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King of Dead Things
For fans of Legendborn , Neil Gaiman, and Leigh Bardugo, this urban young adult fantasy steeped in Afro-Carribbean folklore follows two Black teens searching for a powerful artifact in the hidden magical side of London.
Raising the dead is easy. Living is harder.
Eli doesn’t know who he is or who he came from. Three years ago, he was found by his now-best friends, Sunny and Max, who gave him a home in a magical sanctuary doubling as a Caribbean restaurant. What Eli does know is that he can heal a wound with just a touch and pluck magic from a soul like a petal from a flower—and there is nothing he wouldn’t do to survive and keep his new family together.
Malcolm would do anything to forget where he comes from. Desperate to escape his estranged father’s shadow and plagued with an inherited death magic he doesn’t fully understand, Malcolm has just one save his mother, no matter the cost.
Malcolm and Eli’s paths collide when Eli and his friends are sent to track down the fang of the leopard god Osebo, a deadly weapon that can eat magic. In a job filled with enigmatic nine nights and Caribbean legends, the teens must face their own demons as they race through the magical underbelly of London to retrieve the fang…before an ancient and malevolent power comes back to life.
Raising the dead is easy. Living is harder.
Eli doesn’t know who he is or who he came from. Three years ago, he was found by his now-best friends, Sunny and Max, who gave him a home in a magical sanctuary doubling as a Caribbean restaurant. What Eli does know is that he can heal a wound with just a touch and pluck magic from a soul like a petal from a flower—and there is nothing he wouldn’t do to survive and keep his new family together.
Malcolm would do anything to forget where he comes from. Desperate to escape his estranged father’s shadow and plagued with an inherited death magic he doesn’t fully understand, Malcolm has just one save his mother, no matter the cost.
Malcolm and Eli’s paths collide when Eli and his friends are sent to track down the fang of the leopard god Osebo, a deadly weapon that can eat magic. In a job filled with enigmatic nine nights and Caribbean legends, the teens must face their own demons as they race through the magical underbelly of London to retrieve the fang…before an ancient and malevolent power comes back to life.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2024
16 people are currently reading
3454 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 8, 2025
Y HAVEN'T U READ IT YET!!!!
May 4, 2024
what a brilliant UK YA debut!!! just fantastic
April 12, 2024
I NEED more magical Black boys in fantasy! Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
April 22, 2024
OMG. This book deserves WAY more hype than it's currently getting.
And I absolutely need there to be more hype, because I will be haunted forever if there isn't enough attention to guarantee the sequel.
Eli doesn't have memories before three years ago. He doesn't know where he comes from or who he is, but what he does know is that he has healing magic. In this fantasy world of a London where magic exists, his gift is a rare one.
But when bodies begin turning up with their magic ripped violently from them, Eli and his two best friends set out to retrieve a rare artifact that might be the key to saving all magic users. Of course it won't be an easy job or a safe one, especially when it seems to involve death magic and a boy with a notorious background.
Perhaps my favorite thing about King of Dead Things is the found family. Best friends Eli, Sunny, and Max trust one another implicitly, would do anything to protect each other, and still squabble exactly like siblings. Their banter made me laugh more than once and their easy welcoming of Malcolm into their circle was lovely to read.
I checked several times while reading to be sure that this book is Nevin Holness's debut because it does not read like one. The writing is engaging and flows smoothly, and when combined with the creativity and danger of the plot makes for a fast fun read. More books from Nevin cannot come soon enough!
Thank you to Simon Teen for the ARC giveaway at Yall Fest.
And I absolutely need there to be more hype, because I will be haunted forever if there isn't enough attention to guarantee the sequel.
Eli doesn't have memories before three years ago. He doesn't know where he comes from or who he is, but what he does know is that he has healing magic. In this fantasy world of a London where magic exists, his gift is a rare one.
But when bodies begin turning up with their magic ripped violently from them, Eli and his two best friends set out to retrieve a rare artifact that might be the key to saving all magic users. Of course it won't be an easy job or a safe one, especially when it seems to involve death magic and a boy with a notorious background.
