Reading this has me wanting to read more from this world that Nnedi Okorafor has so expertly crafted. I love this Africanfuturistic world and just how unique it is compared to the standard fantasy setting. Even having not read anything else already set in this world, I was able to be immersed into everything and read an incredibly thrilling plot in just 176 pages. It takes a true master of storytelling to be able to do so much in so few pages.

The pacing is perfect for this length of story and the character building and development for Najeeba are off the charts. She is so strong and capable and it is hard not to root for her as she tries to change the gender norms by doing what she feels she has a talent for.


Thank you so, so much to DAW Books and NetGalley for my ARC copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This novella is enchanting. I always enjoy post-the-apocalypse with rebuilt society stories that include some of the same technology as the past. This novella also has an intriguing concept that is based on a bit of magic. In this way, the novella is a blend of magical realism, afrofuturism, and sci-fi fantasy.

Najeeba herself is tough and resourceful, yet, because the novella is quite short with a lot going on, I didn’t feel I got to know her too deeply, but I sympathized with her plight. While the magic aspect is pretty integral to certain plot points, magical realism, versus straight-up fantasy, is not a preferred sub-genre of mine, so I did have questions about unexplained aspects (like what the ”witches” actually are?). Yet, I was absolutely entranced by the wonderfully flowing narrative, the descriptions of the landscape, and the story itself.

While “teenage girl subverts gender norms” is a very common story (this is not a YA though, to be clear), it’s always one I’m on board for. Yet, I found the world-building aspect not entirely fleshed out. In truth, this is one of those novellas that could have easily been a full novel given the potential depth of the various components. For example, we’re never really told in detail - at least I don’t think - why the salt road and market aspects are so sexist, because other aspects of her society don’t seem sexist. Najeeba’s mom is some sort of town leader, women appear to have a choice as to who they marry, and birth control is readily available (meaning women have control over their sexuality), so why there is sexism around the salt road in particular was something I could have used more background in. This wasn’t something that I noticed at the time of reading, just upon reflection. Did this affect my enjoyment of the story? Absolutely not.

Basically, if you want a quick read that’s very addictive and fun, you should check this out, as the prose is fluid, quick-paced, and very immersive.

I have never read a story I did not love by this author. This is no exception. This story takes place in the world of the Nuru and Okeke amongst a tribe of salt merchants considered unclean by the rest of society. The main character is a young teen who seeks to join the salt merchant duties of her male relatives. In doing so she discovers a power within her than will help to change her world. This story is a novella so not as long as you would like. But it is well written, involves a detailed world and a rich culture. The characters are well written and deep. It is a must read for any fans of Okorafor and those who love Afrocentric Science Fiction. Brilliant book.

Ahoy there me mateys! The first in a planned trilogy, this novella is a prequel to the book Who Fears Death.  It can be read without any knowledge of that novel.  One of the elements I love best about the author is her ability to make her world building feel so real and solid.  Another talent is in how alive her characters feel.  This Afrofuturist novella is no different.  I find the blend of sci-fi and fantasy to work extremely well. 

Salt is life.  Najeeba is a 13 year old girl whose village expects her to get married and raise a family.  But then she gets the Call.  The men take a yearly trip on the Salt Road to gather salt and sell it at the market.  Though women originally found the Dead Lake of salt, they don't go.  Najeeba's trip changes her and has unexpected consequences for the entire village.

I really loved Najeeba and her rather practical approach to life.  She is very resourceful.  How the Salt Road's magic affects her and her family's future was both fascinating and heart breaking.  It is always hard to read about violent tribal politics and about societal roles based on gender.  But there are lighter-hearted moments too.  For example, the camels.  

I was fiercely charmed by Najeeba.  Just be aware that this novella ends on an abrupt cliffhanger, if even if it makes sense for how the story is told.  I cannot wait until the next comes out in 2025.  Arrr!

4.5 rounded up