Shuri

Shuri: A Black Panther Novel #1

by Nic Stone

Shuri, la sœur de Black Panther, n'a que cinq jours pour sauver le Wakanda !Shuri est la sœur du roi d'une mystérieuse nation nichée au cœur de l'Afrique, le Wakanda, dont le dirigeant, surnommé Black Panther, est doté de pouvoirs surhumains. À treize ans à peine, c'est déjà un petit génie, une scientifique très douée, partiellement formée aux arts martiaux comme la plupart des membres de la famille royale. Mais lorsque son frère, dont l'accession au trône est assez récente, lui réclame une nouvelle tenue de combat, elle peine à s'exécuter : impossible pour elle de manipuler correctement le vibranium, le métal le plus précieux du pays, capable de donner au tissu des propriétés extraordinaires. Pour se changer les idées, elle se laisse entraîner par sa meilleure amie à une étrange cérémonie. Là, Shuri a une vision à glacer le sang, et découvre que l'Herbe-Cœur, dont le roi tire ses pouvoirs, est en train de dépérir à un rythme alarmant. " Wakanda pour toujours ! " comme disent les braves. Shuri n'a que cinq jours avant que la catastrophe ne frappe et va devoir quitter le pays pour trouver la clé de l'énigme... Le compte à rebours a commencé ! Suivez la plus attachante des héroïnes dans son combat pour aider son frère à conserver le trône et protéger leur pays.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Marvel, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Superheroes, Fiction

301 pages, broché

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, Stone strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.

Stone lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @getnicced or on her website nicstone.info.

Reviews

[Emily✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled between 2 and 3 stars for this one. I'm trying to keep in mind that I'm not the target audience for a middle grade book, but I found myself a bit disappointed by Shuri. The plot was familiar ground: Shuri struggles to feel understood in a society that values men over women, strength over intelligence. The adults in her life, especially her mother, expect her to be a perfect princess rather than use her brain to contribute to her country, and she isn't taught anything about Wakandan global politics. I don't recognize this Wakanda; where is the technological utopia? Where is the respect for powerful women? Where is the wise queen mother we saw in Black Panther? (Granted, I've only read a few of the BP comics, so the MCU film accounts for most of my background knowledge.) Shuri also touches on Wakanda's insular nature and its perception as a haughty and miserly country by the rest of Africa. That would have been more interesting ground to explore than tired old sexism and anti-intellectualism. Don't get me wrong-- we absolutely need stories about sexism, especially for children. But I've read those stories. I wanted something else from Shuri.

Besides that, the plot itself I found to be quite dull. Basically, something is poisoning the mystical Heart-Shaped Herb (sidebar: can we not come up with a better name than that??) which imbues the Black Panther with his power, thereby threatening the future of Wakandan royal succession. When no one heeds young Princess Shuri's concerns about the plant, she takes matters into her own hands. Under her overbearing mother's nose and together with her best friend/Dora Milaje-in-training K'Marah, Shuri flees the country to find help elsewhere. Here's another gripe I had: how does it make sense that the Wakandans don't have the corner of knowledge on their own ecosystem, and especially vibranium? Why does every Wakandan besides Shuri brush off the seriousness of the Heart-Shaped Herb's extinction? Answer: because it adds drama and stakes to the story, at the expense of sensible characterization.

However, Shuri had some definite bright spots! The first and most obvious, of course, being the title character. Shuri's interest and talent in science is lovely to see in a book for young readers (though I wish it had been supported by other characters in this story, rather than stymied); the story includes many different STEM fields including botany, engineering, and artificial intelligence. One plotline involves Shuri's friend, K'Marah, getting essentially catfished over the internet, which I think is an important element to see in a middle grade book, with kids spending more and more time being social online. There are so many Black African girls and women characters with different personalities and strengths, which is unfortunately an uncommon occurrence in mainstream literature (especially children's lit). I thought the villain had an interesting motivation, and I wish that had been more prevalent earlier on in the story. Anika Noni Rose's narration on the audiobook was fantastic.

Ultimately, I wanted so much more from Shuri than I got from it, which could definitely just be a personal problem. But the end result is that I was bored and occasionally frustrated by the storyline and characterization. Despite such strong potential and an awesome main character, the story itself felt fueled by tropes that don't make sense for the context. No one is more sad than I am that this is a disappointing 2.5 stars.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ALC via Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review!

