KING OF DEAD THINGS

Two Black teens in London take life, death, and magic into their own hands.

Eli and Malcolm couldn’t be more different. Although they’re both British Jamaican teens who wield magic, that’s where the similarities end. Eli uses his magic to heal people and do odd jobs for Pam, his cantankerous landlord. Malcolm’s magic can wake the dead, which attracts fear rather than friends. Eli can’t remember his past or who he is from before three years ago. Malcolm can’t escape the infamy of his absent father, Casper, the duppy king. When old associates of Casper’s turn up dead and robbed of their magic, Pam sends Eli and his friends Sunny and Max to find Osebo’s fang, a powerful weapon that can eat magic and even kill a god. What else could be responsible for these vicious killings? As Eli’s and Malcolm’s paths intertwine, they must learn to trust each other or risk losing London’s magic for good. Holness’ debut novel overflows with drama, culture, and fantastical realism. Anyone with roots in the Caribbean will chuckle at the familiar array of characters that populate this world. Readers will feel transported as the vivid scenes play out on each page, drawing them in with universal elements such as struggles with identity, family, and an uncertain future. Hopefully this will not be the last we see of Eli and Malcolm.

An electrifying debut.