The Scenic Route

The Nsibidi Scripts #2.5

by Nnedi Okorafor

In this spellbinding short story, join Akata Witch’s Sunny and Sasha on an adventure through the unexpected.

During a quick jaunt to the United States, Sunny and Sasha embark on a tour of Chicago that is unlike any other! From the bottom of Lake Michigan to the top of the city’s most famous skyscraper, their wild ride reveals mystical secrets of the city that are only viewable to those in the know. In The Scenic Route, award-winning writer Nnedi Okorafor weaves an enthralling short story starring the beloved Nsibidi Scripts characters from Akata Witch, Akata Warrior, and the upcoming Akata Woman, available in January 2022.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy, Witches

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2021

About the author

Nnedi Okorafor is a New York Times Bestselling writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. The more specific terms for her works are africanfuturism and africanjujuism, both terms she coined and defined. Born in the United States to two Nigerian (Igbo) immigrant parents and visiting family in Nigeria since she was a child, the foundation and inspiration of Nnedi’s work is rooted in this part of Africa. Her many works include Who Fears Death (winner of the World Fantasy Award and in development at HBO as a TV series), the Nebula and Hugo award winning novella trilogy Binti (in development as a TV series), the Lodestar and Locus Award winning Nsibidi Scripts Series, LaGuardia (winner of a Hugo and Eisner awards for Best Graphic Novel) and her most recent novella Remote Control. Her debut novel Zahrah the Windseeker won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. She lives with her daughter Anyaugo in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about Nnedi at Nnedi.com and follow Nnedi on twitter (as @Nnedi), Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters

I love this series. The characters are amazing and I can't get enough of them. I was so happy to read this short story about Sunny and Sasha taking a trip to Chicago. The car ride was hilarious. I truly loved every minute of this story as it reminded me of the series I adore.

[Linniegayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can't wait for the release of Akata Woman, then this short story may help with the wait. In this brief episode, Sunny and Sasha go with Sunny's mother to visit her Aunt in Chicago. While there, we get a quick look at some of the magical creatures who live in the U.S. Sunny's powers are clearly improving, and I can't wait for Akata Woman in a few weeks! If you haven't read the first two books in the series, go back and start with Akata Witch. But for me, while this is brief, it's definitely an A, so five stars here.

[Lisa Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun short story set in the world of Akata Witch and Akata Warrior.

[Emma Zucati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little ditty

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has written a short story based on the characters of his science fiction and fantasy Nsibidi scripts series.

The book series features friends Sasha and Sunny who live in Nigeria. They have special powers that allow them to see lots more than the average person. In this short story, the two friends land at O'Hare Airport in Chicago. They go on a short jaunt to visit the highlights of Chicago. Readers are treated to a tour of familiar sights seen through their unfamiliar eyes.

The book can be enjoyed by those who have not read books in the series but will probably whet their appetite to learn more about life in Nigeria and the mysterious powers they possess.

The series is recommended for ages twelve and older but this book is appropriate for younger children as well.

[Adelaide Metzger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, short side adventure with Sunny and Sasha in Chicago. I think it would have been cool to actually see what monsters lurked in the lake, but the creatures we did see were cool. I'm so ready for my copy of Akata Woman.

[Lauren Stutzbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this glimpse into American Leopard People! I hope we get to visit Tar Nation in future. Also loved Sunny calling on owls and cats 😁. Can't wait for Akata Woman!!!!

[ColleenIsBooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to be back with these characters! I can’t wait to read Akata Woman!!

[Lois Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Sunny and Sasha travel to Chicago to visit their families. Hijinks ensue.

A fun interlude to the series.

[Shiela Goliati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left me wanting more but not much of a cliff hanger. I just want to see what the rest of the books have to offer now

[Kasthuri BV · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting fantasy to read - although just a short story and I have not read anything in the series, it made sense.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny and Sasha come back to the US for a visit. Very sweet. And free on Amazon Kindle!

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook
❤️❤️❤️

[Yana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a little story where nothing happened but constant “come ons and Jesus” from Sasha and Sunny being confused.
Not worth the time, however little the time

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so fun! Honestly anything with the Nsibidi characters in it I will love and cherish. :)

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

read

[Bern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always happy to be with Sunny and the crew.

[Jasmyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is just a short story - but I thought it would provide some little piece of the overall story, but I just got nothing from it.

[DrizzleReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Short. Lil boring

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

60:2026
fun little side quest for Sunny and Sasha before I really dig into Akata Woman

[Emillee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little quick read but didn’t add or subtract anything to the main story. Only 30 pages but honestly I could have done without 💀

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love having them here in Chicago. Playful story, but enough there to show a little extra depth for both characters, their closeness, and even their increased boldness & confidence. Really fun!

Bonus for *spoilers*... a creature that might explain the "batman" legend from Chi (which loves popcorn! Garrets, maybe?). KabuKabu! Secretly wishing whatever is in the Lake is connected to Lagoon. And the spider brings in a little Udide reference. Maybe I'm projecting, but as short as this was, it seemed to reference a lot of Okorafor's other works. Anyone catch any Phoenix/WFD references?

[Monica Peavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leopards tour Chicago

This short story tells of two friends from Africa on a visit with family to visit family in Chicago. With the help of juju powder and magic they take a tour of the Sears Tower and with the help of a mysterious Network of "special" taxis they get a tour of lake Michigan actually traveling in the water.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun short

I enjoyed seeing Sunny and Sasha on a short adventure. This gives a good glimpse of the world, and adds a bit of flavor. Since it is a short story, it's mostly fluff, but it was fun.

[Earl Okiki-Ifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Just waiting my appetite for the last installment of the most excellent Nsibidi series. I love this series check it out

[Angela Maher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful short story that's enjoyable even if you haven't (yet) read anything else from the series.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it online. Nice to get some more of Sasha's history.

[Kristen Luppino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short story addition

I heard this story alluded to in one of the books, and am so glad to get a burst of a story from this world again!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cool to get a different look into the Leopard world. Nothing ground breaking, but cool.