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Somadina
A sweeping YA fantasy inspired by indigenous Igbo culture from the Sunday Times bestselling author - dibias, deities, magic and a twin hunting down her kidnapped brother.
We had done and survived unimaginable things. Our world was so much bigger than our town, the river full of crocodiles, and these forests we'd grown up in. There was an entire sea out there to prove it.
Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, are practically the same person: they finish each other's sentences and make each other whole. When the twins come of age, their magical gifts begin to develop, but while Jayaike's powers enchant, Somadina's cause fear to ripple through her town.
Always an outsider, Somadina now faces blatant - and dangerous - hostility. And things go from bad to worse when her brother, the one person she trusted, vanishes. Somadina knows that no matter the dangers, she must track him down. Even if it means entering the Sacred Forest. Even if it means gruelling, otherworldly travel she may not survive. Even if it means finding the hidden places where those closest to the spirit world don't dare to go.
Does Somadina have the strength - within both her body and her soul - for the trying journey ahead?
We had done and survived unimaginable things. Our world was so much bigger than our town, the river full of crocodiles, and these forests we'd grown up in. There was an entire sea out there to prove it.
Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, are practically the same person: they finish each other's sentences and make each other whole. When the twins come of age, their magical gifts begin to develop, but while Jayaike's powers enchant, Somadina's cause fear to ripple through her town.
Always an outsider, Somadina now faces blatant - and dangerous - hostility. And things go from bad to worse when her brother, the one person she trusted, vanishes. Somadina knows that no matter the dangers, she must track him down. Even if it means entering the Sacred Forest. Even if it means gruelling, otherworldly travel she may not survive. Even if it means finding the hidden places where those closest to the spirit world don't dare to go.
Does Somadina have the strength - within both her body and her soul - for the trying journey ahead?
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2025
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8615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
March 25, 2025
Magical. Immersive. Hard-hitting. A sharp gaze both inwards at our current reality and a beam of hope towards the future.
What does it mean to be too much, to be too frightening, even in a world that has accepted the extraordinary as ordinary? How can you find groundedness, solace, and love when you have been exiled from your home?
Somadina is everything you learn to expect from an Akwaeke Emezi book.
Somadina and her twin Jayaike are attached at the hip and are bonded so tightly they almost feel like one person. Their West African town is detached from the rest of the world thanks to a terrifying chasm known as the Split, which also grants every child one magical power once they come of age.
The trouble is, Somadina and Jayaike have an unusual coming-of-age. And as the town turns against Somadina, Jayaike vanishes from his bed. She’ll do anything it takes to bring him home, no matter the dangers, no matter the natural borders of her world, and no matter the community that refuses to hear her. Somadina has to set off on an otherworldly journey and learn some truths about herself … and her world.
The darkness Emezi loves to spotlight is a bit lessened for their third young adult story, but this is still not an easy story of growing up. Somadina faces backlash from the people she should have always been able to trust, and she has to make terrible choices.
But through her struggles, she learns to see the light within herself. She learns to heal, and that forgiveness will be a journey. She learns that her community is a web and that she can find more love anywhere she turns. And she embraces her powers and her deity, grounding herself in her spirit.
There’s darkness within Somadina that she must learn to accept and balance, but she is always very likeable and earnest. I loved being in her head and I thought her characterization was beautifully done.
Somadina’s community is filled with magic, but so many of them refuse to open up to new strangeness. They keep things contained, they report their powers, and they inflict sharp punishments. They need to understand their history in order to shape their future, but even though it impacts them every day, they don’t see the full scope of their past. (Not terribly hard to place this in our current reality.)
Though the world is fantastical, there is also truth here - Emezi beautifully integrates Igbo culture and pieces of their home. The culture and world are so richly described and honored. Emezi also writes in the afterward about the pain of being in exile from your home when it is not safe to return to the land that raised you, and that has inspired a lot of Somadina’s journey.
Somadina’s world is queernormative, but if you are a spirit-touched child or a child who is marked in some way as different, you are pushed to the outskirts of society. It hurts, and even at the end of her journey she doesn’t quite feel whole. But she has hope and dreams for her future, and that’s what is most important. Not every box is checked and not every question is answered, but the ending was exactly right to me.