--

SHURI SHURI SHURI SHURI SHURI

⭐ 2021 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge ⭐
2. An Afrofuturist book

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Shuri is a fun middle grade novel focusing on the Princess of Wakanda who all too often is seen only as Black Panther's little sister. A self-proclaimed science/tech nerd, Shuri is constantly working on new inventions and designing upgrades for T'Challa's suit.

Now she's discovered that the heart shaped herb essential to the survival of Wakanda and the power of the Black Panther is dying at an alarming rate. She sets out with her Dora-in-training BFF to discover what's killing the powerful herb before the next Panther challenge that threatens T'Challah's title.

My daughter and I read this together because we've both been fan-girling over Shuri since watching Black Panther. I really wanted more from this but I'm certainly not faulting the book since I'm not the target reader here. It's a quick read highlighting Shuri's humor, skills, and sense of adventure and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to share once again share with my daughter!

For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 10%. Okay, I went into this open minded— but Shuri just ripped ass in front of an entire room full of Wakandan officials. For no reason other than to make the reader giggle at how juvenile it is. What even is this book?? Shuri?? Nah, this ain’t her; or at least not the Shuri I want to read about. It seems like Stone really tried here, but I don’t understand degrading Shuri with fart jokes. This may be juvenile fiction, but... does it have to be so juvenile? I hope young girls find the Shuri book they’re looking for here, but I won’t be wasting my time. I’ve been burned by this author too many times. 2/5 stars for effort.

[Oyinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 44 of 2021

I loved Shuri a lot since watching Black Panther. Now, I love her so much more. She's such an amazing and brave heroine, with a lot of humor and tricks up her sleeve. When I watched Black Panther, one of my favorite Shuri lines was "WHAT ARE THOSE?!". It made me laugh so hard and I'm so glad Nic Stone was able to embody that humor and so many parts of Shuri that I love in this book.

This is a Middle Grade novel so we get to see a younger Shuri than was introduced to us in the movie. I don't read any Marvel comics because I can't keep track of issues and volumes. So I love that this is in prose form and that there's an audiobook, which I listened to. Anika Noni Rose, the audiobook narrator did such a wonderful job of bringing the characters, especially Shuri, to life.

So many themes were covered in this book, and I appreciate them so much. Here's a couple I especially loved.

Female friendships: In this book, one of the things at the forefront is Shuri's friendship with K'Marah, a Dora Milaje in training. I enjoyed their friendship a lot and I enjoyed just watching them be kids going on adventures and covering up for each other.

Black Girl Power: Ugh I loved that so so much. From Shuri and Ororo to the Dora Milaje and the female villain, I loved how fierce and resourceful the women and girls in this book were. Yes, I said Ororo (aka Storm from Xmen). She made an appearance in this book and I screamed cause yes to black girls doing thingssss.

Black girls in STEM: Shuri is one of the smartest and most genius (I don't know if "most genius" is correct English but you get my point) Marvel characters. I love that about her and this book. She's so crafty and innovative.

I enjoyed this book a lot and I highly recommend this!

[SlythJetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This warmed my Wakandian loving heart!!!

Stone did a fantastic job of delving into Shuri's life as princess of Wakanda. Shuri was one of my favorite characters from Black Panther and I was happy to hear she was getting her own series. I loved Shuri motivationally driven love and hard-headedness mischievous missions she and her Dora, M'Karah, devised to save Wakanda and the heart-shaped herb.

There were also guest appearances from the lovely Storm (I anticipated her mention after watching an instagram live featuring Nic Stone and Angie Thomas where they discussed the book and that previously Storm and T'Challa dated and that she saved him from a group of colonizers). When Stone included that bit in the book I screamed for triumphantly recalling that memory as Storm's name appeared on the page.

There is even mention of a "family" member I did not see coming, not sure if they were mentioned in the movie or previous issues of the comic.

Shuri was an engaging, heart racing, action packed adventure that tested a princess and her Dora in every way possible, for a middle grade aged kid. My interest was captured with every page and know people of all ages will enjoy this book. Plus, IT'S PRINTED IN PURPLE INK!!!

