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Adia Kelbara #1
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans
The first book in a fast-paced, witty, and big-hearted debut Afrofantasy trilogy about a twelve-year-old apprenticing in the kitchens at the prestigious Academy of Shamans, who must ally with a snarky goddess and a knife-wielding warrior to save her kingdom. Perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and The School for Good and Evil. Life is tough for twelve-year-old orphan Adia. Her aunt and uncle believe she’s an ogbanje, a demon-possessed child that brings misfortune wherever they go, and Adia can’t disagree—especially when she suddenly manifests mysterious powers that she can’t control, causing an earthquake in her village. So when Adia is offered a kitchen apprenticeship at the faraway Academy of Shamans, she flees with nothing but a pouch of change, her cat Bubbles, and the hope that someone there can figure out what's wrong with her—and fix it. But just as she's settling in, Adia stumbles upon a shocking Unlike her, the kingdom's emperor really is possessed—by a demon more wicked than any other. And he’s on his way to the Academy for a visit.Joining forces with a snarky goddess, a 500-year-old warrior girl, and an annoying soldier-in-training, Adia must travel through hidden realms to exorcise the emperor and save her kingdom. But to succeed, she first must come to understand the powers inside her….The fate of the world hangs in the balance.
357 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2023
24 people are currently reading
3747 people want to read
About the author
Isi Hendrix
4 books44 followersIsi Hendrix is an NAACP Image Award-nominated children’s book author who has been lucky enough to live and work all over the world, from the Himalayas to the Amazon rainforest, during her past life as an anthropologist. Now she’s based in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY, where she lives with a rotating roster of foster kittens and a stubborn refusal to accept that she is highly allergic to cats.
You can find her at www.isihendrix.com.
You can find her at www.isihendrix.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 15, 2023
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans grabbed me from the opening lines and never let go! Orphaned young, Adia Kelbara is being raised by her Aunt and Uncle, relations who are at best indifferent to Adia, and at worst repulsed by her, for Adia is an ogbanje, a child possessed by a demon.
They plan to keep her close at hand and get her to accept their new religion, but Adia has no intention of letting either of those plans come to fruition.
After she secures herself an apprenticeship in the kitchens of the Academy of Shamans, she can't get out of town fast enough. But her planned escape gets deeply complicated by her own burgeoning powers.
What ensues is a fantastic adventure filled with thrills, chills, a wonderful sense of humor, and tremendous courage. Adia's world is filled duplicity, greed, power struggles, and a self-absorbed ruling class that thinks they can buy their way into shamanic powers.
Hendrix has built a beautiful, complicated world that is the perfect mirror through which to examine our own society. She tackles big themes with great aplomb all while spinning a fantastic adventure, which left me wanting more. And lucky for me, there's more books to come in the series!
Thank you to HarperCollins and EdelWeiss for the E-Arc.
They plan to keep her close at hand and get her to accept their new religion, but Adia has no intention of letting either of those plans come to fruition.
After she secures herself an apprenticeship in the kitchens of the Academy of Shamans, she can't get out of town fast enough. But her planned escape gets deeply complicated by her own burgeoning powers.
What ensues is a fantastic adventure filled with thrills, chills, a wonderful sense of humor, and tremendous courage. Adia's world is filled duplicity, greed, power struggles, and a self-absorbed ruling class that thinks they can buy their way into shamanic powers.
Hendrix has built a beautiful, complicated world that is the perfect mirror through which to examine our own society. She tackles big themes with great aplomb all while spinning a fantastic adventure, which left me wanting more. And lucky for me, there's more books to come in the series!
Thank you to HarperCollins and EdelWeiss for the E-Arc.
February 10, 2025
ترجمهی فارسی این کتاب با عنوان "آدیا کلبارا و نسل فراموششده شمنها" توسط نشر پاپلی چاپ شده. داستان فوقالعاده خوندنی و جذابی داشت. روند اتفاقات پشت سرهم بود و پایانش هم عالی بود.
داستان در مورد دختر یتیمی به نام آدیاست که همراه با خالهی ناتنی، شوهرخالهی بدجنس و پسرخالهی بدجنسترش زندگی میکنه. با وجود اینکه سخت تلاش میکنه نظرشون رو جلب کنه، مدام توسط اونا تحقیر میشه.
اونقدر که همه مدام تحقیرش میکنن، فکر میکنه شومه و بعد از اتفاقی که ناگهانی میفته، کاملا مطمئن میشه شخصیت شروری داره. پس از دهکدهشون فرار میکنه و به مدرسهی شمنها میره تا اونجا کارآموزیش رو آغاز و کسی رو پیدا کنه که شرارت رو از وجودش پاک کنه.
از اونجا هم بعد از درست کردن دردسر، اخراج میشه اما کاملا اتفاقی با یه ایزدبانو آشنا میشه و تصمیم میگیره بهش کمک کنه شخصیت شروری به نام اُلارک رو نابود کنه. اهریمنی که به دنبال قدرت و تسلط روی تمام سرزمینشونه.
آیا آدیا موفق میشه جلوی کارهای شرورانهی اُلارک رو بگیره؟ بعد از تموم سختیهایی که کشیده، میتونه شرارت رو از وجود خودش هم پاک کنه؟
داستان در مورد دختر یتیمی به نام آدیاست که همراه با خالهی ناتنی، شوهرخالهی بدجنس و پسرخالهی بدجنسترش زندگی میکنه. با وجود اینکه سخت تلاش میکنه نظرشون رو جلب کنه، مدام توسط اونا تحقیر میشه.
اونقدر که همه مدام تحقیرش میکنن، فکر میکنه شومه و بعد از اتفاقی که ناگهانی میفته، کاملا مطمئن میشه شخصیت شروری داره. پس از دهکدهشون فرار میکنه و به مدرسهی شمنها میره تا اونجا کارآموزیش رو آغاز و کسی رو پیدا کنه که شرارت رو از وجودش پاک کنه.
از اونجا هم بعد از درست کردن دردسر، اخراج میشه اما کاملا اتفاقی با یه ایزدبانو آشنا میشه و تصمیم میگیره بهش کمک کنه شخصیت شروری به نام اُلارک رو نابود کنه. اهریمنی که به دنبال قدرت و تسلط روی تمام سرزمینشونه.
آیا آدیا موفق میشه جلوی کارهای شرورانهی اُلارک رو بگیره؟ بعد از تموم سختیهایی که کشیده، میتونه شرارت رو از وجود خودش هم پاک کنه؟
August 27, 2024
Comme c'est un roman jeunesse, j'ai essayé de me mettre dans la peau de l'adolescente que j'étais, fan de Tara Duncan, pour juger de l'effet que ça me faisait. Pour ne pas chroniquer avec un regard d'adulte, qui aurait biaiser la lecture.
Et je dois dire que ça a été une réussite, j'ai adoré ce roman et j'aurais aimé le lire plus jeune ! On retrouve tous les ingrédients du roman fantasy jeunesse, mais avec un engagement et des thématiques qui n'étaient pas abordées avant : racisme, colonialisme, appropriation culturelle... C'est abordé de manière simple et efficace, je me dis que c'est avec ce genre de roman qu'on peut faire bouger les lignes dès l'enfance.
Dans ce premier tome, on suit Adia, une jeune fille noire de 12 ans, qui a perdu ses parents et vit avec son oncle et sa tante qu'elle n'apprécie pas beaucoup (et réciproquement). Sa seule chance est de partir réaliser son année de pratique ailleurs, et après un évènement inattendu, elle va partir pour rejoindre l'Académie des chamans. Son seul espoir pour redevenir normale et ne plus se sentir différente.
Sauf que cette académie, où sont censés enseigner les meilleurs chamans du royaume, n'est qu'une vaste arnaque où de jeunes Blancs pourris-gâtés et sans aucun pouvoir font semblant d'être des apprentis chamans. C'est la douche froide pour Adia, qui va se retrouver encore une fois en quête de solution... Et c'est parti pour une nouvelle aventure, où elle rencontrera des personnages attachants, on va découvrir la menace réelle qui pèse sur le royaume, elle va surtout se découvrir et apprendre qui elle est réellement.
C'est vraiment entraînant, c'est bien écrit (à part quelques répétitions, mais que je justifie par le fait d'être un roman jeunesse), les personnages sont bien campés et on s'attache à eux, l'intrigue est bien construite, et les thématiques abordées sont essentielles. Bref, une très belle surprise que je conseille vivement !
Et je dois dire que ça a été une réussite, j'ai adoré ce roman et j'aurais aimé le lire plus jeune ! On retrouve tous les ingrédients du roman fantasy jeunesse, mais avec un engagement et des thématiques qui n'étaient pas abordées avant : racisme, colonialisme, appropriation culturelle... C'est abordé de manière simple et efficace, je me dis que c'est avec ce genre de roman qu'on peut faire bouger les lignes dès l'enfance.
