4 stars
A fantastically crafted story.
Najeeba has heard the Call and knows it is time to travel the Salt Roads. But only men and boys are supposed to experience the Call. Follow Najeeba on her unprecedented journey beyond her home to travel the Salt Roads with her father and brothers, change her family’s prospects, and encounter more than she ever thought possible.
Okorafor spins magic with her writing. Intriguing world-building, interesting characters, and wonderful glimpses into West African culture and spirituality. A great entry point into a world that is at once starkly different from our own while also hauntingly familiar.
This is a prequel to Who Fears Death and while it stands perfectly on its own, I absolutely need to read the original to reenter this world and find out what Onyesonwu did. Glad this will be a trilogy because I am loving learning about Najeeba’s life. Cannot wait to see what happens next on her journey.