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Nubia #2
Nubia: The Reckoning
The sequel to The Awakening , the epic fantasy from actor and producer Omar Epps and writer Clarence A. Haynes! A powerful saga of three teens, the children of refugees from a fallen African utopia, who must navigate their newfound powers in a climate-ravaged New York City.
Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho were among the first of a new generation of Nubians to awaken to extraordinary powers—gifts their parents lost when they fled their island home decades ago. And now that Uzochi has been declared a Nubian catalyst, everyone expects him to lead.
But what should be a time of rebirth and celebration is instead one of turmoil. The so-called sky king, Krazen St. John, is bent on harnessing Nubian gifts for himself, and he has assembled a special, superhuman militia to do his bidding, putting a ruthless Lencho in charge.
Facing down his cousin feels insurmountable for Uzochi, even with Zuberi at his side, but now there’s more at stake than the hostile government of Tri-State East. Uzochi’s training has led him to discover an ancient, forgotten force hungry for conquest—and it won’t stop until all of Tri-State East . . . and possibly the world . . . is under its control.
Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho were among the first of a new generation of Nubians to awaken to extraordinary powers—gifts their parents lost when they fled their island home decades ago. And now that Uzochi has been declared a Nubian catalyst, everyone expects him to lead.
But what should be a time of rebirth and celebration is instead one of turmoil. The so-called sky king, Krazen St. John, is bent on harnessing Nubian gifts for himself, and he has assembled a special, superhuman militia to do his bidding, putting a ruthless Lencho in charge.
Facing down his cousin feels insurmountable for Uzochi, even with Zuberi at his side, but now there’s more at stake than the hostile government of Tri-State East. Uzochi’s training has led him to discover an ancient, forgotten force hungry for conquest—and it won’t stop until all of Tri-State East . . . and possibly the world . . . is under its control.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 26, 2023
17 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 29, 2023
I was surprised by how much I liked the first one, so I was thrilled to get a copy of this ARC. I listened to the first one, but read this one on my own, and I think both worked for me! I would eventually love to listen to the audiobook, but I really enjoyed this story, possibly even more than the first. The story picks up where the first one left off and Uzochi suddenly finds himself in charge of the newly awaken children of Nubia as his power as catalyst (among his other powers) is to awaken them and help them make the transition. He and Zuberi also have a burgeoning relationship developing, although neither has put a name to it yet. They also have Zuberi’s best friend to rescue from the Sky and avoid the eye of the St. John’s soldiers. Other new characters show up, and what I loved about this is that although Uzochi might be considered the primary character, the POV fluidly moves among the different main characters, including Zuberi, Lencho, St. John, and his daughter. The story is fast-paced, complex, full of intrigue and history, it tackles racism and socioeconomic status head on, has interesting characters, and a cool storyline, all of which the authors skillfully weave together. I enjoyed taking my time with the story and trying to see if I could figure out what was going on. However, this story is ultimately about family and choices. It could easily be turned into a tv series (not surprising given the authors’ careers), although I have no idea if that’s in the works. This book does a good job of wrapping up some of the main plots, but leaves us set up for the next book. I look forward to it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2023
I received an advance copy via NetGalley. Also, this book's co-author, Clarence A. Haynes, was my developmental editor on two books, so I approach this read with considerable positive bias.
Nubia: The Reckoning continues soon after the first entry of this duology, breathing life into an intriguing future New York City ravaged by climate change and deepening class and racial divides. Nubians, refugees from an African nation long hidden from the world, have had their superpowers exposed in dramatic fashion. The 'sky king' of the former NYC, Krazen St. John, wants to use Nubians as his private super soldiers. Two Nubian teenagers, Uzochi and Zuberi, want only safety and security for their people as they start their own tentative romantic relationship. Uzochi's cousin, Lencho, has gone from drug-dealing on the streets to being a disgruntled agent of St. John, and has become increasingly unstable. Meanwhile, St. John's own daughter craves her own chance at respect and power.
The book is a fast read as it hops between its four perspectives. The world feels both familiar and innovative, and wow, there are some major twists. There's a huge event in the middle of the book that made my jaw really drop. Such a great series.
Nubia: The Reckoning continues soon after the first entry of this duology, breathing life into an intriguing future New York City ravaged by climate change and deepening class and racial divides. Nubians, refugees from an African nation long hidden from the world, have had their superpowers exposed in dramatic fashion. The 'sky king' of the former NYC, Krazen St. John, wants to use Nubians as his private super soldiers. Two Nubian teenagers, Uzochi and Zuberi, want only safety and security for their people as they start their own tentative romantic relationship. Uzochi's cousin, Lencho, has gone from drug-dealing on the streets to being a disgruntled agent of St. John, and has become increasingly unstable. Meanwhile, St. John's own daughter craves her own chance at respect and power.
The book is a fast read as it hops between its four perspectives. The world feels both familiar and innovative, and wow, there are some major twists. There's a huge event in the middle of the book that made my jaw really drop. Such a great series.
November 21, 2024
I’ll have to go back and amend my review for book 1, book 1 crawled so book 2 could FLLYYYY lol, it was good
October 27, 2023
Just so good! This is the second book in the series… I think I saw there will be three total. This was as good as the first and I loved the first. It’s got everything and I can’t wait for it to be a movie series! I hope…!!
June 8, 2023
The first book in this series, I was a bit of a sleeper hit for me. I had very low expectations and went in with interest just because I really liked the cover. Imagine my surprise when I was completely hooked on the story so seeing a second one made me even more excited. Just like the first I was instantly sucked into the story of young Nubians, who are just developing their powers, but are being forced to Work against institutional racism, Socioeconomic inequities, and developing new powers all at the same time. Our young Nubians are divided into two camps, those who have ascended to a pie, and those who have chosen to remain in the jungle, and abandon building in Soho New York, set very far in the future. But I love the most about this book is the message of unity and family, the importance of working together towards a common goal and seeing the strengths in everyone and how they work, and how you can work, not against them, but with them to make everyone stronger. I am very much hoping there’s going to be another book in the series because I’m not quite ready to leave this world behind.
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September 24, 2023In the sequel to Nubia: The Awakening, Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes has brought readers a powerful and addictive story in Nubia: The Reckoning. As with the first book, the story brings together four different characters that have extraordinary impact on each other as they struggle to find peace and belonging for themselves and for their people. From the first moment you pick up the book, you are back in the world of Nubia and its people, with a story that keeps you enthralled from beginning to end.
One of the reasons that the story is so compelling is you get different perspectives with each chapter. Each character, Zuberi, Uzochi, Lencho, and Sandra, are three dimensional and have flaws and growth along the way. While each makes different choices, those choices make sense for the character and add to the overall plot and help the Nubians to find a place in the world around them. I love the growth in the characters and that no one person is perfect. Even the adults around the children have flaws. The struggles the teens face and overcome are part of why the story is so engaging.
The authors do a fantastic job of building the tension and pace of the story. By the time the book reaches a resolution, it is an emotional and powerful moment that will make you want to read the next book. Given the hints within the ending, I do hope for another book to round out the story because there are unanswered questions. The story will leave you wanting more but only because it is so good and the characters so engaging.
If you like science fiction or stories about super powers (in this case, elemental powers), you will love this book. I do recommend reading the first book before you read this sequel as the story will make more sense but the novel is written so well that you can pick up most of the story line from the information given by the characters. This novel is so compelling and addictive, I recommend it highly. It is an epic and powerful saga.
One of the reasons that the story is so compelling is you get different perspectives with each chapter. Each character, Zuberi, Uzochi, Lencho, and Sandra, are three dimensional and have flaws and growth along the way. While each makes different choices, those choices make sense for the character and add to the overall plot and help the Nubians to find a place in the world around them. I love the growth in the characters and that no one person is perfect. Even the adults around the children have flaws. The struggles the teens face and overcome are part of why the story is so engaging.
The authors do a fantastic job of building the tension and pace of the story. By the time the book reaches a resolution, it is an emotional and powerful moment that will make you want to read the next book. Given the hints within the ending, I do hope for another book to round out the story because there are unanswered questions. The story will leave you wanting more but only because it is so good and the characters so engaging.
If you like science fiction or stories about super powers (in this case, elemental powers), you will love this book. I do recommend reading the first book before you read this sequel as the story will make more sense but the novel is written so well that you can pick up most of the story line from the information given by the characters. This novel is so compelling and addictive, I recommend it highly. It is an epic and powerful saga.
November 9, 2023
Nubia: The Reckoning is another of my most anticipated reads this year after finishing the first book in the series a year ago. Trust me, it was a nail-biter, and I couldn’t wait to see where these characters went next.
As in the first book, a city history/recap is given which helps to refresh the reader’s memory of what happened in the first novel – something I always appreciate. The story is told in four POVs this time – Uzochi, Zuberi, Lyncho, and Sandra. Although I’m fully invested in all the characters, I was especially interested to see what happened with Lyncho, and I wasn’t disappointed – he has quite a story and is faced with difficult decisions. As catalyst to his people, Uzochi carries a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. He’s patient, offers guidance, and is a good role model for the other teens just coming into their powers. The relationship between him and Zuberi is new, but she lets him know she’s there to support him unconditionally. Zuberi is a wonderfully strong character – intelligent, a fierce warrior, and loyal friend. I wasn’t sure which direction Sandra’s character would take, but I like what she brought to the story. Several new characters are introduced, and I hope to see them in the next book.
With themes of climate change, racial divide, and socioeconomic inequities, this series deals with timely issues. It stresses the importance of unity, family, and how working together can only make the world a better place. The story is action-packed, moves at a brisk pace, and is one I’d recommend to readers who enjoy a blend of sci-fi and fantasy set in an alternate world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
As in the first book, a city history/recap is given which helps to refresh the reader’s memory of what happened in the first novel – something I always appreciate. The story is told in four POVs this time – Uzochi, Zuberi, Lyncho, and Sandra. Although I’m fully invested in all the characters, I was especially interested to see what happened with Lyncho, and I wasn’t disappointed – he has quite a story and is faced with difficult decisions. As catalyst to his people, Uzochi carries a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. He’s patient, offers guidance, and is a good role model for the other teens just coming into their powers. The relationship between him and Zuberi is new, but she lets him know she’s there to support him unconditionally. Zuberi is a wonderfully strong character – intelligent, a fierce warrior, and loyal friend. I wasn’t sure which direction Sandra’s character would take, but I like what she brought to the story. Several new characters are introduced, and I hope to see them in the next book.
With themes of climate change, racial divide, and socioeconomic inequities, this series deals with timely issues. It stresses the importance of unity, family, and how working together can only make the world a better place. The story is action-packed, moves at a brisk pace, and is one I’d recommend to readers who enjoy a blend of sci-fi and fantasy set in an alternate world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 5, 2023
4.75 🌟; Thanks to NETGALLEY and Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House for eARC
Plot: 4.75
Characters: 5
Writing Style: 4.95
Cover: 5
Enjoyment: 5
This second installment is once more told in third person POV via by Zuberi, Uzochi, Lencho, and Sandra. Lencho's portions contain far harsher language than the others (which is fitting of the character's voice, his experience); just a note. The setting sticks to the immediate area of New York in the previous book, both on the ground and in the sky city. I did not see two of the shocking moments coming, and I enjoyed reading about some new abilities, as well as the growth between characters.
I wound up getting an Uglies (Scott Westerfeld) vibe, which is always my cup of tea. I felt that Omar and Clarence's writing skills were sharpened this round, more polished. They keep the voices of our narrators different. The end scene fight is almost too fast-paced for my tastes, because I expected a teeny bit more difficulty. However, the epilogue at least provides reasons, so my disappointment was lessened. I'll be continuing to read this series, it's fascinating.
I did find one contradiction in my eARC with Uzochi's mother, Comp'a. She states - "They’re probably just checking to make sure everything is okay, if we need help. They’re nice people.”'- about the neighbors, but then a few sentences later, Comp'a calls them morons...
I wanted to extend kudos for mentioning/using Ukrainian war footage (since theses books are set in the future, and thus, said war would have ended by then), Hiroshima and Nagasaki. as well as possibly September 11th?
Plot: 4.75
Characters: 5
Writing Style: 4.95
Cover: 5
Enjoyment: 5
This second installment is once more told in third person POV via by Zuberi, Uzochi, Lencho, and Sandra. Lencho's portions contain far harsher language than the others (which is fitting of the character's voice, his experience); just a note. The setting sticks to the immediate area of New York in the previous book, both on the ground and in the sky city. I did not see two of the shocking moments coming, and I enjoyed reading about some new abilities, as well as the growth between characters.
I wound up getting an Uglies (Scott Westerfeld) vibe, which is always my cup of tea. I felt that Omar and Clarence's writing skills were sharpened this round, more polished. They keep the voices of our narrators different. The end scene fight is almost too fast-paced for my tastes, because I expected a teeny bit more difficulty. However, the epilogue at least provides reasons, so my disappointment was lessened. I'll be continuing to read this series, it's fascinating.
I did find one contradiction in my eARC with Uzochi's mother, Comp'a. She states - "They’re probably just checking to make sure everything is okay, if we need help. They’re nice people.”'- about the neighbors, but then a few sentences later, Comp'a calls them morons...
I wanted to extend kudos for mentioning/using Ukrainian war footage (since theses books are set in the future, and thus, said war would have ended by then), Hiroshima and Nagasaki. as well as possibly September 11th?
August 14, 2023
I found this to be an action packed second installement picking up where it left off. I loved that they put a recap in the beginning. I feel somewhat like the first book was not needed if this recap was just added to the books beginning could have started it there. However I loved the emotional piece of the woke gifts in the first one. This one I did not feel those same kind of emotion instead more anger which makes sense for sure. I liked seeing not just the dynamics socially in this world the fight but also the family dynamics. I enjoyed this second installment as well.
March 24, 2024
Nubia: The Reckoning, the exciting second installment in the series, brings home the importance of empathy, community, and a balance between confidence and humility. It illuminates the dangers of ethnocentrism, nationalism, and fearing 'the other,' just as it recognizes the lingering effects imparted by the trauma of betrayal by humanity. Beyond that, it's a story of friends coming together for the improvement of the world and of each other. A fun read that I finished in one day! #msjacksonreads
July 20, 2023
If you have not read Nubia: The Awakening- You must start there before picking this up. That book has all the setup you need to fully appreciate Nubia: The Reckoning.
This book picks up where Book 1 left off. You have new characters introduced along with new powers discovered. The origin and destruction of Nubia are explained. The battle for good vs. evil continues as Nubians struggle to find their footing while their newly found powers are starting to change their status in society from refugees to....
There is a clear setup for a continuation. Looking forward to picking up the next installment.
This book picks up where Book 1 left off. You have new characters introduced along with new powers discovered. The origin and destruction of Nubia are explained. The battle for good vs. evil continues as Nubians struggle to find their footing while their newly found powers are starting to change their status in society from refugees to....
There is a clear setup for a continuation. Looking forward to picking up the next installment.
October 30, 2023
I loved both books. This one was my favorite of the two. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out the book was co authored by THEE Omar Epps. This book was action pack from beginning to end. The main villain was on a mission and gave no fks. He walked around like Thanos snatching powers like gimme that cuz youre not using it right. Let me show you how it's done. It was great. And if he wrote another book I'd read that one too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
4.25/5 - I hope we get a 3rd book to round out this series. Another great story told! All the characters were well written. I will say certain things came out of nowhere such as Zuberi and Uzochi being together. And Uzochi’s father coming out of nowhere but it made sense at the end. Siran = TRASH
October 6, 2023
Cerebral Action Sci-fi
This was an excellent YA sci-fi drama. The plot had interesting twists and turns and the characters were well developed.
This was an excellent YA sci-fi drama. The plot had interesting twists and turns and the characters were well developed.
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October 29, 2023Read for Cybils Speculative Fiction 2023. Did not nominate.
November 1, 2023
Nubia: The Reckoning is a fantastic follow up to the first book, the story and world building pick up where they left off and continues to offer a great story as well.
January 19, 2024
OK if you have not read this series, I don’t know what you were waiting for, but they have really done their thing with this story and I would love to see some more
July 17, 2024
Simply yes. Delivered on the promise of the first book.
May 6, 2025
was pretty good mad there isn't a 3rd book
March 26, 2024
Wow, just Wow!
I truly loved this book! I love the world building, the connection to the ancient world! I also enjoyed the characters! Can’t wait for the next one!
I truly loved this book! I love the world building, the connection to the ancient world! I also enjoyed the characters! Can’t wait for the next one!
October 20, 2023
My rating for this book is 4.4.
Definitely no sophomore slump for this series! Book 2 of the Nubia series is an exciting and emotional sequel, with tons of action. It could have easily turned into a weird and corny second book but instead, we get to know more about Nubian history. This history is important because Uzochi, Zuberi and the rest of the Children are facing a brand new threat, one that will take every single one of them to defeat. I LOVE books about Black people with super powers. I think what I love most about the Nubia series is that it mixes fantasy with what could possibly be real world problems. Although it takes place in the future, with climate change, constant political strife and, yes, constant police surveillance, the world feels real to me. So it makes the story so relatable and me feel more invested in the characters. I especially loved learning about the Nubians when they were still on their island, and what they did to protect it.
The one critique I have is the same one I had with the first book, which is some of the dialogue. This time it's Vriana's dialogue. It's not good. She sounds fake to be honest, which is opposite of who she really is.
I am really looking forward to reading how this all ends. If you haven't read the first book, I would recommend reading it and then moving directly into this one.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely no sophomore slump for this series! Book 2 of the Nubia series is an exciting and emotional sequel, with tons of action. It could have easily turned into a weird and corny second book but instead, we get to know more about Nubian history. This history is important because Uzochi, Zuberi and the rest of the Children are facing a brand new threat, one that will take every single one of them to defeat. I LOVE books about Black people with super powers. I think what I love most about the Nubia series is that it mixes fantasy with what could possibly be real world problems. Although it takes place in the future, with climate change, constant political strife and, yes, constant police surveillance, the world feels real to me. So it makes the story so relatable and me feel more invested in the characters. I especially loved learning about the Nubians when they were still on their island, and what they did to protect it.
The one critique I have is the same one I had with the first book, which is some of the dialogue. This time it's Vriana's dialogue. It's not good. She sounds fake to be honest, which is opposite of who she really is.
I am really looking forward to reading how this all ends. If you haven't read the first book, I would recommend reading it and then moving directly into this one.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2023
An interesting novel.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews