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Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace
The year is 1748. Elewa, known as ‘the Daughter of Peace’, bears a heavy responsibility on her young shoulders: to maintain the fragile truce between the warring peoples of her West African kingdom.
But as she begins to understand her role in the peace negotiations, even greater pressures emerge. Elewa discovers that she has Yeseni, a powerful gift that allows her to see events from any point in time, and to travel into the past and future.
When she experiences horrific visions of life aboard a slave ship, she realises she has to face the ultimate crossroads. She could use her gift to intervene in the past and try to prevent the transatlantic slave trade ever taking place. But that means she, as the Daughter of Peace, would be leaving her village behind at a precarious moment in the reconciliation process.
Whichever path she chooses to take, the future of her people lies on her shoulders.
But as she begins to understand her role in the peace negotiations, even greater pressures emerge. Elewa discovers that she has Yeseni, a powerful gift that allows her to see events from any point in time, and to travel into the past and future.
When she experiences horrific visions of life aboard a slave ship, she realises she has to face the ultimate crossroads. She could use her gift to intervene in the past and try to prevent the transatlantic slave trade ever taking place. But that means she, as the Daughter of Peace, would be leaving her village behind at a precarious moment in the reconciliation process.
Whichever path she chooses to take, the future of her people lies on her shoulders.
336 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2023
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July 12, 2024Fantasy set in late 1700s Africa, with a young woman obliged to marry the chief's son from the warring tribe, but also struggling with a magical gift of vision that could change history.
Loved the idea and wow, the cover, but the writing style isn't doing it for me: it's flat, with little description and a lot of 'as you know' exposition, and the heroine feels a lot younger than 16 in her naivety and behaviour. Wonder if it was written as YA? In any case, IMO it needed a stronger edit to bring out the voice and ground the story, but YMMV here as YA never works for me.
Loved the idea and wow, the cover, but the writing style isn't doing it for me: it's flat, with little description and a lot of 'as you know' exposition, and the heroine feels a lot younger than 16 in her naivety and behaviour. Wonder if it was written as YA? In any case, IMO it needed a stronger edit to bring out the voice and ground the story, but YMMV here as YA never works for me.
December 7, 2023
I'm not a huge reader of historical fiction, but I do love to challenge my reading genres every so often - and this book sounded so intriguing I was really keen to give this one a try.
First of all, I was drawn to it by the bright and bold front cover - it looked so exotic. I was also intrigued by the title - assuming that Yeseni was a person?
When I read the blurb, I was intrigued and loved the premise that this may have more of a sci fi plot to it too.
I really quite enjoyed the writing style. It was full and informative right from the start but without feeling preachy or bogging us down too much with facts and figures.
This was woven into the narrative well and made for an interesting read about family, culture and quarrels.
I loved hearing about the tribe's history and traditions and that belief in the supernatural leads on to the storyline focussing on the yeseni, power to see and travel to events last and future.
I loved Elewa right from the start. A great character full of wonder and so inquisitive and I think this is what endears us to her quest too.
A really thought-provoking read. Not my usual thing, but one I'm glad that I picked up as it proved to be something quite different to much I've read recently.
First of all, I was drawn to it by the bright and bold front cover - it looked so exotic. I was also intrigued by the title - assuming that Yeseni was a person?
When I read the blurb, I was intrigued and loved the premise that this may have more of a sci fi plot to it too.
I really quite enjoyed the writing style. It was full and informative right from the start but without feeling preachy or bogging us down too much with facts and figures.
This was woven into the narrative well and made for an interesting read about family, culture and quarrels.
I loved hearing about the tribe's history and traditions and that belief in the supernatural leads on to the storyline focussing on the yeseni, power to see and travel to events last and future.
I loved Elewa right from the start. A great character full of wonder and so inquisitive and I think this is what endears us to her quest too.
A really thought-provoking read. Not my usual thing, but one I'm glad that I picked up as it proved to be something quite different to much I've read recently.