I cannot wait to continue with the Shuri series and discover what newly impressive gadgets she has up her sleeves.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the mix between the cinematic Shuri and Stone's own style and wit - I'm hoping for more books in the series!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Marvel stories, I would highly recommend Shuri. If you like whip smart dialogue, Shuri is for you! If you are looking for a cool sci-fi thriller, then might I recommend Shuri by Nic Stone. Seriously, what a fun story that I hope finds a large audience.

[Shealea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion coming your way:

If this were just a middle-grade superhero book, I'd probably be happy to recommend it to young readers. But the thing is, it's not. Shuri: A Black Panther Novel is, as the title clearly suggests, a middle-grade superhero book that's tied to a gigantic cinematic franchise (Marvel). And like it or not, that comes with certain expectations.

My biggest issue with this book is that it presented a version of Wakanda that I didn't recognize. I was baffled by the abrupt introduction of sexism and misogyny in Wakanda, a progressive Afro-futuristic civilization where women are revered warriors and queens hold real power. All of a sudden, only male royal figures are given statues and respect? Princesses are overlooked and dismissed? Only men can take the mantle of Black Panther? Pardon my Tagalog, pero saan ito nanggaling, ate girl?

In its quest to serve girl power vibes with Shuri at the forefront, this book does a disservice to the Wakanda that we know and love on screen. And it also reduces its central character into an unexceptional, cookie-cutter, not-like-other-girls heroine (loves STEM, hates dressing up and other "girly" things, can't relate to female peers her age). For more specific examples, this review does a great job at detailing them.

On a more nitpicky note, for an isolationist country, there sure are a lot of American references in the text. There's even a brief reference towards Shuri taking lessons on American history and culture - and I have to say, WHAT ARE THOSE? I can understand that, as a princess, she needs to be armed with world history to be able to navigate global politics. But why is there a heavy emphasis on American education? (I mean, I know why, and it's annoying.)

Overall, I'm very disappointed and frustrated. This book could've been so much more.

Not recommended.

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[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be happy that Marvel (and DC) are putting out these prose novels with good, often #OwnVoices authors. This was a great fit, I loved the humor Nic Stone brought to Shuri as well as the brilliance + naivete as Shuri starts to contemplate the world outside Wakanda.

This is a middle grade novel--great for tween readers and some older tweens (and adults) who love the character. (I saw some reviews complaining about the "juvenile" humor and like..............yeah. It's for kids. Shuri's a kid. lol. If you want sophistication go read Ta-Nehisi Coates or Roxane Gay's Black Panther comics.)

[Ethan the Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I feel like I can say I listened to entirely--that is, it's the first audio book that I've paid enough attention to.

I enjoyed the narration a lot. Anika Noni Rose portrayed every African character with a very well-done accent (according to the Black Panther movie), including Shuri's thoughts. It didn't add to the quality of the book, but it certainly made the audio book more fun to listen to.

The characters felt real and fun. Shuri is exactly how I would expect her to have been when she was younger (again, according to the movie). Her relationship with her kingly brother also felt very real. Idk how to spell her friend's name, but she was also such a gem to the book.

We got to meet characters from the comics (like Storm and the White Wolf), which combined nicely with the aesthetic of the movie to craft this novel perfectly. There were also references to American superheroes and movies, which reminded the reader of our setting.

The plot was good, but nothing special; it never gripped me. But the overall storyline and the places we visit and people we see/meet possibly made up where the plot didn't meet my liking.

Overall I'd say the book never really packed a punch. It was a good book for sure, but that's just it--good. Nothing was special or stood out, and it has no reason to blend in with my 4-stars, so I'll leave it at 3 (maybe like a 3.25 or 3.5 or something). I'd definitely recommend it to those that want a Marvel novel. If you like Black Panther (or just Shuri), don't hesitate to pick this book up. The adventures, characters, and dynamics make this a book that many people could enjoy. It's not a masterpiece, but it's fun.






Plus the audio book 👌

-Me✌🏼

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review on my blog, The Reading Fairy
The Vanished: ?/5

TW: Mention of colonizers and colonization, fantasy violence, misogyny
Rep: Black (East African) cast

“No need to send a king when a princess will do.”

