Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy of this book to review!

Awkaeke Emezi continues to stun me with their writing abilities! Every book they write transports the reader into a rich and unique world, with characters that are messy but also realistic. I didn’t feel as connected to this book as I have with some of their other books, but I still flew through the book and can recognize that it was well-crafted.

I have been a fan of Emezi since I read Pet. This book was no exception. I was unable to stop reading once I really got into the story. This is the story of twins who have gifts which go beyond what most understand. Set against a vibrant West African setting, Somadina must go to the Split to save her brother from a “hunter” who has taken him. She has no clue what lies ahead, she just forges on by her twin connection. This book is very well done and entertaining. I love the rich culture and the story. It’s even more amazing when you see the power Somadina has and her strength. Seriously, a wonderful book and one of my favorite authors!

Akwaeke Emezi stuns again with vibrant prose and captivating characters! Somadina is set in a world were everyone has magical gifts, that came at a terrible cost. In this fast paced fantasy Somadina is on a quest to find her twin that was stolen, but along the way she has to navigate her new frightening powers, betrayal, and what it means to be different. This book is overflowing with action and emotions that draw you in and keep you hooked until then very end. Based on real life conflict it explores the wounds left by war and what healing can look like. I would read ten more books set in this world!

I have read each of Emezi's novels and each time I am left with a newfound sense of either hope for the future, or a deeper understanding of trhe present. This book does both. Written with such care and emotion, Somadina is a powerful YA novel about greed, corruption, our abilities as people, and a look at how we change and grow into ourselves with experience. When you are young it is so hard to take the advice people give and put it into context, Somadina shows how we can do just that. This is a book I will never forget.

I'm a fan of Akwaeke Emezi's work. I came to read them through Pet, but I have enjoyed their adult novels as well.  I was excited to receive an ARC of Somadina, and it did not disappoint! The story is set in a magical West African world that has split apart due to this same magic that spread throughout the people during the Split. Each child receives their "gift" at some point, and this story follows twins Somadina and Jayaike, whose gifts have been delayed. Jayaike was taken by a "hunter," and Somadina joins others on a journey to rescue him despite dangers and family issues as she comes into her own identity and strength. This book is so good--Well paced, great character development, a nice balance of characters and plot. This is a good purchase for all high school libraries. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.