January 21, 2024
"Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace" weaves a captivating tale, seamlessly blending fantasy and profound themes. The narrative unfolds with rich world-building, enveloping readers in a vivid realm. The characters, especially Yeseni, are beautifully developed, navigating a journey of self-discovery and courage. The Daughter of Peace adds a layer of mystique, and the author's lyrical prose enhances the overall enchantment. A compelling read that resonates with both adventure and introspection.
January 21, 2024
This is the epitome of black girl magic. Loved it from start to finish. True page turner. Put this on your books to read list. The characters were well developed and felt authentic. I appreciated the pace and creativity.
November 3, 2024
Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace is a debut novel and I am going to have to apologise up front for my rating, which reflects my personal reading preferences, not the quality of the text in terms of what it is attempting.
Perhaps the most unsavoury outcome of war was, and Palways had been, opportunity. Unpleasant as it may be, the war had allowed the victorious spoils in the form of free labour from prisoners of war. It created despair, sorrow, lone-liness and misery, not just in a few, but in thousands of human hearts. Imagine a world where everyone you know lives with some form of grief; that was our world for many years after the war. Countless lives were tragically lost: Okena lives, Oleba lives, all of them human lives.
One of the main ways in which a civilian could become a slave in our time was through the war with the Okena. For those who were captured rather than killed, an inevitable fate awaited: that of becoming a slave. It did not matter what their rank was, or who they were, or where they came from: if they were prisoners of war, they were taken into slavery. Many Okena had been taken this way, captured in battles long ago. Some escaped and returned to the Okena, others became like members of our extended Oleba families. Since the fighting had ended, there had been no more prisoners of war, for which I was glad.
The novel is set in West Africa, we're told in the blurb in 1748, with two tribes, the Oleba of the narrator Elewa, and the Okena, in an uneasy state of semi-war but with the elders seeing if peace can be reached. And cruel traders from Britain are stirring division, offering guns in exchange for captives and criminals to be taken transatlantic as slaves.
The Okena are led by heriditary male rulers, and their most precious jewel is the King's first born son, Ojuro, who is kept from fighting due to the need to preserve the line. Elewa, who is 16, is the daughter of the man who is next in line as Chief of the Oleba, who choose their ruler on merit and particularly prize daughters. As part of the peace negotiations, Elewa is pledged in marriage to Ojuro, and hailed as the titular Daughter of Peace.
But the title's other aspect, Yeseni, plays a greater role in the story, a gift which Elewa possesses which allows her to see visions of the past and future, and indeed to inhabit the minds of those she sees to influence their actions. Which takes the novel down a time-travel diversion, with her travelling to the present day, to get a modern perspective on what happened, and back to the past to prevent a King naively advertising the riches of his country to rapicious Europeans.
Although labelled by the publisher as "historical fiction with fantasy", Elewa's narration lacks the performative aspect of much historic fiction - she doesn't describe the sights, sounds and tastes of her era in detail, or indeed dates and places, as they are natural to her - but it does make her narration rather flat and quite difficult to root in any further reading.
And I was surprised to learn, mid-novel, that she was 16 as the narrative voice sounded rather more naive, indeed there is an overall innocent naivety to the text (although with some very dark descriptions when Elewa uses her Yeseni to mentally travel inside a transatlantic slave ship) and particularly the plot which makes me feel the novel may be aimed at a younger audience, perhaps tweens.
(Read 14-15th December; rated 2 stars)
Perhaps the most unsavoury outcome of war was, and Palways had been, opportunity. Unpleasant as it may be, the war had allowed the victorious spoils in the form of free labour from prisoners of war. It created despair, sorrow, lone-liness and misery, not just in a few, but in thousands of human hearts. Imagine a world where everyone you know lives with some form of grief; that was our world for many years after the war. Countless lives were tragically lost: Okena lives, Oleba lives, all of them human lives.
