ONE OF TIME’S BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME • In the third book of the New York Times bestselling Nsibidi Scripts series, Sunny once again risks it all for the safety of the world as she and her loyal friends embark on a quest to retrieve a critical item from the realm of magic.
“A stunningly original world of African magic that draws on Nigerian folk beliefs and rituals instead of relying on the predictable tropes of Western fantasy novels.”—Time
“A classic hero’s journey set far from the Western canon of fantasy, while always staying readable, aware, intelligent and playful.”—Tor
From the moment Sunny Nwazue discovered she had mystical energy flowing in her blood, she sought to understand and control her powers. Throughout her adventures in
Akata Witch and
Akata Warrior, she had to navigate the balance between nearly everything in her life—America and Nigeria, the “normal” world and the one infused with juju, human and spirit, good daughter and powerful Leopard Person.
Now those hard lessons and abilities are put to the test in a quest so dangerous and fantastical, it would be madness to go . . . but it may destroy the world if she does not. With the help of her loyal friends, Sunny bravely embarks on a mission to find a precious object hidden deep in a magical realm. Defeating the guardians of the prize will take more from Sunny than she has to give, and triumph will mean she will be forever changed.
On sale: January 17, 2023
Age: 12 and up
Grade: Grade 7 & Up
Page count: 416 Pages
ISBN: 9780451480590
Reading level: Lexile: HL650L
Nnedi Okorafor is an international award-winning novelist of science fiction and fantasy for children and adults. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for drawing from African cultures to create captivating stories with unforgettable characters and evocative settings. Nnedi has received the World Fantasy, Nebula, Eisner, and Lodestar Awards and multiple Hugo Awards, amongst others, for her books. Her fans include Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, John Green, Diana Wynne Jones, and Ursula K. Le Guin. She holds a PhD in literature and lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her daughter Anyaugo.
"A powerhouse speculative fiction writer."
—The New York Times"With
Akata Woman, Okorafor does what she does best, drawing on African mythology and folklore, being free with her rhythm and language, telling a classic hero’s journey set far from the Western canon of fantasy, while always staying readable, aware, intelligent and playful."
—Tor"Okorafor draws a rich, vibrant world that’s brimming with magic, complex characters, and lush settings. Sunny’s journey is loaded with compelling mysteries and twists that will leave readers on the edge of their seats."
—Booklist"Okorafor centers African mythology, Nigerian culture, history, food, and phrases into this beautifully written fantasy featuring all Black characters. This lyrical Afrocentric fantasy is not to be missed."
—School Library Journal"An engrossing addition to a thoughtful coming-of-age series."
—Kirkus Reviews
