Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Contains spoilers for book one Children of Blood and Bone
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Legacy of Orïsha Book Two
Written by Tomi Adeyemi
Fantasy, Magic, Diversity
608 Pages
Published December 3rd 2019
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia
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★★★★
After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji but also some nobles with magic ancestry.

Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as strong and magical as they are. When Amari's mother forms an army of royals with newly awakened powers, Zélie fights to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath.

But with civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point. She must find a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.
The Kingdom of Orïsha has been decimated in a centuries long conflict between Divĩner communities and the monarchy of Orïsha. Zélie Adebola has empowered her community, her ashê laden blood igniting a revolution against the oppression and genocide of the monarchy who have ravaged her community, her country and Zélie resolves to end their reign.

Zélie is a remarkable character, compassionate and intelligent, although a reluctant revolutionary. In Children of Blood and Bone, Zélie resurrected the ashê of the Divĩners. Burners, Tiders and Reapers no longer defenceless against the monarchy. In Children of Virtue and Vengeance, Zélie is a warrior seeking retribution and although fiercely shielding her community, she's vulnerable and grieves for the life that has been taken from her. Zélie's distress is palpable, she's survived the genocide of her community, her friends and family and now Zélie has become the Soldier of Death, a symbol of resilience among the Orïshan. Amari Olúborí is heir to the Orïshan throne and although Zélie harbours an intense animosity towards the monarchy, she advocates for Amari's ascension..

Zélie and Amari are grieving. Amari for the loss of her father and Brother, Inan the Crown Prince. Isolated and resented for her privileged heritage, Amari is determined to represent all Orïshans and bring to fruition her brother's legacy. Rebels have infiltrated the royal palatial home and Queen Nehanda is gathering a legion of Tîtáns, the sacred ritual igniting nobility abilities.

In Children of Virtue and Vengeance, Winders, Connectors, Burners, Grounders, Lighters and Healers have ignited to join the resistance, cooperating as the Lyika rebellion. The Lyika are striving to eradicate the monarchy and the disconnection of caste divisions before the nation is ravaged by conflict. Beneath the conflict both Zélie and Amari feel the tension and ache of a fractured friendship and although both young women have developed into respective leaders, they've lost the capacity to communicate with one another.

Zélie's brother Tzain is a wonderfully gentle character and although he's enamoured by Amari, is unwavering in support of his sister. Roën is as bewildering as he is delightful and a significant character in Children of Virtue and Vengeance. Although he seemingly cares for Zélie, Roën's allegiance still remains with his mercenary crewmen. Throughout the narrative, we're introduced to the Lyika rebellion, characters in which Zélie forms an attachment. Zélie adopts a motivational and motherly role towards the younger, inexperienced members of the Lyika, creating tenderhearted and gentle relationships with those she pledges to protect.

The kingdom of Orïsha ignites discussion of segregation, displacement, discrimination, racism and genocide, parallel to our own world. Nobility and the monarch are affluent, swathed within the city of Lagos. Communities blessed by the Sky Mother are historically oppressed and persecuted by the Orïshan monarchy, living within impoverished communities. The Raid decimated families, many still enduring intergenerational trauma.

The mysticism and mythology of the Legacy of Orïsha series is breathtaking. Transcendent and exhilarating, Children of Virtue and Vengeance is ethereal and beautifully written. 

11 comments

  1. I cannot tell you how glad I am the focus of this book is on Zelie and not Zelie+Inan. I thought that relationship was the weakest part of an otherwise excellent first book. I've been putting this one off for a bit, but reading this rveiew reminded me why I adore this series. Thanks Kelly!

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    1. Zelie especially undergoes an incredible amount of individual growth and Amari really comes into her own as a character. This one is very much centred on character development and relationship building and breaking down. I can't wait for the finale!

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  2. I always like seeing how authors incorporate the real world into fantasy novels. They have to be rather ingenious to be able to do that, and create a whole world and mythology. Glad to see the second book did not disappoint.

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    1. Those type of experiences speak to so many readers don't they, seeing the prejudice, racism, poverty and genocide that mimic the world around us. Such a brilliant series!

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  3. It sounds as if this second installment is as strong as the first Kelly.

    Karen @ For What It's worth

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    1. I know it has a few mixed reviews but I really enjoy when the second books within a series explore friendships, relationships and character growth. I like the change of pace and able to reconnect with characters. Really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the finale!

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  4. I'm ashamed to say that I can barely remember anything about the first book, so clearly I'll need to do a recap before I pick this one up. I'm happy you enjoyed this one, I was nervous it wouldn't hold up!

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    1. Recaptains is also a great resource if you don't have time for a reread, especially with the new baby arriving soon! It was such a brilliant read, I enjoyed it just as much as Children of Blood and Bone and looking forward to the finale!

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  5. I love how fantasies like this can reflect our own world even as they entertain us. This one sounds awesome, and I love how complex the characters sound. Great review!

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    1. Thanks Greg. It's such a wonderful series and the cultural aspects are so beautifully portrayed as well.

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  6. I'm glad to hear the second book is so good. I think I need to go back and re-read the first one before picking up this one. I honestly can't remember the plot at all.

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