Dans ce premier tome, on suit Adia, une jeune fille noire de 12 ans, qui a perdu ses parents et vit avec son oncle et sa tante qu'elle n'apprécie pas beaucoup (et réciproquement). Sa seule chance est de partir réaliser son année de pratique ailleurs, et après un évènement inattendu, elle va partir pour rejoindre l'Académie des chamans. Son seul espoir pour redevenir normale et ne plus se sentir différente.
Sauf que cette académie, où sont censés enseigner les meilleurs chamans du royaume, n'est qu'une vaste arnaque où de jeunes Blancs pourris-gâtés et sans aucun pouvoir font semblant d'être des apprentis chamans. C'est la douche froide pour Adia, qui va se retrouver encore une fois en quête de solution... Et c'est parti pour une nouvelle aventure, où elle rencontrera des personnages attachants, on va découvrir la menace réelle qui pèse sur le royaume, elle va surtout se découvrir et apprendre qui elle est réellement.
C'est vraiment entraînant, c'est bien écrit (à part quelques répétitions, mais que je justifie par le fait d'être un roman jeunesse), les personnages sont bien campés et on s'attache à eux, l'intrigue est bien construite, et les thématiques abordées sont essentielles. Bref, une très belle surprise que je conseille vivement !
June 15, 2025
"Some people were meant to be gifts for the world."
This. Was. Fantastic.
Sometimes, you get one of those books where you know after a couple of minutes or pages that it's going to be amazing. With Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans, it took me five pages to figure that out, and then I was hooked. This has to be the very first book that is steeped in African culture that gets this high a rating from me. Isi Hendrix clearly knows how to balance the information she gives: The story is clearly based on Africa, its history and its mythology, but it's not as if you get drenched by a flood of information. There are African words and terms present, and no glossary, but everything remains clear. That's how it should be done!
Adia is a great character. I loved her behaviour, her intelligence, her guts, and the evolution she goes through - and I'm very curious to see where her story is headed.
In fact, nearly all characters were a positive experience. Nami is the Ron to this story: That one character - a guy, what did you expect? Ne'er-do-wells - who is totally oblivious to everything around him, absolutely incompetent and simply an idiot who keeps on bumbling about and popping up, even though you don't want him to. But Gini was fantastic: I loved how she's clearly a goddess, who is above all human affairs, but Hendrix gives her some scenes that make it clear that she does care for the people surrounding her, like Adia and Thyme; she definitely has a soft spot for her. I noticed how the author always plays with the reader's expectations: Hiroma is also completely different from the stereotypical character you'd expect, for example. Thyme is amazing as well, of course, and Darian was fun too - hopefully he'll be back in Book 2, because we haven't seen much of him yet.
I was astounded by two plot twists in the story. I had figured out the first one a bit, although I wasn't totally right, but I never saw the second one coming at all. The thrills and the story on a whole were one big blast of fun. The author also has a very fine, intricate writing style that sucked me right into the book.
Final note: The cover was great - although I can't help but wonder why Nami is on there, and not Gini. Let's hope she'll be visible on Book 2.
Damn, but this was so good! I want the sequel and I want it right now!
9/10
This. Was. Fantastic.
Sometimes, you get one of those books where you know after a couple of minutes or pages that it's going to be amazing. With Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans, it took me five pages to figure that out, and then I was hooked. This has to be the very first book that is steeped in African culture that gets this high a rating from me. Isi Hendrix clearly knows how to balance the information she gives: The story is clearly based on Africa, its history and its mythology, but it's not as if you get drenched by a flood of information. There are African words and terms present, and no glossary, but everything remains clear. That's how it should be done!
Adia is a great character. I loved her behaviour, her intelligence, her guts, and the evolution she goes through - and I'm very curious to see where her story is headed.
In fact, nearly all characters were a positive experience. Nami is the Ron to this story: That one character - a guy, what did you expect? Ne'er-do-wells - who is totally oblivious to everything around him, absolutely incompetent and simply an idiot who keeps on bumbling about and popping up, even though you don't want him to. But Gini was fantastic: I loved how she's clearly a goddess, who is above all human affairs, but Hendrix gives her some scenes that make it clear that she does care for the people surrounding her, like Adia and Thyme; she definitely has a soft spot for her. I noticed how the author always plays with the reader's expectations: Hiroma is also completely different from the stereotypical character you'd expect, for example. Thyme is amazing as well, of course, and Darian was fun too - hopefully he'll be back in Book 2, because we haven't seen much of him yet.
I was astounded by two plot twists in the story. I had figured out the first one a bit, although I wasn't totally right, but I never saw the second one coming at all. The thrills and the story on a whole were one big blast of fun. The author also has a very fine, intricate writing style that sucked me right into the book.
Final note: The cover was great - although I can't help but wonder why Nami is on there, and not Gini. Let's hope she'll be visible on Book 2.
Damn, but this was so good! I want the sequel and I want it right now!
9/10
Want to read
September 16, 2022➝ this middle-grade afro-fantasy will be so amazing i can just feel it
October 12, 2023
I was so excited to try this book, but sadly it just didn’t live up to expectations. I just felt like there was no real purpose to the story line and I just couldn’t gel with. Maybe for someone else, but not for me.
Read
July 16, 2023A very good middle grade exploring family, belief systems and colonization!!
September 3, 2024
Adia Kelbara, 12 ans, vit dans les Marais avec son oncle, sa tante et son cousin. Maltraitée et perçue comme une source de malheur par sa famille, elle décide de prendre son destin en main en rejoignant l'académie des chamans pour y travailler comme cuisinière. Mais à son arrivée, la réalité est loin de ses espérances : le château est délabré, et les élèves chamans ne sont qu'une bande d'adolescents capricieux et sans talent, envoyés là par leurs riches parents. Cependant, des événements étranges vont bientôt bouleverser sa vie, et Adia assistera à une conversation qu'elle n'aurait pas dû entendre... Peut-être pour le meilleur ?
Avant d’aller plus loin, je tiens à remercier Babelio et les éditions Seuil jeunesse pour l'envoi de ce roman dans le cadre d'une masse critique.
Si l'histoire rappelle d'abord celle d'un certain petit sorcier à lunettes, on s'en éloigne rapidement pour plonger dans un univers totalement inédit. Lire cette fantasy au cœur de l'Afrique a été une expérience formidable. L'intrigue est aussi captivante que la couverture est magnifique !
Adia est une jeune fille qui manque de confiance en elle, effrayée par ses propres capacités. Pourtant, elle s'affirme peu à peu comme une protagoniste forte et courageuse au fil des pages. J'ai particulièrement apprécié son évolution. Les personnages secondaires sont également bien développés, certains étant particulièrement attachants. Adia se construit peu à peu une véritable famille de cœur parmi eux, et j'étais ravie de retrouver le trope "found family" que j'aime tant dans les romans jeunesse.
L'intrigue est menée d'une main de maître, avec un rythme parfaitement dosé. Bien que j'aie deviné quelques éléments, certains rebondissements m'ont tout de même prise par surprise. Le début, peut-être un peu lent, est une introduction nécessaire à la construction de l'univers riche et immersif qui se développe avec brio par la suite.
Bien qu'il s'agisse du premier tome, ce roman se suffit à lui-même. Néanmoins, je serais ravie de suivre Adia dans une nouvelle aventure !
De plus, la traduction est impeccable, et l'objet livre lui-même est parfaitement adapté aux jeunes lecteurs, avec un papier de qualité et une police d'écriture agréable.
En conclusion, c'est une fantasy jeunesse bien construite, magnifiquement écrite, peuplée de personnages attachants et dotée d'un univers original qui m'a totalement conquise.
Avant d’aller plus loin, je tiens à remercier Babelio et les éditions Seuil jeunesse pour l'envoi de ce roman dans le cadre d'une masse critique.
Si l'histoire rappelle d'abord celle d'un certain petit sorcier à lunettes, on s'en éloigne rapidement pour plonger dans un univers totalement inédit. Lire cette fantasy au cœur de l'Afrique a été une expérience formidable. L'intrigue est aussi captivante que la couverture est magnifique !
Adia est une jeune fille qui manque de confiance en elle, effrayée par ses propres capacités. Pourtant, elle s'affirme peu à peu comme une protagoniste forte et courageuse au fil des pages. J'ai particulièrement apprécié son évolution. Les personnages secondaires sont également bien développés, certains étant particulièrement attachants. Adia se construit peu à peu une véritable famille de cœur parmi eux, et j'étais ravie de retrouver le trope "found family" que j'aime tant dans les romans jeunesse.
L'intrigue est menée d'une main de maître, avec un rythme parfaitement dosé. Bien que j'aie deviné quelques éléments, certains rebondissements m'ont tout de même prise par surprise. Le début, peut-être un peu lent, est une introduction nécessaire à la construction de l'univers riche et immersif qui se développe avec brio par la suite.
Bien qu'il s'agisse du premier tome, ce roman se suffit à lui-même. Néanmoins, je serais ravie de suivre Adia dans une nouvelle aventure !
De plus, la traduction est impeccable, et l'objet livre lui-même est parfaitement adapté aux jeunes lecteurs, avec un papier de qualité et une police d'écriture agréable.
En conclusion, c'est une fantasy jeunesse bien construite, magnifiquement écrite, peuplée de personnages attachants et dotée d'un univers original qui m'a totalement conquise.
February 22, 2023
I was fortunate enough to have read this prior to release. I will therefore avoid spoilers as much as possible.
The character development in this novel is its most compelling feature, though decadent worldbuilding is a close rival. The main character's change in perception toward her powers over the course of the novel is inspiring.
I love a good redemption arc, but they are overdone now and given to characters who don't deserve them. Not every character in this novel turns out to be a 'good person' who was just misled/well-intentioned. I found this angle refreshing and realistic.
The worldbuilding itself is imaginative - each part of the world is easy to visualize, from the Swamplands and the Horrorbeyond to the school, which lives and breathes. Speaking of the school, if you're expecting a run of the mill 'student chosen for a house' novel, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The plot takes an interesting and unexpected turn.
The writing of this novel is lush and transcends the target audience. If you're used to reading elevated writing that usually appears in young adult or adult, I'd recommend this novel.
The character development in this novel is its most compelling feature, though decadent worldbuilding is a close rival. The main character's change in perception toward her powers over the course of the novel is inspiring.
I love a good redemption arc, but they are overdone now and given to characters who don't deserve them. Not every character in this novel turns out to be a 'good person' who was just misled/well-intentioned. I found this angle refreshing and realistic.
The worldbuilding itself is imaginative - each part of the world is easy to visualize, from the Swamplands and the Horrorbeyond to the school, which lives and breathes. Speaking of the school, if you're expecting a run of the mill 'student chosen for a house' novel, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The plot takes an interesting and unexpected turn.
The writing of this novel is lush and transcends the target audience. If you're used to reading elevated writing that usually appears in young adult or adult, I'd recommend this novel.
August 7, 2025
This was quite a tale! Now that I’ve read it, I am not surprised that the author had a background in anthropology. Adia knows that she is basically an evil spirited possessed person. Her half aunt and her family told her that constantly. When she leaves for her year of practicality, it is with the intention of never coming back. But everything goes wrong from the very beginning, starting with the School of Shamans being very much alive and furious at all the fakes living within it! If you want to read a wonderful tale of how Adia discovers who her ancestor was and that the powers she has are not actually awful, read this! I’m looking forward to the next title now!
February 9, 2024
This was awesome! I loved Adia, her memory as her superpower, her glasses, her compassion, her grief, her vegetarianism. I liked her evolving friendships with the other characters, her school nemesis, the school itself, and how she achieved her quest. This was a complete story but I’m excited to see what the author will do in the next book.
Want to read
August 22, 2023I'm SO eager to see Afrofantasy in middle grade this looks SO GOOD. I'm told by the author this story in inspired by her Nigerian heritage and draws upon Igbo traditions and stigmas and jfkldaf that sounds incredible!! More MG in African inspired worlds!!! PLEASE!!!
November 9, 2023
A well plotted, entertaining and compelling fantasy story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I strongly recommend it
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I strongly recommend it
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 24, 2023
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Yes, another magical school series. Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is the debut novel from Isi Hendrix and the first of three planned books. The story of a young character with magical powers living with an abusive aunt and uncle, bullied by her cousin, and running off to a school to meet a pale redheaded boy sounds ODDLY familiar. I'm pleased to say that's where any similarities stop. Hendrix, a Nigerian American writer, brings depth to this story that I couldn't see being done authentically by other authors. The overall themes of colonialism and missionaries bringing religion and language to her people are a touch heavy-handed. That's when I have to separate myself from the intended audience. Middle-grade books such as Adia Kelbara tend to avoid subtlety, but it is very welcome for a story touching on such prescient themes of race. Overall a lovely book with characters that are instantly endeared to the reader.
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Yes, another magical school series. Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is the debut novel from Isi Hendrix and the first of three planned books. The story of a young character with magical powers living with an abusive aunt and uncle, bullied by her cousin, and running off to a school to meet a pale redheaded boy sounds ODDLY familiar. I'm pleased to say that's where any similarities stop. Hendrix, a Nigerian American writer, brings depth to this story that I couldn't see being done authentically by other authors. The overall themes of colonialism and missionaries bringing religion and language to her people are a touch heavy-handed. That's when I have to separate myself from the intended audience. Middle-grade books such as Adia Kelbara tend to avoid subtlety, but it is very welcome for a story touching on such prescient themes of race. Overall a lovely book with characters that are instantly endeared to the reader.
October 21, 2023
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of this wonderful middle grades read by OwlCrate the Nest. Asia’s story grabbed me and never let me go. Full of adventure, wonderment and amazing character growth I was transported to a world where an orphaned girl comes to find herself. I will recommend this book to many and can’t wait to see what the next generation thinks.
October 19, 2023
This is a really fun start to what appears to be a really promising middle grade trilogy. Adia is a really easy to root for protagonist, with some fun friends that will really draw in young readers. The afro-fantasy inspired world is well-built and easy to picture, but also clearly based in part on Isi Hendrix’s own Igbo-Nigerian heritage and the complex history of colonization. Depending, of course, on your own family you can choose how you want to have discussions surrounding it, but this could be a good start for some young readers. However, I think the young readers are going to be captivated by the magic school, the spirits, and the fast-paced adventure.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 19, 2024
Difficile de passer à côté de cette très jolie couverture. Quand en plus on découvre dans le résumé que cette trilogie jeunesse décide de s'attaquer à la magie chamane, et que son héroïne semble intelligente et débrouillarde, il n'en faut pas plus pour craquer. Introductif mais aussi bourré d'action d'action, ce premier tome Adia Kelbara est très prometteur.
Dès les premières pages, il est un peu compliqué de ne pas faire un parallèle avec Harry Potter. de nombreux points font penser à la saga du petit sorcier, mais ensuite, Adia arrive à nous le faire oublier. Et en soi, ce n'est pas un point négatif, même si j'ai toujours du mal avec les adultes recueillants des orphelins et qui les traitent extrêmement mal… C'est mon côté maman ours... et puis cela pousse Adia à chercher « l'indépendance ». L'un des éléments déclencheurs qui conduira ensuite à toutes ses aventures.
L'arrivée à l'école tant prometteuse est cependant une petite douche froide. Mais ce côté décalé ajoute une petite touche fort plaisante qui donne un ton plein d'hardiesse à l'histoire. On découvre un monde oppressé par une nouvelle religion qui subit le colonialisme et auquel on vole son héritage de façon absurde. Beaucoup d'éléments assez lourds qui avait besoin d'un contre poids. Adia incarne parfaitement cela. Elle est résiliente à souhait et sa capacité à retomber sur ses pattes et aller de l'avant nous montre une héroïne forte, capable, dégourdie et qui fait bon gré mal gré avec ce que la vie lui a donné. Elle ne cherche pas à être quelqu'un d'autre, et se démène avec ses atouts, notamment son intelligence, sa bonté et sa mémoire photographique impressionnante.
Adia Kelbara se veut aussi féministe. le trio d'héroïnes que l'on suit a beau être dissonant à plusieurs reprises, il n'en reste pas moins très efficace. Les femmes sont mises à l'honneur sans trop en faire, mettant en avant autant leurs défauts que leurs qualités. Et cette non perfection fait plaisir à lire. Un équilibre se crée même entre elles. Elles sont capables de savoir quand elles peuvent aller au front ou pas. J'avoue que les héroïnes qui foncent tête baissée sans se soucier d'elles… je ne suis pas fan. Il faut un juste milieu à l'héroïsme, et voir que parfois la gentillesse et la compréhension sont juste les éléments qu'il fallait pour résoudre un conflit et pas une bonne dose d'action spectaculaire, fait tout aussi bien le travail dans un roman d'aventure.
Par contre, là où j'ai eu du mal, ce sont les raccourcis faciles. Il y a des messages qui pour moi sont contre productifs et trop caricaturaux. Les trois antagonistes de l'histoire en sont l'incarnation même. A ce niveau-là, j'aurais préféré plus de nuances et ne pas avoir un effet : on met tout le monde dans le même panier. le côté chaman est aussi sous exploité dans ce premier tome. On comprend un peu pourquoi, vis-à-vis d'Adia et du conflit qui l'habite mais pour le coup, c'est un peu comme nous tendre une sucrerie, et nous l'enlever dès qu'on pense l'atteindre. J'espère que ce sera un point qui sera plus développé par la suite, car il semble très prometteur.
