#SheWhoKnowsFirespitter #NetGalley

Having enjoyed reading “Who Fears Death,” I was excited to find out that Nnedi was releasing further books centered on this post-apocalyptic world that we were introduced to by Onyesonwu, Najeeba’s daughter. “She Who Knows” focuses on Najeeba’s story when she was a young teenager trying to find her own footing in life.

We are introduced to the sacredness of salt and how it was discovered and became the way of life, as well as the disparities of how men and women are treated and expected to behave.

This is a relatively short book, only 176 pages in length, and the focus is on Najeeba’s discovery of who she is and then the impact that this discovery has on everyone around her. I found that despite coming from a loving family who are respected in their community, Najeeba’s world was quite lonely and isolated.

As a prequel, I felt it was a solid book. My only criticism is the abrupt change of pace towards the end of the book and jump in timeline, which could be quite confusing for those who choose to read this book first.

Rating: 3.5/5

I picked this to read despite not having read Who Fears Death first, and while I'm sure I missed some references to the original book and some things weren't as impactful as a result, it was still a very enjoyable and engrossing story to read despite my lack of reading the other book first. Najeeba is a fascinating protagonist; she's clever, strong-willed, and charismatic. I was rooting for her the entire time, even though she was also impulsive to the point of me holding my breath in fear for her. The rest of the cast, while not as fleshed out, were still lovely - especially her brother Ger and her father.

I thought the world was interesting, though there were a few things that I didn't fully understand, likely due to not having read Who Fears Death. The Cleanser in particular I never figured out, but the rest of the world came together well; it was interesting and mysterious, but enough was explained or revealed throughout to feel satisfactory. I also thought this was very well-paced. It clipped along quite quickly, hurtling the reader into each new situation while still providing background on what happened between the big moments. I do wish, however, that some of the between moments had been explored more, and not just shared in a "telling" fashion.

I really enjoyed this quite a bit. I think it may be my favorite thing by Dr. Nnedi Okorafor, and it definitely makes me want to read the rest of Najeeba's story - which is excellent, because it appears that Najeeba is getting her own novella series! I will also need to pick up Who Fears Death very soon. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

Pleasant YA fantasy novella for fans for complex alternative worlds with a system that makes sense.
I found the story a little slow going, probably because the goal of the main character isn't revealed until you are quite a bit into the story. This felt more like a bonus for people who liked a first volume of a series and are given a prequel to sink their teeth into as they wait for the next volume.
Because I didn't love the characters going in, I wasn't very engaged. I did feel for her plight, and I was annoyed at the situation of that world, where women are not allowed the same freedom as men - exactly as you are supposed to feel, but somehow it wasn't enough.
All in all, the novella was fine, but it didn't feel like a proper stand alone book, more a companion, and certainly should not how you start the series.

This novella marked my introduction to Nnedi Okorafor’s work, and I must say, it left quite an impression. Following the journey of Najeeba, a 13-year-old girl who heeds the Call and embarks on a daring adventure along the salt road with her father and older brothers, challenges both gender and cultural norms. Despite the risks, Najeeba embraces her destiny, showcasing Okorafor’s skillful world-building and introducing readers to a desert landscape where salt reigns supreme. As Najeeba comes into her own power and confronts challenging obstacles, the narrative unfolds with gripping intensity.

The post-apocalyptic setting steeped in African culture is a captivating backdrop, swiftly introduced and easily navigable even for newcomers to the series. While the story took a bit to find its rhythm both in writing style and plot progression, once it did, it proved to be a thoroughly engaging read.

With its strong narrative voice and immersive world-building, “She Who Knows: Firespitter” is a delightful addition to the series. Standalone readers need not fret, as Najeeba’s captivating tale stands on its own, offering a rich blend of magic, mythology, and humanity.

Set in a post-apocalyptic, afro-futuristic world teeming with technology, spirits, and mysterious creatures, Najeeba’s journey as an Osu-nu, the ‘untouchables’ of the Okeke peoples, is a mesmerizing fusion of tradition and discovery. Okorafor’s storytelling prowess shines, drawing readers deep into the narrative from the get-go.

This well-crafted tale effortlessly draws you in, thanks in part to the instantly likable protagonist and the meticulously crafted world. Overall, “She Who Knows: Firespitter” is a must-read, seamlessly weaving together African culture with elements that feel both ancient and futuristic. If there’s one gripe, it’s that the ending felt a tad rushed, but that hardly detracts from the overall experience. Highly recommended for those seeking a fresh and immersive read.

Young Najeeba is coming of age on the Salt Roads and experiencing all the power, powerlessness, and confusion adolescence can instill. Sweeping vistas and intimate village life are described in exquisite detail as we follow Najeeba on a journey to understand the magic awakening inside her. This wonderful novella is a fast and engaging read, captivating and thoughtful. I was utterly absorbed. I look forward to the rest of the series.

An excellent novella with a strong voice and fascinating world. The only small flaw is that the ending felt a bit rushed, but I still had a great time reading it and I heartily recommend it.

I loved Okorafor's Binti collection, and I was excited to get an ARC of this from NetGalley and DAW books, in exchange for my honest review!

This novella is a delight to read, and I love the harsh imagined world that has almost a steampunk vibe at times. I know this is the second in a series, and I didn't find that I missed anything by not reading "Who Fears Death" first. I will however be going back and reading that myself. I'll miss Najeeba if she isn't the main character, but I am excited to dive back into this world!

This novella is the back story of one of the characters from Who Fears Death. I haven’t read it, but She Who Knows stands perfectly well on its own.

The world is post-apocalyptic, afro-futuristic and fascinating. There is technology, but also strange spirits, strange creatures and things that feel like magic. The vibes are reminiscent of Binti, but the story is less emotionally wrenching (it’s not a criticism, I just mean that it has a calmer feel).

Najeeba is of the Osu-nu, the “untouchables” of the Okeke peoples. Osu-nu harvest salt, and their salt caravans travel on paths forbidden to anyone else. People Know when to go on the salt path. It’s the men who do this (because tradition!), but then the girl Najeeba Knows as well. This is the path that will lead her towards other strange talents.

The writing sparkles with sunshine, salt crystals, and mystery. Nnedi Okorafor, thank you for yet another good story.

Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-book!

ARC review.
A post apocalyptic planet based heavily in African culture was such a fascinating and engaging concept! The world building was laid out quickly and easily, even for someone who has not read the series this prequel is for.
It felt like the story took a while to get into the swing of things writing wise and plot wise, but once it did I very much enjoyed it!

Firespitter is the first novella in the She Who Knows triology. This book is the prequel to Who Fears Death. We follow Najeeba who receives the call and joins her brothers and her dad to salt roads. Nnedi Okorafor's writing skills are exceptional and she creates incredible worlds. This novella is a little bit of an introduction or beginning to what's going to happen so it is a little bit of slow-paced. I haven't read Who Fears Death but it is on my immediate read list now. I am particularly excited about the next novella in the series, which is set after the events of Who Fears Death. I can't wait to read more about Najeeba. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.