Crown of Thunder: Beasts Made of Night, Book 2
New intrigue in action-packed, African-influenced fantasy.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Crown of Thunder is the second volume of the Beasts Made of Night fantasy series by Tochi Onyebuchi. It's set in a world where the sins of the ruling class can be devoured by lower-caste teen "aki," leaving the aristocrats free from feelings of guilt. Inspired by Nigerian folklore, the novel features people of color as main characters and represents a sophisticated example of fantasy world-building. Violent scenes include showdowns between Taj and a deadly array of sin-beasts.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
At the start of CROWN OF THUNDER, Taj has abandoned his hometown in the wake of the destruction called down upon it by Queen Karima's deadly black magic. Wracked with guilt, he watches as innocent civilians flood a refugee camp. He and his traveling companion, Aliya, encounter a vicious new kind of sin-beast and barely escape with their lives and the knowledge that Queen Karima has not forgotten about them.
Is It Any Good?
There's a growing enthusiasm for fantasy with African roots, and this captivating novel of magic, religion, and politics benefits from the author's knowledge of Nigerian folklore and culture. Tochi Onyebuchi keeps the level of suspense high in Crown of Thunder, presenting new complications that up the stakes and add urgency to the plot. He deftly arranges the final confrontation between Taj and his enemies, presenting highly kinetic fight scenes. Although there's plenty left to explore in this dynamic fantasy land, this second volume ends on a welcome note of resolution, likely to leave readers satisfied but eager for more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Crown of Thunder depicts the plight of refugees. What drives people to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere? What can be done to help them?
How does Crown of Thunder define sin? What kinds of acts should people feel guilty about? Why would some pay to have their sins removed from their bodies?
What is the role of violence in Crown of Thunder? Is it easier to take in because it's mostly magical warfare? Does violence resolve conflicts or create more?
Book Details
- Author: Tochi Onyebuchi
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Razorbill
- Publication date: October 16, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 18
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 16, 2018
Our Editors Recommend
-
Children of Blood and Bone: Legacy of Orisha, Book 1
Young women aim to save magic in exciting African fantasy.
-
To Kill a Kingdom
Bold, imaginative sea-faring fantasy has unusual characters.
-
Tess of the Road
Richly textured fantasy addresses #MeToo issues.
For kids who love fantasy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate