Somadina: An epic YA fantasy

By Author / Illustrator

Akwaeke Emezi

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Faber & Faber

ISBN

9780571383030

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

08-05-2025

Synopsis

A sweeping YA fantasy inspired by indigenous Igbo culture from the Sunday Times bestselling author - dibias, deities, magic and a twin hunting down her kidnapped brother.

'We had done and survived unimaginable things. Our world was so much bigger than our town, the river full of crocodiles, and these forests we'd grown up in. There was an entire sea out there to prove it.'

Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, are practically the same person: they finish each other's sentences and make each other whole. When the twins come of age, their magical gifts begin to develop, but while Jayaike's powers enchant, Somadina's cause fear to ripple through her town.

Always an outsider, Somadina now faces blatant - and dangerous - hostility. And things go from bad to worse when her brother, the one person she trusted, vanishes. Somadina knows that no matter the dangers, she must track him down. Even if it means entering the Sacred Forest. Even if it means gruelling, otherworldly travel she may not survive. Even if it means finding the hidden places where those closest to the spirit world don't dare to go. Does Somadina have the strength - within both her body and her soul - for the trying journey ahead?

Sunday Times bestseller Akwaeke Emezi masterfully weaves a tale of identity, family, and the power of the past, in a world where the extraordinary is ordinary.

'Magic is packed into every corner.' Kirkus Reviews. Readers love Akwaeke Emezi: 'Exceptional . . . a powerful magic.' 'Unforgettable . . . will stay with me for a long time.' 'Phenomenal . . . just wow.' 'I love Emezi's writing.' 'One of the best YA novels I have ever read.'

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Reviews

Julie

Somadina is a new epic YA fantasy novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Akwaeke Emezi. We are introduced to Somadina and her family after the 'Split' which ended the Starvation Wars - battles fought with neighbours over land.

These wars angered the Gods, they sent a wave of magic across the land, shattering it into islands and sending their enemies to their death. After the wars the gods bestowed each person with a magical gift. For Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, when they come-of-age they too will receive their magical gifts, too.

Somadina and Jayaike have an extraordinary close bond but as the twins' magical gifts begin to develop, we discover that whilst Jayaike's magic is enchanting, Somadina's powers are frightening, wild and out of control and the town's people - and her own mother - become hostile toward her. Things then take a turn for the worse when her brother vanishes, and so begins Somadina's quest to find Jayaike and the truth about the power she holds inside herself.

Akwaeke Emezi's novel is inspired by the indigenous Igbo culture. Originating from southeastern Nigeria, the Igbo culture has a rich tapestry of traditions, customs and beliefs; with a religion centered around deities and ancestory. These elements, along with a strong emphasis on family and community, are very prevalent throughout the novel.

As we experience Somadina's journey we also discover these legends and magic with her. We empathise with Somadina as she is thrust into an unfamiliar world where she must survive at all costs to save her brother. We are also made aware that she has yet to harness, control and understand this God-given power. During her quest, whilst she is subjected to all manner of dangers, she also begins to unravel family secrets, too.

This epic fantasy will leave you in suspense as the reader is never really sure what Somadina is capable of. This novel is filled with magic, fantasy and tradition. It is also a story about hope for the future and the importance of family. I would recommend this book for readers aged 13+

294 pages / Reviewed by Julie Broadbent, school librarian