Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
African fantasy keeps up suspense in battle-heavy sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As CHILDREN OF VIRTUE AND VENGEANCE opens, Zelie and Amari have brought magic back to the land of Orisha after a bitter struggle. What they don't suspect is that an act of betrayal will take them by surprise and leave their cohort shattered. Told from multiple perspectives, the story emphasizes the tragedy of family members pitted against each other. Villains and heroes step forward and take on new responsibility as the stakes grow higher.
Is It Any Good?
Author Tomi Adeyemi maintains a high level of suspense and displays a knack for complex characterization in this exciting sequel. Epic fantasy isn't known for its diversity, but this saga sticks close to its roots and presents teen characters of African backgrounds. There are many battles, but they project a certain degree of sameness as the narrative advances. Characters seem to die, but are then somehow healed. Adeyemi has some stylistic tics that may bother some readers (for example, she always comments on what's happening to a character's chest during a stressful situation, although not in a sexual way). All in all, a necessary gathering of plot threads, but an installment that many leave some readers impatient for the final volume of the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Children of Virtue and Vengeance depicts characters in the middle of a civil war. How can citizens of a country become so politically polarized that people take up weapons against each other?
Children of Virtue and Vengeance takes inspiration from African mythology. Why does ancient folklore still speak to modern reader?
What do you think of the violence in Children of Virtue and Vengeance? Is it an effective part of the storytelling?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : December 3, 2019
- Number of pages : 404
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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