By Tomi Adeyemi (author) Part of the Legacy of Orisha series
"Thrilling fantasy and West African folklore | Powerful debut novel set in a gripping world full of allegory and social commentary - on a foundation of African folklore"
Paperback Pre-order. 17th June 2027 £9.99 £8.99
Paperback Pre-order. 19th November 2026 £9.99 £8.99
Paperback In Stock £9.99 £8.99
View All Editions (3)
March 2018 Debut of the Month |
An exceptional fantastical debut that weaves dark magic, powerful female protagonists and West African folklore into a richly rewarding novel, the first in what promises to be a truly epic trilogy if this opening installment is anything to go by.
There was a time when Orisha was alive with magic but, under the command of a new king, those with magical gifts are now targets, and the fabulously rebellious, outspoken Zélie has been orphaned. Her heritage is of the Reaper Clan. Her mother was able to summon souls, and now Zélie, who has retained her magic, seeks justice for her mother’s death.
Fuelled by thoughts of “the way her corpse hung from that tree” and “the king who took her away”, she’s determined to rise, and nothing will stop her. And so Zélie must seize control of her powers and venture forth to fight the crown prince.
Throughout, the world-building and evocation of clan magic is astoundingly detailed, conjured with a vibrant visual sensibility, and Zélie is a one-of-a-kind young woman whose journey exhilarates, astounds and inspires.
Magic can burn, turn tides, light the darkness and bring back the dead. But magic is gone. So one girl must bring it back in the first in a gripping fantasy trilogy.
Read the full description
The most anticipated fantasy of the year, soon to be a major motion picture.
They killed my mother. They took our magic. They tried to bury us. NOW WE RISE.
Zelie remembers when the soil of Orisha hummed with magic. When different clans ruled - Burners igniting flames, Tiders beckoning waves, and Zelie's Reaper mother summoning forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with powers was targeted and killed, leaving Zelie without a mother and her people without hope.
Only a few people remain with the power to use magic, and they must remain hidden. Zelie is one such person. Now she has a chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orisha, where strange creatures prowl, and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zelie herself as she struggles to come to terms with the strength of her magic - and her growing feelings for an enemy.
Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative writing coach based in San Diego, California. After graduating Harvard University with an honours degree in English literature, she studied West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. When not writing novels or watching Scandal, Tomi teaches and blogs about creative writing on her website, named one of the 101 best websites for writers by Writer's Digest.
Children of Blood and Bone is her debut novel.
Author photo © Elena Seibert
the best books for teenagers
Control Alter Delete
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Sebastien de Castell
Magic can burn, turn tides, light the darkness and bring back the dead. But magic is gone.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Children of Blood and Bone and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
Children of Blood and Bone features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for Young Adults
Paperback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
Children of Blood and Bone was written by Tomi Adeyemi and published by Macmillan Children's Books an imprint of Pan Macmillan
Children of Blood and Bone has 531 pages
Yes it is part of Legacy of Orisha series
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.