Children of Blood and Bone

By: Tomi Adeyemi

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

*Winner of the Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year*

*This program is narrated by acclaimed reader Bahni Turpin, whose past work includes The Hate U Give and The Underground Railroad*

"Bahni Turpin's breathtaking narration of this exhilarating novel will keep listeners rooted to their seats, listening intently...an audiobook not to be missed." — AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

In Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut.

They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for an enemy.

Praise for Children of Blood and Bone:

"[Narrator Bahni Turpin] excels at customizing her voice to capture the unique personalities of each character...This excellent, refreshing performance of Adeyemi's exciting debut is recommended for all collections where fantasy is popular" — Booklist, Starred Review

“One of the biggest young adult fiction debut book deals of the year. Aside from a compelling plot and a strong-willed heroine as the protagonist, the book deals with larger themes, like race and power, that are being discussed in real time.”—Teen Vogue

Critic reviews

2019 Audie Award, Audiobook of the Year
Libro.fm Top 10 Audiobooks of 2018
AudioFile Best 5 Young Adult Audiobooks of 2018
2019 YALSA Amazing Audiobook
2019 ALSC Notable Children's Recording
AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
Booklist Starred Audiobook Review
Publishers Weekly Starred Audiobook review
2019 Audie Award, Young Adult, Nominated

"Bahni Turpin's breathtaking narration of this exhilarating novel will keep listeners rooted to their seats, listening intently. ...Turpin's captivating narration, with incantations sung in Yoruba, intense battles, and lively, devastating dialogue, makes this an audiobook not to be missed." -AudioFile, Earphones Award Winner

"Talented narrator [Bahni] Turpin's reading amplifies Adeyemi's creativity and attention to detail. Through her authentic pronunciations and musical chants, she immerses listeners in the Orïshan culture and fantasy realm and allows characters' powerful emotions to drive the book's action...This excellent, refreshing performance of Adeyemi's exciting debut is recommended for all collections where fantasy is popular." -Booklist, Starred Review

"[Bahni] Turpin’s bold reading of Adeyemi’s Afro-futurist fantasy solidifies her reputation as one of the best voice actors working today. ...Turpin’s sonorous incantation of prayers, as well as her brisk pacing during exciting moments of danger, will have listeners on the edge of their seats. Her depiction of the king’s rage is also downright terrifying, as Turpin is unafraid to roar. Her hypnotic performance is one to be reckoned with." -Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

ended abruptly. Feel like missing some story

build up towards the climax was too slow and it was too far towards the end of the book. The book felt like it abruptly ended without any resolution

Fantastic!

Very engaging. The story was captivating from the beginning. The narration -superb!
Extremely recommendable- for sure.

Powerful writing. Beautiful Performance.

This book is absolutely amazing in its storytelling, in its original mythology, and in its humanity - an epic adventure that should not be missed!

The voices of the characters are so distinct and rich, I feel each one’s pain and joy. Tomi Adeyemi is a truly gifted author.

I can’t wait to experience the next book, and share these stories with my 8th-grade students!

And Bahni Turpin! Gods!!! She is an incredible performer! She gave life to the characters in a way I don’t believe anyone else could have. The melody of her reading still hums in my mind. Thank you!

This book is amazing!

You cannot read this book with recognizing these parallels to Black people all over the world. Indigenous people and cultures brutalized, erased, and oppressed; and yet still fighting for justice and still carrying hope in their hearts. Still carrying that innate music that resides in all of us. Beautiful book Toni, thank you.

Enthralling

Loved it!! One of the best listens I've had ever! It was It pulled at every emotion I have. I will be getting the book just so I can experience it in another way.