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- Title: Children of Blood and Bone
- Author: Tomi Adeyemi
- Narrator: Bahni Turpin
- Length: 17:56:31
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 06/03/2018
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Genre: Teen, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Tough Topics
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
The first time I pressed play on Bahni Turpin’s narration of “Children of Blood and Bone”, I was sitting on a crowded train winding through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks became an unconscious percussion to Turpin’s mesmerizing voice, and suddenly, I wasn’t just listening to a story – I was being transported to Orïsha. This audiobook experience reminded me of those magical evenings in Oaxaca when the grandmother would spin tales that made the firelight dance with shadows of ancient spirits.
Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy debut is nothing short of revolutionary in the YA fantasy space. As someone who’s spent years documenting oral storytelling traditions from Senegal to South Africa, I can tell you Adeyemi’s world-building carries the authentic weight of African mythology while blazing new trails. The story follows Zélie Adebola, a young maji who embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic to her people after a ruthless king ordered all maji killed – including her mother. What unfolds is a breathtaking tale of resistance, heritage, and the terrifying beauty of power rediscovered.
Bahni Turpin’s narration is a masterclass in vocal artistry. She doesn’t just read the story – she breathes life into it with a range that left me awestruck. From Zélie’s fiery determination to Princess Amari’s delicate vulnerability, from the villainous Prince Inan’s conflicted torment to the ancient deities’ otherworldly resonance, Turpin crafts a distinct sonic fingerprint for each character. There’s a particular scene where Zélie first connects with her ancestral magic that gave me full-body chills – Turpin’s voice swells with such raw spiritual power that I had to pause the audiobook and catch my breath.
What struck me most profoundly was how Adeyemi weaves themes of oppression and resistance into the very fabric of her magic system. The maji’s struggle mirrors too many real-world histories of marginalized peoples, making this fantasy feel urgently contemporary. As I listened while trekking through the Rif Mountains, I kept thinking about the Berber communities I’ve visited who’ve fought to preserve their language and traditions against cultural erasure. Adeyemi’s story resonates because it understands that magic isn’t just about spells – it’s about identity, memory, and the unbreakable bonds between generations.
The audiobook’s production quality matches Turpin’s stellar performance. The pacing (at just under 18 hours) allows the rich world to unfold naturally, and Macmillan Audio’s engineering ensures every whispered incantation and thunderous battle sequence lands with perfect clarity. While some fantasy audiobooks can become confusing during action sequences, Turpin’s impeccable diction and the text’s strong writing keep every magical duel and political maneuver crystal clear.
If I had one critique, it’s that the romantic subplot occasionally feels rushed compared to the meticulously developed magical and political arcs. However, this is a minor quibble in what’s otherwise a masterwork. The book’s exploration of power – who wields it, who fears it, and what happens when the oppressed reclaim it – makes “Children of Blood and Bone” essential listening for our times.
For listeners who enjoyed “The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin or “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor, Adeyemi’s debut offers a similarly rich, culturally-grounded fantasy experience. But make no mistake – this is a story wholly its own, told with a fresh voice that heralds an exciting new era in fantasy literature. Turpin’s narration elevates it to something truly transcendent – the kind of audiobook that doesn’t just entertain, but transforms how you hear the world.
As a travel writer, I’m always searching for stories that transport me as profoundly as any journey. “Children of Blood and Bone” did that and more. There were moments when Turpin’s voice conjured visions so vivid I forgot I was walking down familiar streets – suddenly I was dodging leoponaires in the Orïshan wilderness or standing on the cliffs of Ilorin as the tide magic roared. That’s the power of this audiobook: it makes the imaginary feel as real and textured as any place I’ve visited in my travels.
May your listening journeys be ever magical,
Marcus Rivera
