Nnedi Okorafor's Who Fears Death
I enjoyed Akawa Witch so much that I decided to read Okorafor's previous novel, which was nominated for a Nebula Award this year. And it has many of the same themes as Akata Witch, but it's a much darker affair (it's for adults). Our setting is Africa, in a period we eventually realize is post-apocalyptic. But things are still really bad--there's a whole lot of genocide going on. Protagonist Onyesonwu is a biracial child of rape and an outcast based on her ethnicity; when she suddenly discovers that she has strange powers, things don't get any easier. But she's determined to bring the world's suffering to an end, and with the help of friendship, love, and teachers, she may be able to make a difference. But note where I said it was dark? And the mentions of rape and genocide? This is not a happy fun fantasy book. But it is an excellent one. A-.
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