Perhaps my favorite thing about King of Dead Things is the found family. Best friends Eli, Sunny, and Max trust one another implicitly, would do anything to protect each other, and still squabble exactly like siblings. Their banter made me laugh more than once and their easy welcoming of Malcolm into their circle was lovely to read.
I checked several times while reading to be sure that this book is Nevin Holness's debut because it does not read like one. The writing is engaging and flows smoothly, and when combined with the creativity and danger of the plot makes for a fast fun read. More books from Nevin cannot come soon enough!
Thank you to Simon Teen for the ARC giveaway at Yall Fest.
December 24, 2023
Well written, interesting magic, fresh, dark.
Found family, everything left unresolved, no romance!!
So, different, & very immersive.
Loved it.
Found family, everything left unresolved, no romance!!
So, different, & very immersive.
Loved it.
May 1, 2024
This book was fantastic. As I began reading it, I found that I was drawn in immediately! I bought the hardcover edition right away.
The magic woven through this story as we travel from one place to the next, unraveling the mysteries in the lives of Malcolm and Eli.
Eli and his tight-knit group of friends are struggling to survive on the wrong side of the city under the tutelage of Pam. They perform odd jobs for her until one day, the threads of the past begin to unravel.
Eli, one day, lost all of his memories and desperately wants them back. A feeling inside leads him to believe this thread may just lead him back to his missing self, regardless of the consequences.
Enter Malcolm and his missing father, whose very name speads fear into the hearts of those in the know. Malcolm is taking care of his mum and will do whatever it takes to help her survive the aftermath of a terrible accident. Years have passed, but he found a way.
Malcolm's boogie man of a dad Cass summons him after years of nothing to force him to find a god killing fang.
On the flip side of the coin, Cass pulled a favor with his old friend Pam. Sewing the paths of Eli and Malcolm together.
Incidentally, prior to their first official meeting, Eli stole a sliver of Malcolms magic with his ancient touch.
At the tree, they stood in the wake of forthcoming death, Malcolm swooped in and saved the day. Thus began the true adventure, full of lies, twists, turns, and a shapeshifting cat named Ox?
Somewhere out there, she lurks, and her thirst for blood is insatiable.
Want to find out what happens?
Read Nevin's awesome book and see.
Near the end of the story, some parts brought me to tears. The emotions are raw.
The magic woven through this story as we travel from one place to the next, unraveling the mysteries in the lives of Malcolm and Eli.
Eli and his tight-knit group of friends are struggling to survive on the wrong side of the city under the tutelage of Pam. They perform odd jobs for her until one day, the threads of the past begin to unravel.
Eli, one day, lost all of his memories and desperately wants them back. A feeling inside leads him to believe this thread may just lead him back to his missing self, regardless of the consequences.
Enter Malcolm and his missing father, whose very name speads fear into the hearts of those in the know. Malcolm is taking care of his mum and will do whatever it takes to help her survive the aftermath of a terrible accident. Years have passed, but he found a way.
Malcolm's boogie man of a dad Cass summons him after years of nothing to force him to find a god killing fang.
On the flip side of the coin, Cass pulled a favor with his old friend Pam. Sewing the paths of Eli and Malcolm together.
Incidentally, prior to their first official meeting, Eli stole a sliver of Malcolms magic with his ancient touch.
At the tree, they stood in the wake of forthcoming death, Malcolm swooped in and saved the day. Thus began the true adventure, full of lies, twists, turns, and a shapeshifting cat named Ox?
Somewhere out there, she lurks, and her thirst for blood is insatiable.
Want to find out what happens?
Read Nevin's awesome book and see.
Near the end of the story, some parts brought me to tears. The emotions are raw.
July 16, 2025
Nu am mai citit de mult o carte la finalul căreia să fiu aproape la fel de confuză ca la început. 🤣
Londra ascunde o lume magică. Eli poate vindeca cu o simplă atingere. Malcolm moștenește o magie care aduce moartea.
