Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold

Abeni’s Song #2

by P. Djèlí Clark

The action-packed sequel to P. Djèlí Clark's astonishing middle grade debut, Abeni's Song.

After rescuing the Children of Night, Abeni and her friends are in search of the elder spirits—who they hope can protect Asha. But before the group can reach their destination, they’re captured and held prisoner by the Kingdom of the Gold Spinners, whose magics manipulate gold to build and achieve wonders. To secure their freedom, the companions make an agreement to retrieve the kingdom’s sacred and mystical Golden Throne, the very soul of their people—said to be hidden in a lost city beneath the sands and guarded by a terrible dragon. For Abeni, the quest for the throne becomes a race against time—the only means to assure she and her friends do not suffer the fate of being turned into living statues of gold forever.

But there are other dangers.

The Witch Priest has learned of Asha’s existence and has sent his forces to find her. Leading this search is a mortal teenage girl, who the Witch Priest has adopted almost as a daughter. With a pack of minions including the frightening Bat Riders and new villains like the coldhearted Huntsman and his three monstrous hounds, she sets out after Abeni and her friends—driven by a determination to prove her own strength and worth, to both her unforgiving “father” and herself.

Abeni will find herself facing these new challenges as she seeks to bring back the Golden Throne, evade the Witch Priest’s hunters, and fulfill her own quest to find the disappeared people of her village.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Magic, Young Adult, Fiction, Africa

359 pages, Hardcover

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

Phenderson Djèlí Clark.

Phenderson Djéli Clark is the author of the novel A Master of Djinn, and the award-winning and Hugo, Nebula, and Sturgeon nominated author of the novellas Ring Shout, The Black God’s Drums and The Haunting of Tram Car 015. His short stories have appeared in online venues such as Tor.com, Heroic Fantasy Quarterly, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and in print anthologies including, Griots and Hidden Youth. You can find him on Twitter at @pdjeliclark and his blog The Disgruntled Haradrim.

Reviews

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Abeni is back with a new adventure! I LOVED the first book in this series and went into book 2 with pretty high expectations. While I think Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold is a good book, it wasn't quite what I was expecting.

Book 1 brilliantly crafts a narrative that uses a fantasy world as a jumping off point for discussions of topics such as environmental degradation, blood diamonds, the history of enslavement, and the use of child soldiers in a way that is age appropriate for a young audience. Book 2 touches on themes of oppression, systemic injustice, and the insidious nature of fascist governance, though it is perhaps less obvious. This is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that does get quite violent at times. I would recommend it for the older half of the middle grade audience and even lower YA - 10+ feels right.

Abeni is courageous and resilient in the face of whatever is thrown at her. In this case, being trapped by members of the titular Kingdom of Gold and sparring once again with the villainous Witch Priest. I wanted more emotional depth from this novel than we got. It's so plot and action-driven, I felt like some of the quieter moments of relationships and emotion were missing. It's good, but I didn't love it quite the way I did the first installment of the series. That said, I will definitely keep reading with the next in the series and do recommend it!

The audio narration is great for an African-inspired fantasy series! I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fast paced and action packed, much more than the first novel in this series. I was surprised and delighted with how quickly this story moved. Abeni is in a new environment and I found the world building a treat. Much like with the first novel in this series, this felt like well established mythology. This novel was darker with violence that felt more real world than fantasy. This featured Abeni and her support crew in a more mature situation. This sophomore installment in the series felt leaner but in a positive way. I truly adore the world of Abeni and look forward to her next escapade. This audiobook is narrated by Nneka Okoye. Nneka was a delightful improvement over the narrator of the first novel in this series. Her narration enhanced the story by leaps and bounds

Thank you to P. Djèlí Clark, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Kam Yung Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting second part in the series. Abeni and her spirit friends continue their journey to find help to fight the Witch Priest, who is determined to conquer the world. But their journey is interrupted when they stumble into the Kingdom of the Gold Weavers, and have to go on a quest to save them from the Witch Priest.

The quest would start off with enmity between Abeni and the haughty princess of the Kingdom who joins them. But when both Abeni and the princess both lose something precious, their relationship would change and by the end, they would all realise that they need to help one another if they are to save the Gold Weavers and thwart the plans of the Witch Priest. But the Witch Priest has his own plans, one that would involve his adopted daughter hunting for Abeni and helping him to take control of the Gold Weavers.

While the first book was more of a tale of discovery for Abeni, this one is more of a usual quest-adventure for her, learning more about the world, making new friends and discovering that she may have to fulfil a destiny: but that will have to wait for another book, as saving the Gold Weavers is the main plot driving this story.