Ce premier tome des aventures d'Adia Kelbara est bourré d'aventures, avec une action qui se met rapidement en place et qui perdure jusqu'à la fin. On y découvre une jeune fille qui manque d'assurance, mais qui a également un potentiel énorme en elle. L'univers est riche et original, même si certains éléments mériteraient plus de nuances. Mais pour une mise en bouche, c'est pas mal du tout. En tout cas, il donne envie de lire la suite.
Dès les premières pages, il est un peu compliqué de ne pas faire un parallèle avec Harry Potter. de nombreux points font penser à la saga du petit sorcier, mais ensuite, Adia arrive à nous le faire oublier. Et en soi, ce n'est pas un point négatif, même si j'ai toujours du mal avec les adultes recueillants des orphelins et qui les traitent extrêmement mal… C'est mon côté maman ours... et puis cela pousse Adia à chercher « l'indépendance ». L'un des éléments déclencheurs qui conduira ensuite à toutes ses aventures.
L'arrivée à l'école tant prometteuse est cependant une petite douche froide. Mais ce côté décalé ajoute une petite touche fort plaisante qui donne un ton plein d'hardiesse à l'histoire. On découvre un monde oppressé par une nouvelle religion qui subit le colonialisme et auquel on vole son héritage de façon absurde. Beaucoup d'éléments assez lourds qui avait besoin d'un contre poids. Adia incarne parfaitement cela. Elle est résiliente à souhait et sa capacité à retomber sur ses pattes et aller de l'avant nous montre une héroïne forte, capable, dégourdie et qui fait bon gré mal gré avec ce que la vie lui a donné. Elle ne cherche pas à être quelqu'un d'autre, et se démène avec ses atouts, notamment son intelligence, sa bonté et sa mémoire photographique impressionnante.
Adia Kelbara se veut aussi féministe. le trio d'héroïnes que l'on suit a beau être dissonant à plusieurs reprises, il n'en reste pas moins très efficace. Les femmes sont mises à l'honneur sans trop en faire, mettant en avant autant leurs défauts que leurs qualités. Et cette non perfection fait plaisir à lire. Un équilibre se crée même entre elles. Elles sont capables de savoir quand elles peuvent aller au front ou pas. J'avoue que les héroïnes qui foncent tête baissée sans se soucier d'elles… je ne suis pas fan. Il faut un juste milieu à l'héroïsme, et voir que parfois la gentillesse et la compréhension sont juste les éléments qu'il fallait pour résoudre un conflit et pas une bonne dose d'action spectaculaire, fait tout aussi bien le travail dans un roman d'aventure.
Par contre, là où j'ai eu du mal, ce sont les raccourcis faciles. Il y a des messages qui pour moi sont contre productifs et trop caricaturaux. Les trois antagonistes de l'histoire en sont l'incarnation même. A ce niveau-là, j'aurais préféré plus de nuances et ne pas avoir un effet : on met tout le monde dans le même panier. le côté chaman est aussi sous exploité dans ce premier tome. On comprend un peu pourquoi, vis-à-vis d'Adia et du conflit qui l'habite mais pour le coup, c'est un peu comme nous tendre une sucrerie, et nous l'enlever dès qu'on pense l'atteindre. J'espère que ce sera un point qui sera plus développé par la suite, car il semble très prometteur.
Ce premier tome des aventures d'Adia Kelbara est bourré d'aventures, avec une action qui se met rapidement en place et qui perdure jusqu'à la fin. On y découvre une jeune fille qui manque d'assurance, mais qui a également un potentiel énorme en elle. L'univers est riche et original, même si certains éléments mériteraient plus de nuances. Mais pour une mise en bouche, c'est pas mal du tout. En tout cas, il donne envie de lire la suite.
March 22, 2023
Adia Kelbara does not fit in with her family, or with her society. She doesn’t like the missionaries who force you to take “drops” (an opiad like drug), to make you docile and obedient. She doesn’t go to church, and she certainly doesn’t take the drops.
She would rather read, or spend time outside, even if it is digging for the Agrias plant that the drops are made from. But it all comes to a head when the missionaries try to force her to take the drops, and she causes an earthquake with magic that she can’t control, and runs away.
Adia hopes that by going to the magic academy, if only to work as a cook, that she can learn to control this magic that is growing inside her. But instead, she finds a school of spoiled brats, who have no magic. It is a school for the rich.
And that is just the setup. There are also gods who walk the earth, demons who posses people, and a mystery of why all the good students disappear after the first week at school.
The world-building here was amazing. Some of it was based on Nigerian folk culture, but others were invented. Either way, it is a rich world we are plunked down in, and it looks as though this might be the frist of many books in the series.
Adia gets down on herself, as a 12 year old who has been abused and unloved her whole life will. But there is wisdom that is repeated often, both from the goddess as well as others, that good and evil don’t exist just ignorance verses wisdom.
As is pointed out about the plant that makes drops. “Agrias itself is not bad. It is just used in a bad way.”
This book grabs you and pulls you into this world, and you go along for the ride, wondering what will happen next, wanting the book to both end, and to not end, because then it will all be over.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honst reivew. It is coming out from Harper Collins the 19th of September 2023.
She would rather read, or spend time outside, even if it is digging for the Agrias plant that the drops are made from. But it all comes to a head when the missionaries try to force her to take the drops, and she causes an earthquake with magic that she can’t control, and runs away.
Adia hopes that by going to the magic academy, if only to work as a cook, that she can learn to control this magic that is growing inside her. But instead, she finds a school of spoiled brats, who have no magic. It is a school for the rich.
And that is just the setup. There are also gods who walk the earth, demons who posses people, and a mystery of why all the good students disappear after the first week at school.
The world-building here was amazing. Some of it was based on Nigerian folk culture, but others were invented. Either way, it is a rich world we are plunked down in, and it looks as though this might be the frist of many books in the series.
Adia gets down on herself, as a 12 year old who has been abused and unloved her whole life will. But there is wisdom that is repeated often, both from the goddess as well as others, that good and evil don’t exist just ignorance verses wisdom.
As is pointed out about the plant that makes drops. “Agrias itself is not bad. It is just used in a bad way.”
This book grabs you and pulls you into this world, and you go along for the ride, wondering what will happen next, wanting the book to both end, and to not end, because then it will all be over.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honst reivew. It is coming out from Harper Collins the 19th of September 2023.
September 22, 2024
J’ai reçu ce roman dans le cadre d’une opération Masse Critique privilégiée et j’étais hyper impatiente de venir vous en parler. Vous connaissez mon amour pour les romans jeunesses, alors évidemment que j’étais très emballée par ce roman. J’aime beaucoup la couverture, je trouve qu’elle donne vraiment envie de découvrir cette histoire. Le résumé est très alléchant et surtout plein de promesses. J’étais hyper curieuse de me plonger dans cette lecture et je peux vous dire que c’est une vraie petite pépite! Foncez si vous aimez les jeunesses, celui ci est tout simplement génial. J’ai super hâte que le second tome soit dispo en VF!
Je découvre cette auteure et j’ai été très emballé par ce qu’elle nous propose. Sa plume est fluide, terriblement addictive et ce que j’ai surtout apprécié c’est le fait qu’elle ne soit pas trop enfantine, bien que le public visé soit un public jeune. C’est bête à dire sur un roman jeunesse mais c’est très plaisant. Je veux dire parfois on oublierait que l’héroïne n’a que douze ans. Et ça franchement moi j’adore! On sait que c’est un roman jeunesse mais ce n’est pas trop enfantin. Bref. Tout ça pour dire que j’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé sa plume. J’ai adoré ce premier tome et j’attends la suite avec grande impatience.
Dans ce premier tome, Adia, 12 ans, vient d’être acceptée à l’Académie des chamans comme apprentie cuisinière. Elle va enfin pouvoir quitter les Marais et trouver quelqu’un qui l’aidera à résoudre son problème ! Car depuis qu’elle est petite, Adia est soupçonnée d’être un ogbanje, un enfant porte-malheur. Et quel meilleur endroit pour se débarrasser de cette malédiction qu’une école remplie de chamans ? Mais à l’Académie, les bâtiments tombent en morceaux et les élèves ont tous l’air d’être des imposteurs… Pire encore : Adia découvre qu’une menace plane sur le royaume tout entier ! Comme personne ne croira jamais une apprentie cuisinière, Adia va devoir se mêler des affaires… des dieux! Et le temps presse, car la menace se rapproche de l’Académie.
Parlons d’abord de l’univers du roman. C’était absolument génial. Je n’ai pas vu beaucoup de romans qui nous parle des chamans. Peut être que je suis passée complètement à côté mais je ne pense pas me tromper en disant que ce n’est pas quelque chose de très courant. L’auteure nous offre un univers bien pensé, bien travaillé et qui est très plaisant à découvrir. Il y a les chamans, des divinités mais aussi une Académie qui pense par elle même. Elle montre son mécontentement sur ce qu’il se passe entre ses murs. J’ai vraiment adoré cet aspect là. J’aime bien les romans où les maisons, académies etc sont magiques, ça me donne envie d’y aller haha.
Concernant l’intrigue, là aussi c’était tout simplement génial. Je le redis encore une fois mais pour un roman jeunesse, j’ai vraiment apprécié le fait que ce ne soit pas enfantin. Oui on voit que c’est jeunesse parce qu’en soit l’histoire est assez simple, ce n’est pas difficile à comprend etc mais en même temps il se passe des choses, les personnages n’ont pas des réactions trop enfantines non plus. Bref, l’intrigue était hyper chouette. On découvre les choses au fur et à mesure, un peu comme Adia d’ailleurs. Mine de rien il se passe pas mal de choses dans ce premier tome. L’action est au rendez-vous, on a droit à des rebondissement, des révélations et j’en passe. Franchement c’est hyper bien rythmé en plus de ça. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule seconde, j’avais même du mal à la lâcher quand il le fallait. J’étais complètement à fond dans l’histoire! Très prenant et plein de surprises. Et niveau surprise, celle de la fin franchement je ne l’ai pas vu venir!! J’en suis restée bouche bée tellement je n’y croyais pas.
Du côté des personnages, j’ai beaucoup aimé Adia. Je le dis un peu plus haut mais franchement on oublie tellement vite qu’elle n’a que douze ans. Déjà elle est très mature pour son âge il faut le dire. Elle m’a beaucoup touché en tout cas. Vu comme une enfant maudite, elle se fait rejeter par les autres. Il n’y a qu’à voir la façon dont son oncle et sa tante la traite. Ça m’a fait de la peine de la voir comme ça, de voir qu’à son jeune âge elle se fait déjà repousser par le monde. Mais ce que j’ai aimé avec Adia c’est son courage, sa force. Parce que malgré tout ça, elle ne se laisse pas abattre. Elle est déterminée à aller à l’Académie des Chamans pour trouver quelqu’un qui l’aidera. Et ce que j’ai adoré chez elle c’est son caractère. Elle n’a pas sa langue dans sa poche, elle n’hésite pas à rembarrer les autres. Ça m’a beaucoup fait rire par moment d’ailleurs. Elle est vraiment géniale! J’ai également beaucoup aimé Thyme que l’on rencontre un peu plus tard dans le roman. Je ne vais pas trop parler d’elle puisque ça risquerais de spoiler un peu mais franchement son personnage est géniale à elle aussi! J’ai adoré l’amitié qu’elle va finir par nouer avec Adia. C’était chouette de les voir ensemble. Par contre, je dois avouer que le personnage de Nami m’a profondément agacé. Même si je comprends bien son point de vue, j’avoue que parfois il m’a vraiment gonflé.
C’est un premier tome absolument génial que l’on a ici. Je le dis et le redis mais c’est une vraie petite pépite. C’était vraiment trop cool comme lecture. J’ai passé un excellent moment. Je suis très curieuse de voir ce que la suite nous réserve mais je suis certaine que ce sera tout aussi génial que ce tome ci. L’univers, l’intrigue mais aussi les personnages, tout est bien travaillé et ça nous offre une sacrée lecture!
Je découvre cette auteure et j’ai été très emballé par ce qu’elle nous propose. Sa plume est fluide, terriblement addictive et ce que j’ai surtout apprécié c’est le fait qu’elle ne soit pas trop enfantine, bien que le public visé soit un public jeune. C’est bête à dire sur un roman jeunesse mais c’est très plaisant. Je veux dire parfois on oublierait que l’héroïne n’a que douze ans. Et ça franchement moi j’adore! On sait que c’est un roman jeunesse mais ce n’est pas trop enfantin. Bref. Tout ça pour dire que j’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé sa plume. J’ai adoré ce premier tome et j’attends la suite avec grande impatience.
Dans ce premier tome, Adia, 12 ans, vient d’être acceptée à l’Académie des chamans comme apprentie cuisinière. Elle va enfin pouvoir quitter les Marais et trouver quelqu’un qui l’aidera à résoudre son problème ! Car depuis qu’elle est petite, Adia est soupçonnée d’être un ogbanje, un enfant porte-malheur. Et quel meilleur endroit pour se débarrasser de cette malédiction qu’une école remplie de chamans ? Mais à l’Académie, les bâtiments tombent en morceaux et les élèves ont tous l’air d’être des imposteurs… Pire encore : Adia découvre qu’une menace plane sur le royaume tout entier ! Comme personne ne croira jamais une apprentie cuisinière, Adia va devoir se mêler des affaires… des dieux! Et le temps presse, car la menace se rapproche de l’Académie.
Parlons d’abord de l’univers du roman. C’était absolument génial. Je n’ai pas vu beaucoup de romans qui nous parle des chamans. Peut être que je suis passée complètement à côté mais je ne pense pas me tromper en disant que ce n’est pas quelque chose de très courant. L’auteure nous offre un univers bien pensé, bien travaillé et qui est très plaisant à découvrir. Il y a les chamans, des divinités mais aussi une Académie qui pense par elle même. Elle montre son mécontentement sur ce qu’il se passe entre ses murs. J’ai vraiment adoré cet aspect là. J’aime bien les romans où les maisons, académies etc sont magiques, ça me donne envie d’y aller haha.
Concernant l’intrigue, là aussi c’était tout simplement génial. Je le redis encore une fois mais pour un roman jeunesse, j’ai vraiment apprécié le fait que ce ne soit pas enfantin. Oui on voit que c’est jeunesse parce qu’en soit l’histoire est assez simple, ce n’est pas difficile à comprend etc mais en même temps il se passe des choses, les personnages n’ont pas des réactions trop enfantines non plus. Bref, l’intrigue était hyper chouette. On découvre les choses au fur et à mesure, un peu comme Adia d’ailleurs. Mine de rien il se passe pas mal de choses dans ce premier tome. L’action est au rendez-vous, on a droit à des rebondissement, des révélations et j’en passe. Franchement c’est hyper bien rythmé en plus de ça. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule seconde, j’avais même du mal à la lâcher quand il le fallait. J’étais complètement à fond dans l’histoire! Très prenant et plein de surprises. Et niveau surprise, celle de la fin franchement je ne l’ai pas vu venir!! J’en suis restée bouche bée tellement je n’y croyais pas.
Du côté des personnages, j’ai beaucoup aimé Adia. Je le dis un peu plus haut mais franchement on oublie tellement vite qu’elle n’a que douze ans. Déjà elle est très mature pour son âge il faut le dire. Elle m’a beaucoup touché en tout cas. Vu comme une enfant maudite, elle se fait rejeter par les autres. Il n’y a qu’à voir la façon dont son oncle et sa tante la traite. Ça m’a fait de la peine de la voir comme ça, de voir qu’à son jeune âge elle se fait déjà repousser par le monde. Mais ce que j’ai aimé avec Adia c’est son courage, sa force. Parce que malgré tout ça, elle ne se laisse pas abattre. Elle est déterminée à aller à l’Académie des Chamans pour trouver quelqu’un qui l’aidera. Et ce que j’ai adoré chez elle c’est son caractère. Elle n’a pas sa langue dans sa poche, elle n’hésite pas à rembarrer les autres. Ça m’a beaucoup fait rire par moment d’ailleurs. Elle est vraiment géniale! J’ai également beaucoup aimé Thyme que l’on rencontre un peu plus tard dans le roman. Je ne vais pas trop parler d’elle puisque ça risquerais de spoiler un peu mais franchement son personnage est géniale à elle aussi! J’ai adoré l’amitié qu’elle va finir par nouer avec Adia. C’était chouette de les voir ensemble. Par contre, je dois avouer que le personnage de Nami m’a profondément agacé. Même si je comprends bien son point de vue, j’avoue que parfois il m’a vraiment gonflé.
C’est un premier tome absolument génial que l’on a ici. Je le dis et le redis mais c’est une vraie petite pépite. C’était vraiment trop cool comme lecture. J’ai passé un excellent moment. Je suis très curieuse de voir ce que la suite nous réserve mais je suis certaine que ce sera tout aussi génial que ce tome ci. L’univers, l’intrigue mais aussi les personnages, tout est bien travaillé et ça nous offre une sacrée lecture!
February 15, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Genre: Fantasy
Thank you Balzer + Bray for providing a physical copy through Youth Services Book Review.
Synopsis:
For Adia Kelbara, living with her aunt and uncle is awful. They firmly believe she is an ogbanje - a demon-possessed child who brings misfortune to others - and treat her horribly. Even since the pale missionaries from the Sunless Mountains brought their religion of the Bright Father to Zaira, Adia’s aunt and uncle pray condemn all that opposes it, including Adia. And when her cousin, EJ, died, the village’s ostracizing only got worse. When the missionaries decide that Adia will receive Drops - a “potion” that dulls a user’s sense into complete obedience - anger ripples out of her in the form of a strange power, nearly destroying her village. Horrified that she really is an ogbanje, Adia flees, desperate to get to the Academy of Shamans where she will be a kitchen apprentice and find someone to exorcize her. But the Academy turns her hopes into dust because everyone there, from students to professors, are people from beyond the Sunless Mountains, and they don’t have an ounce of magic in them! The only Zairans there are the servants, much to Adia’s dismay. On top of that, she accidentally overhears that the emperor of Zaira is possessed - by the dark entity Olark, who is determined to set the land on fire. Not only does Adia need an exorcism, but the emperor does as well, or else the kingdom of Zaira is doomed. With nowhere to go, Adia reluctantly teams up with an Alusi, a powerful goddess of the stars, to track down Olark and free the emperor from his hold. Encountering a time-traveling warrior, headless horrors, and an annoying soldier-in-training, Adia must make an unforgettable journey across her land to save it from annihilation. But can Adia embark on this quest with her own horrible power, and can she figure the true nature of good and evil?
What did you like about the book?
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is a magical adventure full of divine power, demonic entities, unlikely friendships, and heart. The world building is unique yet relatable: The story takes place in Zaira, an African-inspired world that is slowly being taken over by the people from the Sunless Mountains. This is a direct allegory to European imperialism in Africa, and Hendrix is not shy about it. The legends behind the Alusi, the gods and how they shaped the universe, is fascinating as you learn it directly from the goddess’s mouth, and everything ties together nicely toward the end. The goddess herself, Gini, is a really fun character and watching her and Adia bicker is entertaining. It’s also nice to see gods as part of the main character’s friend group and journey with the mortals they are helping. Adia herself is an intelligent and brave character: Despite everyone saying that she is evil and her own doubts/guilt plaguing her mind, she still tries her best to make the world right. Seeing the world, action, and other characters through her smart and snarky comments is a breath of fresh air as well, since she is critical of everything and isn’t afraid to ask questions or point out hypocrisy. The plot is fast-paced and zips readers along through Adia’s hectic journey, and you will not want to put down the book. Overall, a great story of discovering your own truth while allying with those who care about you and the people in it.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It was a little too fast-paced in the beginning, which can be jarring for readers getting immersed, but by the 2nd half the plot had a good rhythm.
To whom would you recommend this book? Kids who like magic-school books (though this one is adjacent to it), African-inspired fantasy, protagonists who have unique/forbidden powers, gods and goddesses, and fighting against a colonized world. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry, Nevermoor by Jessica Townshed, and Keepers of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger are good read-alikes.
Date of review: January 15, 2023
Genre: Fantasy
Thank you Balzer + Bray for providing a physical copy through Youth Services Book Review.
Synopsis:
For Adia Kelbara, living with her aunt and uncle is awful. They firmly believe she is an ogbanje - a demon-possessed child who brings misfortune to others - and treat her horribly. Even since the pale missionaries from the Sunless Mountains brought their religion of the Bright Father to Zaira, Adia’s aunt and uncle pray condemn all that opposes it, including Adia. And when her cousin, EJ, died, the village’s ostracizing only got worse. When the missionaries decide that Adia will receive Drops - a “potion” that dulls a user’s sense into complete obedience - anger ripples out of her in the form of a strange power, nearly destroying her village. Horrified that she really is an ogbanje, Adia flees, desperate to get to the Academy of Shamans where she will be a kitchen apprentice and find someone to exorcize her. But the Academy turns her hopes into dust because everyone there, from students to professors, are people from beyond the Sunless Mountains, and they don’t have an ounce of magic in them! The only Zairans there are the servants, much to Adia’s dismay. On top of that, she accidentally overhears that the emperor of Zaira is possessed - by the dark entity Olark, who is determined to set the land on fire. Not only does Adia need an exorcism, but the emperor does as well, or else the kingdom of Zaira is doomed. With nowhere to go, Adia reluctantly teams up with an Alusi, a powerful goddess of the stars, to track down Olark and free the emperor from his hold. Encountering a time-traveling warrior, headless horrors, and an annoying soldier-in-training, Adia must make an unforgettable journey across her land to save it from annihilation. But can Adia embark on this quest with her own horrible power, and can she figure the true nature of good and evil?
What did you like about the book?
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is a magical adventure full of divine power, demonic entities, unlikely friendships, and heart. The world building is unique yet relatable: The story takes place in Zaira, an African-inspired world that is slowly being taken over by the people from the Sunless Mountains. This is a direct allegory to European imperialism in Africa, and Hendrix is not shy about it. The legends behind the Alusi, the gods and how they shaped the universe, is fascinating as you learn it directly from the goddess’s mouth, and everything ties together nicely toward the end. The goddess herself, Gini, is a really fun character and watching her and Adia bicker is entertaining. It’s also nice to see gods as part of the main character’s friend group and journey with the mortals they are helping. Adia herself is an intelligent and brave character: Despite everyone saying that she is evil and her own doubts/guilt plaguing her mind, she still tries her best to make the world right. Seeing the world, action, and other characters through her smart and snarky comments is a breath of fresh air as well, since she is critical of everything and isn’t afraid to ask questions or point out hypocrisy. The plot is fast-paced and zips readers along through Adia’s hectic journey, and you will not want to put down the book. Overall, a great story of discovering your own truth while allying with those who care about you and the people in it.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It was a little too fast-paced in the beginning, which can be jarring for readers getting immersed, but by the 2nd half the plot had a good rhythm.
To whom would you recommend this book? Kids who like magic-school books (though this one is adjacent to it), African-inspired fantasy, protagonists who have unique/forbidden powers, gods and goddesses, and fighting against a colonized world. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry, Nevermoor by Jessica Townshed, and Keepers of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger are good read-alikes.
Date of review: January 15, 2023
October 6, 2023
I went into this book knowing close to nothing about the plot -- I had preordered this book the moment I saw the cover, because seriously this cover is AMAZING. (to say nothing of being friends with the author on Twitter!)
I am SO glad that I did, because ADIA KELBARA AND THE CIRCLE OF SHAMANS IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! (those last two words are not part of the title, but they have to be written in all caps). Not only is the fantasy world fully alive and fleshed out, the underlining history of the world is hinted at through out, making ties to our own world's colonization and missionary work. The real world affects on African peoples by teaching self-hatred and white supremacy is so incredible to see in a middle grade book -- it's impossible to read this and come away without an increased empathy for what happened to the continent.
Even more stark is when Adia gets to the Shaman's Academy, which is in fact the stolen ancient (pre-missionary) religion of the people, watered down and sold to white, rich kids who pretend like they know what they are doing but have no real connection to the religion -- the same shamanism that Adia's people were mocked as being 'primitive' for practicing. What an INCREDIBLE real world connection -- immediately I thought about the way in which white Americans in particular appropriate Native American culture -- wearing 'native looking' clothing or talking about spirit animals or wanting to go off into the desert to be 'one with the land' -- all while harming real life Native peoples for being selfish, harming the environment (seriously, in the PNW this is a sentiment for some ridiculously white-centered reason), and 'stuck in the past.'
AND on top of all of this, the plot of ADIA KELBARA is wildly nonstop and fun. I seriously read the first 190 pages in one breath. It's fun and incredible and I don't know if I can say enough how many times my jaw hit the floor. I cannot WAIT for the next installments of this book (something I've struggled for feel as excited for with other series starters).
Thank you so much for the author for writing this book. It's fun, thought-provoking, empathetic and an absolutely indispensable addition to the middle grade genre.
I am SO glad that I did, because ADIA KELBARA AND THE CIRCLE OF SHAMANS IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! (those last two words are not part of the title, but they have to be written in all caps). Not only is the fantasy world fully alive and fleshed out, the underlining history of the world is hinted at through out, making ties to our own world's colonization and missionary work. The real world affects on African peoples by teaching self-hatred and white supremacy is so incredible to see in a middle grade book -- it's impossible to read this and come away without an increased empathy for what happened to the continent.
Even more stark is when Adia gets to the Shaman's Academy, which is in fact the stolen ancient (pre-missionary) religion of the people, watered down and sold to white, rich kids who pretend like they know what they are doing but have no real connection to the religion -- the same shamanism that Adia's people were mocked as being 'primitive' for practicing. What an INCREDIBLE real world connection -- immediately I thought about the way in which white Americans in particular appropriate Native American culture -- wearing 'native looking' clothing or talking about spirit animals or wanting to go off into the desert to be 'one with the land' -- all while harming real life Native peoples for being selfish, harming the environment (seriously, in the PNW this is a sentiment for some ridiculously white-centered reason), and 'stuck in the past.'
