Akata Witch: 02/24/17

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor is an urban fantasy set in Aba, Nigeria. Sunny was born in New York but is living now in Aba. She wants as normal a life as possible, but it's difficult being the new kid and an albino — especially in a place where albinism is associated with witchcraft.

Going into the book I really expected the focus to be entirely on the bullying aspect of Sunny's life. It's a YA novel, so that sort of plot is to be expected. Thankfully, though, it isn't.

Instead, there's a mystery about children going missing and the parents being understandably upset. Fears over the regularity of these disappearances compels the adults in the town to put strict curfews on their children's lives and force them to walk together in pairs or groups.

It's that fear that forces Sunny to be closer with a group of her peers. And then something wonderful happens. Sunny becomes part of an ancient society of magic users. Her magic, though, isn't tied to her albinism but it is part of her family heritage.

In terms of the over all feeling of the story, it reminds me of the animé Rewind, without the time travel aspect, with perhaps a smattering of Stranger Things. Sunny and her friends as children are underestimated by the adults and hunted by one of them. Yet they have the power and knowledge to save themselves and the most recent victims.

Although I went into this book somewhat reluctantly, I ended up enthralled, finishing it over the course of a single afternoon.

Five stars

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Thursday, March 02, 2017 at 15:33:04

Jenna @ Falling Letters

I've been meaning to check out this author for years. I tried one of her adult novels but wasn't in the mood for it at the time. I think I might have better luck with this one.

Comment #2: Thursday, March 02, 2017 at 14:21:53

Pussreboots

It's the only one of hers I've tried. I am planning though to read the sequel.