[Abigail Pankau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abeni and her friends are trying to find the ghost ships that took Abeni’s family, and also the elder spirits so that they can protect Asha. But on their journey west, they are captured by the Kingdom of Gold Weavers. To win their freedom, they must retrieve the kingdom’s Golden Throne that was stolen by the Witch Priest, and they must do so before they are turned into living gold statues. To find it, they must find a dragon who can only be defeated with a magic sword. Meanwhile, the Witch Priest has his own plans. He has sent his daughter Fulan to find Abeni and Asha, and he has enlisted the help of the Gold Weavers to create a Golden Army for him. Can Abeni and her friends find the Throne before the Witch Priest finds them? Or will his Golden Army destroy the world?

A fun action/adventure mid-grade novel set in an African-inspired fantasy world. There is lots of fun action, the world-building is great, and the characters are very relatable. The plotting is pretty straight-forward as the heroes always luck into what they need to complete the next step, but that’s pretty normal for a mid-grade novel. Overall, I liked this one better than the first.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first installment in this series so I was excited to receive an advanced reader copy of this book. It was excellent, but felt far more YA than Abeni's Song. The danger and violence are both ratched up a few notches, and the action moves along more quickly.

I did enjoy the continued friendships and how they developed quite a bit. I enjoyed the character of Asha and I especially enjoyed a couple of the new characters. There were some twists that were a lot of fun and overall this was a great fantasy adventure. I would recommend it to fans of the first book with the caveat that it does skew older in both content and themes. Readers 10+ who are fans of fantasy will enjoy this book!

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has never happened to me before, and I am still not sure how it did- but I read this thinking it was either a standalone or the first in a series. There were a few times when I thought, "it feels like there is a lot that has already happened before this," but I brushed it off assuming the backstory would get filled in more as it went on. By the end, it had. P.Djèlí seamlessly incorporated the relevant context. I never felt lost. Though, by the end, I was thinking the backstory could have been its own book, turns out it was 🤦

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I think it’s even better than the first book in the series.

[Deliadear]

I quite found the voice of the narrator so grating when doing some of the voices that I couldn't make my way through this audiobook. I tried. I've read other audiobooks by P. Djèlí Clark that I've loved, so I was very excited to listen to this one. I couldn't do it though :(

[Richard Gresham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I love this book

[E.D.E. Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You came seeking answers," she whispered. "You're brave enough to hear them."

Abeni's song is beautiful.

Layers of clear melody over harmonics of sadness, joy, peace, and resolve.

I know I get excited about a lot of books being written, and that's because there are a lot of amazing books being written. But there's a moment when you realize you are reading a story of legend. One sculpted of understanding, wit, exploration, humility, balance, and a desire to fuel pure joy - while flowing with the voices of the ages. One that is just fun, reading like the most comforting, exciting, time caressed story. And yet, you also realize this will be read in a hundred years and somehow you get to read it now. And somehow this legendary writer (who is also a person, which is a lot of the point) is walking the same planet as you right now. Like, what! That's some motivation! (Which is also a lot of the point.)

And yes - it's that good! I own my enthusiasm these days, but I am always sincere.

This is a glorious story, and one that has only grown stronger in its second volume. It reads as modern as it does timeless, a story an elder would read to a child and a child would share with an elder. One friends would read to each other. One cherished in the corner, alone. Books that would sit without question in the museum of our universe on the shelf of storytelling classics.

This second book dances through so many thoughts for a reader of any age to draw from, should they choose to: The joy and light that shines through children when when shaped by trauma, and how those elements are never lost from us, only hidden within us. Elements of control, concession, and choices - that there is no dichotomy between doing what is right and knowing when to hold back. The usually overwrought idea of language as a super power, explored with such a light and fascinating touch that it brings me shivers. Of seeing harm for what it is, but also learning to see (as Tad Williams has also been incorporating) the ways in which one's own exposure to violence - or one's own insecurities - can manifest in lashing out, and how that understanding, especially in the context preconceptions and prejudices, is key to healing and community. The currency of power! (This is done *so* brilliantly.) And of loss. The ways that loss settles inside you, and exploring what can be taken - and what cannot. And that the addition of new friends never subtracts, only adds. Our joy to be shared is boundless.

Finally, I must thank the author for not only the *best* dragon scene I have read at least in quite a while, as well as for the utter gift of hotness of another dragon in his human form, but during exciting scenes so we have a reason to tell the youth why we need to pause a moment and visualize a bit. Um, anyway.

Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold is extraordinary.

There is an essence in the belief in people that resonates through Clark's words, and I can see no greater power in these times. Not silence or denial - but to feel the world around us, the humanity in all things, and to draw from that - not only hope. But strength. Resolve. A nod to each other, that we can *do* this.

I look forward to the third book with great joy, and with hope that it finds us in stronger days.

We are all growing.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
The book builds anticipation from the first page by introducing the Witch Priest’s daughter, Fulan. She’s summoned to her father’s underground throne room surrounded by heat, fire, and molten rock. The Witch Priest displays his ruthlessness by torturing a follower who failed a mission. Fulan is detained on her way there by a huge, muscular creature. The author shows off her viciousness as she quickly dispatches him and cuts the topknot from his head as a trophy. The Witch Priest orders Fulan, and a terrifying hunter, to track down Asha and bring her back to his throne. Fulan has flickering memories but readers can’t predict how they might affect her. Abeni is protecting Asha from the Witch Priest so readers will anxiously expect a future confrontation with Fulan.
The author creates a cast of characters with a variety of personalities, including one antagonist. Abeni plays the role of peacekeeper for her group, especially when Ama, princess of the Gold Kingdom, joins the story. Ama has a superior air of royalty but the other characters are chafed when she tries to order them around. Zaneeya is a spirit who transforms between a young girl and a panther and she’s more vocal about her irritation than the others. Zaneeya faces her problems head-on and often wants to resolve them with violence. Nyomi is a timid, porcupine spirit girl who loves to eat and has no problem munching on grubs, worms, and bugs she digs up in the dirt.
The author artfully creates a wide range of emotions as the plot’s suspense grows. Zaneeya and Nyomi add levity through starkly different means. Nyomi disappears at the first signs of violence while Zaneeya enjoys antagonizing others, especially Ama. Ama is torn between her role as princess and the despicable deeds her people have inflicted on others. She’s even more confused and upset when she learns the history she’s known all her life is wrong. The presence of the Witch Priest and Fulan invokes feelings of danger and malevolence which only grow as their influence spreads throughout the lands. Asha always projects feelings of calm when she speaks and shares words of knowledge and reason.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers who haven’t read the first book may be puzzled about the references to Abeni’s past deeds. She leads her group of friends and can wield a staff with skill during battle but she doesn’t seem to possess any special abilities. Fulan calls her a sorceress but Abeni’s greatest powers seem to come from kindness, leadership, and a determination to do what’s right. The author reveals more about Abeni’s powers at the end of the book.
The final verdict:
This book can be enjoyed by itself but I suggest you read the prior one first. The story contains non-stop adventure and Abeni’s group offers a variety of curious characters. Abeni and Fulan go through huge changes and Ama must change too. I recommend you give this book a shot.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange of an honest review.

Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold is the sequel to Abeni’s Song, picking up where Abeni and her friends left off in their search for Abeni’s family and a way to keep Asha safe. Along the way, they are taken into the Kingdom of Gold and are sent on an unwilling adventure to the people of the kingdom against the Witch Priest.

I really enjoyed Abeni’s Song, and I was excited for the sequel. But something about this book didn’t quite capture me as much as Abeni’s Song did. It started out strong, with Abeni and her friends travelling, but as more characters were introduced some of what I found charming about the first book faded away. Some of the friendships and relationships with the new characters didn’t feel as fleshed out and it fell a bit flat as more people were added to their group. Abeni didn’t feel quite like what I remembered from the first book either, she wasn’t as understanding or as welcoming this time. The depth of the characters in the first one wasn’t built on very much, and felt like we moved backwards from some of the development they had previously had.

I also didn’t find the writing as strong this time. This is very much a me problem, but there was an abundance of exclamation points that took me out of the story. Rather than the writing showing us what might be surprising or exciting, it was instead shorter blunter sentences without as much description but an exclamation point would show us how the character was feeling. I don’t mind this in dialogue but it felt unnecessary for descriptive parts of the story. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the use of things like “woot” or “squee”. It just took away from what strong writing I remember in the first book, and what I expected this time.

Still though, despite my little nitpicks with the book, I know I’m not the age range for the book, and it was still really enjoyable. Middle grade and young adult readers will probably relate a lot more to it, and enjoy the excitement of the story without a problem with the writing. It was still a really fun follow up to Abeni’s Song, and I would still continue with any future books in the series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for a sequel worthy of Abeni's Song! The world of Abeni's adventures is so richly imagined from African folklore & myth traditions.

Abeni and her friends are continuing on their mission (begun in the first book). The best part of the Abeni books is that this is an ensemble cast.

Abeni makes friends with a spirit girl panther shapeshifter and a spirit girl porcupine shapeshifter in book one. Both are still with her. Also, Abeni is still acting as guardian to the spirit girl Asha (who was an old woman in book one but died and came back as a young girl). There is also a young man who signs instead of speaking but who is a gifted flute player. (He appears to hear just fine but doesn't talk.)

In book two, we meet the Kingdom of Gold. (Plus, we find out that the Witch Priest has a human adopted daughter, who is also now after Abeni.)

Abeni and her companions reach the Kingdom of Gold and are promptly captured and sent as slaves to the gold mines. They are told that just being trespassers on the Kingdom of Gold's territory was enough to sentence them to lifetime labor as slaves in said mines.

They get lucky when they are told that if they undertake a quest to return a magical Golden Throne (which was stolen recently), they would win both their freedom and the gratitude of the Kingdom of Gold.

So, they have no choice but to undertake this daunting quest for their captors.

Highly recommended for lots of action & adventure in a fantasy African setting!

[Book Club of One · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the follow up to Abeni's Song, Abeni continues her heroic journey through a fantastical Africa. This time, however the tale is not Abeni's alone, instead we have a split narrative, Abeni's ongoing quests and a new character. In Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold, the narrative is shared with Fulan the 16 year old adopted daughter of the Witch Priest, she is desperate to prove herself and given the mission of tracking down Abeni and Asha to bring them before the Witch Priest.

Abeni has grown in power since the first book, but still protects her teacher and reborn spirit Asha. Abeni has a small trusted group she travels with, both human and magical spirit. While they journey through the countryside they come to what the believe are golden statues, but the status come alive and capture them. This is their introduction to the Kingdom of Gold where prisoners and outsiders are force to mine for the gold that builds the city and fuels its economy. But all is not well, and the Witch Priest's strength and power grows, and he dreams of empire.

A great expansion of Abeni's world, introducing more characters, motivations and locations. It feels like the middle point before a great showdown between Abeni (and Asha) and the Witch Priest.

Recommended to readers of fantasy, heroes journeys or mythical stories made modern.

I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold is the second in the series. A friend loaned me the first book, Abeni's Song, and I enjoyed it so much, I borrowed the second through my library.

Abeni and her three spirit friends, Nyomi a porcupine, Zaneeya a panther, Asha an old woman in the first book, now a girl and Abeni is guardian to her, plus a new character added to the gang, a gifted flute player, reach the Kingdom of Gold. Shortly after arriving, they are captured and end up being split up as slaves. They are all sentenced to a lifetime of hard labour. Their crime, trespassing on the Kingdom of Gold's land.

After spending grueling long days working in the mines, they are given a quest, and if they are succeed at it, they will be given their freedom. What is the quest? To return the magical Golden Throne. It stinks they have to do this for their captures, but they all agree, they will do it.

Unbeknown to Abeni and her friends, Fulan, the human adopted teenage daughter to the Witch Priest, has been ordered by her father to capture Abeni and her friends.

If you are interested in reading a YA novel full of action with tons of adventure, this is your book!

Their mission is not complete - there will be a book 3.

[Tia Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abeni returns in Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold, a thrilling middle-grade adventure that builds upon the success of the first book Abeni's Song.

While this delivers a action packed narrative tackling themes of oppression, Facism and injustice. It lacks some of the emotional depth that made the first book so compelling. While the environmental and social commentary remains, it's less overt this time around. Fans of the series will appreciate Abeni's continued courage and resilience as she faces new challenges, but be warned: it gets violent at times, making it more suitable for older middle-grade readers.

This African-inspired fantasy world is brought to life by a superb audio narration. While not quite reaching the heights of Abeni's Song , this is still a recommended read for those eager to continue Abeni's journey.

Thank you to MacMillan audio and NetGalley for this Advanced copy for my honest unbiased opinion

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book*

I am a huge fan of P. Djèlí Clark's adult books and this middle grade series he is writing is right on par with the quality of his adult books. Abeni is an amazing character and I love the various magic systems and places that we get to explore in this sequel.

Set in a fantastical Africa, a found family of sorts is looking for the Elder Gods following the happenings of the first book. However, their search is waylaid by a city of Gold Weavers who may or may not be in league with the Witch Priest, the returning evil from the first book. Featuring dragons and dream magic, moth-riders and magic swords, this is a fast-paced middle grade adventure with high stakes and a fantastic group of characters that each contribute to the story in unique ways.

This Abeni series is one that I will definitely be keeping up with and enjoying for as long as possible.

[Daggry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody needs to bring this man’s books to the big screen. Come on! They are cinematic, with vivid worlds and characters you want to root for, and the themes are powerful because they comment on the real world from a position of great imagination. Even in something that’s definitely a children’s book (albeit quite an intense one).

