Goldenborn

by Ama Ofosua Lieb

A girl with a mission. A god with a deal. A story that could change everything. When 17-year-old Akoma Addo stumbles into a world of ancient gods and modern magic, she'll have to choose between saving her father... or staying true to everything she's ever believed.Akoma Addo has one don't get too close to the supernatural.Ever since a blazing orb of light left her father in a coma, she's buried herself in her secret job investigating magical crimes in San Francisco's AfricaTown -- just enough to keep her grief at bay. But when a body turns up in a pool of molten gold and ash, Akoma's pulled into something much bigger -- and far more dangerous. At the center of it all is Anansi, the trickster god of stories, who makes her an impossible help him catch a killer and awaken the ancestral magic buried deep in her blood... and in return, he'll give her a chance to bring her father back. To take the deal, Akoma will have to lie to everyone she loves and embrace the very power she's spent years trying to deny. And as her connection grows with Xander, the new guy in town with secrets of his own, Akoma must decide who she can trust -- especially when she's no longer sure she can even trust herself. Rooted in Ghanaian mythology and packed with mystery, danger, and slow-burning romance, Goldenborn is a gripping fantasy about legacy, lies, and what it really means to rewrite your story.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Mystie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to scream. Scream with joy. Scream, because this is exactly what lovers of diverse books have been begging for. And mostly to go back in time and give my younger teen self this book and scream at her that she has to read it!

Goldenborn is proof that we can have YA stories, which stand out in their difference, even as they make us fall in love with characters and plots the same way we always have. It is a great book and an incredible debut.

It is also… an Anansi story! Yes Anansi! The trickster god that we of the African diaspora have been hearing stories about our entire lives. Ama Ofosua Lieb took the stories we knew and created a world based in San Francisco I would love to move to right now!

Ahem, okay, so the lore of the book is rooted in Ghanaian folklore and traditional stories. The world created though, explores so much more. For example, food, music, storytelling, and, oh my word, the clothing described had me itching to go shopping. Readers get a wholesome insider’s perspective of this community. It feels rich. I was entranced!

You get that feel from page one, chapter one, and it keeps taking you in deeper and deeper into this beautiful culture and folklore.

That is just the foundation. The core of the story is a mystery being solved by our almost 18-year-old FMC, who has a grudge, rightfully so, against magic. Which makes reading about her dealing with the contrasting world around her so much fun. She is mindful, devoted, and uses her brain, which I love, and still reckons with her emotions when called for. Her found family is the coolest, and her actual family… I cannot say! You have to read and find out, but expect exciting things!

The entire book happens over a short period, so it is fairly fast-paced. You do not get overwhelmed or lost though; the writing is well done with quite a few places where highlighting is inevitable.

We have a bit of romance, the giggly kind, but it is low spice. Still fun though!

For me, this was a collection of my favorite things. A refreshing take on old traditional stories that are usually ignored, a new family to get to know, and a mix of technology and magic that allows for infinite possibilities.

I would classify this as paranormal urban fantasy, as there is a pantheon of (new to many people, I am sure) gods, as well as shape-shifters, vampires, and magic wielders of various sorts. Most importantly though, I would label this as a must-read YA for your 2026 TBR.

Get it! It is absolutely worth it. I’m so happy that writers are taking us into new worlds and showing us such a good time.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for this arc in return for my honest review!

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt @ireadya @amawritesmagic for my gifted copy‼️

Children of Blood and Bone meets Men in Black with a hint of The X-Files in this Afrofuturistic YA fantasy where Ghanaian mythology/folklore blends with magic, artificial intelligence, and the supernatural in a world unlike our own.

17-year-old Akoma Addo joins forces with InterMag an agency that investigates magical crimes in San Francisco’s AfricaTown. At one point Akoma didn’t believe in magic or the supernatural but now she sees there’s more out in the world than she thought. And joining InterMag would also help her investigate what happened to her father who’s been in a coma for the past year. Soon she’ll discover her true identity, uncover some family secrets, and the truth about her father but nothing comes without consequences or a sacrifice.

There was so much to love about this book. Read it if you love stories that feature:

🔱 A fierce FMC who will stop at nothing to save her father.

🔱 Magical creatures like shapeshifters, vampires, werehyenas, Faes, Gods and Goddesses

🔱 A story where the worlds and realms collide

🔱 Ancestral Magic

🔱 Folklore inspired stories

🔱 Classified documents, Stolen Artifacts, & a Murder Investigation

🔱 Characters you’re not sure you can trust

Overall, this book was well worth the read. The pacing was up and down at times but the world-building makes up for it. I felt like everything the author added into the story was needed I mean she had me trusting Anansi too. Most of the characters were likeable but I couldn’t help but think they were all hiding something. The twists were unpredictable and the ending makes me wonder if there’s more to come. If you love YA fantasy you should read this book‼️

