Abeni’s Song

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Author(s)

P. Djeli Clark

Publisher

Starscape

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

July 25, 2023

ISBN

978-1250825827

Buy This Book

IN DARKNESS, A SONG CAN LEAD THE WAY. BEWARE WHICH ONE YOU LISTEN TO.

Abeni's Song by award-winning author P. Djèlí Clark is the enchanting beginning of an epic West African and African Diaspora-inspired fantasy adventure for middle-grade readers about a reluctant apprentice to magic and the stolen villagers she sets out to save.

“Lush and magical.” ―KWAME MBALIA • “Astonishing.” ―MARK OSHIRO • "Abeni's story will sweep you away." ―AMANDA FOODY

On the day of the Harvest Festival, the old woman who lives in the forest appears in Abeni's village with a terrible message:

You ignored my warnings. It’s too late to run. They are coming.

Warriors with burning blades storm the village. A man with a cursed flute plays an impossibly alluring song. And everyone Abeni has ever known and loved is captured and marched toward far-off ghost ships set for even more distant lands.

But not Abeni.

Abeni is magically whisked away by the old woman. In the forest, Abeni begins her unwanted magical apprenticeship, her journey to escape the witch, and her impossible mission to bring her people home.

Abeni’s Song is the beginning of a timeless, enchanting fantasy adventure about a reluctant apprentice, a team of spirit kids, and the village they set out to save.

Editor review

1 review

IN DARKNESS, A SONG CAN LEAD THE WAY. BEWARE WHICH ONE YOU LISTEN TO

May 21, 2023

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

5.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

What I liked:
Abeni's Song is a middle-grade novel with beautiful world-building, an exciting plot, and complex characters that help paint a vibrant and visual treat for your mind to engage with. Abeni's song is at the heart of an African-inspired fantasy with a young girl who sets out to save her friends and family. The story is very much rooted in the quest of Abeni and her friends, so you go along for the ride as she encounters spirits that look like humans. These monsters have a haunting song and exploration of a world beyond Abeni's little village.
Final Verdict:
Abeni's Song is the author's first middle-grade novel. Though he has written many other books, he did have lengthy chapters, which would be fine for an avid reader but might be a challenge for a slower reader. I was pleased to see such a strong female representation in the story and that any male characters were sided. This book is perfect for a teacher looking to add a diverseness to her classroom shelf. I am excited to see where Abeni and her newfound family will go next on their travels.