Tomi Adeyemi's debut is an ambitious young adult fantasy that wears its influences proudly—part Harry Potter, part Black Panther, all righteous anger. The story follows Zélie, a teenage girl in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, where magic-wielding maji have been systematically oppressed and murdered by the ruling monarchy.

When Zélie discovers a chance to restore magic to her people, she embarks on a quest alongside Princess Amari and faces off against the conflicted Prince Inan. Adeyemi excels at worldbuilding, crafting a richly detailed universe inspired by West African cultures, complete with distinct clans, deities, and magical systems that feel fresh in the often Euro-centric fantasy landscape.

The book's greatest strength lies in its unflinching examination of oppression, genocide, and systemic racism through a fantasy lens—themes that resonate powerfully with contemporary social justice movements. Zélie is a compelling protagonist whose rage and determination drive the narrative forward with genuine emotional weight.

However, the book struggles with pacing issues, particularly in its bloated middle section where the quest elements drag. The romance subplot between Zélie and Inan feels forced and undermines the story's more serious themes. Adeyemi's prose can be heavy-handed when delivering its message, sometimes sacrificing subtlety for impact.

The multiple POV structure, while providing different perspectives, occasionally muddles the focus. This book will strongly appeal to readers seeking diverse fantasy, particularly those interested in African-inspired worldbuilding and stories that tackle real-world issues through magical metaphors. Young adult readers who enjoyed recent fantasy hits will find much to love. However, readers preferring subtle political commentary or those seeking pure escapist fantasy might find the messaging too direct. Adult fantasy readers may find the YA conventions limiting. Despite its flaws, this is an important and largely successful debut that signals exciting potential for both the author and more diverse voices in fantasy literature.