Of course, there’s no way I could end this review without shouting about the prose. It’s perfection. Every sentence is precise, the world is expansive, and you flow from scene to scene with clarity and ease.
I totally flaked on jotting down quotes, so I might have to come back and add some of my favorites another time.
Another brilliant Akwaeke Emezi piece!!
CW: death (child), murder, war, kidnapping, torture, animal cruelty/death, abandonment, body horror, bullying, cannibalism (sort of), domestic abuse
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
What does it mean to be too much, to be too frightening, even in a world that has accepted the extraordinary as ordinary? How can you find groundedness, solace, and love when you have been exiled from your home?
Somadina is everything you learn to expect from an Akwaeke Emezi book.
Somadina and her twin Jayaike are attached at the hip and are bonded so tightly they almost feel like one person. Their West African town is detached from the rest of the world thanks to a terrifying chasm known as the Split, which also grants every child one magical power once they come of age.
The trouble is, Somadina and Jayaike have an unusual coming-of-age. And as the town turns against Somadina, Jayaike vanishes from his bed. She’ll do anything it takes to bring him home, no matter the dangers, no matter the natural borders of her world, and no matter the community that refuses to hear her. Somadina has to set off on an otherworldly journey and learn some truths about herself … and her world.
The darkness Emezi loves to spotlight is a bit lessened for their third young adult story, but this is still not an easy story of growing up. Somadina faces backlash from the people she should have always been able to trust, and she has to make terrible choices.
But through her struggles, she learns to see the light within herself. She learns to heal, and that forgiveness will be a journey. She learns that her community is a web and that she can find more love anywhere she turns. And she embraces her powers and her deity, grounding herself in her spirit.
There’s darkness within Somadina that she must learn to accept and balance, but she is always very likeable and earnest. I loved being in her head and I thought her characterization was beautifully done.
Somadina’s community is filled with magic, but so many of them refuse to open up to new strangeness. They keep things contained, they report their powers, and they inflict sharp punishments. They need to understand their history in order to shape their future, but even though it impacts them every day, they don’t see the full scope of their past. (Not terribly hard to place this in our current reality.)
Though the world is fantastical, there is also truth here - Emezi beautifully integrates Igbo culture and pieces of their home. The culture and world are so richly described and honored. Emezi also writes in the afterward about the pain of being in exile from your home when it is not safe to return to the land that raised you, and that has inspired a lot of Somadina’s journey.
Somadina’s world is queernormative, but if you are a spirit-touched child or a child who is marked in some way as different, you are pushed to the outskirts of society. It hurts, and even at the end of her journey she doesn’t quite feel whole. But she has hope and dreams for her future, and that’s what is most important. Not every box is checked and not every question is answered, but the ending was exactly right to me.
Of course, there’s no way I could end this review without shouting about the prose. It’s perfection. Every sentence is precise, the world is expansive, and you flow from scene to scene with clarity and ease.
I totally flaked on jotting down quotes, so I might have to come back and add some of my favorites another time.
Another brilliant Akwaeke Emezi piece!!
CW: death (child), murder, war, kidnapping, torture, animal cruelty/death, abandonment, body horror, bullying, cannibalism (sort of), domestic abuse
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
April 29, 2025
5 wonderful stars for Somadina! ✨✨
I went into this not really knowing much but expecting a lot because of my past experience with this author. All I can say is, I’m blown away. Somadina is one of my favorite books of 2025!
I truly admire the prose and how Akwaeki Emezi writes every sentence with intention. There’s no filler content within their books. It’s also impressive that as a fantasy book, this doesn’t over stay its welcome. I was fully satisfied from beginning to end. There’s nothing I would change about this story or the writing.
The story was intriguing, layered, cultural, and magical. The characters were complex. Somadina is a YA novel but the writing and themes make it fully enjoyable for adults. This is considered fantasy, but it was easy to become immersed in the world and follow the story.
I listened to some of the audiobook and the narrator is excellent. I started this via ebook on Libby. I ordered a physical copy by chapter two.
As always, go into Akwaeke Emezi’s work with an open mind and let the author lead you on a journey! Please check out the authors note on this one.
I wanted to choose a quote for this one but it’s just such a piece of art that flows together, I couldn’t choose a singular quote. Just read it, okay?! 🫶🏾✨
I went into this not really knowing much but expecting a lot because of my past experience with this author. All I can say is, I’m blown away. Somadina is one of my favorite books of 2025!
