Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. I enjoyed this, but not as much as the first one. The pacing was all over the place, it was very slow in the beginning and once they left New Orleans it was so fast. I've realized Anita Kopacz loves her abrupt and dramatic endings. I liked a lot of the aspects of this, but it would have been a better read if it were more evenly paced and if we had done without the random Jesse James kidnapping and cameo. In the second half there were just too many things happening. Also would have liked to have her husband explained better, I still don't know if he's dead or just away at war. I will read the next one, it was an interesting tale and I am interested to see what comes next.

I didn't realize this was a series when I requested! I did read the first one before starting this book. The first one was struggle to get through, and I'm sad to say that this one I'm struggling to get through as well. I'm not sure if it's the characters, the time period, or a combination but it is not sticking with me. I wanted to love the series so much! Such a beautiful cover too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved the period peace that this was and the mythology that was laced throughout the book. Would definitely recommend this book to others.

This second book in The daughter of three waters trilogy sees Yemaya's daughter, Oya, a Cuban born woman travelling to late 19th century New Orleans where she goes to learn how to control her powers from a famous Voodoo Queen. Having being born with the ability to influence the weather, Oya poses a threat to both her mother and home island but life in the New World proves to be just as dangerous.

Filled with a cast of famous historical figures, fascinating African mythology and magic, Black resistance and feminine power, plus moving mother-daughter relationships, this was a solid continuation of the series that was also really well done on audio narrated by the author's daughter.

Recommended for fans of books like River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta and the Children of blood and bones series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review and @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the third and final book!

From the publisher:
In this lyrical and stirring companion to the “spellbinding” (Harper’s Bazaar) Shallow Waters, Oya—the Yoruban deity of the weather—is brought to life during 1870s America. Perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Sun.

Born in Cuba after her mother Yemaya’s adventures in the New World, Oya has inherited otherworldly powers from her Yoruba Orisha lineage. While Yemaya is known for her healing abilities, Oya’s influence over the storm proves to be destructive, posing a threat to her mother and the island’s safety.

Sent to New Orleans to study under Marie Laveau, the Queen of Voodoo, Oya begins a journey across the still young America, encountering a myriad of historical figures, including Mary Ellen Pleasant, Jesse James, Lew Hing, and more.

As Oya navigates the landscapes of racism, colorism, and classism, she grapples with her own identity and powers, striving to find her place in a fraught and complex society. A moving, vivid exploration of resilience, heritage, and the enduring spirit of a young woman coming into her own, The Wind on Her Tongue transports you to a world where magic and reality intertwine.

The Wind on Her Tongue by Anita Kopacz was published January 21, 2025 by Atria/Black Privilege Publishing.

My Thoughts:

It's an interesting story. Oya needs to learn how to control her great gift. Marie Laveau guides her with help from a set of twins. And then she is drawn to make a cross country journey.

I liked the book, but I liked the first part where Oya was in New Orleans better than the latter part of the book. It seemed richer in description. Later on, it felt more superficial to me. The story in San Francisco didn't seem as well described as the part in New Orleans until close to the end.

Otherwise, it was interesting to see how Oya learned to control her gift and what she could do with it once it was under control. Told from Oya's point of view, the voice was like a whisper in your ear for much of the book. It was as if she was telling you the story over a cup of tea. And it was interesting to get some of the bits about her mother. I didn't read the first book, but this seems to work as a standalone and also as a continuation. And, I felt the ending was a little abrupt. It came at a logical point in the story, but just seemed to come quickly. I suppose it paves the way for either more about her in another book or sets up the next book to be about the next generation.

I gave this book 4 stars. I would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy magical realism stories. And I would also recommend it to people who like their magic to occur in historical settings.

Have you read it? What did you think? Drop a line in the comments and share your thoughts with us.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

A fascinating blend of history and mythology that creates empowering narratives of collective history, memory, and identity. Powerful and fascinating.

The Wind on Her Tongue is historical fiction about Oya, a Yoruban deity, who ventures to New Orleans to recover from a traumatic miscarriage.
I wasn’t a huge fan of this, honestly. I should’ve DNFed it, but it was an ARC and I didn’t want to DNF. Even still, it took me almost three weeks to get through this because I couldn’t focus.
It’s fairly obvious, but know that this story does deal very heavily with childbirth and miscarriage (and includes a scene detailing the traumatic event). Even still, I felt like the emotional impact wasn’t as strong as it should’ve been.
Also, the pace was glacial. The synopsis mentions a cross-country journey that involves meeting tons of historical figures, but she doesn’t leave New Orleans until halfway through the book. Also, there are only a handful of historical figures in this story, and they’re not well-known (to me, at least) so there wasn’t much of an impact to their presence. I found that the historical figures had a super minor role that could’ve been interchanged with any fictional character.

CW: miscarriage; childbirth; child death; racism; gun violence; vomit; sexual content (brief)

Anita Kopacz’s The Wind on Her Tongue is a poetic and sensual exploration of love, spirituality, and self-discovery. The novel follows a young woman on a transformative journey as she navigates the complexities of relationships, desire, and her connection to the divine.

Kopacz’s lyrical prose and evocative imagery create an immersive reading experience, blending raw emotion with profound insights into femininity and faith. Both bold and introspective, The Wind on Her Tongue is a beautifully crafted tale for readers seeking depth and soul in their storytelling.

Happy Release Day to The Wind on Her Tongue by Anita Kopacz! Thank you to Atria Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The long-awaited companion to Shallow Waters is a reimagining of the Yoruban deity Oya. While this book looks like a quick read, it does focus on heavier themes such as racial violence and miscarriage. While I was expecting the first one, I was surprised by the second as it does not mention it in the book summary. Readers who are aware of the folklore behind the book may be aware in advance, but those who are jumping in with little to no background may be caught off-guard. Despite the content, I was fully engrossed in the story and people Oya meets throughout her journey and didn't even notice when I was on the last page.

If you enjoy diverse stories about persevering through life’s darkest storms, be sure to add this one to your TBR!

The Wind on Her Tongue is a strong second novel in the Three Waters trilogy. Readers will most appreciate the book if they first read Shallow Waters by Anita Kopacz.

This novel follows Oya, as she navigates headwinds of racism, colorism and classism as she finds her own strength through magic.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

The Wind on Her Tongue is book tell in the Daughter of Three Waters series by Anita Kopacz.
A stirring and lyrical novel that I couldn’t read fast enough!
This was a quite unique story and it was very interesting.

For me this was not as interesting as the first book and the pace was a lot slower than the first book.
It took me a while to get into it, I may revisit it at a later date to see if I feel differently about it.

Oya has power over storms. She can make the wind blow and the rain pour. Her power can be deadly and devastating too. Because she’s a danger to herself and others her mother has sent Oya to New Orleans to work with Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau to learn how to control her supernatural abilities. She eventually makes her way to San Francisco and along the way has a number of adventures and meets some famous people.
Fascinating story derived from the West African religion of Yoruba Orisha about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery. Amazing characters are what make this story so good. I especially loved the twins Cosette and Collette and Chantilly the Chinese chanteuse. It’s an entertaining read with some historical figures I’d never known about like Mary Ellen Pleasant, Thomas Bell and Lew Hing. My only disappointment was when I got to the last page and wanted more. Luckily I’ve discovered that there is more to come as this is the middle volume of a trilogy. Themes of racism, colorism and classism throughout. 4.5 stars

The wind on her tongue by Anita kopacz was very interesting and emotional I thoroughly enjoyed not only the story that the author presented but also the Deep and rich way in which the story was told.

I didn't read the first installment in the series, but THE WIND ON HER TONGUE by Anita Kopacz quickly brought me up to speed with the mysterious and fascinating life of Oya, a woman who can control the weather. Born in Cuba, Oya's otherworldly abilities prove to be risky for her family and the island, bringing her to 1870s America in all its wild, unformed potential. With many twists and turns, Oya meets prominent leaders and thinkers of the day, making her way from New Orleans to study voodoo with renowned Marie Laveau, facing challenges large and small with courage, wit, and magic. A major issue for me in the relating the tale in an otherwise excellent voice was the frequent insertion of current-day sentiments and expressions such as "I didn't sign up for this." I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

The Wind on Her Tongue by Anita Kopacz is actually a sequel, which I didn’t realize when I picked it up. That definitely made it harder to follow at first, but I got into the rhythm of the story and figured things out as I went.

The book follows Oya, who’s sent from Cuba to New Orleans for her safety. She has powerful magical abilities and must navigate her destiny while dealing with deep loss and grief. It’s set in the 1800s, so there are heavy themes of racism, segregation, and white supremacy woven into the story. The writing is lyrical and beautifully suits the characters and the tone of the book.

While this is described as magical realism, I’m not sure that term fits perfectly here. A lot of the rituals and spiritual practices feel more like cultural traditions than fantasy, which adds a layer of authenticity that I really appreciate.