AND on top of all of this, the plot of ADIA KELBARA is wildly nonstop and fun. I seriously read the first 190 pages in one breath. It's fun and incredible and I don't know if I can say enough how many times my jaw hit the floor. I cannot WAIT for the next installments of this book (something I've struggled for feel as excited for with other series starters).
Thank you so much for the author for writing this book. It's fun, thought-provoking, empathetic and an absolutely indispensable addition to the middle grade genre.
October 2, 2023
A girl makes a journey to find the true meaning of her powers.
Adia Kelbara, a twelve-year-old orphan, has always been ostracized from her village in the Swamplands (they believe she's an ogbanje, a demon-possessed child). After escaping the town because she accidentally caused an earthquake, Adia gets an opportunity to work in the kitchens of the Shamans Academy. There, Adia is set on finding someone who could exorcise the demon she believes possesses her. But the academy is full of rich kids pretending to be shamans.
One day, she overhears that the emperor is taken over by Olark, an ancient demon who tried to destroy all of Zaria from some of the old gods. So, she leaves the academy and catches up with Gini, one of the gods, in her quest to destroy Olark once and for all.
Forget about the last fantasy you read; this brilliant and compelling story will leave you asking for more. The good news is that this is the first book in the trilogy.
This book is set in a fantasy world called Zaria. There is a map at the beginning of the book. I love to flip back while reading to see the map when locations are mentioned. Especially for the fantasy genre, it's crucial for world-building.
I also love that this book has African folklore twisted into the story.
The students could have been more impressive, as Adia says. I wouldn't want to go to the academy either. The monsters in Horrorbeyond were terrifying.
I liked this book because the writing style and characters were excellent. This book keeps you on your toes and excited for what will happen next.
Adia is an intelligent and very bright girl. Adia also has a great memory, like me. Mallorie (one of the fraud students) was so annoying. Gini is a very sassy and entertaining character.
Give this book to anyone driven to venture into the unknown and try new things. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast-paced African-inspired fantasy.
On a personal note, the author worked all over the world as an anthropologist, my dream job :-)
Happy Reading, Paige 📚 ❤️
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this epic story with me!
Adia Kelbara, a twelve-year-old orphan, has always been ostracized from her village in the Swamplands (they believe she's an ogbanje, a demon-possessed child). After escaping the town because she accidentally caused an earthquake, Adia gets an opportunity to work in the kitchens of the Shamans Academy. There, Adia is set on finding someone who could exorcise the demon she believes possesses her. But the academy is full of rich kids pretending to be shamans.
One day, she overhears that the emperor is taken over by Olark, an ancient demon who tried to destroy all of Zaria from some of the old gods. So, she leaves the academy and catches up with Gini, one of the gods, in her quest to destroy Olark once and for all.
Forget about the last fantasy you read; this brilliant and compelling story will leave you asking for more. The good news is that this is the first book in the trilogy.
This book is set in a fantasy world called Zaria. There is a map at the beginning of the book. I love to flip back while reading to see the map when locations are mentioned. Especially for the fantasy genre, it's crucial for world-building.
I also love that this book has African folklore twisted into the story.
The students could have been more impressive, as Adia says. I wouldn't want to go to the academy either. The monsters in Horrorbeyond were terrifying.
I liked this book because the writing style and characters were excellent. This book keeps you on your toes and excited for what will happen next.
Adia is an intelligent and very bright girl. Adia also has a great memory, like me. Mallorie (one of the fraud students) was so annoying. Gini is a very sassy and entertaining character.
Give this book to anyone driven to venture into the unknown and try new things. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast-paced African-inspired fantasy.
On a personal note, the author worked all over the world as an anthropologist, my dream job :-)
Happy Reading, Paige 📚 ❤️
Thank you to the publisher for sharing this epic story with me!
November 21, 2023
I love when I come across a middle grade book that just pulls me into the story. This is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans who is (unfortunately) adopted by her aunt and uncle after the passing of her parents. Adia has a special set of gifts, but is afraid when she is accused of being an obanje. To get away from her horrible relatives she seeks to gain an apprenticeship at the Academy of Shamans working in the kitchen. Unfortunately, when she gets there, Adia learns that the school isn't what she expected and getting the assistance of a shaman to help rid her of her abilities is going to be more difficult than she expected.
What Worked: The world building in this book was BEAUTIFUL. I loved how it felt as though Hendrix was revealing parts of this world layer by layer. The interweaving of Nigerian traditions and practices was even more amazing as were the mythical beings that Adia meets along the way in her journey. The side characters are intriguing and complex in their own ways. There was one specific character that seem to be a catalyst for conversations related to class and wealth. It's easy to dislike this character, but I think by utilizing his background to present this conversations, readers begin to make sense of why he operates in a very specific way. Hendrix also does a wonderful job drawing in historical and current social commentary. From identifying the impact that colonization had on the continent of Africa to issues surrounding colorism, there was much to be gained from this story. Evenly paced and enjoyable, I literally couldn't get enough of this story. The reveals at the end were great especially those that reinforced the confidence that Adia had stripped away from society and her own family. I'm looking forward to seeing how all the characters fair at the beginning of the next novel.
What Didn't Worked: Honestly, I didn't find many issues with the book itself; however, like reviewers stated before me, this is a longer fantasy read that is clearly going to be a series. This could be a positive or negative depending upon the reader.
Overall, a strong introduction to a new series that I think quite a few readers will enjoy.
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans who is (unfortunately) adopted by her aunt and uncle after the passing of her parents. Adia has a special set of gifts, but is afraid when she is accused of being an obanje. To get away from her horrible relatives she seeks to gain an apprenticeship at the Academy of Shamans working in the kitchen. Unfortunately, when she gets there, Adia learns that the school isn't what she expected and getting the assistance of a shaman to help rid her of her abilities is going to be more difficult than she expected.
What Worked: The world building in this book was BEAUTIFUL. I loved how it felt as though Hendrix was revealing parts of this world layer by layer. The interweaving of Nigerian traditions and practices was even more amazing as were the mythical beings that Adia meets along the way in her journey. The side characters are intriguing and complex in their own ways. There was one specific character that seem to be a catalyst for conversations related to class and wealth. It's easy to dislike this character, but I think by utilizing his background to present this conversations, readers begin to make sense of why he operates in a very specific way. Hendrix also does a wonderful job drawing in historical and current social commentary. From identifying the impact that colonization had on the continent of Africa to issues surrounding colorism, there was much to be gained from this story. Evenly paced and enjoyable, I literally couldn't get enough of this story. The reveals at the end were great especially those that reinforced the confidence that Adia had stripped away from society and her own family. I'm looking forward to seeing how all the characters fair at the beginning of the next novel.
What Didn't Worked: Honestly, I didn't find many issues with the book itself; however, like reviewers stated before me, this is a longer fantasy read that is clearly going to be a series. This could be a positive or negative depending upon the reader.
Overall, a strong introduction to a new series that I think quite a few readers will enjoy.
September 25, 2023
12-year-old orphan Adia Kelbara lives with her aunt and uncle in the Swamplands. They call her ongbanje – a demon child that brings misfortune. With her newly acquired mysterious powers, she accidentally destroys her village and runs away to an apprenticeship at the Academy of Shamans. She believes they can fix her. Instead she gets caught up in a mission to save the kingdom with a snarky goddess. They are joined by an overenthusiastic soldier-in-training and a 500-year-old warrior girl.
With a friendly narrative and a great sense of humor, the admirably evocative story sports a protagonist who steals your heart from the very beginning. The unassuming or/and unwilling hero that needs to be persuaded is always a fave. And a girl who believes she is destined to be alone tugs at your heartstrings. I loved how the POV was right to the point, in Adia's head, but I also felt like I could actually touch what was happening.
The world comes to life with the soaring imagination of the author, an absolute delight to read. Whimsy is a delicious ingredient. The characters are so enjoyable to read, even the ones that are horrible. And a great villain who actually believes they are a hero. Can a school be a favorite character? Far from predictable and so much fun you just gobble it up, this immensely smile-worthy story is thought-provoking in a comfortable manner.
Touching on matters like prejudice with examples like colonialism without preaching it just nudges in the right direction. It is about questioning how things are. Also about coming into your power and not hiding who you are because of fear of what other people might think.
Adventurous, thrilling and belly-achingly funny I was totally enchanted by this tale. Classified as a middle-grade book I would say it is for children of all ages, like me.
With a friendly narrative and a great sense of humor, the admirably evocative story sports a protagonist who steals your heart from the very beginning. The unassuming or/and unwilling hero that needs to be persuaded is always a fave. And a girl who believes she is destined to be alone tugs at your heartstrings. I loved how the POV was right to the point, in Adia's head, but I also felt like I could actually touch what was happening.
The world comes to life with the soaring imagination of the author, an absolute delight to read. Whimsy is a delicious ingredient. The characters are so enjoyable to read, even the ones that are horrible. And a great villain who actually believes they are a hero. Can a school be a favorite character? Far from predictable and so much fun you just gobble it up, this immensely smile-worthy story is thought-provoking in a comfortable manner.
Touching on matters like prejudice with examples like colonialism without preaching it just nudges in the right direction. It is about questioning how things are. Also about coming into your power and not hiding who you are because of fear of what other people might think.
Adventurous, thrilling and belly-achingly funny I was totally enchanted by this tale. Classified as a middle-grade book I would say it is for children of all ages, like me.
May 7, 2023
trigger warning
Adia Kelbara is living with her aunt and uncle, and she hates it. They treat her as a source of free labour instead of a valued member of her family. So when her year of practicality approaches and they want to further exploit her, she simply runs away, to the school for shamans, to be a cook.
Year of practicality means you stop school and intern for a year, with a high likelyhood that the profession you chose - or that was chosen for you - will be what you wind up in later in life. Adia's family produces vines and the potion that is made from them, which are used by the religious fanatics that control the area she lives in. To get out from that, she uses connections to get a spot at the school for shamans, and she decided that cooking sounds fun. Well, more fun than toiling on the fields. And at first, she gets on really well with the kitchen staff. The main problem is that the pupils at school are all spoiled brats, and since Adia can't keep her mouth shut, she gets in trouble soon.
While I loved the mythology behind this story, and the author had great ideas, I found the execution lacking. The plot was very predictable, and in places it felt a bit like the author had forgotten about something. Like Bubbles, Adia's cat - she leaves without getting him, and when she sees him again we're told she had been missing him fiercely, but we never got to see that.
I would love to check in with this author a few further books down the line to see how they've grown in the meantime, but I won't be continuing in this series.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Adia Kelbara is living with her aunt and uncle, and she hates it. They treat her as a source of free labour instead of a valued member of her family. So when her year of practicality approaches and they want to further exploit her, she simply runs away, to the school for shamans, to be a cook.
Year of practicality means you stop school and intern for a year, with a high likelyhood that the profession you chose - or that was chosen for you - will be what you wind up in later in life. Adia's family produces vines and the potion that is made from them, which are used by the religious fanatics that control the area she lives in. To get out from that, she uses connections to get a spot at the school for shamans, and she decided that cooking sounds fun. Well, more fun than toiling on the fields. And at first, she gets on really well with the kitchen staff. The main problem is that the pupils at school are all spoiled brats, and since Adia can't keep her mouth shut, she gets in trouble soon.
While I loved the mythology behind this story, and the author had great ideas, I found the execution lacking. The plot was very predictable, and in places it felt a bit like the author had forgotten about something. Like Bubbles, Adia's cat - she leaves without getting him, and when she sees him again we're told she had been missing him fiercely, but we never got to see that.
I would love to check in with this author a few further books down the line to see how they've grown in the meantime, but I won't be continuing in this series.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
April 24, 2023
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the ARC Netgalley and Harper Collins!
This is a debut middle grade fantasy novel. It is a Afrofantasy about a young girl who has it tough living with her aunt and uncle who think she is an ogbanje, a demon possessed child that brings misfortune. When children reach a certain age they are offered an apprenticeship to learn a trade and Adia is offered one far from her village to apprentice in the kitchens of the Shamanic Academy. The school is not what she was expecting and she comes to learn that the Emperor is possessed by a demon who is coming to the very school for a visit. Adia teams up with a sassy goddess, an out of time warrior girl, and an in training soldier to exorcise the demon before he can destroy the kingdom.
So right off the bat I really enjoyed this book. The world building and characters draw you in wanting to get to know this world. The world that the author created is so rich and full of life it is a treat to read a world that is not based in European lore. The magic system is different from other fantasy books but it is not explored as much in this book hopefully in the sequels it will be. I do give this a 4 out of 5 stars. The reason being the pacing was a little off to me. Some places it was fast and just pulled you along then in others it would be slow maybe a little drawn out. There is a nice twist near the end that I did not see coming that was a nice surprise.
I highly recommend this book to anyone fans of TJ Young and the Orishas by Antione Bandele. I very much look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This is a debut middle grade fantasy novel. It is a Afrofantasy about a young girl who has it tough living with her aunt and uncle who think she is an ogbanje, a demon possessed child that brings misfortune. When children reach a certain age they are offered an apprenticeship to learn a trade and Adia is offered one far from her village to apprentice in the kitchens of the Shamanic Academy. The school is not what she was expecting and she comes to learn that the Emperor is possessed by a demon who is coming to the very school for a visit. Adia teams up with a sassy goddess, an out of time warrior girl, and an in training soldier to exorcise the demon before he can destroy the kingdom.
So right off the bat I really enjoyed this book. The world building and characters draw you in wanting to get to know this world. The world that the author created is so rich and full of life it is a treat to read a world that is not based in European lore. The magic system is different from other fantasy books but it is not explored as much in this book hopefully in the sequels it will be. I do give this a 4 out of 5 stars. The reason being the pacing was a little off to me. Some places it was fast and just pulled you along then in others it would be slow maybe a little drawn out. There is a nice twist near the end that I did not see coming that was a nice surprise.
I highly recommend this book to anyone fans of TJ Young and the Orishas by Antione Bandele. I very much look forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 21, 2023
This is one of my favorite books of the year, and I think you will love it too. Here is my review:
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is a thrilling and enchanting Afrofantasy that will take you on a magical adventure through hidden realms and ancient secrets. Adia is a brave and clever heroine who discovers that she has mysterious powers that she can’t control and that she might be the only one who can stop a demon-possessed emperor from destroying her kingdom. Along the way, she meets a snarky goddess, a 500-year-old warrior girl, and an annoying soldier-in-training, who become her unlikely allies and friends. The book is full of humor, action, and heart, and the worldbuilding is rich and imaginative. I loved learning about Zaria's different cultures, myths, and magic systems, and I was fascinated by the concept of ogbanje, children who are believed to be cursed by evil spirits. The author, Isi Hendrix, is a Nigerian American who draws inspiration from her own heritage and experiences and other African traditions and folklore. She creates a diverse and vibrant cast of relatable and inspiring characters. The book also tackles essential themes such as identity, belonging, family, friendship, courage, and justice. Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is a book that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and gasp. It is a perfect read for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, The School for Good and Evil, and Harry Potter. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! If you’re looking for a fun and exciting Afrofantasy that will keep you hooked from start to finish, look no further than Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix. You won’t regret it!
Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is a thrilling and enchanting Afrofantasy that will take you on a magical adventure through hidden realms and ancient secrets. Adia is a brave and clever heroine who discovers that she has mysterious powers that she can’t control and that she might be the only one who can stop a demon-possessed emperor from destroying her kingdom. Along the way, she meets a snarky goddess, a 500-year-old warrior girl, and an annoying soldier-in-training, who become her unlikely allies and friends. The book is full of humor, action, and heart, and the worldbuilding is rich and imaginative. I loved learning about Zaria's different cultures, myths, and magic systems, and I was fascinated by the concept of ogbanje, children who are believed to be cursed by evil spirits. The author, Isi Hendrix, is a Nigerian American who draws inspiration from her own heritage and experiences and other African traditions and folklore. She creates a diverse and vibrant cast of relatable and inspiring characters. The book also tackles essential themes such as identity, belonging, family, friendship, courage, and justice. Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans is a book that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and gasp. It is a perfect read for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, The School for Good and Evil, and Harry Potter. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! If you’re looking for a fun and exciting Afrofantasy that will keep you hooked from start to finish, look no further than Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix. You won’t regret it!
September 3, 2023
An all-time fantasy favorite! Adia has always been made to feel like she is different and unwanted in her aunt and uncle's home. She finally gets the chance to escape her abusive family for a year-long apprenticeship in the kitchen at the Academy of Shamans. And so begins an adventure where Adia not only has to save the world, but come to see that she was never been a demon or anything else bad and that she has always been enough. First of all, the writing in this book is outstanding! Adia's voice is so wry and self-aware--pitch perfect for middle grade. I think young readers are really going to connect with the laugh-out-loud humor of the book and that will help them handle some of the more challenging issues that Adia faces. Second, the mythology of this story is told in such an immersive way that I felt like I could meet a star being walking in the street. I love how we get to discover Adia's powers along with her. This is no chosen one character put up on a pedestal. She makes mistakes and creates community throughout the story--even when she doesn't want to--as a way to survive and save others. It all read so genuine to the characters. The book explores major themes touching on childhood illness and neglect, racism, colonialism, religion, and classism and does it so deftly within the story that I think it will raise big questions for kids about how they thing the world should be. Highly recommend!! This is one for the keeper shelf - can't wait to read Book 2. Thank you so much to Edelweiss and the publisher for the chance to read early.
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