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On the cusp of her rite of passage into adulthood, Naborhi wants only to escape the life that awaits her in Kokori: becoming the subservient wife to the petulant man chosen for her, birthing sons, and giving up her dreams. In secret, Naborhi has learned to read, ride horses, and fight, but she lacks the money to save herself and her sister, Tega, whom she refuses to leave behind. When Naborhi strays into dense forest that marks the forbidden queendom of Oron, she impulsively rescues an injured red fox that she’s later surprised to learn no one else sees. This magical creature, a messenger from Obassi, Oron’s patron god, tasks her with a quest: to rescue a kidnapped boy in a land far away. As she travels diverse lands, Naborhi finds allies, conquers dangers, and learns that choosing her own future doesn’t have to mean losing her family. Nigerian author Kome’s vibrant fantasy, inspired by West African mythology, is a warm, affirming coming-of-age adventure with appealing characters and a well-balanced mix of action and introspection.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A headstrong teen girl takes a leap of faith to forge her own future in this West Africa–inspired fantasy. Naborhi Tanomare is fated—like many others in her small town of Kokori—to go through the rites of passage to womanhood, become betrothed to a man who’s willing to pay her family’s bride price, and live a quiet, docile life. Despite mastering the skills expected of her, Naborhi longs for freedom—the freedom to gain an education and make her own choices. But the only way to achieve this dream is to run away, even though it could mean leaving behind her sister, Tega. Before she can enact her plan, however, she’s visited by a magical, red-furred, foxlike creature that leads her to the forbidden land of Oron. What follows will change Naborhi and her future in ways she never expected. Along with friends Atai and Tamunor, Naborhi journeys across lands, where she faces many perils, discovers ways of life she’d dared not imagine, and saves kingdoms from never-ending bloodshed. In the end, she must weigh what she owes her family against what she owes herself. As readers make their way through Naborhi’s inspiring journey, the steadily paced, first-person narrative featuring a Black cast deftly balances exposition with action. The secondary characters are also well developed, endearing them to readers. This is an ideal story for anyone who’s longed for more than what the world tells them they can be. An enticing read. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.