Când o armă legendară, capabilă să devoreze magia, dispare, cei doi trebuie să o găsească înainte ca o putere malefică să se trezească.🤔
Avem aici un urban fantasy YA cu vibes afro-caraibiene. La prima vedere și după o lectură rapidă a sinopsisului, pare o poveste promițătoare, iar ideea chiar mi s-a părut bună.
Însă… este scrisă într-un mod care m-a lăsat complet pe dinafară până pe la pagina 150. 😅 Ritmul era foarte lent, însă avea acel ceva care te făcea să rămâi curios. Nu mă ținea lipită de pagini, dar nici nu mă lăsa să renunț.
Pe la jumătate, lucrurile au început să se lege, acțiunea a devenit mai alertă și am început să mă prind mai bine de poveste și personaje. Universul este vast și interesant, dar nu foarte bine conturat. Lipsesc explicații esențiale, iar multe elemente sunt aruncate în poveste fără context clar. Exact cum a menționat și Mary în timp ce dezbăteam cartea, ai impresia că autoarea s-a așteptat să cauți singur pe Google tot ce ar fi trebuit să explice în paginile ei. 😅
Nota: 2,75✨
Știu, e o notă mică. Dar e totuși peste jumătate, iar adevărul e că… nu sunt sigură, dar cred că aș citi și volumul doi. Poate ca să înțeleg ce nu am înțeles aici. 🙃
Londra ascunde o lume magică. Eli poate vindeca cu o simplă atingere. Malcolm moștenește o magie care aduce moartea.
Când o armă legendară, capabilă să devoreze magia, dispare, cei doi trebuie să o găsească înainte ca o putere malefică să se trezească.🤔
Avem aici un urban fantasy YA cu vibes afro-caraibiene. La prima vedere și după o lectură rapidă a sinopsisului, pare o poveste promițătoare, iar ideea chiar mi s-a părut bună.
Însă… este scrisă într-un mod care m-a lăsat complet pe dinafară până pe la pagina 150. 😅 Ritmul era foarte lent, însă avea acel ceva care te făcea să rămâi curios. Nu mă ținea lipită de pagini, dar nici nu mă lăsa să renunț.
Pe la jumătate, lucrurile au început să se lege, acțiunea a devenit mai alertă și am început să mă prind mai bine de poveste și personaje. Universul este vast și interesant, dar nu foarte bine conturat. Lipsesc explicații esențiale, iar multe elemente sunt aruncate în poveste fără context clar. Exact cum a menționat și Mary în timp ce dezbăteam cartea, ai impresia că autoarea s-a așteptat să cauți singur pe Google tot ce ar fi trebuit să explice în paginile ei. 😅
Nota: 2,75✨
Știu, e o notă mică. Dar e totuși peste jumătate, iar adevărul e că… nu sunt sigură, dar cred că aș citi și volumul doi. Poate ca să înțeleg ce nu am înțeles aici. 🙃
December 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book immensely. The main characters are black Londoners with roots in the Caribbean and magic in their blood. Such interesting folklore and delicious suspense.
April 1, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read King of Dead Things in exchange for a honest review.
And honestly, I loved King of Dead Things. The novel follows Eli and Malcolm, two Afro-Caribbeans living in London under two troubling circumstances. However, along with their friends Sunny and Max, the two figure out how to save the world, London, and most importantly, themselves from Death's daughter.
I loved everything about this book from the characters to the inclusion of Afro-Carib folklore. The pacing was great with the perfect amount of tension. As an avid series reader I also appreciated that a few strings were left untied so the reader can anticipate the next installment in this universe.
And honestly, I loved King of Dead Things. The novel follows Eli and Malcolm, two Afro-Caribbeans living in London under two troubling circumstances. However, along with their friends Sunny and Max, the two figure out how to save the world, London, and most importantly, themselves from Death's daughter.
