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Jujuland #1
Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight
Ancient demons. Shape-shifting sidekicks. Sword-swallowing assassins. Welcome to Olori....
'Epic storytelling with a sharp wit. I love Kòkú!' - Louie Stowell, author of A Bad God's Guide to Being Good
When 13-year-old Koku Akanbi accidentally unleashes a demon on a school trip, he has no idea what he's set in motion.
Suddenly Koku is whisked away from his life in London and transported to his family's homeland of Olori, a mysterious place in which darkness is about to disappear forever - along with the magical creatures living within it.
Accompanied by two super-powered sidekicks, Koku embarks on a mission to save Olori - and unlock his own extraordinary power...
'Sharp, witty, original and thrilling' - The Guardian
Set in a unique magical world inspired by West African mythology, Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight is the start of an unmissable new fantasy adventure series for fans of Marvel and Percy Jackson.
'Epic storytelling with a sharp wit. I love Kòkú!' - Louie Stowell, author of A Bad God's Guide to Being Good
When 13-year-old Koku Akanbi accidentally unleashes a demon on a school trip, he has no idea what he's set in motion.
Suddenly Koku is whisked away from his life in London and transported to his family's homeland of Olori, a mysterious place in which darkness is about to disappear forever - along with the magical creatures living within it.
Accompanied by two super-powered sidekicks, Koku embarks on a mission to save Olori - and unlock his own extraordinary power...
'Sharp, witty, original and thrilling' - The Guardian
Set in a unique magical world inspired by West African mythology, Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight is the start of an unmissable new fantasy adventure series for fans of Marvel and Percy Jackson.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2023
9 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 15, 2023
*4.5 stars*
I have read this book. I have loved this book. And I am grateful it exists! 🤗
Why I love this book:
• A fantastic young, Black-British African (Nigerian) male main character who will be relatable to so many youngsters out there - the representation is needed and I champion Kòkú as a role model.
• The use of street slang & Pidgin English! This made the story a lot of fun for me and I laughed a lot! I highly recommend the audiobook to get the full effect if you're not familiar with the language. It's really good!
• Sickle cell representation! This disease has caused tragedy in my family and as hard as it was to read about, it taught me a lot about what my loved ones went (and some still go) through as I had no idea what challenges they faced every day 💔. I know more now for the family members who are still with us and anyone I meet who has this condition 🙏🏾. I'm so happy people will learn about it though Kòkú's story.
• The memorable friendship group on this mission. The characters gel so well as a collective and I look forward to joining them again in the series!
• It's a fast paced adventure from beginning to end.
• It has illustrations to enjoy along the way 😍
Honestly, go and read this book. And get it for the young people in your life. There must be a copy in every school library!
It holds a special place in my heart and I'm looking forward to what's next in the Jujuland series.
I have read this book. I have loved this book. And I am grateful it exists! 🤗
Why I love this book:
• A fantastic young, Black-British African (Nigerian) male main character who will be relatable to so many youngsters out there - the representation is needed and I champion Kòkú as a role model.
• The use of street slang & Pidgin English! This made the story a lot of fun for me and I laughed a lot! I highly recommend the audiobook to get the full effect if you're not familiar with the language. It's really good!
• Sickle cell representation! This disease has caused tragedy in my family and as hard as it was to read about, it taught me a lot about what my loved ones went (and some still go) through as I had no idea what challenges they faced every day 💔. I know more now for the family members who are still with us and anyone I meet who has this condition 🙏🏾. I'm so happy people will learn about it though Kòkú's story.
• The memorable friendship group on this mission. The characters gel so well as a collective and I look forward to joining them again in the series!
• It's a fast paced adventure from beginning to end.
• It has illustrations to enjoy along the way 😍
Honestly, go and read this book. And get it for the young people in your life. There must be a copy in every school library!
It holds a special place in my heart and I'm looking forward to what's next in the Jujuland series.
July 1, 2024
This book is so much fun! I couldn't put it down.
All the excitement and magic of Harry Potter, but with Yoruba myths and culture interwoven with the genuine feels of being a black British kid in London. Genuinely funny, with well-written friendships and a really unique take on an established genre. I also appreciated the rep for kids with sickle cell - I learned about this condition because of the story, and it gave me an avenue to discuss it with friends who carry the trait.
Koku lives with his uncle above a knock off KFC, but after he breaks an artifact on a school trip, he gets sent back to Olórí in Africa for the summer. When he gets there, he's thrown into adventure - turns out his family history is full of magic, and it's his job to bring balance to his ancestoral home.
My only criticism is that it uses modern slang, and that always cuts the longevity of a book. In 10 years, kids might not use the word 'peng' anymore. But for right now, I think it still connects, and I think kids will appreciate the dip into familiar language that they don't often see in books.