[Blair Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldenborn takes place in a not to far future, 2051, San Francisco AfricaTown where our main protagonist Akoma Addo investigates magical crimes. Her father is in a coma, and they don’t really know why and she needs to figure out a string of murders.
For a debut I think was very well done. I loved Ama Ofosua Lieb’s prose. Just in which the way she writes at first I would have guessed this was a debut! I really enjoyed the way in which she built her world adding little test transcripts especially in the beginning instead of dumping more info at me in a different way, I thought was nice and different! I think this is a very interesting world filled with different paranormal entries, shapeshifters, vampires, gods. I really liked Akoma she is strong, smart, resilient. The pacing was pretty consistent it. It went by pretty fast for a 400 page book and kept me on my toes. Defeintly one to pick up.
I don’t know much about Ghanaian folklore but this made me want to learn and go study more! I have always been intrigued by music of other countries and cultural backgrounds, but having more Twi and aspects of the Ghanaian culture woven througout the book was really something special. The author has a note in the beginning of the book about Ghana and Anansi the spider god, and her background. I highly reccomend reading it before starting the book!
Thank you to Scholastic for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[rachel x]

"... a teen girl must navigate a hidden realm of Ghanaian gods and supernatural crimes in San Francisco's AfricaTown to save her father and uncover her true power"

this sounds amazing!

[DeAja]

Thank you to Scholastic Press via Shelf Awareness for the ARC! But unfortunately I’m DNFing at page 63. The premise is interesting but it’s just not holding my interest and I don’t have it in me to keep reading it

[HeatherAnn Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Scholastic and NetGalley for providing me an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#Goldenborn #NetGalley #ePub #ARC #ARCReview #YAFantasy #Romantasy #Mythology #BIPOC #BadassWomen

💠RELEASE DATE: 2 Jun 26

This is a coming-of-age story about a young woman who is trying to resolve the mystery of her dad's coma while figuring out the connections it has to recent murders.

This is NOT story about a deal with a god.

💠QUOTE(S):

But grief had been a shapeshifter, an escape artist who had cast its chains at will to seize her heart with cold, barbed fingers.

💠OVERALL THOUGHTS:

• We support BIPOC representation in this house, so we LOVE to see a young Black woman at the center of a story. Akoma is simply a badass. Her analytical observation skills aside, we get to see many facets of her personality throughout the novel: head-turning confidence and innocent shyness; bubbling joy and gut-wretching sorrow; assured knowledge and shocked confusion. The dynamic complexities of her character make Akoma feel so REAL. It is so easy to empathize with her - not only because she is lovable, but because she goes through things so many of us have gone through: dealing with grief and second-hand guilt; navigating brand new feelings for a crush and, with it, the embarrassment of turning into a fool around them; fighting tooth and nail to see something through, no matter the cost. She's a kid who was forced to grow up too fast due to tragic life circumstances. She's extremely capable and has adept survival skills, but feels deep emotion is a vulnerability and has a hard time letting people in. I feel for her. And I root hard for her.

• My GOD. I never considered myself a romance girly, but Akoma and her love interest may have changed my mind on that. The chemistry between them is PALPABLE. My heart FLUTTERED reading scenes of them together. The fencing scene? Took me OUT. The entity that took over my body is blushing and giggling like a school girl. I need more. WHO AM I?!?

• As much as I loved this book, I need to address something I considered a major flaw: The pacing. We the readers receive a lot of revelations, but they are all in the last 20% of the book. Think of plot like a countdown: You start at ten (initial world-building/scene-setting), then slowly count your way down (plot building to climax) until you're at one (climax), and then you finally hit zero (resolution). The stepping stones are all there to lead you. The anticipation increases with each step, from 10 to 9, 9 to 8, and so on and so forth, until it's ready to boil over at 1. The point is a gradual progression to a turning point. Goldenborn felt like a countdown that skipped from 7 to 2 in one breath.
**SPOILER** When I hit the 80% mark, and Akoma still had not met Anansi (which I'll get to), I unfortunately knew a lot of the crucial action points would be crammed into the last few chapters of the book. And I was correct. **END SPOILER**
The transition from detective work to the big battle felt so abrupt to me, like a chunk of story was missing.

• The brevity of the final fight scene was disappointing. The quick succession in which the villain is revealed (which was made to be too predictable, imo) and defeated is disappointing. I wish there was more story build-up to the climax and I wish the same care was put into the last 20% of the book as it was in the first 80% of the book.

• The book's description inadequately describes the book's contents and ultimately gives away too much.
**SPOILER.** We're told right away via the book summary that Akoma meets Anansi "who makes her an impossible offer" - this gives the impression the interaction happens early on, and Akoma's choices throughout the book are hinged on this deal she makes with a god ... But that's false. Akoma doesn't meet Anansi until after the 80% mark. 80%!! The book's description essentially spoils this; because I was anticipating the in-person meeting, it made it much easier to predict who Anansi was. And it's just not an accurate depiction of the book in my opinion. We learn more about the secret supernatural branch of the police force that Akoma is a part of than we do about this important deal with a god. The deal is an almost insignificant part of the novel, yet reading the book description gives the impression it takes up a much larger part of the story than it truly does. **END SPOILER**

💠REVIEW SUMMARY:
Goldenborn is an impressive YA fantasy debut novel with themes of coming-of-age, Ghanaian culture & tradition, young love, mystery, magical realism, and grief. I wish the pacing had better transition from scene-setting to climax and I wish everything wasn't so predictable... However, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to seeing out how the story will continue in a second book.

