ONYEKA AND THE HEROES OF THE DAWN

Onyeka faces new challenges with her friends and a mysterious boy in this third series entry.

Following the thorough defeat of Dr. Dòyìnbó, Onyeka, a British Nigerian girl with superpowers, is ready to ease back into the steady rhythm of schoolwork and missions with the Nchebe, the guardians of the Academy of the Sun. Onyeka attends this school for Solari, who are genetically enhanced humans. A poorly executed rescue mission reflects some rocky relationships: Guardians Niyì and Zahrah constantly squabble, the Òmìnira (new arrivals formerly labeled Rogues) struggle to adjust to academy life, and now Onyeka has been asked to be a buddy for Tobi, the 8-year-old Solari boy rescued from England and brought to Nigeria. Aunt Naomi (or Principal Uduike, as everyone else calls her) holds an election for Olórí, or Nchebe team leader. Onyeka’s dad, Aunt Naomi, and teammates Adanna and Hassan all encourage her to run for Olórí. As the pressures mount from all sides, Onyeka worries if she can live up to everyone’s expectations, especially her own. She focuses on Tobi, who was isolated by Dr. Dòyìnbó for unknown reasons. Okogwu satisfies yet again: The political and historical layers of Nigeria’s past and imagined present complement Onyeka’s emotional journey, and the concepts of enemy and ally evolve as each character’s motives become clear. Readers will hope to see more of Onyeka.

Well-crafted fantasy fun.