This sequel is a plot-driven quest, with our growing band of adventurers thwarted and pushed into peril that they must reckon with before returning to their primary mission. At times this wasn’t my favorite, as in: oh no, yet another obstacle, yet another detour, and no slowing down to consolidate gains or delve into characters.

But on the other hand it’s a great way to flesh out the world in exciting ways. And it keeps the plot moving while giving the characters a chance to explore where they find strength and connection. 4.5 stars

[Elizabeth Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold⭐
💫Book 2 in the Abenis Song Series💫
✨Should not be read as a stand alone✨

This book beautifully deepens the rich fantasy world established in the first book. The pacing is exhilarating, packed with nonstop action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Much like its predecessor, "Abenis Song," it tackles heavy themes and social issues, but Be prepared—things can get quite intense and violent at times! This sequel is better suited for a slightly older (upper middle-grade) audience than the Abenis Song.

This book didn't quite have the emotional depth of the first, but I would recommend it to those who loved Abenis Song and want to continue the story.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the alc in exchange for an honest review.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abeni and her friends (a brave panther shapeshifter, a timid porcupine spirit, a reincarnated elder spirit, now a young girl, and a young mute male musician) are seeking ancient spirits to battle the witch priest and his adopted daughter. They are imprisoned in the City of Gold and split, to toil in the mines or the castle, but help avert disaster and are compelled (enslaved really) to accompany the princess to save the kingdom. They battle some dark forces in their quest to find a stolen relic. Eventually, they find a creature of legend, to whom their group has a strong connection, who makes an enormous sacrifice to save their quest. Decent sequel, with additional character development.

[Tales Untangled · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks for the audio ARC goes to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Readability: This is book 2 and is best to be read in order.

I adore Abeni! ABENI AND THE KINGDOM OF GOLD is a fast paced fantasy.

I love how the friendships build in this book. The world building is amazing in this series. You'll find the danger amps up in this installment, and I would recommend it for about 10 and up, while I thought the first could be read by a slightly younger audience. That depends on how an elementary school aged child handles violence.

Abeni goes in my stack of recommendations for reluctant readers.

[Messy Mama Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the worldbuilding? Top-tier. Clark really knows how to pull you into a rich, magical world rooted in African folklore and history. I could see the kingdom, feel the danger, and smell the air, his writing is that vivid. Abeni is such a compelling young heroine. She’s brave, smart, and growing into her power in a way that feels authentic and earned.

There’s action, heart, and real stakes. And the themes, freedom, legacy, and fighting for what’s right, hit in a powerful way.

This is exactly the kind of fantasy we need more of, Black, magical, and unapologetically bold.

[Whitney Weinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

This may be on me? I had such high expectations from the first book and this one maybe suffered from second book whatever… it was packed with so much action and plot it felt like the characters which we had an attachment to maybe were put on the back burner to the go go go of action packed plot.
I definitely will read the next book but my expectations will definitely be adjusted.
Thanks to netgalley and Macmillan audio for an alc

[junia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great. I love reading about Abeni and her friends and new friends she meets along the way. I love the lessons everyone is learning, their character arcs and just the lessons.

The book reads like a screenplay with a new character who serves as Abeni’s foil.

Highly recommend for read aloud or reading for kids in 4th grade and up.

There’s dragons, pirates, kings, quests upon quests, evil, and goodness.

Love it. It did a great job as a sequel.

[John Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite current authors, I read this even though the library doesn't have Abeni's Song, the first one. I will break down and buy it soon. Loved this story, and the diverse fantasy cultures Abeni finds on her travels. I feel like Clark's fantasy has strong rules he follows, even if I don't know them all yet. Great journey, high stakes, intriguing magic make for a great fantasy. Highly recommend.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

There's a bit of a disconnect between the cover, which is a fantastic middle grade one, and the text, which is an exciting fantasy adventure, but definitely seems more young adult. A good choice for readers who liked the first book or titles like Okogwu's Oneyka and the Academy of the Sun.

[Sue Gosland]

While this book was written for Middle Schoolers, I found it to be well written, fast paced, and full of stories and characters from African history legends. It is a series I would not hesitate to put in any library for kids. I would hope this whole series ends up in all schools, for all kids. I loved it.

[ISRA · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 I deducted points because there were so many characters missing the plot and while there was further
development of the original characters the new players made the plot a bit more complicated at times than I enjoyed or could process - and or properly appreciate. Plus not all the new characters were likable. Otherwise the twists and turns were good.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clark really knows how to write girl characters well.

[Lanee Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this was a lot and I loved it