💠RECOMMEND?: Yes.

💠OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4 of 5 stars)

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Scholastic and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 6/2/2026. In a future version of San Francisco where magic is hidden but very real, Akoma Addo has to deal with far more than most 17-nearly-18 year olds. A year ago, her father was put into a mysterious coma by a glowing ball of light right in front of her eyes, leaving her and her grandmother with no answers. In the depths of her grief and her new revulsion at all things supernatural, Akoma finds purpose in her new job with a secret branch of the SFPD, dealing with supernatural threats, using her keen eyes and fast brain to protect the people around her. Unfortunately, this comes with lying to the people closest to her as the department believes strongly that NO ONE can know about the supernatural because people would lose their ever-loving minds. Um, too bad they only know half of it and Akoma’s grandmother and one of her best friends are also keeping secrets about magic. When a series of unusual deaths start occurring and appear to be linked and Akoma’s unknown birthright is nearing, the stakes get higher and more complicated than just simply saving her father. There is a lot on the line, both personally and world-changing.

Holy cow, there is no way to speak about this book rationally because it is just that amazing. As a debut author, it should be a crime for Ama Ofosua Lieb to write this well and craft a story that hits all the amazingly right notes. She weaves together action and mythology and family trauma and traditions and just the unbalancing reality of being a teenage girl into a can’t-put-down mix. Akoma is utterly charming and real and the mistakes she makes feel real. At no point did she feel like a mistake was for a plot point or convenience. She is definitely a teenager but she is a smart one and a hard working one and one who has been through great trauma but has a beloved support system and is dealing with everything the best she can. She is strong but not perfect, still prone to hormones but not a slave to them, and just… Ugh, I love her. I worried every single time danger came at her. Not because I doubted her capability but because I loved her and didn’t want her to hurt.

Even the side characters are delightful in this book. Grandmother Esi, Xander, Lara and Kofi, Ashon, Fatou, Holt and Kat, and OF COURSE Anansi. Each had a personality and drive and manner of speaking/acting that felt true to them. Even if you knew they were fibbing - at least a little. Let’s face it. You’re never ever going to get the full story with Anansi. A good storyteller never gives it all away.

Which actually was the one thing that had me screaming because I got to 93% and was literally shaking with fear that the book would be a cliff-hanger because Akoma had a fair bit to accomplish, thankyouAnansi. Spoiler: It is NOT a cliff-hanger and it is a standalone book BUT Ofosua Lieb is more than welcome to write more stories in this world and continue Akoma’s journey. Pretty please? With bofrot on the side?

Aside from the characters, the book also gives you a vibrant, realized world with future tech mixed with ancient traditions. It was a delight learning about African fabrics and festivals and foods with Akoma as my guide. Most things leaned into Ghanian traditions and mythology given that this is Akoma’s ancestry but there are sprinklings of other African Diaspora traditions throughout. It felt grounded and somewhere that you would love to live, somewhere warm and thriving and interesting. Something that was 100% worth fighting to protect.

So, yeah, in case you haven’t guessed…I’m going to have to go buy the book so I can have this gorgeously written, beautifully covered thing on my shelf forever.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ama Ofosua Lieb’s “Goldenborn” is a vibrant and imaginative YA urban fantasy that explores Ghanaian folklore and a compelling mystery as Lieb creates a story rich with culture, emotion, and magic. As a debut novel, it stands out for its fresh perspective, immersive setting, and engaging exploration of identity and storytelling.

Set in a near-future San Francisco, specifically the culturally rich district of AfricaTown, the story introduces you to a world where Ghanaian gods, magic, and modern life coexist seamlessly. Drawing heavily from Ghanaian folklore, particularly stories of the trickster god Anansi, the book offers a refreshing take on mythology rarely centered in mainstream YA fantasy. The setting feels vivid and lived-in, brought to life through descriptions of food, music, clothing, and community traditions that provide a strong sense of cultural authenticity and depth.

At the heart of the story is Akoma, an almost eighteen-year-old protagonist still grieving her father’s death and harboring a complicated relationship with magic. Despite her distrust of the supernatural, she becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation involving magical crimes and ultimately makes a risky deal with Anansi himself. Her journey is both external and internal as she is trying to solve a mystery while confronting grief, navigating family expectations, and learning to take control of her own story rather than being shaped by others.

Akoma is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded protagonist whose struggles feel genuine and relatable. Her character development is one of the book’s strongest elements, particularly as she grapples with her own personal agency. The story also emphasizes family and found family relationships, adding emotional weight and warmth to the story, which I particularly enjoyed.

