Lisa Stringfellow

In this admirably economical fantasy fairytale in a Nigerian setting, Amara lives with her adoptive mother Zirachi until violence forces her on a journey to find the griots, storytellers who can tell her more about who she is and her importance to Kun. Amara sets off on part two of her adventure to find the true queen of Kun - imprisoned in a tower, a la Rapunzel - and displace the false and power-hungry ruler who is ignoring the plight of the people of Kun. With the help of her adoptive show more mother, the griots, earth goddess Oala, and other kind people along the way, Amara faces danger and finds her true power: the power of love.

Quotes

Epigraph: When a griot dies, it is as if a library has burned to the ground. -West African proverb

...I can see now that knowing the truth can be worse than knowing nothing at all. (27)

"I did not say the favored do not suffer...Sometimes the good suffer most." (Ebele to Amara, 47)

...where there is bad, there is good. Sometimes it only needs someone to look for it. (61)

Zirachi says we must think of others before ourselves. (91)

"Our destinies are tied, and where you go, I'll go as well." (Amara to Chizoba, 110)

"Why didn't you tell me the truth?"
"I did tell you the truth," he says gently. "I only said what would make sense to you at the time. Sometimes knowledge given at the wrong time can be dangerous." (143)

I finally understand my power, and it doesn't come from study or thinking. It comes from feeling. Protecting and caring for others. (188) show less

I was surprised at how easy it was to fall into this story -- love the culture, the mermaid, the talent and friendship between Kela and Lissy. The grief is hard, but the story is strong, and it tells us what they all do -- that loss is important, and cannot be cheated.

This was an awesome book! I highly recommend it; this book had seafolk, folklore, a fantastic way to start every story "Crick, crack", and family. I teared up a couple of times when Kela was dealing with her mom.

I hope Lisa Stringfellow continues writing books because this was amazing!