I loved everything about this book from the characters to the inclusion of Afro-Carib folklore. The pacing was great with the perfect amount of tension. As an avid series reader I also appreciated that a few strings were left untied so the reader can anticipate the next installment in this universe.
August 29, 2024
just sumptuous and really satisfying! i enjoyed every element of this, especially its setting in west indian british corner of london and its diaspora-inflected magic. it had just the right amount of plot, great character and chat, and really fun magical turns. such a blueprint for the kind of books i want to read and to eventually write. mwah!
currently so obsessed, like i'm having to read bits at a time & just savoring!
currently so obsessed, like i'm having to read bits at a time & just savoring!
February 18, 2024
Eli has lost his memory; from a point in time a few months back, he remembers nothing. But he found a place to live, and a way to make money. The problem is, the way he makes money is to steal little bits of magic from people who cross his path - and this time, Malcolm, the person he took the magic from noticed. This leads Eli and his friends into a quest to keep the Daughter of Death from being released from the prison that Malcolm's estranged father placed her in decades before.
This is a fast-paced, quick read, with an interesting take on magic. Magic comes in types, and Eli's is unusual and rare; so is Malcolm's, but his is known to his father, who exploits it. This novel is based on the interrelationships between a group of teens who left home for one reason or another, and who all found themselves in the same safe place. There's no romance, but bonds of friendship abound, and guide the various characters' interactions. Recommended for middle school to adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fast-paced, quick read, with an interesting take on magic. Magic comes in types, and Eli's is unusual and rare; so is Malcolm's, but his is known to his father, who exploits it. This novel is based on the interrelationships between a group of teens who left home for one reason or another, and who all found themselves in the same safe place. There's no romance, but bonds of friendship abound, and guide the various characters' interactions. Recommended for middle school to adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 2, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"The King of Dead Things" by Nevin Holness is a very unique urban fantasy that blends Afro-Caribbean folklore with a modern-day London setting. I don’t have much experience reading books about Afro-Caribbean folklore, but I absolutely fell in love with the folklore depicted in the book. I think I was able to connect with it and enjoy it more because the book was focused on a modern-day setting. Filled with charming characters and a rich tapestry of magical elements, this book immerses you in a world where ancient legends and contemporary struggles collide.
At the heart of the story is Eli, a teenager with mysterious healing abilities and a missing past. Alongside his loyal friends Sunny and Max, Eli embarks on a dangerous quest to retrieve the fang of Osebo, a powerful weapon capable of draining magic. Their journey intertwines with Malcolm, the son of the duppy king, who harbors his own secrets and desperate motives.
Holness expertly crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own complexities and motivations. The themes of found family and friendship resonate throughout the narrative, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. I absolutely love the found family troupe, and Holness did not disappoint when both creating the characters themselves and by creating the relationships that developed naturally between them. The character writing is definitely one of the strong points in the book. Also, as stated earlier, the inclusion of Afro-Caribbean folklore adds a unique and compelling layer to the world-building, enriching the narrative with vibrant cultural elements. I have definitely never read a book like this one before, and I just fell in love with the plot, the setting, and the magic shown throughout the book.
The book also has a fast-paced plot that keeps you on the edge of your seats. There is appropriately developed tension that builds steadily as the characters race against time to prevent a looming threat. This is a book I read in just a few hours as I couldn’t find myself able to put the book down. I did find the ending to feel a bit rushed with some plot threats being unresolved, but Holness was clearly setting up for a sequel so I guess I just have to wait until that is released in order to have all my questions answered.
Overall, "The King of Dead Things" is a very imaginative and well-written debut that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and supernatural fiction. I definitely can’t wait to read more from Holness, and this is a book I would recommend to be added to classrooms wanting more diversity in the folklore/culture represented within YA books.
"The King of Dead Things" by Nevin Holness is a very unique urban fantasy that blends Afro-Caribbean folklore with a modern-day London setting. I don’t have much experience reading books about Afro-Caribbean folklore, but I absolutely fell in love with the folklore depicted in the book. I think I was able to connect with it and enjoy it more because the book was focused on a modern-day setting. Filled with charming characters and a rich tapestry of magical elements, this book immerses you in a world where ancient legends and contemporary struggles collide.
At the heart of the story is Eli, a teenager with mysterious healing abilities and a missing past. Alongside his loyal friends Sunny and Max, Eli embarks on a dangerous quest to retrieve the fang of Osebo, a powerful weapon capable of draining magic. Their journey intertwines with Malcolm, the son of the duppy king, who harbors his own secrets and desperate motives.
Holness expertly crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own complexities and motivations. The themes of found family and friendship resonate throughout the narrative, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. I absolutely love the found family troupe, and Holness did not disappoint when both creating the characters themselves and by creating the relationships that developed naturally between them. The character writing is definitely one of the strong points in the book. Also, as stated earlier, the inclusion of Afro-Caribbean folklore adds a unique and compelling layer to the world-building, enriching the narrative with vibrant cultural elements. I have definitely never read a book like this one before, and I just fell in love with the plot, the setting, and the magic shown throughout the book.
The book also has a fast-paced plot that keeps you on the edge of your seats. There is appropriately developed tension that builds steadily as the characters race against time to prevent a looming threat. This is a book I read in just a few hours as I couldn’t find myself able to put the book down. I did find the ending to feel a bit rushed with some plot threats being unresolved, but Holness was clearly setting up for a sequel so I guess I just have to wait until that is released in order to have all my questions answered.
Overall, "The King of Dead Things" is a very imaginative and well-written debut that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and supernatural fiction. I definitely can’t wait to read more from Holness, and this is a book I would recommend to be added to classrooms wanting more diversity in the folklore/culture represented within YA books.
March 23, 2024
If you love found family, charming characters, spooky monsters, shapeshifters, and Caribbean legends … get ready for King of Dead Things.
I have once again picked up a book that I didn’t know was a duology - that ending! I need to know SO MUCH MORE.
We’re following Eli, a teenager with magical healing abilities and no memory of his past. Luckily, he’s got a great support system in his two best friends, Sunny and Max. When they’re sent to track down the fang of Osebo, a weapon that can take magic, their paths collide with Malcolm.
Malcolm is the son of the duppy king, desperate to wipe away their connection. But he needs his dad in order to help his mom, so he’ll use his death magic to do anything he needs to.
The full group soon finds themselves racing through London in search of the fang - before someone very evil and very powerful gets her hands on it. But they’ve all got secrets of their own, and they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive.
I really loved all of the main and side characters here. They were well-developed, and the different forms of friendship and found family were lovely. The main group of young people have found home in each other - and with the blunt but caring Pam, who owns the Caribbean restaurant where they live.
The Afro-Caribbean folklore was compelling, and I thought the magical rules (how magic is used and stored in this world) were really interesting.
It was very fast-paced, which mostly worked, but I did think the ending scenes were a bit rushed - especially the final battle. I also would have loved a little bit more resolution in this first arc. The ending felt a bit frustrating, and I didn’t feel like we got really any answers at all.
This was a lot of fun, and I’m super intrigued to see how the story concludes.
CW: murder, death, vomit, toxic relationship, dementia, blood, gore, body horror, abandonment, animal death
Follow me on TikTok for book recommendations!
(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
I have once again picked up a book that I didn’t know was a duology - that ending! I need to know SO MUCH MORE.
We’re following Eli, a teenager with magical healing abilities and no memory of his past. Luckily, he’s got a great support system in his two best friends, Sunny and Max. When they’re sent to track down the fang of Osebo, a weapon that can take magic, their paths collide with Malcolm.
Malcolm is the son of the duppy king, desperate to wipe away their connection. But he needs his dad in order to help his mom, so he’ll use his death magic to do anything he needs to.
The full group soon finds themselves racing through London in search of the fang - before someone very evil and very powerful gets her hands on it. But they’ve all got secrets of their own, and they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive.