What stood out to me most was the resilience of the people in this story. Despite everything they faced, they didn’t give up. Their strength, hope, and determination to stay true to their roots left a powerful impression. That said, I do wish Oya’s journey had been fleshed out more. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I didn’t fully connect with her arc by the conclusion.

Overall, this was a beautifully written story with important themes. Thank you to Atria Books and Atria Black Privilege Publishing for the chance to read it.

CW: Slurs, child loss, racism, and gun violence

In this lyrical and stirring companion to the “spellbinding” (Harper’s Bazaar) Shallow Waters, Oya—the Yoruban deity of the weather—is brought to life during 1870s America. Perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Sun.

Born in Cuba after her mother Yemaya’s adventures in the New World, Oya has inherited otherworldly powers from her Yoruba Orisha lineage. While Yemaya is known for her healing abilities, Oya’s influence over the storm proves to be destructive, posing a threat to her mother and the island’s safety.

Sent to New Orleans to study under Marie Laveau, the Queen of Voodoo, Oya begins a journey across the still young America, encountering a myriad of historical figures, including Mary Ellen Pleasant, Jesse James, Lew Hing, and more.

As Oya navigates the landscapes of racism, colorism, and classism, she grapples with her own identity and powers, striving to find her place in a fraught and complex society. A moving, vivid exploration of resilience, heritage, and the enduring spirit of a young woman coming into her own, The Wind on Her Tongue transports you to a world where magic and reality intertwine.

My Take:
I extend my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I did not read the first book, so I was not familiar with the story of Yemaya from Kopacz's mythology. Nonetheless, this story of Yemaya's daughter, Oya, provides sufficient detail that I did not feel as though I missed too much. The narrative introduces us to Oya in a strange land under precarious circumstances. We encounter Marie and other vividly described characters, but I felt we left New Orleans before I fully understood whether Oya—and consequently, the reader—achieved our objectives. Later, Oya travels westward by train, encountering historical figures and people of various races, genders, and identities. These journeys include historical references that intrigued me, and I felt a stronger connection during these travels than I did in New Orleans. Overall, I liked this book, but I really wanted to love it. It hinted at magical realism, which I adore, and offered a new mythological perspective on beloved African deities that I wish I understood better, but it was more suggestive than substantive. As it is a companion book, I am uncertain whether I would recommend it for book clubs. Moreover, it does not firmly establish itself in the canon of literature exploring spiritual heritage in a way that I would include it in a syllabus, but it serves as an enjoyable escape. And I believe we could all use a bit of that right now.

This was a DNF for me. The writing was a little choppier in bringing together multiple storyline timelines for my liking.

When I requested this title, I was hoping it might be something like Allende's The Island Beneath the Sea. Not that I wanted it to *be* The Island Beneath the Sea, but I wanted that sense of magic and female power. My experience with The Wind on Her Tongue was that it moved slowly and had the feel of a YA novel about it. It may be that the problem stems in part from the fact that it's a sequel to a book I haven't read, so I didn't come into it with a narrative line in my head that I wanted to pick up on.

If you like YA novels, if you like young, coming-into-their-own novels focusing on young women, if you're patient with reading between the lines for things unsaid, you may truly enjoy this novel. I just didn't.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

I liked this, but ultimately wanted to like it more. It's surprisingly short for how much is packed into it, which I think does a disservice to Oya's story and what Kopacz brings to it - there's enough that happens and enough that Oya has to work through that it could easily be almost three books, one for each part. As it is, the changes between each and from situation to situation often feel choppy, almost as if picked up and put down by Oya's storms, especially comparing the healing slower start in New Orleans to the fast-paced end in San Francisco.

The inclusion of so many historical figures as characters is interesting, especially against the magical realism of the setting and the almost immediacy with which so many people recognize Oya for who she is. I love the sense of reincarnation and souls belonging to the land and each other.

Aside from the choppiness, a lot of where it faltered for me is when the story left new Orleans - it was so well-rooted there in community and in the city itself that you could smell the gumbo and hear the city around you as you read. Moving west, it starts to lose that, but especially in San Francisco, where I kept getting thrown out by details instead of drawn in by them (eucalyptus didn't make it out of Australia until the 1850s, and the big colonial push for it in CA to replace native trees was in the 1880s, so Oya knowing how to use it for healing and it being everywhere felt really jarring, especially compared to how much the spirit of the land is valued everywhere else in the book; the Chinese population would have been speaking Cantonese, not Mandarin; some of the geography felt really off, etc). The ending was also so abrupt that the last chapter I was almost entirely just shaking my head going "wait what's going on". I think a lot would have been helped if there had been more books or more time to explore all the topics Kopacz has Oya encounter.