The book’s pacing is brisk, with the events unfolding over a relatively short period, keeping the tension high without becoming overwhelming. Lieb’s writing is accessible and engaging, especially with the worldbuilding. A subtle romantic subplot adds charm without overshadowing the central plot.

Another standout feature is the worldbuilding itself. The integration of traditional folklore with modern technology creates a dynamic setting filled with gods, shapeshifters, vampires, and magic users. The story explores larger philosophical questions about storytelling, identity, and the power of narrative, like who controls it, and how it shapes our lives, which gives the story depth beyond its fantasy framework. I absolutely loved the worldbuilding, and I would love to continue exploring the world that Lieb created.

Overall, “Goldenborn” is an exciting and culturally rich YA fantasy that offers both thrilling adventure and meaningful themes. Its celebration of Ghanaian mythology, strong character development, and imaginative world make it a refreshing addition to the genre. For those seeking diverse storytelling, emotionally resonant characters, and inventive worldbuilding, “Goldenborn” is a standout debut that promises great things from Ama Ofosua Lieb.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my wish to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars.

This sounded so cool! I was so excited for the premise. I love the cover. I was excited to read about Ghanaian mythology. Which that was super cool! Everything was shaping up for this to be a really fun book.

It was interesting to say the least. Not sure what I can all say about the plot. So much happened, while also not being that important to the story. It wasn’t even really a build up of getting to know the characters because we were pretty much just thrown into the world. Which I liked don’t get me wrong. But it took probably not joke about 350 pages of a 400 page book to get to the plot I was promised! I couldn’t understand it.

The writing was pretty good. It was engaging and very quick to get through. But the plot! I don’t understand what was the point of most of it. Which I feel terrible saying. But nothing seemed important.

The plot needed to be cleaned up a little more, but the foundation of a good story is there.

It makes me sad because I really enjoyed the characters! Akoma was a fun character to follow. I also really liked her friends, especially Darian. Lara, Kat and Kofi were all great!

I liked the touch of the family aspect in the story, though I do wish we got a little more. She interacted with her grandma and she was doing everything for her father, but I was still hoping for a little more.

If most of the book was focused on Akoma and Xander I would have loved this. I loved the two of them together! Xander was so great and I loved the easy repertoire between the two of them. They had a lot of chemistry right off the bat! Which was great to watch them interact. I thought they were very sweet together and I loved how bold Akoma was with him! The Truth Game they played was so fun. I loved that scene so much. It was one of my favorites. That is why I honestly wish most of the book was about them. Normally I don’t want more romance in books, but this one I did!

I needed so much more at the end. That is why I am hoping for a book two. I would definitely consider reading the second book! I think since we established the story and the characters, if there is a book two I would like it a lot more! It ended so quickly, I was left wanting so much more. Especially to see more of the conversation between Akoma and Xander at the end. I want to see what he had to say!

I wish I liked this more than I did. I think it is still worth a try since it’s not like I hated my time reading this. I just think a lot could have been fixed up to have a more concrete story.

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a strange orb of light swallowed her father and left him in a coma, Akoma Addo has been relentlessly hunting down any illegal magic in San Francisco’s AfricaTown by working as a secret detective of supernatural crimes, unbeknownst to her family and friends. Her newfound career is both a distraction from her grief and an avenue to investigate her dad’s case. When an undercover job goes awry, exposing her to red fireflies, ancient masks, and werehyenas, Akoma is thrust into a world of Ghanaian gods, mages, and shadow magic that hide in plain sight, and the trickster Anansi himself has a keen interest in the detective. But Akoma barely knows any of this, and it will take all of her sleuthing skills to uncover a cure her father’s unknown illness, the source of stolen African gold that seems to appear everywhere, and the criminal of a string of deadly murders in her town, and, most important, how all of them are connected. 

Goldenborn is an exciting genre-bending story that mixes murder-mystery crime solving with Ghanaian mythology & magical realms with futuristic gadgets with flirty young romance. It’s impressive! Set in San Francisco’s AfricaTown - an inventive place where food and celebrations from all African cultures come together in a vivid portrait -  the story jumps between the high-tech and detective world, to more fantastical scenes of a magical Ghanaian otherworldly realm, through three different perspectives/timelines. Follow Akoma, a seventeen-year old with hyper-observational skills and a grim distrust of magic, as she slowly investigates the cases of her blown cover-up with the mysterious Mr. Webb, a string of brutal murders involving fire and melted gold, and how the two are related. Readers will also jump to Mr. Webb’s perspective, which teases out hints of his underlying machinations, as well as to Akoma’s grandmother, Esi, a secret mage, who explains the dynamics of the Ghanaian gods and their magic. Akoma’s perspective takes the lead, yet the three blend together in exceptionally well-written storytelling, leaving readers guessing, questioning, and solving the case alongside Akoma until the climatic end. There is even a cute romance that doesn’t feel forced (and even appears comedic at times) between Akoma and the new boy Xander Most characters are Black, with Akoma and her family being of Ghanaian descent. Overall, an outstanding genre-defying story of mystery, myth, and mayhem. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and Ama Ofosua Lieb for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

📝 Summary

Akoma Addo has spent years avoiding the supernatural after a mysterious encounter left her father in a coma. While secretly investigating magical crimes in San Francisco's AfricaTown, she finds herself pulled into a dangerous murder investigation involving ancient gods, hidden magic, and a deal that could change everything she believes about herself and her future.

💭 My Review

Goldenborn ended up being a really enjoyable read for me. What stood out immediately was Akoma herself. She was such a strong main character, and I loved seeing all the different sides of her personality throughout the story. She felt real, flawed, determined, and easy to root for, which made following her journey incredibly engaging.

One of my favorite things about this book was how many elements came together so naturally. The mythology, mystery, magic, family dynamics, and relationships all blended together in a way that kept the story feeling interesting. There was always something happening, and I appreciated how much depth was built into the world.

The mythology was especially fascinating. I loved seeing Ghanaian mythology woven into the story, and it brought a freshness that made the book stand out from many other fantasy novels I've read. The magical elements felt exciting and unique, and I found myself wanting to learn more about the world and its history as I read.

My biggest issue was the pacing. There were a few sections where the story slowed down enough that my attention started to drift. Some scenes felt longer than they needed to be, and there were moments where I wanted the plot to move a little faster. I also found parts of the story somewhat predictable, and I was able to guess certain developments before they happened.

Even with those issues, they never took away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The strengths far outweighed the weaknesses for me. Akoma was a fantastic character, the mythology was compelling, and the world felt rich and full of possibilities. By the end, I was glad I had taken the journey with these characters.

✅ Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. If you enjoy YA fantasy with mythology, magic, mystery, strong characters, and an immersive world, I think this is definitely worth picking up. While the pacing occasionally slowed for me and a few plot points felt predictable, the characters and world-building made it a very enjoyable read.

[Prof. Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Blend of Culture, Magic, and Heartfelt Mystery – A Must-Read!

From the moment I started Goldenborn, I was completely immersed in a world that felt both vividly real and wonderfully fantastical. Ama Ofosua Lieb has crafted a stunning debut that not only celebrates Ghanaian folklore but also delivers a compelling story packed with suspense, emotion, and unforgettable characters.

The setting in San Francisco’s AfricaTown is alive with detail—music, food, traditions, and community—creating an environment that’s rich in cultural authenticity. It’s a vibrant backdrop that beautifully intertwines modern urban life with ancient gods and supernatural mysteries. The way Lieb weaves in elements of Ghanaian mythology, especially the mischievous and clever Anansi, offers a fresh take on urban fantasy that feels both innovative and respectful of its roots.

Akoma Addo, the story’s brave and introspective protagonist, immediately drew me in. Her journey through grief, identity, and trust felt genuine and relatable. She’s not a hero who has everything figured out—she’s flawed, thoughtful, and fiercely determined to uncover the truth. Her internal struggles and growth make her a character I truly cared about, and watching her navigate the dangerous web of supernatural politics was both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

The plot is expertly paced—fast enough to keep your heart pounding, yet layered with enough complexity to keep you guessing. The deal with Anansi adds a delicious layer of moral ambiguity, forcing Akoma to question her beliefs and her own power. And the romance? Delightful and subtle, adding just the right amount of charm without detracting from the main story.

What really stands out is Lieb’s masterful worldbuilding. The blend of folklore, modern technology, and urban fantasy elements creates a universe that’s as intriguing as it is authentic. It invites readers to explore themes of storytelling, legacy, and the fluid nature of truth—questions that resonate well beyond the pages.

Goldenborn is more than just a fantasy novel; it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the power of stories to shape our lives. Ama Ofosua Lieb has delivered a debut that is bold, fresh, and deeply engaging—an absolute must-read for anyone who loves strong characters, cultural depth, and a good twist.

I cannot wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommended!

[Rynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for this ARC.

I have been making an effort to branch out more in my fantasy as there is so much untapped potential yet to be found, especially in the folklore of other countries and languages. Goldenborn represents the reason why I continue to search high and low outside my typical sword and sorcery. Ama Ofosua Lieb innately builds the charm of the Ghanaian culture into a futuristic society-- in a way that feels perfectly natural and right.

Taking a slight futuristic view of San Francisco, Ama Ofosua Lieb manages to make it feel timeless with both self driving vehicles and grazer technology used to hunt supernatural entities, while grounding it in the here and now. Our cast of characters come to us well rounded and flitting between perspectives is as easy as breathing. I especially enjoyed seeing Akoma's grandmother Esi's perspective on both the mage side of things and with concern for her family. Akoma's friends and coworkers made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside with how they bantered together. They really felt like a well knit community that was open to anyone who wanted to participate.

I especially enjoyed the cultural focus on Africatown. The lush descriptions of the smell of the food, the griot aspect of Ghanaian culture, and the tradition passed through generations had me salivating for more. What I really need is a real life Cocoa Bar as that sounded absolutely divine. Google was my best friend as I just had to search up some of the delicious food mentioned.

The magic system was also extremely unique, however I hoped we would have a little more exploration or nuance within it. Goldenborn is most definitely a book one out of a series and I feel this will be elaborated on in the future when Akoma begins to expand her own knowledge of the supernatural world. Cultural supernatural entities really stood out to me -- I have never heard of a werehyena before, but honestly I am kind of intrigued to know more about these mythological creatures.

My only complaint--and a minor one at that-- is that the wrap up felt a little too picture perfect. I would have liked to see a little more struggle involved in the process. Despite that, I absolutely adored Goldenborn and look forward to reading future works by Ama Ofosua Lieb. The literary world really needed this.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conceptually, this book slaps. I read the blurb and I was pumped. A Ghanian-flavored futuristic San Francisco? Dangerous bargains with Anansi himself? Sign me right up!

Structurally, this book is a hot mess. Go back for a moment and re-read the blurb. Sounds great, right? You know when the plot described in the blurb hits? At 86% in. Sure, a lot was happening before that point. But it all felt like setup. Because it was. Early on, it felt like every chapter had a new character or character group being introduced, and the glut meant none received sufficient development to make me care about them. Couple that with oddly flat emotional writing, which meant I didn’t care much about Akoma, either, even if there was nothing wrong with her as a protagonist per se. Though I will say, her romance with Xander was pretty cute. If only it wasn’t yet another subplot lost in a sea of subplots.

Normally, this would be where I shrug and round my 2.5 star impression up to a 3. Unfortunately, Lieb managed to hit one of my pet peeves in the bullseye with some offhanded mentions in this book. As you will see in a moment, pun intended.

You see, it becomes clear right off the bat, Lieb knows nothing about cats despite including one in her book. Now, in most cases, if I hit a point of misinformation about a topic I’m more familiar with than the author, I would roll my eyes, maybe chuckle a little, mention it in my review, and move on. The misinformation here, however, is the type that would lead to animal harm if a reader takes it at face value, and that I can’t abide.

1. Cats, you see, are obligate carnivores. No, this is not up for debate. This is hard fact. They need animal proteins to survive. Meat. Fish. My eyeballs when I inevitably croak of an aneurysm next time some book gets this wrong

2. All alliums are absolutely poisonous to cats. As in, potential multiple organ failure, vet, now!

Two things Akoma feeds to a cat in this book: rice (of no nutritional value) and lo mein (which likely has garlic in it.) This is not done to paint her as an idiot or as malicious. Just authorial ignorance which an editor failed to catch.

And this is why Goldenborn gets rounded down to two stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions within are my own.

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get into it, let me just say WOW🤯🤌🏾🔥. This is a debut? Like really? Because the way I was pulled in so fast was mind blowing.

We have:
✨ Ghanaian mythology

🕷️ Anansi the trickster god

🔍 Magical crime investigations

❤️ Slow burn romance

👑 Family secrets

⚡ Ancient magic meets futuristic technology

🔥 Murder mysteries and supernatural

Akoma is not only grieving but she’s determined, smart and basically willing to do whatever it takes to save her father. Meanwhile magic is running through her blood while she navigates a world she does not want to be a part of.

Babes, the world building was absolutely chef kiss🤌🏾🤌🏾🔥. AfricaTown felt alive from the food, the music, the traditions, the fashion, the community, the mythology...I truly felt like I stepped into the world while I was reading.

And Anansi….😏
Are you helping? Manipulating? Both?
The answer is probably yes.💀😂

And then there’s the mystery. Y’all know I love playing detective while I read.🔍🕵🏽‍♀️ Every time I thought I had things figured out, another piece of the puzzle appeared and sent me into a completely different theory.

The magical murders, the stolen gold, the secrets surrounding Akoma’s family, her father’s coma... EVERYTHING connected in ways I didn’t expect.

And we were sprinkled with a little romance. It was just enough sweetness and tension to have me smiling but it didn’t take away from the bigger part of the story.

So babes…if you love 

🕷️ Mythology based fantasy

✨ Unique magic systems

🔍 Murder mysteries

❤️ Slow burn romance

👑 Family secrets

🌍 Rich cultural worldbuilding

⚡ Urban fantasy

🖤 Strong female leads

Then Goldenborn absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.🤌🏾👏🏾

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a NetGalley eARC of this book.

Goldenborn is the story of Akoma, a 17-year-old Ghanaian living in future San Francisco. After her father is attacked by a supernatural force, she is recruited by the SFPD Special Cases Division, which focuses on supernatural/magical crimes. While investigating crimes (and trying to figure out what attacked her father), she stumbles upon a sinister plot involving Anansi and gets more than she bargained for as she gets wrapped up in his web of subterfuge.

Readers who are familiar with African folklore will probably recognize the characters and be able to pick up on details that clue them into which deities are posing as humans throughout the story. While I have read some books that included Anansi, I was a bit lost in the beginning of this story as I tried to figure out the motivations and backstories for different characters. Once most of the characters were established and the plot picked up, it was a lot easier to remember how the characters were related to each other magically and non-magically.

The author did a great job of describing AfricaTown (her neighborhood in San Francisco) and the sense of community Akoma experiences living amongst other African Americans who share her culture. The descriptions of food, music and clothing styles made the environment come alive. Although Akoma is quite young, she has a strong sense of kinship within her environment that grounds her.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Emboldened · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"Goldenborn" is the type of young adult fantasy story I always hope to discover but rarely do. It’s fast-paced, emotionally engaging, and set in a unique world inspired by cultures we don’t often see represented. The story takes place in San Francisco’s AfricaTown, which feels real and immersive. I appreciated how the Ghanaian gods and magical traditions are seamlessly integrated into a near-future city rather than being treated as separate or distant. The main character, Akoma, is dealing with the loss of her father while grappling with her complex relationship with magic. She’s caught between wanting to avoid the supernatural and being drawn into solving magical crimes, all while making a challenging deal with the trickster god Anansi. This adds depth to the story, as it’s not just about tracking down a killer but also about the sacrifices one makes to change their own story and uphold their family’s honor. I loved how the book explores themes of deception, storytelling, and power. Watching Akoma learn to take control of her own narrative instead of being manipulated by Anansi is incredibly rewarding. The subtle hints of romance complement the main themes without overpowering them. If you enjoy young adult stories that resonate with real emotions, have high stakes, and celebrate cultural backgrounds in a genuine way, "Goldenborn" is a remarkable choice.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was certainly interesting. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a single book with so many genres. YA mystery, YA romance, fantasy, sci-fi, slight-dystopian, and a whole healing scoop of African folklore on top. Did I miss any? I could have.

With so many genres, it was hard to know what was going on. The sci-fi style devices and weapons were interesting. The magical world was interesting. Akoma and Xander’s subplot was interesting. All of it together was A LOT. Quite possibly too much. I don’t feel like enough time was spent explaining any of it, and even at the end of the book, I still had so many questions about the world itself that I’m sitting here scratching my head. The questions aren’t about the storyline—what’s happening next. It’s about the magical system, the sci-fi element, the great quake that leveled all but one small section of San Fran—something that was mentioned a couple times and never explained. There were soooo many details in this story, and yet, there weren’t enough details in this story. I feel like there could be another 3 stories inside this book just to help me and other readers understand what the heck was going on.

I really wanted to like this book, and I spent more than a week trying to make my way through it, sure that it had to be worth it somehow. Unfortunately, I’m just not sure it was.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldenborn is as much a YA adventure novel as it is a vivid walking tour through Ghanaian mythology. It’s the kind of story I would have treasured as a teen — bold, imaginative, and rooted in a mythic tradition that feels both fresh and timeless. This would make a fantastic gift for any YA reader who loves mythology, Afrofuturism, or the epic emotional sweep of stories like Black Panther.

What surprised me most was how deeply this book pulled me in as an adult. Akoma Addo’s journey — to understand her power, save her father, and claim her inheritance — had me sitting up late, turning pages with that familiar mix of urgency and wonder.

Akoma herself is a standout. Ama Ofosua Lieb has written a beautifully real, fully rounded heroine who feels alive on the page. She’s not perfect, and that’s exactly what makes her compelling. She’s brave even when she’s afraid, thoughtful when emotions run high, measured when grief threatens to overwhelm her, and curious when standing still seems like the only option. She’s the kind of character who doesn’t just carry a story — she animates it.

Original, creative, and full of heart, Goldenborn is a powerful start to a world I can’t wait to return to.

[Vixen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was pretty good! I enjoyed the folklore the most and love that I got to learn about different folklore than I normally do. There were some things that left me confused for not being local to the area to know much about it in regards to San Francisco but I did like learning about the Ghanaian culture and there was enough description provided by the author for that information to not leave me confused or forced to web search a bunch just to understand the story. Though it did motivate me to want to look up more information about Ghanaian culture overall. Honestly, I am not much into the futurist/sci-fi genres in general but this story had a nice way of keeping me interested despite that personal preference. I really liked the personality work the author put into each of her characters. I love the flourishing romance that was happening. I definitely rec this book as a good read for sure!

[Fadeless Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

I'm starting to enjoy the fantasy genre more and more with each read, and Goldenborn has absolutely pushed that love to the next level! 📈✨
The story follows 17 year old Akoma in a futuristic version of San Francisco called AfricaTown. 🌆 She investigates magical crimes, which she completely hates, because magic is the very thing that put her father in a coma. 💔 But when a body turns up surrounded by ash and molten gold, Akoma is forced to make a risky deal with Anansi, the legendary Ghanaian trickster god, to solve the case and save her dad.

This was such an exciting, fast paced fantasy that perfectly blends mystery and mythology. 🕵🏾‍♀️⚡ I thought the setting was incredible! The author combines future technology with ancient Ghanaian myths seamlessly, making AfricaTown feel vibrant and alive. 🤖🌍 Akoma is EVERYTHING as the main character! She is smart, loyal, and determined, that's all I can ask for in a FMC ❤️.

[Arthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love immersing yourself in rich storytelling, crossovers between modern and mythical, with a strong emotional base and strong cultural hues, then this book is definiteky up your alley.
This felt like an ode to Ghanian myths a la Heroes of Olympus, with Gods, magic systems and mythical creatures being introduced incrementally, adding to the storyline. I love the way the stories intersect with department memes and the intersection of magic and law enforcement was handled well!
I enjoyed the nuances, shadow dragons and especially relished the Ghanian tales - the seamless infusion of details like hair styles, clothes and foods enhance the reading experience!
It is a fantastic start to a series with strong characters and a curiously story infused mythical backbone!
My thank yous to Scholastic Press and Netgalley for granting my wish!!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavily inspired by the mythology of Anansi, Lieb's new book is closer to a 4 than a 3 and features an intricate world-building experience with Akoma as the main character, a teenager whose job is as a secret investigator of of crimes related to the supernatural and it's hit even closer to home with her dad in a coma. Now she has come close to Anansi and a deal is struck that pulls her deeper into an underworld in the hopes of saving her father.

With a touch of romance, a lot of action with being a secret investigator, and aligning herself with the untrustworthy creature, the question is whether Akoma will come out the victor or not.

Plenty of action unfolding with an awesome cover.

[Deidre Epps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I think you should read this book.

I liked this book. I really did. I felt drawn into the story and it was super fun. It had an interesting magic system and I really loved the Ghanaian lore. Definitely YA which is what it’s advertised as.

With that said…. I did get this as an ARC but not a super early ARC so I have to assume it was pretty close to what will be published and it felt like a super early version of the story. The concept was interesting but it felt disconnected and not quite flushed out. There were characters I wish I had gotten more of. There was lore I wish had been delved a little deeper into.

With that said, I’m invested enough to read the next one when it comes out so do with that what you will.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Ama Ofosua Lieb and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Goldenborn was such a unique and immersive read. The blend of Ghanaian mythology, mystery, magic, and emotion pulled me in right away, and I loved how rich and vibrant the world felt from beginning to end. Akoma was a strong and relatable main character, and the story balanced action, heart, and suspense really well without ever feeling overwhelming.
I especially appreciated how the book explored identity, family, legacy, and the power of stories while still delivering an entertaining YA fantasy experience. The atmosphere, mythology, and slow-burn tension kept me fully invested, and I honestly didn’t want the story to end.

[Kate Brasington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came for this stunning cover stayed for the incredible story! Goldenborn is a ya coming of age story where a young woman is trying to unravel the mystery of her father’s comatose stage and how it’s connected to several murders happening in her area!
I really loved the Sci-fi elements in this book, the futuristic world this character lives in was very interesting to see. There are AI living amongst humans but it’s super hard to tell, yet our FMC is able to which is what puts her on her career path. There is also magic in this book which was nifty to see too!!
I loved the friendship dynamics in this story too, it had me giggling at some of the conversations! This is going to be a great book for readers of all ages!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟Goldenborn🌟 by Ama Ofosua Lieb

When a young girl stumbles upon a world full of ancient gods and modern magic, Akoma must make a choice between saving her father and everything she believes in.

I'm very honored to read this book that's based on Ghanaian mythology. As a child of Chinese immigrants, seeing all the stories based on Chinese and other East Asian mythology is wonderful. But, there's still so much representation still out there that needs their place among our shelves. I think this was a wonderful mix of mythology with science fiction (story having taken place in the future) and urban fantasy. I truly enjoyed the thrill and mystery while having a slow burn romance take place within these pages.

Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @ireadya and @amawritesmagic for the #gifted copy.

[Mary Lomie George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA Urban Fantasy coming of age story is the best one I've read in quite some time! It gripped me throughout and now I can not wait to see where the next book takes me! This book was rich with detail, had almost every element I expected it to and had deeper meanings. If this is on your TBR this summer... MOVE IT TO THE TOP!!!! You won't regret it!!

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased and completely my own.

[Tiff & Her Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re into magic and mythology with a great female main character then this book is for you! Our heroine Akoma takes you on an adventure full of suspense and mystery! She’s on a mission to unravel this mystery but faces some trials along the way! It’s a face paced read that I couldn’t put down. Definitely add this one to your TBR as your next fantasy read!

[Téa McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from BookCon. This book was a little difficult for me to get into. I wish I had read this on my kindle, because I think having some translations would’ve helped. It wasn’t until I was about 3/4 of the way through when I realized that the pacing of this book meant it had to become a series. I do like the storyline, and Akomo and Xander.