I really loved all of the main and side characters here. They were well-developed, and the different forms of friendship and found family were lovely. The main group of young people have found home in each other - and with the blunt but caring Pam, who owns the Caribbean restaurant where they live.
The Afro-Caribbean folklore was compelling, and I thought the magical rules (how magic is used and stored in this world) were really interesting.
It was very fast-paced, which mostly worked, but I did think the ending scenes were a bit rushed - especially the final battle. I also would have loved a little bit more resolution in this first arc. The ending felt a bit frustrating, and I didn’t feel like we got really any answers at all.
This was a lot of fun, and I’m super intrigued to see how the story concludes.
CW: murder, death, vomit, toxic relationship, dementia, blood, gore, body horror, abandonment, animal death
Follow me on TikTok for book recommendations!
(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
June 1, 2024
Eli lives in urban London with his best friends Sunny and Max. He also has magical powers, and the trio lives in a magical safehouse that doubles as a Caribbean restaurant.
In the first part of the novel, Eli saves a young man who was attacked in the street, and a piece of the young man’s magic transfers to him. This is how the healing process works, but there’s something different about this bit of magic he has to navigate while working with his friends to recover a magical artifact, the fang of the leopard god Osebo.
In Part 2 of the novel, we meet Malcolm: a young man whose father is a notorious high-ranking figure in the realm of dark magic. Malcolm and his father have been estranged ever since Malcolm’s father left him to care for his mother, who has early-onset dementia.
The two young men’s paths intertwine as the novel continues, and the search for the leopard fang becomes increasingly dangerous. The farther they go in their pursuit of it, the more it becomes clear that there are family secrets and injustices to be uncovered and resolved.
We enjoyed this window into the world of Caribbean folklore, and we think students will be engaged by the high-stakes adventure these magical teens find themselves in.
The novel does include profanity.
Thank you NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Athenium Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
In the first part of the novel, Eli saves a young man who was attacked in the street, and a piece of the young man’s magic transfers to him. This is how the healing process works, but there’s something different about this bit of magic he has to navigate while working with his friends to recover a magical artifact, the fang of the leopard god Osebo.
In Part 2 of the novel, we meet Malcolm: a young man whose father is a notorious high-ranking figure in the realm of dark magic. Malcolm and his father have been estranged ever since Malcolm’s father left him to care for his mother, who has early-onset dementia.
The two young men’s paths intertwine as the novel continues, and the search for the leopard fang becomes increasingly dangerous. The farther they go in their pursuit of it, the more it becomes clear that there are family secrets and injustices to be uncovered and resolved.
We enjoyed this window into the world of Caribbean folklore, and we think students will be engaged by the high-stakes adventure these magical teens find themselves in.
The novel does include profanity.
Thank you NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Athenium Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
February 4, 2025
The book was a bit slow at first but it picked up and got interesting and ended with quite a strong bang. Our reserved and independent Malcolm is a delight as well as our determined and dependable Eli. They compliment each other well and watching the start of their brotherhood is so delightful.
The secondary female characters Sunny and Max are enjoyable too. Sunny is really funny and spunky and Max is sweet and just as dependable but I think we deserve to get a little more Max. The characters working together and slowly integrating their new member into their found family is so nice to watch. Watching these young adults try and solve problems together was the highlight of the book for me. The villain is pure evil and it's lovely and heartbreaking to witness. I'd argue that Malcolm's father was the true villain all along and I'll keep reading from the author to see him get his comeuppance. The book vaguely reminded me of "The Raven Boys" towards the end but I'm more commited to these characters. A good debut in my opinion.
I am so ready to continue on a journey with these characters!
The secondary female characters Sunny and Max are enjoyable too. Sunny is really funny and spunky and Max is sweet and just as dependable but I think we deserve to get a little more Max. The characters working together and slowly integrating their new member into their found family is so nice to watch. Watching these young adults try and solve problems together was the highlight of the book for me. The villain is pure evil and it's lovely and heartbreaking to witness. I'd argue that Malcolm's father was the true villain all along and I'll keep reading from the author to see him get his comeuppance. The book vaguely reminded me of "The Raven Boys" towards the end but I'm more commited to these characters. A good debut in my opinion.
I am so ready to continue on a journey with these characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
I thought this was a well written debut! I especially love the African Caribbean mythology and culture embedded in a London setting that is familiar to readers yet has a magical twist of its own which adds to the adventurous thriller aspect of this novel. I would have liked to see more explanation about these creatures since they are unfamiliar to me but felt that having some characters explain it to the main characters helped a bit but not for every creature/mythology detail. I personally loved the character dynamic and found family aspect (Sunny would be me in this world!). I am excited to see how book two will expand upon this world and if the creatures we see here will be present in the next book so there is a bit more elaboration but maybe I’ll just do some research of my own!
April 9, 2024
If you like the "found family" trope, you will love this book - the love binding these kids who have found each other is all encompassing and heartwarming. Eli has no memory of where he came from, but his friends Sunny and Max are always there for him. Their mission in this Afro Caribbean-inspired YA fantasy is to track down the fant of Osebo, and along the way they meet Malcolm, whose powerful father uses him for his magic.
The goal, to save the world from the Daughter of Death, means all the kids need to summon every resource they have, and their friendship, in order to prevent this catastrophe. This is a quick read, and there are enough unresolved bits that I am hoping for the next book to keep reading about this group.
The goal, to save the world from the Daughter of Death, means all the kids need to summon every resource they have, and their friendship, in order to prevent this catastrophe. This is a quick read, and there are enough unresolved bits that I am hoping for the next book to keep reading about this group.
April 25, 2025
This was...great, different, on a wavelength that only cats would understand? OK, I really liked this, it's really good. It's also so very sweet without actually trying. I love all their relationships. And the ending is the best.
The one thing I'll knock is I wish some of the words were explained like duppy. I had to look it up and was very interested. And Soucouyants was another. They could have used a description instead of having to look it up. However, they got better about that through the book, like with Lagohoo. So, I can't fault it too much.
This is a very weird, interesting book I'd definitely recommend. It's a book you can't explain to others. They just have to read for themselves.
The one thing I'll knock is I wish some of the words were explained like duppy. I had to look it up and was very interested. And Soucouyants was another. They could have used a description instead of having to look it up. However, they got better about that through the book, like with Lagohoo. So, I can't fault it too much.
This is a very weird, interesting book I'd definitely recommend. It's a book you can't explain to others. They just have to read for themselves.
April 23, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars
Technically I finished this a few days ago and forgot to post this review. Overall, I liked it? I liked the different story lines and the urban London setting...but so much of it was also just meh. The characters didn't feel well developed, the plot was somewhat chaotic and then rushed, the magic wasn't well explained (there are old gods??). I know it's set up to be a series (I think), but it just lacked in a lot of areas. I found myself reading to finish it rather than reading because I wanted to.
It's not terrible, though. The representation is good...just....the writing needs refinement.
Technically I finished this a few days ago and forgot to post this review. Overall, I liked it? I liked the different story lines and the urban London setting...but so much of it was also just meh. The characters didn't feel well developed, the plot was somewhat chaotic and then rushed, the magic wasn't well explained (there are old gods??). I know it's set up to be a series (I think), but it just lacked in a lot of areas. I found myself reading to finish it rather than reading because I wanted to.
It's not terrible, though. The representation is good...just....the writing needs refinement.
May 28, 2024
Wow! I am going to keep thinking about this book. Sunny, Eli, and Malcom are complicated, but I love them. They each make questionable decisions and significant mistakes, but they don't give up on each other. There are so many secrets and some of them are not uncovered. I would love to read more from these characters. I would generally not like having these questions left up in the air, but this book is written so well that it makes sense for this story to be left with questions. So I am left pondering these characters and their lives. I want to know about what comes next and what has happened before this story.
