'A supernatural love story inspired by West African folklore and dripping in political commentary and modern parallels.' - BookPage (starred review) Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) 'This epic story is brimming with trickster spirits, rich culture, and an organically developing romance that make every twist and turn more interesting than the last.Brown's novel will easily fit on shelves next to other great West African-inspired fantasies like Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone and Ifueko's Raybearer, and the ending makes it apparent that Malik and Karina's story has (thankfully) only just begun.' 'An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative tantamount to that of Children of Blood and Bone.' - Publishers Weekly (starred review) 'Revitalizing and exciting, Brown's debut breathes life into ancient but still relevant folk stories.' - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Notably, Brown uses a lush fantasy backdrop to poignantly discuss real-world issues.' - ALA Booklist (starred review) Brown's world building is diverse and brimming with political intrigue, magic, and a burgeoning romance in the best of ways. An action-packed tale of injustice, magic, and romance, this novel immerses readers in a thrilling world and narrative reminiscent of Children of Blood and Bone.' ( Publishers Weekly, 'An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List')ĭon't miss the second book in this epic duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence! 'Magic creates a centuries-long divide between peoples in this stunning debut novel inspired by North African and West African folklore. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death? When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other.

And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated her court threatens mutiny and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal-kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia's freedom.īut Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. This New York Times bestseller is perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.įor Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. The first in a gripping fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction-from debut author Roseanne A.

A song of wraiths and ruin book