One of the main ways in which a civilian could become a slave in our time was through the war with the Okena. For those who were captured rather than killed, an inevitable fate awaited: that of becoming a slave. It did not matter what their rank was, or who they were, or where they came from: if they were prisoners of war, they were taken into slavery. Many Okena had been taken this way, captured in battles long ago. Some escaped and returned to the Okena, others became like members of our extended Oleba families. Since the fighting had ended, there had been no more prisoners of war, for which I was glad.
The novel is set in West Africa, we're told in the blurb in 1748, with two tribes, the Oleba of the narrator Elewa, and the Okena, in an uneasy state of semi-war but with the elders seeing if peace can be reached. And cruel traders from Britain are stirring division, offering guns in exchange for captives and criminals to be taken transatlantic as slaves.
The Okena are led by heriditary male rulers, and their most precious jewel is the King's first born son, Ojuro, who is kept from fighting due to the need to preserve the line. Elewa, who is 16, is the daughter of the man who is next in line as Chief of the Oleba, who choose their ruler on merit and particularly prize daughters. As part of the peace negotiations, Elewa is pledged in marriage to Ojuro, and hailed as the titular Daughter of Peace.
But the title's other aspect, Yeseni, plays a greater role in the story, a gift which Elewa possesses which allows her to see visions of the past and future, and indeed to inhabit the minds of those she sees to influence their actions. Which takes the novel down a time-travel diversion, with her travelling to the present day, to get a modern perspective on what happened, and back to the past to prevent a King naively advertising the riches of his country to rapicious Europeans.
Although labelled by the publisher as "historical fiction with fantasy", Elewa's narration lacks the performative aspect of much historic fiction - she doesn't describe the sights, sounds and tastes of her era in detail, or indeed dates and places, as they are natural to her - but it does make her narration rather flat and quite difficult to root in any further reading.
And I was surprised to learn, mid-novel, that she was 16 as the narrative voice sounded rather more naive, indeed there is an overall innocent naivety to the text (although with some very dark descriptions when Elewa uses her Yeseni to mentally travel inside a transatlantic slave ship) and particularly the plot which makes me feel the novel may be aimed at a younger audience, perhaps tweens.
(Read 14-15th December; rated 2 stars)
October 5, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Unbound for this copy!
Set in Africa in the 1700s, we follow a girl named Elewa, as she struggles to come to terms with her betrothal to the heir of a rival tribe and the mysterious abilities she possesses. Elewa has Yeseni, a gift that allows her to see memories from the past and the future, and through this she learns something truly terrible took place. This memory she witnesses kickstarts the slave trade. Can she balance attempting to rewrite history and her upcoming nuptials?
I found the idea of Yeseni fascinating. Can you imagine how much would change in our world if someone had this gift? However, it has its consequences. Whatever Elewa manages to change could seriously impact her family’s lives, and it’s not an easy decision for her to make. I did find Elewa a bit annoying and naive at times, but keep in mind she is only 16! It’s natural for a teenager to act like that.
Set in Africa in the 1700s, we follow a girl named Elewa, as she struggles to come to terms with her betrothal to the heir of a rival tribe and the mysterious abilities she possesses. Elewa has Yeseni, a gift that allows her to see memories from the past and the future, and through this she learns something truly terrible took place. This memory she witnesses kickstarts the slave trade. Can she balance attempting to rewrite history and her upcoming nuptials?
I found the idea of Yeseni fascinating. Can you imagine how much would change in our world if someone had this gift? However, it has its consequences. Whatever Elewa manages to change could seriously impact her family’s lives, and it’s not an easy decision for her to make. I did find Elewa a bit annoying and naive at times, but keep in mind she is only 16! It’s natural for a teenager to act like that.
January 21, 2024
I don't normally leave book reviews but this one was worth the time in my hectic schedule. In this captivating tale of tribal intricacies, cultural clashes, and the journey of self-discovery, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that engages the reader on multiple levels. The protagonist, Elewa, comes to life with a depth that transcends the pages, as she grapples with the weight of responsibility, questions of identity, and the pursuit of peace in a world marked by contradictions.
The cultural richness depicted in the story is truly immersive, providing a window into the traditions and complexities of tribal life. The author skillfully navigates themes of arranged marriages for the sake of peace, the clash of cultural perspectives, and the dance with contradiction that shapes the destiny of the Oleba and Okena tribes.
What sets this narrative apart is not only its exploration of tribal dynamics but also the introduction of the mystical concept of Yeseni. This adds a layer of intrigue and spirituality that elevates the story, hinting at a deeper connection between the characters and the world they inhabit.
The characters, from Chief Babatunde to Olivia and Elewa's parents, are thoughtfully crafted, each contributing to the authenticity and warmth of the narrative. The lively prose carries a sense of emotional resonance, bringing to life the struggles, hopes, and complexities faced by the characters.
In essence, this book offers a thought-provoking journey that blends cultural exploration with universal themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of harmony. A five-star read that not only entertains but also resonates with the reader long after the final page.
The cultural richness depicted in the story is truly immersive, providing a window into the traditions and complexities of tribal life. The author skillfully navigates themes of arranged marriages for the sake of peace, the clash of cultural perspectives, and the dance with contradiction that shapes the destiny of the Oleba and Okena tribes.
What sets this narrative apart is not only its exploration of tribal dynamics but also the introduction of the mystical concept of Yeseni. This adds a layer of intrigue and spirituality that elevates the story, hinting at a deeper connection between the characters and the world they inhabit.
The characters, from Chief Babatunde to Olivia and Elewa's parents, are thoughtfully crafted, each contributing to the authenticity and warmth of the narrative. The lively prose carries a sense of emotional resonance, bringing to life the struggles, hopes, and complexities faced by the characters.
In essence, this book offers a thought-provoking journey that blends cultural exploration with universal themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of harmony. A five-star read that not only entertains but also resonates with the reader long after the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
Elewa belongs to the Oleba people, who have been in a war with the Okena for several generations. When Elewa's beloved father becomes Chief, a deal is made to end the war once and for all. Elewa will marry the son of the Okena's ruler, and so become what the people call the Daughter of Peace. An alliance is important for both tribes, as the influence of European and Arab slave traders is expanding, creating more misery for those enslaved.
She is both proud and fearful of her new role, but there's even more going on in her life: she is having visions of people and times she's never personally witnessed. An old woman reveals that Elewa has Yeseni, a supernatural ability to see events and to time travel. She learns there may be a way whereby she can prevent the trans-Atlantic slave trade from ever happening by visiting modern England. But the risk is high: she may be stuck in the future forever.
The plot is interesting and there are some unexpected twists, but the reader is stuck inside Elewa's head too much. I would have loved even more details of the setting. This would have made the setting descriptions as beautiful as the cover's art work, which is gorgeous. I would consider this a YA fantasy, given the young female protagonist, but it's being promoted as historical fiction. Certainly there are historical parallels: the main action is supposed to take place in 1748, and local politics are well described. One character, the wealthy King Yemi, is surely based on the real character of Mansa Musa, a king of Mali so rich in gold that his largesse destabilized the gold standard in Europe.
She is both proud and fearful of her new role, but there's even more going on in her life: she is having visions of people and times she's never personally witnessed. An old woman reveals that Elewa has Yeseni, a supernatural ability to see events and to time travel. She learns there may be a way whereby she can prevent the trans-Atlantic slave trade from ever happening by visiting modern England. But the risk is high: she may be stuck in the future forever.
The plot is interesting and there are some unexpected twists, but the reader is stuck inside Elewa's head too much. I would have loved even more details of the setting. This would have made the setting descriptions as beautiful as the cover's art work, which is gorgeous. I would consider this a YA fantasy, given the young female protagonist, but it's being promoted as historical fiction. Certainly there are historical parallels: the main action is supposed to take place in 1748, and local politics are well described. One character, the wealthy King Yemi, is surely based on the real character of Mansa Musa, a king of Mali so rich in gold that his largesse destabilized the gold standard in Europe.
October 2, 2025
Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace has an intriguing premise, and in many ways it delivered! The magic system and time-travel aspects were very interesting, and the problems Elewa faced were certainly high-stakes situations. Her struggle in choosing which path to take was well thought-out and believable. The characters, though we may not have spent a lot of time with all of them, each had distinct personalities with their own reasons for being, and even those who had made terrible decisions were granted some level of sympathy.
That all being said, the writing style wasn’t really my cup of tea. It read very much like a children’s novel, which I wouldn’t mind if it had been labelled as such. This does contrast with the, in my opinion, much stronger final third-or-so of the book, where the content gets much darker and the writing more descriptive. The narrative until this point was sometimes a bit tedious, with more telling than showing, and could be somewhat repetitive.
I quite liked the character of Scyra, and wish we could’ve spent more time with her! I must also admit to some confusion on the revelation that the transatlantic slave trade is known in Scyra’s time by the Swahili term “Maangamizi”, as Swahili is an East African language, but it’s certainly something I’ll be reading into further!
Omolara was another character that I would’ve liked to have seen explored more. I wish Elewa had asked her about herself and where she was from, and that we had learned something about her relationship with the Okena man.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I feel like I learned a fair bit from it.
That all being said, the writing style wasn’t really my cup of tea. It read very much like a children’s novel, which I wouldn’t mind if it had been labelled as such. This does contrast with the, in my opinion, much stronger final third-or-so of the book, where the content gets much darker and the writing more descriptive. The narrative until this point was sometimes a bit tedious, with more telling than showing, and could be somewhat repetitive.
I quite liked the character of Scyra, and wish we could’ve spent more time with her! I must also admit to some confusion on the revelation that the transatlantic slave trade is known in Scyra’s time by the Swahili term “Maangamizi”, as Swahili is an East African language, but it’s certainly something I’ll be reading into further!
Omolara was another character that I would’ve liked to have seen explored more. I wish Elewa had asked her about herself and where she was from, and that we had learned something about her relationship with the Okena man.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I feel like I learned a fair bit from it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
I recieved a copy of Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace from Netgalley in exxhange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
Tw: Infanticide, Suicide, Slavery
Ill be honest, this wasn't my favourite read. The descriptions felt a little flat and I struggled to fully imerse myself in the story. The story moved from one part to another very fast and some things almost seemed meaningless
At the beginning of the story, Elewa seemed very young and naive, not the 16 years old that she was supposed to be. This makes later depictions of the inside of a slave ship, and the treatment of slaves so much more shocking. I'm aware of it's historical accuracy, but I think the description of a woman suffocating her newborn baby and then failing to kill herself probably warranted some kind of trigger warning.
The time travel, which is introduced rather early in the story, only takes up a small space near the end of the story. The event that the entire story has been setting up is solved quick and easy. I think this was a very interesting premise, and I enjoyed the story at parts, but I ended feeling a little confused and not particularily satisfied by the ending.
Tw: Infanticide, Suicide, Slavery
Ill be honest, this wasn't my favourite read. The descriptions felt a little flat and I struggled to fully imerse myself in the story. The story moved from one part to another very fast and some things almost seemed meaningless
At the beginning of the story, Elewa seemed very young and naive, not the 16 years old that she was supposed to be. This makes later depictions of the inside of a slave ship, and the treatment of slaves so much more shocking. I'm aware of it's historical accuracy, but I think the description of a woman suffocating her newborn baby and then failing to kill herself probably warranted some kind of trigger warning.
The time travel, which is introduced rather early in the story, only takes up a small space near the end of the story. The event that the entire story has been setting up is solved quick and easy. I think this was a very interesting premise, and I enjoyed the story at parts, but I ended feeling a little confused and not particularily satisfied by the ending.
February 7, 2025
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book was a great example of how we can view the same situation in vastly different ways, bringing light to how our upbringing indoctrinates us to a specific way of life. On the same hand, we see that if we are in an altered space long enough, we can begin to sway on our purpose.
Who wouldn't want the opportunity to go back and change past decisions that had dire consequences? If you were successful in this quest, would you remain the same person you are as a result of those decisions, or would you change? And would that change be for the better or worse?
Yeseni's strength is beautifully conveyed throughout this book. She had to make a very difficult decision that would greatly affect her people.
I enjoy me a good time travel story, especially when it is written as well as what Solange Burrell gave us with this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, Unbound, and Solange Burrell, for the ARC of this book.
This book was a great example of how we can view the same situation in vastly different ways, bringing light to how our upbringing indoctrinates us to a specific way of life. On the same hand, we see that if we are in an altered space long enough, we can begin to sway on our purpose.
Who wouldn't want the opportunity to go back and change past decisions that had dire consequences? If you were successful in this quest, would you remain the same person you are as a result of those decisions, or would you change? And would that change be for the better or worse?
Yeseni's strength is beautifully conveyed throughout this book. She had to make a very difficult decision that would greatly affect her people.
I enjoy me a good time travel story, especially when it is written as well as what Solange Burrell gave us with this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, Unbound, and Solange Burrell, for the ARC of this book.
December 12, 2023
Talk about a book of beauty and strength. This is such a touching and powerful read. It delves in to the age old question of whether you would go back and change time if you could. This story shows the opportunity to make those changes, but they have to decide if they want to make the changes, and give away their ability to help their tribe in the now. So many variables play into it and all of this must weigh on the heart, mind and shoulders of her at all times.
It was such a strong read, with a lot of detail and very emotional, strong feelings throughout, that all gave you a real thinking point and something to come back to and anchor on, as you got to know her and her tribe.
I really enjoyed this read and found it very engaging. I really struggled to want to put it down and can only hope to see many more powerful books, like this, from this author.
It was such a strong read, with a lot of detail and very emotional, strong feelings throughout, that all gave you a real thinking point and something to come back to and anchor on, as you got to know her and her tribe.
I really enjoyed this read and found it very engaging. I really struggled to want to put it down and can only hope to see many more powerful books, like this, from this author.
January 22, 2024
"Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace" is an enchanting literary masterpiece that effortlessly weaves a tapestry of magic, adventure, and profound wisdom. The author's vivid storytelling transports readers to a mesmerizing world where Yeseni's journey unfolds with grace and courage. The narrative intricately explores themes of peace, resilience, and the power of self-discovery, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. With rich character development and a captivating plot, this book is a testament to the author's skill in crafting a truly immersive and uplifting experience. A must-read for anyone seeking a spellbinding escape into a world of wonder and enlightenment.
January 21, 2024
"Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace" by Solange Burrell caught my eye. The 1748 West African setting and Elewa's time-traveling gift seem like a unique blend of history and fantasy. The synopsis, especially the moral dilemma she faces about the transatlantic slave trade, has me curious. Plus, the book cover looks pretty intriguing. Looking forward to delving into this one for a deeper understanding of that period.
October 19, 2024
Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace, set in 18th century West Africa, is a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and historical elements. This was a very powerful and touching read. The cover art is amazing and draws you in. Yeseni, a power only a few posses, was very intriguing. If you could go back in time and change something or everything, would you? Elewa, with the ability of time travel, must bear this weight of this moral dilemma.
January 21, 2024
Great read !
So many great characters, a lot of thought went into writing this novel. It’s excellently executed and gripping. Would recommend 100%
Great work from the author. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Solange.
So many great characters, a lot of thought went into writing this novel. It’s excellently executed and gripping. Would recommend 100%
Great work from the author. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Solange.
January 11, 2025
Good story. It has some structural problems that knocked off a few stars. Plus, I felt the last quarter of the story was very rushed. I wasn't buying the timeline at the end. Glad I supported this book.
January 21, 2024
Not exactly a review because I haven’t read it yet only the synopsis. I’m excited to read this novel and what a gorgeous cover! I’ll write my full review once I’ve read it!
January 21, 2024
Not much of a book reader myself, but this book made me not want to put it down recommend it if you want a good read and love historical books
Read
January 22, 2024What an absolutely fantastic read , totally blown away .
Thank you Miss Burrell
Thank you Miss Burrell
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