August 19, 2024
At first, I was bored to tears. That’s why it took me so long to read it! I pushed through and I’m glad I did. Once, it picked up I couldn’t wait to read what happened next. The literal black boy magic to the multiple mysteries needing to be solved regarding both MCs background/story. I needed to know how it ended and the author low key left me on a cliffhanger. I want to know the whole truth!!! Why didn’t you tell us?!
Character development was great for both MCs. I really got a feel for their personalities, emotions, and relationships with others. The supporting characters Pam and Sunny were funny. Max provided a sweet spot in all the chaos. I enjoyed their commentary throughout the novel.
I was provided the ARC of this novel via Net Galley by Simon & Schuster. My apologies for the late review. Sometimes I get lost in all things books!
Character development was great for both MCs. I really got a feel for their personalities, emotions, and relationships with others. The supporting characters Pam and Sunny were funny. Max provided a sweet spot in all the chaos. I enjoyed their commentary throughout the novel.
I was provided the ARC of this novel via Net Galley by Simon & Schuster. My apologies for the late review. Sometimes I get lost in all things books!
June 1, 2024
Darker Shades of Magic meets American Gods in this dark urban young adult fantasy. A fast-paced supernatural horror with roots in African Caribbean folklore. Eli and Malcolm are both just trying to survive in a world where the odds are stacked against them until bodies begin showing up throughout London with the magic ripped out of their chests and a hole where their hearts should have been. Only together can they begin to unravel a decades-old mystery where death is waiting around every corner.
I really loved this book and I hope it is able to get more traction!
I really loved this book and I hope it is able to get more traction!
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March 17, 2024I enjoyed the Afro-Caribbean folklore. Other than that, the story isn’t bad or amazing. It’s ok. I wasn’t super into the journey and considered dnfing a couple times.
The biggest disappointment is that the plot builds up the threat to be so big and bad, yet the main face off ends in her defeat pretty easily. After talking about her being so powerful and dangerous, the “battle” wasn’t convincing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced eARC.
The biggest disappointment is that the plot builds up the threat to be so big and bad, yet the main face off ends in her defeat pretty easily. After talking about her being so powerful and dangerous, the “battle” wasn’t convincing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced eARC.
September 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The characters are great and the friendships/community were so lovely and authentic feeling. The Caribbean folklore peppered throughout was interesting, easy to follow as someone with zero context, and not over explained.
The ending leaves a few things unanswered so it definitely feels like the first of a series and I hope there's more books to come because I'd love to spend more time with these characters!
The ending leaves a few things unanswered so it definitely feels like the first of a series and I hope there's more books to come because I'd love to spend more time with these characters!
May 5, 2024
I’m glad that this is a duology and not a standalone novel. I still wanted some answers by the end lol. This is a pretty good debut for Holness. I like the magic system and the way it’s set up in a modern world. Characters are decent. If this was supposed to have some romance, I could see at least one couple happening. Looking forward to the next.
July 22, 2024
This was a great and pleasant surprise: fast paced, an intriguing world building, fleshed out characters, and a tightly knitted plot.
Add an excellent storytelling.
Please read it because it's an excellent story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Add an excellent storytelling.
Please read it because it's an excellent story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 1, 2024
DNF. I don't know if this book is for me as I had a hard time trying to get through the first part especially when the audiobook and book I was reading was super confusing to me since they were read differently. I might read it again at a later time because the story is still pretty interesting in a way. If I do, I'll update my review about it.
December 24, 2024
oh! my! god! I listened to this as an audiobook and I was like huh, I must be in the last hour of the book. I WAS IN THE LAST 10 MINUTES. I NEED MORE. I have SO MANY questions. and also I adore these characters. It makes me want to buy the book so I can reread it to catch stuff I must’ve missed. please let this be a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
Solid 4.5 story. Amazing debut. I would have given 5* but think some elements were underexplored - the big shabang happened so quickly it felt hurried at some points. So maybe this is a pacing point. Love the characters and really enjoyed the dual pov (which I am usually sceptical about).
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