Member Reviews

So glad to have a glimpse back into Zelies world! I loved that background is sprinkled throughout the first five chapters as it’s been a while since the last read and I was having trouble recalling everything at first. I can already tell we are in for another fantastic adventure and I love that everyone will unite against a new common enemy. I’m not even joking please send me the rest if you can! Publisher, NetGalley, Tomi herself! Anyone! My email is avobafemi@gmail.com if you anyone wants to be in touch, I’m joking but I’m for real. Can’t wait to finish, what a tease!

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It's only the first few chapters so it's hard to make a good judgement call, but we hopped right into the action.
We pick up right where the last book left off, with Zélie waking up shackled in an empty room on what appears to be a slaver's ship. We get a little bit of information about her being injected periodically with majacite in order to keep her from using any power before Inan suddenly shows up as a prisoner too.
For some reason he is brought to her room and put in a cage there, instead of wherever else they have been keeping him this whole time. In a quick conversation we learn that during all the events of the last book the Skulls (nicknamed this because of their human skull masks) have been the ones kidnapping the maji and have toppled the kingdom, and that they're specifically looking for Zèlie. (The assumption is because she's insanely powerful, but we don't know what they're going to do with her/her power) Inan says the other prisoners are working to try and cause a distraction to free her. Again, weirdly convenient that they decided to just put them together quick.
The skulls come grab her for some unknown reason, and as she's passing by all the other prisoners she decides this must be the best time to created the distraction. It doesn't really work, but we do learn the Skulls might have some weird abilities of their own.
I was kind of meh on the last book in this series, so I am apprehensive about this one, but there is potential to bring it back around / give these characters the growth and plot they deserve.

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I shouldn’t even have read it!! I am way too excited for this book. I’ve been counting down the days!

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YES! So much action from page one. There is a nice resetting of each character and a small reminder of where we left them, which is perfect for the gap of time it's been since we lived in this world. Can't wait til June now!

Thanks to Macmillian Children's Publishing and Henry Holt for this teaser!

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After failing to overthrow the monarchy, Zelie is shipped away from her homeland, her magic ripped away from her yet again. These preview chapters of CHILDREN OF ANGUISH AND ANARCHY find Zelie remembering the hope that she once had to recreate a kingdom full of magic.

Zelie, Inan, Tzain, and Amari all reappear quickly within the first four chapters of the book, albeit briefly. The pace moves quickly but also inexplicably forward. One second Zelie is defeated, the next she's resolute. Overall, a first four chapters that will hook the audience like the other two novels have and a decent start to a finale.

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"The Children on Anguish and Anarchy" chapter sample offers readers a tantalizing taste of a dystopian narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. In this brief but compelling excerpt, we are transported to a world ravaged by chaos and despair, where the innocence of childhood is juxtaposed against the brutality of survival.

At its core, this chapter sample is a meditation on the human capacity for resilience and adaptation in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through the eyes of the young protagonists, we witness the harsh realities of life in a society on the brink of collapse, where every day is a struggle for survival and every decision carries life-or-death consequences.

One of the sample's greatest strengths lies in its vivid and evocative prose. The author's writing is rich in sensory detail, immersing readers in a world that is both familiar and utterly alien. From the oppressive heat of the sun to the stench of decay that hangs heavy in the air, every word is carefully chosen to evoke a visceral response from the reader, drawing them deeper into the story with each passing sentence.

Moreover, the characters in this chapter sample are intricately drawn, each possessing their own unique voice and perspective. Despite their young age, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their world with a maturity and resilience that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Through their struggles and triumphs, we are reminded of the indomitable spirit of youth and the power of hope to transcend even the darkest of circumstances.

That being said, some readers may find themselves wishing for a bit more context and background information to fully understand the world in which the story takes place. While the chapter sample offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of its characters, there are moments when the narrative feels somewhat disjointed, leaving readers with more questions than answers.

In conclusion, "The Children on Anguish and Anarchy" chapter sample is a gripping and immersive introduction to a dystopian world that is as captivating as it is chilling. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and thought-provoking themes, this sample leaves readers hungry for more, eagerly anticipating the release of the full book. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction or simply looking for a compelling story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, this chapter sample is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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My dad introduced me to the Legacy of Orisha series a few years ago, and I devoured the first two. I then introduced them to my 11 year old son, who also loved them. We are three generations (not so) patiently waiting for the release of Children of Anguish and Anarchy! When i saw the first five chapters as an ARC on #NetGalley, I was so excited!
Children of Virtue and Vengeance ended with such a cliffhanger that I've been dying to know what was gonna happen! Children of Anguish and Anarchy is due to publish in June, so if you haven't read the first two books, here is your nudge to go do so!

Thanks, #NetGalley and Tomi Adeyemi for the sneak peek into the third Legacy of Orisha book. If you need me, I'll be here hitting refresh on repeat, waiting for you to offer the rest of the book. 😀

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As "Children of Anguish and Anarchy" opens, Zélie is trapped—locked in a cell in a ship's brig. She does not have access to her magic, she's been separated from her loved ones, and there is little reason to think that she can escape. But escape she must—and not only for her own well-being.

This is book three in the Orisha series, and it starts with a bang. You'll definitely be better off reading the first two books before diving into this one, as the book jumps right in without filling in the backstory, but I love that the world is based on West Africa (very underrepresented in fantasy) and clearly does some wrestling with race and class and, if I'm not reading too much into this, colonialism. Looks like a promising conclusion for readers of the series, and a promising series for those looking for a bit of action and adventure.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing this sample through NetGalley.

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