CHILDREN OF USEYI

When external forces threaten the Isle, competing Fam must learn to cooperate in this sequel to Daughters of Oduma (2023).

On the heels of a devastating battle between the Mud and the Vine, Sis Dirt is growing into her leadership role as First of the Mud. Antie Yaya’s prediction that the Gods will return comes to pass during a celebration with other Fam of the South, when a stranger washes ashore—he’s an adult, the only one on the Isle other than Antie Yaya. Mister Odo comes “from the land of the Mamas and Papas,” where people go after their rite of passage, never to return. Antie Yaya announces that there will be an island-wide God Bow, and the winner of the tournament will accompany Mister Odo back where he came from. Godskins—the most elite Bowers—from the whole Isle will gather to compete at the Imperial Temple. But when monstrous creatures called Remnants attack, the powerful Godskins scatter back to their camps to protect their younger charges. Sis Dirt forms an uneasy truce with Carra Carre of the Vine as they both search for their Fam in the ongoing attacks. Nonstop action keeps the pages turning, especially during the climactic culminating journey. The growth experienced by Sis Dirt and other characters who inhabit this West African–inspired world feels earned.

An action-packed storyline and robust characterization will please fans of the first installment.