This might be the most soul-piercing book cover we’ve seen this year!
We’ve been longing for Tomi Adeyemi‘s YA fantasy debut Children of Blood and Bone ever since we heard about the sharp premise and the seven-figure deal the author received to publish her novel. The book follows 17-year-old Zélie Adebola, who leads the charge to bring magic back to her mythical homeland of Orïsha, where an evil king once destroyed all masters of magical ability and a dark prince follows in his footsteps.
To add to the excitement, the novel now has a stunning cover design from Rich Deas, who is known in the YA community for his covers for The Grisha Trilogy and The Lunar Chronicles, revealed by Teen Vogue. Tomi Adeyemi says the cover is meant to convey “power, beauty and blackness” and we think it does so wonderfully!
Like many books set in fantasy worlds, Children of Blood and Bone taps into very real issues in the modern world despite a fictional twist, some of which the author discussed in detail with Teen Vogue.
“We live in a time where men, women, and children of color are being dehumanized and oppressed and unjustly murdered. Though my book is an epic fantasy, it’s directly tied to all of that pain. There is so much we need to do to rectify these wrongs, and I strongly believe art and education is a big part of that effort. Getting different people to see the ‘other’ as human beings is greatly needed, and art and education is an incredible way to do that.”
Children of Blood and Bone hits bookshelves on March 6, 2018, but it’s already been optioned for film. You can pre-order now via Amazon. Also, check out the official synopsis below.
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and 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 the enemy.