I truly admire the prose and how Akwaeki Emezi writes every sentence with intention. There’s no filler content within their books. It’s also impressive that as a fantasy book, this doesn’t over stay its welcome. I was fully satisfied from beginning to end. There’s nothing I would change about this story or the writing.
The story was intriguing, layered, cultural, and magical. The characters were complex. Somadina is a YA novel but the writing and themes make it fully enjoyable for adults. This is considered fantasy, but it was easy to become immersed in the world and follow the story.
I listened to some of the audiobook and the narrator is excellent. I started this via ebook on Libby. I ordered a physical copy by chapter two.
As always, go into Akwaeke Emezi’s work with an open mind and let the author lead you on a journey! Please check out the authors note on this one.
I wanted to choose a quote for this one but it’s just such a piece of art that flows together, I couldn’t choose a singular quote. Just read it, okay?! 🫶🏾✨
February 5, 2025
4.5 stars! once again Akwaeke proves that not one single word can be wasted in a book, especially a standalone. unlike all the rest of their books, this is a fantasy (not magical realism) but not unlike all of their books, searingly important messages that mirror the stories of reality. this is a story that our YA need, despite teetering into adult themes, especially in a world where violence and rejection is so commonplace. thank you Get Underlined for the ARC, ily!
April 4, 2025
Wow. Wow. Wow. This was just…so beyond incredible. I honestly went into this knowing nothing and was simply blown away at not only the story and immersive writing, but at Akwaeke’s ability to weave truth and fantasy elements together in a novel that is deeply impactful and beautifully told. I also adored how queernormative this world was! Overall, I desperately need everyone to read this!!
P. S. Do NOT skip the author’s note at the end!! They go into more detail about the reality of it not being safe to return to your land that raised you, and how that inspired Somadina’s journey.
*huge thanks to LibroFm for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*
P. S. Do NOT skip the author’s note at the end!! They go into more detail about the reality of it not being safe to return to your land that raised you, and how that inspired Somadina’s journey.
*huge thanks to LibroFm for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*
April 30, 2025
3.5*
absolutely ate this one up! the world and the magic system was so interesting, i just wish it was longer because a lot of things felt rushed and a little underdeveloped :/ overall had a good time tho!
absolutely ate this one up! the world and the magic system was so interesting, i just wish it was longer because a lot of things felt rushed and a little underdeveloped :/ overall had a good time tho!
April 8, 2025
This packs a punch is such a short amount of pages per usual from Emezi. Hard-hitting, emotional, touching, full of important bonds.
In a world where people have magical gifts following the Split - the great breaking of the Earth. Somadina and her twin, Jayaike, are deeply connected - their other half. When Jayaike is abducted, Somadina is determined to rescue him, across dangerous territories, against dangerous and evil forces.
This is a story about being different. Being outcast. Dealing with your community, your friends, even your family turning their back on you.
“Sometimes I think people in a group can do more wickedness than one person alone,” he replied. “Everyone waits for someone else to do something, or they do nothing, or they do the wicked things together.”
“Sometimes doing nothing is the wicked thing,” Nkadi said, her voice sour.
This is a story about hiding history, remembering history, facing your pain and fears. It is about acknowledging your vulnerability and setting boundaries.
Not a word is wasted. Every sentence is purposeful and yet this manages to be poetic.
I did want more from the ending as it felt like it finished too soon and don’t deal properly with the fall out, but Emezi’s novel always feel incomplete. After all, there is no utopia or paradise, even where magic exists.
Arc gifted by Faber and Faber.
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In a world where people have magical gifts following the Split - the great breaking of the Earth. Somadina and her twin, Jayaike, are deeply connected - their other half. When Jayaike is abducted, Somadina is determined to rescue him, across dangerous territories, against dangerous and evil forces.
This is a story about being different. Being outcast. Dealing with your community, your friends, even your family turning their back on you.
“Sometimes I think people in a group can do more wickedness than one person alone,” he replied. “Everyone waits for someone else to do something, or they do nothing, or they do the wicked things together.”
“Sometimes doing nothing is the wicked thing,” Nkadi said, her voice sour.
This is a story about hiding history, remembering history, facing your pain and fears. It is about acknowledging your vulnerability and setting boundaries.
Not a word is wasted. Every sentence is purposeful and yet this manages to be poetic.
I did want more from the ending as it felt like it finished too soon and don’t deal properly with the fall out, but Emezi’s novel always feel incomplete. After all, there is no utopia or paradise, even where magic exists.
Arc gifted by Faber and Faber.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
June 7, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK
Read
April 22, 2025Here to tell you that Emezi has written another banger 🧚🏼♀️🙂↕️
I really loved Pet & Bitter, but I think SOMADINA is Emezi's strongest YA yet. Loved the story. Loved the characters. And although this is being marketed as a standalone, I would absolutely read another book set in this world if Emezi chose to write it 👀.
Gift this one to a teen in your life who is a fan of:
igbo fantasies
bodies that don't fit in
talents that are different
quests that involve the spirit world
complicated family dynamics
leopards & blood 🩸
P.S. A little birdy told me the audio is part of libro.fm 's free influencer audio offerings this month, so grab it in the next two weeks if you want this one in your ears!
I really loved Pet & Bitter, but I think SOMADINA is Emezi's strongest YA yet. Loved the story. Loved the characters. And although this is being marketed as a standalone, I would absolutely read another book set in this world if Emezi chose to write it 👀.
Gift this one to a teen in your life who is a fan of:
igbo fantasies
bodies that don't fit in
talents that are different
quests that involve the spirit world
complicated family dynamics
leopards & blood 🩸
P.S. A little birdy told me the audio is part of libro.fm 's free influencer audio offerings this month, so grab it in the next two weeks if you want this one in your ears!
June 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐
If you fancy a gripping coming-of-age fantasy, rich in indigenous Igbo folklore and culture, then I I can recommend this book!
Somadina is the tale of twins Somadina and Jayaike, whose existence causes tension in their village for various reasons. But when Somadina gets into hot water and Jayaike is kidnapped, Somadina must leave everything she knows to find him while coming to terms with the magic that has changed everything.
Somadina is my second read by this author, the first being The Death of Vivek Oji. I saw similar themes around complex families, living with bodies that don’t meet societal expectations and the impact of that, and strong references to Igbo folklore. I ate it up.
Emezi writes layered, fully fleshed characters, and crafts rich worlds in all their colour and darkness with a precision that is remarkable. The book has that unputdownable quality, so it had me up reading at most ungodly hours because I was locked in.
I liked Somadina as a protagonist and felt for all of the difficulties she went through. While she wasn’t perfect, I never felt irritated by her, but to pity her for her struggles felt like an insult. Instead, I was just swept along, willing her to find that sense of acceptance and alignment that she both needed and deserved. I’d like to think that this was an intentional effect.
In an ideal world, I would have liked this to be just a little longer, as I felt like I slammed into the ending suddenly and it was over so quickly that I was left breathless. But the fact I wanted to hang on to the magic a bit longer can only be a good thing, right?
I look forward to reading more by this author!
If you fancy a gripping coming-of-age fantasy, rich in indigenous Igbo folklore and culture, then I I can recommend this book!
Somadina is the tale of twins Somadina and Jayaike, whose existence causes tension in their village for various reasons. But when Somadina gets into hot water and Jayaike is kidnapped, Somadina must leave everything she knows to find him while coming to terms with the magic that has changed everything.
Somadina is my second read by this author, the first being The Death of Vivek Oji. I saw similar themes around complex families, living with bodies that don’t meet societal expectations and the impact of that, and strong references to Igbo folklore. I ate it up.
Emezi writes layered, fully fleshed characters, and crafts rich worlds in all their colour and darkness with a precision that is remarkable. The book has that unputdownable quality, so it had me up reading at most ungodly hours because I was locked in.
I liked Somadina as a protagonist and felt for all of the difficulties she went through. While she wasn’t perfect, I never felt irritated by her, but to pity her for her struggles felt like an insult. Instead, I was just swept along, willing her to find that sense of acceptance and alignment that she both needed and deserved. I’d like to think that this was an intentional effect.
In an ideal world, I would have liked this to be just a little longer, as I felt like I slammed into the ending suddenly and it was over so quickly that I was left breathless. But the fact I wanted to hang on to the magic a bit longer can only be a good thing, right?
I look forward to reading more by this author!
March 22, 2025
I loved this fast-paced YA fantasy inspired by West Africa and Igbo culture. In this world Somadina and her twin brother Jayaike are united in a bond more unshakable than blood. When the Split happened, every human being was given magical gifts that manifest at puberty, and anyone who couldn't handle the magic didn't survive. Dibia are beings with more than one magical ability who are exiled from the community to live in the Spirit Forest.
Somadina's mother wanted children so badly after miscarriages that she made a deal with a god and didn't fulfill her end of the bargain. Her favorite child, a dibia, is stolen from her, and she heaps resentment on the remaining twins. But then it soon becomes apparent that they are different. Their bodies don't develop in puberty and their gifts appear late. But the twins also have more than one gift and aren't dibias. They are something worse, more powerful, and their mother comes to see them as abominations.
Until the day Jayaike is stolen from them by a being who wants their power for his own, and Somadina will do anything to get him back.
I loved the characters in this even if they could often be unlikable. Somadina was brash and reckless, and had a bad habit of not following instructions and not telling people things from her visions that could have been important to the mission. But at heart this was a story of exiles with a dash of romance, the love of twins, complicated family relationships, and surviving in the liminal spaces when you don't belong anywhere else.
The worldbuilding was also fascinating and drew with rich color and detail from Igbo culture, down to the foods of the culture. I was riveted from start to finish.
Highly recommend. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Somadina's mother wanted children so badly after miscarriages that she made a deal with a god and didn't fulfill her end of the bargain. Her favorite child, a dibia, is stolen from her, and she heaps resentment on the remaining twins. But then it soon becomes apparent that they are different. Their bodies don't develop in puberty and their gifts appear late. But the twins also have more than one gift and aren't dibias. They are something worse, more powerful, and their mother comes to see them as abominations.
Until the day Jayaike is stolen from them by a being who wants their power for his own, and Somadina will do anything to get him back.
I loved the characters in this even if they could often be unlikable. Somadina was brash and reckless, and had a bad habit of not following instructions and not telling people things from her visions that could have been important to the mission. But at heart this was a story of exiles with a dash of romance, the love of twins, complicated family relationships, and surviving in the liminal spaces when you don't belong anywhere else.
The worldbuilding was also fascinating and drew with rich color and detail from Igbo culture, down to the foods of the culture. I was riveted from start to finish.
Highly recommend. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
June 25, 2025
I've never shied away from speaking of how brilliant I find Akwaeke Emezi, they just know to get you enraptured in a story as if you're alongside the characters and that is talent.
I loved seeing the powerful bond between the twins. But also how Somadina got to find herself and become who she was meant to be when Jayaike is taken. There were themes of abandonment and sense of not belonging, and her feeling out if place, but on this journey she went on though it wasn't easy she soldiered on and got to find her place. You can see her go through extreme lengths to find her twin.
I loved seeing the powerful bond between the twins. But also how Somadina got to find herself and become who she was meant to be when Jayaike is taken. There were themes of abandonment and sense of not belonging, and her feeling out if place, but on this journey she went on though it wasn't easy she soldiered on and got to find her place. You can see her go through extreme lengths to find her twin.
March 21, 2025
4.5/5. I’ve been a fan of Emezi since I read Pet and not a book of theirs has disappointed me. The way they write with such intention and not a word is meant to be missed. This is YA but the themes definitely skew adult as it’s very much coming of age and understanding the world outside your small family bubble. I loved the magic, I loved the twins, I love the best friend. The West African culture and mythology is so strong and I could imagine the world so well. One of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
December 27, 2025
3.5
Dentro de la obra de Emezi creo que esto es de lo más legible que me he podido encontrar hasta ahora. Eso no lo hace menos interesante, creo que es una lectura entretenida. Pero si es cierto que esperaba un poco más de profundidad de algunos temas.
Dentro de la obra de Emezi creo que esto es de lo más legible que me he podido encontrar hasta ahora. Eso no lo hace menos interesante, creo que es una lectura entretenida. Pero si es cierto que esperaba un poco más de profundidad de algunos temas.