All the excitement and magic of Harry Potter, but with Yoruba myths and culture interwoven with the genuine feels of being a black British kid in London. Genuinely funny, with well-written friendships and a really unique take on an established genre. I also appreciated the rep for kids with sickle cell - I learned about this condition because of the story, and it gave me an avenue to discuss it with friends who carry the trait.
Koku lives with his uncle above a knock off KFC, but after he breaks an artifact on a school trip, he gets sent back to Olórí in Africa for the summer. When he gets there, he's thrown into adventure - turns out his family history is full of magic, and it's his job to bring balance to his ancestoral home.
My only criticism is that it uses modern slang, and that always cuts the longevity of a book. In 10 years, kids might not use the word 'peng' anymore. But for right now, I think it still connects, and I think kids will appreciate the dip into familiar language that they don't often see in books.
October 27, 2023
When Kòkú is suspended from school for accidentally breaking a museum artefact, his uncle packs him off on a plane to Olori, the country where he was born, to learn about his roots. But when he arrives he finds a strange country, simmering with magic and buckling under the strain of 23 hours of daylight. He learns that the ruling tribe are trying to destroy the mythic 'Night Stone' to eliminate the final hour of darkness and vanquish the night and all creatures of the night once and for all. Together with the resentful Mọremí and her magical hair, and the cheerful shapeshifting Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì, Kòkú must travel into Jujuland to save the night stone and restore the night.
Kòkú is a particularly engaging character, he has sickle-cell anaemia which has always prevented him from doing lots of things he has wants to do, but when everyone is relying on him he has to learn to embrace everything about himself, including his own weakness, in order to save his friends and Olori. His voice is particularly compelling - he is very funny and the author uses language and slang to create a vivid and authentic experience.
This is a pitch-perfect MG fantasy, based on Nigerian mythology and culture, that holds its own against Percy Jackson, Aru Shah or any other mythology inspired series. Thrilling, fast-paced and fun - loved it!
Kòkú is a particularly engaging character, he has sickle-cell anaemia which has always prevented him from doing lots of things he has wants to do, but when everyone is relying on him he has to learn to embrace everything about himself, including his own weakness, in order to save his friends and Olori. His voice is particularly compelling - he is very funny and the author uses language and slang to create a vivid and authentic experience.
This is a pitch-perfect MG fantasy, based on Nigerian mythology and culture, that holds its own against Percy Jackson, Aru Shah or any other mythology inspired series. Thrilling, fast-paced and fun - loved it!
September 4, 2023
So much to love about this book.
An ordinary boy, who also lives with sickle cell disease, is catapulted into a fantastical world, where days lasts much longer than they should and night barely lasts long enough. And this ordinary boy, Koku, discovers he is the chosen one to break this curse of everlasting day and bring night back after accidentally releasing a demon at the British Museum and being sent to visit his family in Africa.
On his journey he will make new friends, each so uniquely different and full of life and magic. You won't help but fall in love with them, and wish you could just reach out and hug each one. Koku also makes the funniest commentary, adding a freshness and a contemporary feel that so often middle grade fantasy leaves you wanting.
Inspired by West African mythology, the book is so imaginative, from ancient tribes to mermaids, demons and magical nature. It's hard to decide what wins: the worldbuilding or the brilliant characterisation. Maria Motunrayo Adebisi has simply nailed both!
An ordinary boy, who also lives with sickle cell disease, is catapulted into a fantastical world, where days lasts much longer than they should and night barely lasts long enough. And this ordinary boy, Koku, discovers he is the chosen one to break this curse of everlasting day and bring night back after accidentally releasing a demon at the British Museum and being sent to visit his family in Africa.
On his journey he will make new friends, each so uniquely different and full of life and magic. You won't help but fall in love with them, and wish you could just reach out and hug each one. Koku also makes the funniest commentary, adding a freshness and a contemporary feel that so often middle grade fantasy leaves you wanting.
Inspired by West African mythology, the book is so imaginative, from ancient tribes to mermaids, demons and magical nature. It's hard to decide what wins: the worldbuilding or the brilliant characterisation. Maria Motunrayo Adebisi has simply nailed both!
February 18, 2025
This read has been on my tbr pile for awhile. I picked it up because I really liked the cover art and then as usual I stayed for the story.
It was a super slow start but it picks up fast and is a super amazing adventure. Koku is convinced life is just one big unfunny joke. He has a terrible name and a horrible disease.
Then while on a class trip with his school he breaks a wooden doll and releases a deamon he then finds himself on a plan to the country he was born on his way to meet his mothers people. Can life possibly get any worse?
Little does he know that its the start of his own heros journey.
This is wonderful adventure full of west african folk lore and culture. And is filled with amazing art work that really brings the story to life. From magical tribes to vengeful mermaids this story has everything and more.
