Review of Nnedi Okorafor’s AKATA WITCH

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book on a whim (which usually ends up in two ways: I either hate the result or find a new author to follow). The premise was intriguing enough, if not entirely novel: the outcast discovering they have magical abilities. But diving into the world Ms. Okorafor created was a wonder. And once I started reading, it wasn’t easy to set the book down, even when I found myself hours and hours past a reasonable bedtime.

My knowledge of juju could fit into a thimble, so I had nothing that needed breaking down or correcting. And it was positively fascinating to get this glimpse into the practice and belief system. And the different spirit faces and their abilities blended seamlessly into the juju practice. It created an other world that gained richness and texture. And the magic rules were so different from anything I’ve read before, with the notion of chittim rewarded for knowledge gained.

I wasn’t entirely certain about the insertion of the soccer game – clearly, Ms. Okorafor is a fan. It gave Sunny a chance to find her place, and I appreciated the nod to a female carving her place in a male-dominated world. It just disrupted the flow of the story for me. (Much as I recognize it was an established part of the Festival) It felt out of place and tacked on to fill pages.

Otherwise, though, I’m a convert and delighted to add a new author to my shelves.

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Author: Andria Kennedy

I speak the thoughts rattling around in my brain, sharing topics I think other people want and should hear (or are afraid to talk about themselves). I bring my personality and quirky state of mind to everything I write; serious topics shouldn't be devoid of humor. That includes my blog and freelance work (part of my charm). I've been writing for as long as I can remember. It's a source of solace and enjoyment for me. I'm lucky enough to call what I love my career - so it's NOT work! I live in Virginia with the Minions (four cats and a Greyhound) and my wonderful husband, who ensures I stay fed - no cereal for dinner - and as close to sane as I can get.

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