June 17, 2025
This was unexpected. The combination of this magical world and Igbo culture is a rich and fascinating setting. The story is vivid and compelling. Even though I did not always agree with the characters' choices, the author made a good emotional case for why the choices were made. This is currently a solid stand-alone book, but could also work as the start of a series.
August 16, 2025
3,5 ✨
August 29, 2025
4.25*
fast-paced and rich in Igbo folklore and culture. the characters and their adventures was such an entertaining experience!
fast-paced and rich in Igbo folklore and culture. the characters and their adventures was such an entertaining experience!
March 22, 2025
ALC gifted by Penguin audio
This might be my favorite YA that Emezi has written so far, and given how much I love PET, I’m totally blown away by SOMADINA
I love the world building, intertwining west Africa culture, history, and mythology to build a magical system that isn’t overwhelming for readers who get intimidated by fantasy. There’s some magic but it never interfered with the pacing or felt info dumpy
The main character’s journey of finding her lost twin brother while dealing with complex mother-daughter relationships, and finding a way to love herself despite the adults’ structures & rules, are other aspects I deeply enjoyed about SOMADINA
With impeccable pacing that I find hard to put down, great character development where even the side characters feel fleshed out, and a plot that had me on the edge of my seat, Emezi showcases their ability to write a compelling YA fantasy full of intrigue
SOMADINA being my 9th (!!!) Emezi book, I can’t wait to read more from them, and see what genres they’ll explore next!
This might be my favorite YA that Emezi has written so far, and given how much I love PET, I’m totally blown away by SOMADINA
I love the world building, intertwining west Africa culture, history, and mythology to build a magical system that isn’t overwhelming for readers who get intimidated by fantasy. There’s some magic but it never interfered with the pacing or felt info dumpy
The main character’s journey of finding her lost twin brother while dealing with complex mother-daughter relationships, and finding a way to love herself despite the adults’ structures & rules, are other aspects I deeply enjoyed about SOMADINA
With impeccable pacing that I find hard to put down, great character development where even the side characters feel fleshed out, and a plot that had me on the edge of my seat, Emezi showcases their ability to write a compelling YA fantasy full of intrigue
SOMADINA being my 9th (!!!) Emezi book, I can’t wait to read more from them, and see what genres they’ll explore next!
January 22, 2025
I'm a fan of Akwaeke Emezi's work. I came to read them through Pet, but I have enjoyed their adult novels as well. I was excited to receive an ARC of Somadina, and it did not disappoint! The story is set in a magical West African world that has split apart due to this same magic that spread throughout the people during the Split. Each child receives their "gift" at some point, and this story follows twins Somadina and Jayaike, whose gifts have been delayed. Jayaike was taken by a "hunter," and Somadina joins others on a journey to rescue him despite dangers and family issues as she comes into her own identity and strength. This book is so good--Well paced, great character development, a nice balance of characters and plot. This is a good purchase for all high school libraries. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.
December 23, 2025
“I hope we all get free.” Emezi, in the acknowledgments.
In a magical West African world where, upon puberty, everyone manifests their own magical ability, Somadina and her twin brother Jayaike are late bloomers. When their abilities do finally appear, her brother is taken captive by a being who wants to eat both of their power, which leads Somadina on a dangerous journey to get back her other half while trying to come into her own power.
The story weaves family, culture, and determination in this complex world of magic and tradition, exploring both what it means to love each other and know yourself. The world-building is rich enough to hook the reader without being overly complicated, has a great cast of characters you want to root for, and explores a magical darkness in this story that is really engaging.
As usual, Emezi’s writing is really captivating and moving. I loved the casual queerness. The exploration of the other, even in a smaller, tight-knit community, and what happens when loved ones turn their back on you. It’s also about history and remembering, which was just as beautiful as it was painful. The names throughout this book were beautiful, just as were the relationships between the characters. I want to see more, but I always want more of Emezi’s worlds when I finish reading them.
In a magical West African world where, upon puberty, everyone manifests their own magical ability, Somadina and her twin brother Jayaike are late bloomers. When their abilities do finally appear, her brother is taken captive by a being who wants to eat both of their power, which leads Somadina on a dangerous journey to get back her other half while trying to come into her own power.
The story weaves family, culture, and determination in this complex world of magic and tradition, exploring both what it means to love each other and know yourself. The world-building is rich enough to hook the reader without being overly complicated, has a great cast of characters you want to root for, and explores a magical darkness in this story that is really engaging.