I cant wait to join Koku and his friends again to see what happens next!
It was a super slow start but it picks up fast and is a super amazing adventure. Koku is convinced life is just one big unfunny joke. He has a terrible name and a horrible disease.
Then while on a class trip with his school he breaks a wooden doll and releases a deamon he then finds himself on a plan to the country he was born on his way to meet his mothers people. Can life possibly get any worse?
Little does he know that its the start of his own heros journey.
This is wonderful adventure full of west african folk lore and culture. And is filled with amazing art work that really brings the story to life. From magical tribes to vengeful mermaids this story has everything and more.
I cant wait to join Koku and his friends again to see what happens next!
July 8, 2023
I love this book for a number of reasons. Firstly, I really enjoyed the fantasy story line. Secondly, I loved the representation of a child with sickle cell and the fact that the story is a journey to accepting who you actually are and not wishing to become someone you're not. Finally, one of the things I enjoyed most about it was the characters different voices and the way the author mixed phrases of Yoruba with London slang and more formal English. A big thing in the curriculum for children in Year 5 and 6 is around switching between different tones and voices in a story and this book does it seamlessly. I think it would be perfect to use in the classroom when teaching this but also I feel that the storyline and tone create would engage a lot of children who are reluctant readers. I am definitely speaking to our Literacy Lead about putting this on our curriculum.
December 16, 2023
Middle grade with West African mythology magical elements to it! The main character has sickle cell, and I felt like the representation was very well depicted and woven into the narrative in a way that made sense for the story as well.
I also liked our main character's voice. It perfectly captured the Black British child voice so well.
The adventure and magic itself was fun to read, but didn't manage to blow me out of the water? I liked it well enough and I think child readers will have a lot of fun with it too.
I liked the friendship that was formed here. And how in the beginning they are all persuing different, but adjacent goals, and had to learn how to be honest with each other over time.
I also liked our main character's voice. It perfectly captured the Black British child voice so well.
The adventure and magic itself was fun to read, but didn't manage to blow me out of the water? I liked it well enough and I think child readers will have a lot of fun with it too.
I liked the friendship that was formed here. And how in the beginning they are all persuing different, but adjacent goals, and had to learn how to be honest with each other over time.
August 27, 2023
A fun and exciting book
It is a breathtaking exciting book that is brilliant and fun in every way, shape or form. It is jam-packed with action. Yoruba culture is depicted here which is important for representation. It is a necessary book for everyone to read so as to expand and explore their minds.
It is a breathtaking exciting book that is brilliant and fun in every way, shape or form. It is jam-packed with action. Yoruba culture is depicted here which is important for representation. It is a necessary book for everyone to read so as to expand and explore their minds.
June 7, 2023
what a summer adventure! shapeshifters, martial artists, the power of one's past and name, the acceptance that some things are unfair and cannot be changed but YOU CAN achieve goodness and success inspite of them
August 17, 2023
Fresh exhilarating magical adventure! You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
August 18, 2023
This was really fun. A much needed slice of representation and exploration of the dual identities so many British children have, with a healthy dollop of magic and adventure.
September 12, 2023
Well written. The author has captured the character of Koku Akanbi very well. Lots of twists and surprises that makes the book exhilarating and adventurous.
November 11, 2023
Brilliant story! I was fascinated reading it!
March 10, 2024
Thrilling, fun with great represenation, it's the kind of book I wish I had growing up and am so glad exists.
December 4, 2023
"Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight" by Maria Motunrayo Adebisi is a vibrant and magical journey that delves deep into African culture, blending fantasy with real-world issues. The story follows Koku, a teenager grappling with his identity, heritage, and the challenges of living with sickle cell disease. Adebisi's narrative is a powerful testament to the importance of representation and understanding one's roots.
Themes and Highlights
1. Representation and Cultural Identity: The novel emphasizes the significance of seeing oneself reflected in history and culture. Koku's realization of his cultural heritage's importance is a poignant reminder of the value of representation.
2. The Struggle with Sickle Cell: the author doesn't shy away from portraying the realities of living with a long-term condition like sickle cell, making Koku's character more relatable and authentic.
3. Magic and African Mythology: The book is rich with elements of African mythology, particularly the influence of the Orishas, adding depth and uniqueness to the fantasy genre.
4. Exploration of Loss and Belonging: Koku's journey is marked by a sense of loss and a quest for belonging, themes that resonate deeply with the reader.
5. Humour and Relatability: Despite the heavy themes, the book is laced with humour and relatable moments, making it a delightful read. This is evidences in the number of quotes in the full blog post. And the new curses I've picked up.
Koku's character is beautifully developed, showcasing his struggles, resilience, and growth. His journey from feeling like an outsider to finding his place in the world is both inspiring and heart-warming. The supporting characters, each with their unique quirks and backgrounds, add richness to the story.
"Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight" is a essential reading for anyone looking for a fantasy novel that is not only entertaining but also culturally enriching and thought-provoking. Adebisi has crafted a world where magic and reality converge, creating a narrative that is as educational as it is enchanting. This book is a celebration of African culture, the magic within, and the journey to self-discovery.
A perfect 5 star read.
Themes and Highlights
1. Representation and Cultural Identity: The novel emphasizes the significance of seeing oneself reflected in history and culture. Koku's realization of his cultural heritage's importance is a poignant reminder of the value of representation.
2. The Struggle with Sickle Cell: the author doesn't shy away from portraying the realities of living with a long-term condition like sickle cell, making Koku's character more relatable and authentic.
3. Magic and African Mythology: The book is rich with elements of African mythology, particularly the influence of the Orishas, adding depth and uniqueness to the fantasy genre.
4. Exploration of Loss and Belonging: Koku's journey is marked by a sense of loss and a quest for belonging, themes that resonate deeply with the reader.
5. Humour and Relatability: Despite the heavy themes, the book is laced with humour and relatable moments, making it a delightful read. This is evidences in the number of quotes in the full blog post. And the new curses I've picked up.
Koku's character is beautifully developed, showcasing his struggles, resilience, and growth. His journey from feeling like an outsider to finding his place in the world is both inspiring and heart-warming. The supporting characters, each with their unique quirks and backgrounds, add richness to the story.
"Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight" is a essential reading for anyone looking for a fantasy novel that is not only entertaining but also culturally enriching and thought-provoking. Adebisi has crafted a world where magic and reality converge, creating a narrative that is as educational as it is enchanting. This book is a celebration of African culture, the magic within, and the journey to self-discovery.
A perfect 5 star read.
June 25, 2023
Ancient tribes, dangerous demons, vengeful mermaids. They are all in Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight. Why? Because this is a fantastical adventure sprinkled with comic book style illustrations and the perfect read for anyone over the age of 9. It is the debut novel of Maria Motunrayo Adebisi who, whilst at university, became frustrated by the lack of diversity and decided to explore Nigerian literature. She then found that she wanted to write more about this for children of both British and African identity so that they could feel proud of their heritage. This book is the result and it is a fascinating and exciting story.
Koku is a thirteen-year-old orphan on a trip to the British Museum when he accidentally releases a demon! After this his uncle sends him to Olori, the West African land of origins, for his summer. Koku already thinks that things in his life are bad enough, he doesn’t like his odd name or the illness he suffers from - sickle cell anemia. He feels both unwanted and powerless, even more so now that he has been sent off to a place he can hardly remember. When he arrives to find almost endless sun and magical tribes, as well as learning he is on the wrong side of a war he soon discovers he is the only one who can stop those trying to destroy the night and the magical creatures who need it. A dangerous journey is ahead of him, but he has new friends to take it with, he needs to move fast to save the magic and himself…
Koku is a thirteen-year-old orphan on a trip to the British Museum when he accidentally releases a demon! After this his uncle sends him to Olori, the West African land of origins, for his summer. Koku already thinks that things in his life are bad enough, he doesn’t like his odd name or the illness he suffers from - sickle cell anemia. He feels both unwanted and powerless, even more so now that he has been sent off to a place he can hardly remember. When he arrives to find almost endless sun and magical tribes, as well as learning he is on the wrong side of a war he soon discovers he is the only one who can stop those trying to destroy the night and the magical creatures who need it. A dangerous journey is ahead of him, but he has new friends to take it with, he needs to move fast to save the magic and himself…
July 19, 2024
This read has been on my tbr pile for awhile. I picked it up because I really liked the cover art and then as usual I stayed for the story.
It was a super slow start but it picks up fast and is a super amazing adventure. Koku is convinced life is just one big unfunny joke. He has a terrible name and a horrible disease.
Then while on a class trip with his school he breaks a wooden doll and releases a deamon he then finds himself on a plan to the country he was born on his way to meet his mothers people.
Little does he know that its the start of his own heros journey.
This is wonderful adventure full of west african folk lore and culture. And is filled with amazing art work that really brings the story to life. From magical tribes to vengeful mermaids this story has everything and more.
I cant wait to join Koku and his friends again to see what happens next!
It was a super slow start but it picks up fast and is a super amazing adventure. Koku is convinced life is just one big unfunny joke. He has a terrible name and a horrible disease.
Then while on a class trip with his school he breaks a wooden doll and releases a deamon he then finds himself on a plan to the country he was born on his way to meet his mothers people.
Little does he know that its the start of his own heros journey.
This is wonderful adventure full of west african folk lore and culture. And is filled with amazing art work that really brings the story to life. From magical tribes to vengeful mermaids this story has everything and more.
I cant wait to join Koku and his friends again to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews