Akata Witch is a fantasy series written by Nnedi Okorafor. The series follows the story of Sunny Nwazue, a young biracial girl living in New York City. However, Sunny doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere – not in the United States and not in Nigeria, where her parents are originally from. Sunny's life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she has magical powers and is a part of the secret society of the Leopard People, also known as the "Akata". The main idea of the series revolves around Sunny's journey to uncover her true identity and find her place in the world. Throughout the series, Sunny learns to harness her magical abilities and trains to become a witch.
What I Thought
Okorafor s creativity and sense of humor really get to shine in this book and I adored everything from the tungwas floating bags of teeth, bone, meat and hair. As I mentioned at the beginning of the review it s the same problem I had with Who Fears Death sympathetic characters are made unsympathetic because their incessant immaturity and impulsivity.
Throughout the series, Sunny learns to harness her magical abilities and trains to become a witch. She forms a close-knit group of friends who embark on various adventures together. Together, they learn about Nigerian mythology and folklore, while also battling against evil forces that threaten their society.
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
B orn in New York to Nigerian parents, 12-year-old Sunny follows her family back to their home country, where she finds it hard to fit in. Not only is she treated like a foreigner, but she is albino and ostracized at school for her differences. Until, that is, she falls in with a new group of friends who are descended from Leopard People, mysterious practitioners of old magic tied to ancient African religions. In the world of the Leopard People, Sunny’s albinism is a portent of great power, but first she has to learn how to wield it. Akata Witch (retitled What Sunny Saw in the Flames in Nigeria and the U.K. due to the derogatory meaning of ‘akata’ in some Nigerian dialects) is the first in a trilogy by Hugo and Nebula award-winning Nigerian-American author Nnedi Okorafor. Okorafor’s novels tend to reflect both her West-African heritage and American experiences, but in this series she creates a stunningly original world of African magic that draws on Nigerian folk beliefs and rituals instead of relying on the predictable tropes of Western fantasy novels. —Aryn Baker Buy Now: Akata Witch on Bookshop | Amazon
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The Families of Israelis Held Hostage By Hamas Speak Out
- A Photographer Captures Grief in Gaza
- Bed Bugs Aren't Just a Problem in Paris. Here's Why
- One Year Later, Where's the Adderall?
- For Many, India's Coal Damage Is Done
- The Human Toll of Poland’s Strict Abortion Laws
- The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at [email protected].
The series beautifully combines elements of fantasy, coming-of-age, and African culture, offering a refreshing and diverse take on the genre. One of the key themes explored in the Akata Witch series is the importance of embracing one's heritage and cultural identity. Sunny, as a biracial character, struggles with her sense of belonging, but through her journey as a witch, she learns to embrace her Nigerian roots and find strength in her unique heritage. Okorafor's writing also highlights African mythology and spirituality, providing a rich and vibrant backdrop for the story. Overall, the Akata Witch series is a captivating and empowering tale that celebrates diversity, culture, and the power of self-discovery. Nnedi Okorafor's storytelling takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with magic, friendship, and personal growth. The series offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre, showcasing the beauty and complexity of African-inspired narratives. Readers of all ages and backgrounds can find inspiration and enjoyment in this compelling series..
Reviews for "A Journey Through Nigerian Folklore in the Akata Witch Series"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I found the "Akata Witch" fantasy series to be quite underwhelming. The storyline felt disjointed and lacked depth, leaving me confused and disinterested. The characters were bland and lacked development, making it difficult for me to form a connection with any of them. Furthermore, the world-building was weak and lacked originality, as it seemed like a poor imitation of other popular fantasy series. Overall, I was disappointed with the series and don't understand the hype surrounding it.
2. Mark - 1 star - I have to say I really disliked the "Akata Witch" fantasy series. The writing style was choppy and inconsistent, making it hard for me to become engaged in the story. The plot felt meandering and dragged on unnecessarily, leaving me bored and uninterested. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any compelling qualities, making it impossible for me to care about their fates. In my opinion, this series was a major letdown and I would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to read the "Akata Witch" fantasy series, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The world-building felt half-hearted and lacked the intricate details that make a fantasy story immersive and captivating. The characters were forgettable and lacked the complexity that would have made them relatable. Additionally, the pacing was off, with certain parts feeling rushed while others dragged on unnecessarily. Overall, I found this series to be a disappointment and would not continue reading it.