As usual, Emezi’s writing is really captivating and moving. I loved the casual queerness. The exploration of the other, even in a smaller, tight-knit community, and what happens when loved ones turn their back on you. It’s also about history and remembering, which was just as beautiful as it was painful. The names throughout this book were beautiful, just as were the relationships between the characters. I want to see more, but I always want more of Emezi’s worlds when I finish reading them.
October 24, 2025
I kinda absolutely loved the premise, but the amount of time spent building up the inevitable kidnapping of Jayaike was a bit too long for my liking. Or maybe it just felt that way because the rescue mission that followed was so quick and straightforward in comparison.
I also had a bit of an emotional disconnect from the characters, which is weird, because Akwaeke Emezi did make me care quite a lot about the parental abandonment and the whole ostracism-from-the-village thing. But it’s like she never went far enough with it; at least not far enough for my taste. I wanted her to dig deeper, to pick harder at that open wound.
I didn’t personally need a romance subplot, but since Emezi decided to include one, I don’t understand why she threw it out so casually in the literal epilogue after spending all that time building up Somadina and Uwafulamiro.
So yeah, a bit lacklustre, which is a shame, because the world was rich and full of potential.
It does have one of the most beautiful covers though, so points for that.
I also had a bit of an emotional disconnect from the characters, which is weird, because Akwaeke Emezi did make me care quite a lot about the parental abandonment and the whole ostracism-from-the-village thing. But it’s like she never went far enough with it; at least not far enough for my taste. I wanted her to dig deeper, to pick harder at that open wound.
I didn’t personally need a romance subplot, but since Emezi decided to include one, I don’t understand why she threw it out so casually in the literal epilogue after spending all that time building up Somadina and Uwafulamiro.
So yeah, a bit lacklustre, which is a shame, because the world was rich and full of potential.
It does have one of the most beautiful covers though, so points for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
You know what, Akwaeke Emezi really is one of THE best authors out there, period. They just can't miss. The storytelling in this one is fabulously done, the plot itself is so well thought out, and I enjoyed every moment of the listening experience (major shoutout to the audiobook narrator Nene Nwoko for a job fabulously well done). This isn't even my favorite Emezi book I've read, and it's still a 5 star read. Their skills are undeniable. I have nothing to say except that if you're on the fence about picking this one up (or any of their books for that matter), just do it. What you'll learn when you get to the end of this story is that Somadina was actually a super early work of Emezi's from 2012 that got revisited! I'm so glad this one made it out into the world.
October 28, 2025
Actual Rating: 4.25
I absolutely adore Emezi’s prose and the way they build their characters, how every word seems important. I absolutely loved the world building in here, I loved the complexity of all the relationships showcased in here and how strong a sibling and familial bond can be, how it can be even more powerful than a romantic one. On that note, I wish the sorta kinda romance wasn’t in here especially since nothing became of it, but the plot twist? It had my jaw on the ground!
I absolutely adore Emezi’s prose and the way they build their characters, how every word seems important. I absolutely loved the world building in here, I loved the complexity of all the relationships showcased in here and how strong a sibling and familial bond can be, how it can be even more powerful than a romantic one. On that note, I wish the sorta kinda romance wasn’t in here especially since nothing became of it, but the plot twist? It had my jaw on the ground!
March 23, 2025
Once again another banger from Akwaeke Emezi
March 28, 2025
oh, my cold dead heart ❣️
June 21, 2025
Emezi can do no wrong!
Read
October 19, 2025DNF at 40%
June 21, 2025
Super wholesome and meaningful. It ended sort of the way I would have expected but I really enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.
October 28, 2025
Akwaeke Emezi‘s body of work — which spans genres — is a gift to the world, and is not to be held lightly. Not even when labelled as YA fantasy.
August 17, 2025
It's great to get back into the YA genre with a story that isn't just "boring as sin white girl in a science fiction dystopia that's too stupid to actually be believable. Oh, and the story is second to the boring hetero romance." Instead, Akwaeke Emezi gives us a dystopia rooted in fantasy and magic with rich worldbuilding, unique characters, an actually layered and compelling protagonist, and a story grounded in family and relationships, rather than having the relationships forced upon the main character a la boring romance.
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