Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, are practically the same person. When the twins come of age, their magical gifts begin to develop, but while Jayaike's powers enchant, Somadina's cause fear to ripple through her town. Things go from bad to worse when her brother, the one person she trusted, vanishes. Somadina knows that no matter the dangers, she must track him down, even if she might not survive...

I loved the characters - I felt like they were so fleshed out and so interesting to learn more about. I loved Somadina and Jayaike's bond as twins and how their bond is utilised within the book Their friendship with Uwafulamiro was so beautiful to read about and I loved his character because he was a ride or die for the twins and I was so here for it. I honestly want to rave about so many of the characters because their development throughout was absolutely incredible, especially Somadina's. I loved being inside of her head as she was trying to work through everything - she was a brilliantly complex character. The magical elements that each character had was so interesting and I loved learning about them, especially seeing the twins come into their magical powers and learn how to use them.

Akwaeke's writing never fails to grip me and not let me go until the end of the book and even then, their books stay with me long after finishing. They are one of my favourite authors and I will never stop raving about their books. Their ability to be set up the atmosphere and really let you feel the tension and emotions that the characters experience never fails to amaze me. Their use of imagery to make the settings, characters and atmosphere comes to life is one of my favourite things that I look forward to when reading their books. I always feel like with their books I'm there with the characters watching everything play out, which I love.

Thank you Faber & Faber and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️ CWs: physical assault, vomit, murder, grief, abandonment, alcohol use, blood, death, kidnapping, war, bullying, domestic abuse; mentions child loss, animal death, injury detail, fire, derogatory language, panic attack, cannibalism, body horror ⚠️

The way Emezi weaves culture, folklore, fantasy, and real life together is astounding to me and something I cherish with each new book. Somadina is a love letter to staying true to yourself and fighting for the right of simply existing, as well as fighting for the people you love. Plenty of action in this one and a seriously complex family at the heart of everything. I didn’t guess the twist and enjoyed each layer of the plot as it was peeled back. Incredible!

This packs a punch is such a short amount of pages per usual from Emezi. Hard-hitting, emotional, touching, full of important bonds.

In a world where people have magical gifts following the Split - the great breaking of the Earth. Somadina and her twin, Jayaike, are deeply connected - their other half. When Jayaike is abducted, Somadina is determined to rescue him, across dangerous territories, against dangerous and evil forces.

This is a story about being different. Being outcast. Dealing with your community, your friends, even your family turning their back on you.

<b>“Sometimes I think people in a group can do more wickedness than one person alone,” he replied. “Everyone waits for someone else to do something, or they do nothing, or they do the wicked things together.”
“Sometimes doing nothing is the wicked thing,” Nkadi said, her voice sour.
</b>
This is a story about hiding history, remembering history, facing your pain and fears. It is about acknowledging your vulnerability and setting boundaries.

Not a word is wasted. Every sentence is purposeful and yet this manages to be poetic.

I did want more from the ending as it felt like it finished too soon and don’t deal properly with the fall out, but Emezi’s novel always feel incomplete. After all, there is no utopia or paradise, even where magic exists.

Arc gifted by Faber and Faber.

An intriguing fantasy of Igbo culture mixed in with supernatural powers and deities governing life in a small community. The wars have left scars which have not healed, and people are suspicious of anyone who appears different. We have twins who don’t seem to follow the normal path into adulthood bodies, and a very urgent threat of abduction and worse.

Didn't know really what to expect when I requested this book. I hadn't realised it was YA genre. Nevertheless it was an entertaining read and life afirming. Somadina is a courageous young woman. I enjoyed her story. I knew nothing about the Igbo people so I have learnt something too.
I think a lot of YA readers will love this book