Frankly, I am surprised no one noticed that Nic Stone was publishing a series with Shuri as the main character. Like why did no one tell me that? I’m so upset, because I should have read this sooner, because it’s Black Panther and I adore the movie! Mostly for the fact that it has practically an all Black cast, and it’s superhero where it brought me to be excited.

No superhero movies at all interested me until Black Panther came on my radar and I knew I had to see it! AND I loved it quite a bit, that I knew I had to buy a DVD of it because it’s amazing. I absolutely adored Shuri from that movie, mostly because any girls especially Black girls in STEM is awesome!

And this book did not disappoint! I’ll admit, it took me a little bit to get used to the younger tone of Shuri and how she is at this young age, but I loved her. I would have killed to have this book when I was younger.

I loved young Shuri. I loved how she passionate she became when it science was present. The glee, how much she loved the science and the creations. And also, it just sounds so cool in general. This is coming from someone who sucks at science at two different reasons, terrible teachers and too much reading. But I have an A in anatomy so far.

And the friendship between her and K’Marah which I adored. I love any books that has such a cool girl friendship.

I also love how she notices the lack of female recognition in Wakanda. She even questions it, because all the Black Panthers were only men, and the only highest rank is the Dora Milaje warriors. It was such a nice nod, and honestly I really hope she challenges it.

[Dee Dee (Dee Reads for Food) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakanda forever. That was the final line in this novel and the grin that I had on my face as those words were uttered is akin to the smile I had upon first seeing the movie.
_____________________________________________
Reading this was both a blast of nostalgia and a whole new experience (character and plot included). There were the familiar characters that we come to expect from the Black Panther world, but then there was a major inclusion that gave my heart the biggest squeeze Storm was there! And not just as a name drop like Captain America was. No, she played a significant role in the storyline..

Seeing Shuri's side of things was refreshing. She was fighting to carve her own space in her brother's shadow and out from under the expectations that came with being a princess. The resentment for her lack of freedom to explore, affect real change and experiment was palpable. But we all know our girl Shuri is a little rebel and it shows.

I missed this world so much.

[mytaakeonit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Nic Stone! The audiobook of this was amazing. Such a fun read and a great addition to the marvel universe!

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot left something to be desired. It was quite familiar (here’s the issue let’s try to solve it), which leads to a cat and mouse type tale.
However, it was nice to see a few awesome cameos. But I didn’t enjoy the lack of continuity between the wakanda we’ve seen and this one that has been. explained away . Blah 😩🤦🏾‍♂️

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shuri really stole the show for me in Black Panther, so I was really excited to read Nic Stone's older MG/ younger YA novel set shortly before her first appearance in the MCU. Nice Stone does a great job bringing her to Shuri to life and tonally she's a great choice to write her story with what we already know of the character's personality from MCU. I was pleasantly surprised by the small role of Dr. Selvig and totally thrilled by the appearance Ororo, aka Storm of the X-Men. The only thing that could have made this better: an audiobook edition narrated by Letitia Wright, the actress who brings the MCU's Shuri to life. Nice Stone is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and I'd enjoy seeing her write Marvel novels like this. It would be so much fun!

[Kate Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Guys, the ink is purple, and that's not even the coolest thing about this book!)

The Black Panther movies are my favorite in the MCU, so I decided to pick this up, expecting it to just be a fun filler novel. What I got was so much more! More Shuri, alternative lore for small details (including the dome), other characters from the comics, some new additions (K'Marah was great), and geeky, geeky tech. I especially loved the coming-of-age storyline for Shuri, and I think this makes the events of the second movie even better.

I'm not sure yet if I'll read more in this series, but I did enjoy this one. <3

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

english review only

This book was all kinds of amazing.
I love Shuri as a character in the movies, so getting more from and about her, YES PLEASE!!!!

I love that through this book, she could really shine, her brain power, her bravery, her everything!!!

I love the writing, it was really easy to read and to enjoy. I seriously had so much fun.

I love tthe different relationshis with Shuri in the middle od them. Her relationship with her mother. With T'challa. It's the family feels, man. But her friendship with M'Marah, and the growth of them. Ugh, I love it. Give me famlily and friendship relationships and I'm sold.

Bought the second book right away and can't wait to dive into it.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was delightful! I had a great time. Nic Stone wrote this beautifully, and Annika Noni Rosa did a superb job on the narration.

If you know me at all, then you know why my favorite line in the book was:
"That is queen Ororo."
And how it activated my fangirl!

Dora was the weak link of the book, and there is a lot more I want from this series. I will be reading on in it soon.

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

[Ekene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew the second I saw the words, Shuri + Black Panther, I knew it was going to be awesome

I knew the second that it was revealed Nic Stone was writing it, it was going to be good.

Proud to say, I was right. It was such a fun read, particularly the audiobook that's narrated by our very own Princess Tiana from Princess and the Frog, Anika Noni Rose

[Stephi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun and easy read. I would recommend it to others, but it was just not my type of book.

[Kavitha Sivakumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The first half is so-so. The second half is good. As a marvel universe fan, I rarely read any comics/books. Also, I am interested in Shuri character very much after watching Black Panther. So intrigued by this book from her POV.

A feminist book with Shuri, K'Marah, Storm, and guess what, the villain is also a lady :)

Don't know about Storm being princess of Kenya. Need to look up.

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this new middle grade action packed novel from writer extraordinaire Nic Stone, Shuri has only 5 days before Challenge Day to save the purple heart-shaped herb before it dies out completely! It is up to her to save the day and protect her kingdom while using her smarts and wits to resolve an issue that surprisingly no one else seems to care about except for her.

When the news first broke that this new book focusing on Shuri would be published, I was extremely excited and knew I had to get my hands on it! And let me just say, I was not disappointed at all! Even though we get to see her in the movie and comics, Shuri's character is given much more of a back story and an identity than before. Nic Stone adds a lot more depth to her character and allows for some new elements of Shuri's persona to be showcased. In the majority of Marvel’s canon, Shuri is portrayed between the ages of 16-20, rarely leaves Wakanda, and is depicted as a loner without any friends. However, because this book is written pre-canon and Stone gets to create her own backstory for her, in this novel Shuri is much younger. She is 13, gets to go on an epic time-crunching adventure outside of her homeland, and has a Dora Milaje in-training best friend named K'Marah who is just as passionate about saving Wakanda as she is. We also get to see more of Shuri's genius at work and her amazing technological skills; Shuri has created more vibranium enhanced devices than anyone could ever think of and even has her own invisible stealth flying panther mobile! I loved that Shuri questioned some of the Wakandian traditions too; she questions why women are the backbone to Wakandian society but never get the recognition that they deserve and realizes that there haven't been any women rulers or females who have had the chance to take up the Black Panther mantle in her country's history, but she one day seeks to change that. And of course no Marvel novel, comic book, movie, or tv show is complete without a special cameo of another famous superhero character too! (You can most likely guess who it will be but I won’t spoil it for you in this review.)

Shuri is one of my favorite Black girl superheroes because she makes me feel empowered, exhibits literal Black girl magic, confidence, wit, and intelligence, and is a great role model and representation for little Black and brown kids who are interested in STEM. I can't wait to read more of Shuri's adventures in the second book which comes out February 2021!

Also, I would like to take this time to say thank you to Chadwick Boseman for his amazing portrayal of T'Challa. I took these photos a few weeks ago and I know no one could have imagined that you would no longer be with us today. Without your phenomenal performance as The Black Panther, the box-office success that the movie became, and the pride that the film gave us all, there would be no Shuri novel, so I thank you and rest well King! Wakanda Forever!

Rating: 💜💜💜💜/5 (4 heart-shaped herbs out of 5)

[Ella Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I liked this book more.

My issue stems from the fact that this is a fairly formulaic and by the numbers princess coming of age story.

Shuri is young. No one listens to her. No one takes her interests seriously. She is a girl. Her society does not care what girls do.

This does not agree with the version of Wakanda we are given in the movie. I understand that this story does not take place in the same world as the story, but the changes that are made in service to centralizing Shuri do damage to the society at large.

For one, Shuri laments the lack of women Black Panthers. This is meant to be understood as her being motivated for WOMENS RIGHTS...except we know in the movie that when T'Challa goes into the ancestral plane that there ARE women who have been the Black Panther. This is also an established fact in the comics. There are not as many as men but to say there are none furthers a particularly disturbing narrative about Wakanda.

Then there is Shuri's distaste for fancy clothes. Fine, she's a teenager and many times the expectation of wearing nice dresses is annoying, but it is used as a means of distinguishing her from her mother and other girls her age who are frivolous and do not like SCIENCE. Shuri likes SCIENCE. It's okay for Shuri to not like dressing up and it not being used as a means of demeaning the women and girls who do.

Shuri and Ramonda's relationship is also altered. In the movie we see a loving mother daughter relationship. Ramonda does admonish Shuri for being disrespectful to tradition, but it is not the defining aspect of their dynamic. Here, Ramonda is overbearing, dismissive, and does not support Shuri's love of inventions and science. She's willing to take Shuri away from her lab, despite the fact that Shuri is responsible for innovating Wakandan Tech and weaponry. This. Makes. No. Sense.

Then there is the fact that NO ONE TAKES A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE SERIOUSLY? Only Shuri sees a danger to their traditions and only Shuri has a grasp on politics to understand the danger posed to Wakanda when the heart shaped herb is dying. It is only when Shuri has a #girlpower moment telling T'Challa off that the danger is taken seriously. Or at least that he grants that she should research the issue.

The changes that are made turn Wakanda into a sexist, old fashioned, society. They seem to have been made in order to prioritize Shuri's growth, but what it does is make her unexceptional. It makes her like any other princess in any other Disney movie. We were given something in Shuri that was beautiful: a Black girl with no limits. One who was supported and loved. Who had the ability and resources to fulfil her dreams.

That is not the Shuri we got here.

That being said, I highly enjoyed the parts of the story that were outside of Wakanda. I loved that we got to see Ororo and the discussion of Wakanda's isolationist policies and how that connects to their inaction/unawareness of climate change is a fascinating twist.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful, fun book to listen to. The narration was perfect. The story was exciting and fun. Even for someone that may not know a lot about Black Panther or the Marvel comics, it would be enjoyable. Shuri is such a strong, fantastic character.

Edit after reread: Still love this so much! Shuri is such a great character. And the others are amazing too

[Alana "Loni" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Passed it on to a student and can't wait to hear what she thinks about it!

[Blue]

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Thank you Scholastic for this book in exchange for an honest review

This is the sidekick hero that we need to read about!
Also this book is stunnnnnniinnnngggg. I mean look at that cover. It is giving me all the vibes and I am totally here for it!
Okay so straight off the bat, Black Panther isn’t one of the Marvel verse heroes that you don’t hear about that often. It generally isn’t a favourite and due to that, Shuri is also a character that get’s left behind as well.
What I loved about this is that Stone doesn’t shy away from the technically language that is Shuri. We read and learn about how her brilliant mind thinks and what gadgets she has invented and make her nerd bell ring! And I love it. This light heart tale is Shuri’s first glimpse out of her home Wakanda and what is happening in the world around Wakanda as well. Shuri focuses on finding a heart-shaped herb that gives the Black Panther his power as well as being an essential part of Wakanda’s culture, but it is dying. Shuri must use her smarts and wits to save a part of her culture’s tradition.
This adventure of self-doubt, self-discovery, humour and action will have woman screaming support from everywhere.

[Grace W · Rating 4 out of 5]

(c/p from my review on TheStoryGraph) This was a fun take on Shuri and great for fans of the character. I thought the plot could have been a little tighter and also that the side characters could have used some more depth. But it has a lot of cameos from Marvel characters that both were and weren't in the MCU (X-men don't count as MCU folks). I was hoping to love this and while I liked it very much I didn't love it all that much. Still, it's a solid story with a great direction for the characters and also I will probably read the sequel so here we are at a solid four.

TW for this book include: violence (classic comic book style), racism (more implied or talked about historical, not necessarily people acting racist towards any group if that makes sense), poisoning, and sexism

[Dreximgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think the story behind this was pretty decent the characters just didn't feel right. Shuri just wasn't as savvy as we've seen her in the MCU and sometimes she came across as quite immature. Secondary characters, especially the mother, definitely came across as too exaggerated, and almost pantomime like.

I know this is for middle grade readers so I am definitely not the target audience but I was hoping for a little more.

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think students (and other Wakanda fans) would like this story.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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