By Kaya Miller
The novel Akata Witch written by Nnedi Okarafor, is a book of courage, imagination and wonder. Published in 2011, the book is the first volume of a brilliant fantasy series that is full of twists that titillate the imagination.
About the Author-
Worldreader describes Nnedi Okorafor as a “novelist of African-based science fiction, fantasy and magical realism for both children and adults.” Nnedi Okorafor is a Nigerian-American author whose work provides more diversity in the fantasy realm for young, and old readers.
About the Book-
The story of Akata Witch is one of a young girl by the name of Sunny Nwazue who lives in Nigeria. Like the author, she was born in the United States, and moved back to Africa. Sunny is an albino, so with her West African features, American origins and African residence, the students at her school use that as a tool against Sunny.
(Alternate book cover)
But all that changes when she learns of her powers. Sunny discovers she is a “free agent” which is a person from Leopard Knocks (the magical realm/world only those with powers can visit), that wasn’t born into the magical realm. Sunny is essentially the “muggle-born” of this universe. As a free agent/person of magic, her previous insecurities and odd features increase her power. Which comes in handy when after her discovery, Sunny and her friends Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha, are tasked with saving the world from an ancient evil trying to end the world.
Throughout this book, Sunny learns about herself, her family and friends; striving to accept all that she is in a world where not everyone can.
The emotional ups and downs that captivate you at every turn—plus the baiting plot points that keep you up at night wanting to know more—make this book is a great read for anyone who enjoys the fantasy/adventure genre. Check it out at your local library if it’s there—or buy it in stores today.