Abeni's Song is a middle grade offering from Clark. Having read the Dead Djinn Universe books and enjoyed them, I was interested to start this new story.
After Abeni's village is captured and stolen away, Abeni finds herself snatched away by a witch for a magical apprenticeship, and consumed with the desire to save her family and neighbors from their fate,
I enjoyed Abeni and the friends she made on her journey and think that many readers will as well.

While the story and characters were generally interesting and enjoyable, I found the style to be overly simplistic and the pacing incredibly slow. The world building in the first half is agonizingly plodding. Perhaps the old school adventure narrative isn’t my cup of tea; it reads a bit like Tolkien, which I find is too episodic and sluggish.

I’m a big fan of Clark, but this did not work for me. I worry that middle grade readers will never get past the exposition.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my free copy. These opinions are my own.

I want to thank net galley and P Djèlí Clark for the ARC
I was first drawn to the cover of this book which is one of my goto covers. I love the colors and depictions of strong young women.
Clark has written this book for the YA crowd and I would say she delivered a very nicely put together story. The characters were likable and you can clearly place a picture of them in your mind. She also captured the angst of young adults trying to navigate their way into adulthood. Her little village and their philosophy of cohabiting as a tribe is quaint. She uses grammar and vocabulary that is exactly what would be expected for a teen. Some say there was not enough dialogue, but I personally enjoyed the depictions of scenery and situations. I can fully imagine what they look like. I also enjoyed the humor with her Abeni’s friends and Clark’s use of figurative language is spot on.

I am hoping that if this also becomes an audible that Channie Waite will be the narrator. She has narrated several of Clark’s books and she is exceptional at voices and diction

Wow, just wow. This books pacing was dynamic and kept you turning the page. This led to a very late night and a very tired next day of work.

On the surface this is a story of a young girl on an adventure, of magic and family, of friends and adventures, but this book goes so much deeper. Within the pages are stories of the slave trade, the diamond trade, and children soldiers, but presented in a way that is seamlessly woven in the story. I can only so that I am hoping this is the first in a series, because I would love to follow Abeni and her friends on more adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and TOR publishing for the advanced reader copy

I am yet again here to talk about a book I WISH was around when I was younger. Is my subconscious actively pushing me to heal my inner child? After reading A Master of Djinn, I decided to gladly read anything written by P. Djèlí Clark. When I saw that his first middle-grade novel was available on NetGalley I JUMPED on it. First of all, fantasy inspired by pre-colonial West Africa? Immediate yes. Abeni is the ultimate middle-grade character who is both frustratingly stubborn and inescapably endearing. I can see 11 year old kids reading this story and having visceral reactions to the characters' choices and dialogue.

This book features P. Djèlí Clark's signature storytelling with masterful world-building, integrating elements of history and mythology. The character development is strong, settings vivid, and the stakes are high making this an overall enthralling read. The magic system is intricate, but not too complex that younger audiences won't be able to comprehend it. I just KNOW a 6th grade me would've made this book my whole personality.

I read half this book through audio and half on ebook, and both were immersive experiences. Funmi James was the perfect choice for this audiobook as she artfully differentiated each character's voice with unique inflections. So excited for Abeni's Song to be published on July 25th!

A whimsical but also truly dark children's book focusing on Abeni as she tries to find the people of her village after they were taken by an evil warmonger. The first installment of this series that I am sure will keep getting better as it goes on.

The night before the annual harvest festival was a strange one for the children of Abeni’s village, especially because everyone seems to have experienced the same dream. As the festivities unfold, the night quickly devolves into chaos as a mysterious masked man leads the children away from their home while the adults are carted off to boats that will carry them far across the sea—never to return. Only twelve-year-old Abeni is saved by Asha, the supposed witch who lives nearby, and she must adjust to living without everyone she has ever known. When darkness comes for Asha, too, Abeni begins to better understand how magic works in her world and how her strength and skills may be the only hope to protect her land from the works of evil.

This is a curious middle grade novel, particularly because of its contemplative nature. Abeni is the central character, and much of the narrative focuses on her thoughts and observations. Because of this, the chapters tend to be very long, and any action is woven into detailed and frequent descriptions. While this design may be tedious for middle grade readers with a preference for action, it is worthwhile for readers who enjoy settling into the minds of their characters as they explore the reality of who they are. Several moments in the plot are slow-moving, which also may not appeal to all middle grade readers, but the moments of action are compelling and may inspire readers to continue.

Magic realism is at the heart of this story, and readers will find some similarities to the slave trade from the African perspective. The evildoers in this book are depicted as spirits and dark forces, but they can easily be interpreted as those who stole people from their homes to sell them without care. There is great potential for this book to dig deeper into the nuance of the storytelling and connect elements in stronger ways, but is unfortunately left as a two-dimensional and only mildly intriguing narrative. Because it is a story that will easily build into a sequel, it is possible that more interesting connections will be made in a later installment. While the pacing of this book may not be ideal for everyone, it is nonetheless an interesting and thoughtful tale to include on library shelves for middle grade readers.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I had previously read one of P. Djèlí Clark’s Tor.com novellas and was impressed, and while I did not expect a middle grade novel from him, I was intrigued nonetheless. Clark’s work here perfectly straddles that line of being approachable (suited to young readers), yet having a unique style that he brings to the table due to his background writing adult SFF. I like how he touches on issues like the slave trade and others that have impacted the region throughout history in a way that felt age-appropriate for the intended audience.
The world building is intricate and immersive. While I’ve read other middle grade stories that pull from West African culture, I appreciate the richness with which this was conveyed. The
Abeni herself is a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for. She has some of the common tropes of the genre, like circumstances forcing her into a role where she has to save everyone, but I like how the story sees her grow from her tragic circumstances to being prepared to take anything on. She learns lessons, as well as making some friends along the way, who help her on her quest.
Plot wise, it took a little while to get into, to understand the direction the story was taking. However, once I got into it, I was drawn in and ended up being won over by the epic nature of the adventure.
This is a solid first middle grade effort, and I’m excited for more. If you enjoy middle grade fantasy, especially about coming of age and featuring influences from non-Western cultures, I’d recommend checking this one out!

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up

When Abeni’s village is destroyed by a mysterious group of people and all the children are kidnapped, she is taken in by an old witch. Abeni trains with the witch and vows to save her family and friends from the dark forces.

I love Clark’s book A Master of Djinn, so I was really excited to read another book by this author, and while I liked Abeni’s Song, it didn’t blow me away like I was expecting. Abeni goes on a dangerous adventure and meets some interesting friends along the way, which was fun to follow along – I just wanted a bit more oomph in the plot and a bit more from the characters. That said, I still enjoyed the story and would recommend it as a diverse fantastical middle grade book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group, Starscape, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: MG Fantasy, African Mythology, African Fantasy
Violence Level: Low and appropriate for 8-12 year olds
Themes: Coming-of-Age, Found Family

Firstly, this is an adventure story—a hero's journey.
Secondly, heavy issues from Africa are presented in an oblique manner with a deft hand. (Slave trade, child soldiers, colonialism, war, diamond mines, being without a voice, etc.)

I think the ordering of these two points of the story is why it will be successful among children. It's also a great book to start a dialogue.

I love the spirits and monsters, and was vested in the quest that Abeni embarks on. She must make choices that are difficult as she tries to find her family who were stolen. The climax is perfect! Kids are going to eat this up.

I highly recommend this book.

Happy reading!

Thank you Net galley and Tor for access to this free advanced reader copy. I loved this book, and it's already on pre-order!

It's Abeni's birthday, and it's harvest festival. A witch arrives and whisks Abeni away just as her village is overrun by storm women and a goat man who steal the adults and children's away. Abeni is determined to save her village. To do so, she must learn magic and fighting, build a group of amazing, talented friends, and learn to control her impulses.

This is a story about friendship, belonging, growing up, knowing your history and yourself, and doing things even when your scared. It's about how adults can be wrong and kids can be leaders. It's also steeped in Black Girl Magic from the first page to the last page.

I've read all of P. DJélí Clark's adult fiction. The West African inspired world building and plotting here are on point and up to his other worlds. I also read a bunch of middle grade. Each chapter would be delightful read aloud. As a middle grade novel, this is delightful.

Abeni's name means "we asked for her and she is here." This book feels like a love letter to Black daughters everywhere, and I think it will interest many young readers with its monsters, spirits, and adventures. I cannot wait for book 2.

*My only note and why this isn't a five out of five star is one of her aunties tears her implying men like something to hold onto, which was a little ick.

I know I am not the target audience for this book but I was very intrigued nonetheless. Unfortunately while I found the writing beautiful and well done it was so slow and boring I could not find myself interested enough to continue with the story.

A fine yarn with so much heart and spirit. At no point does the author talk down to his audience (the intended audience for this book being middle-schoolers). I'm a little disappointed that the story isn't really over and it's obviously setting up at least one more book, but that seems to be the way these types of stories get told nowadays, especially when they're geared toward young people. I did feel satisfied at the end of this book, at least. It told a complete story and didn't end on a cliffhanger. I will gladly read more of the adventures of Abeni and her friends should they get published, and I'm looking forward to buying this book for the little ones in my life when they get a bit older.

I need book 2!! This book amazed me. I was not expecting such rich world building and folklore woven into an intriguing story. While this is clearly book 1 of a series, there’s so much happening and I was riveted from beginning to end.

There is nonstop action in this West African inspired middle grade adventure. I love how things came together throughout the novel and how the story kept building and moving forward. Abeni was a great heroine to root for and I adored her found family of friends.

Seriously can’t wait to read book 2 and get immersed once again in this rich fantasy world! Impressive start to what will surely be a terrific series.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

3.75/5 stars

This was fantastic for a middle grade fantasy - but as an adult that loves middle grade, it was still a bit young. Still fantastic - well written, interesting characters, beautiful world building and lore - but not a middle grade I would recommend as strongly to adults as others. That’s the only reason for less than 4 stars from me.

But seriously, P. Djèlí Clark is a master storyteller that has a clear vision for his world, characters, relationships, and plot. The writing was beautiful and the story was compelling - while it wasn’t my favorite read this year, I still want to continue the series to find out more about what happens to Abeni and her fascinating group of friends, both human and spirit.

I love this story and the representation and culture it provides. I highly recommend this to all younger readers, as well as adults that want an easy but amazing fantasy - just don’t go into it expecting a young adult type story.

Wow! This book was fantastic! Abeni’s Song is P. Djeli Clark’s first middle-grade novel. The day of the Harvest Festival, everyone in Abeni’s village is captured and taken towards ghost ships with unknown destinations. For reasons yet unknown to Abeni, the old witch that watches over her village saves Abeni from capture and whisks Abeni away to her home in the forest. From there, Abeni uncovers more about what has happened and sets off on journey to save her family and friends. Clark does a wonderful job transporting and immersing readers into a new world. The world building and characters are top notch. Readers are seamlessly transitioned into Abeni’s world. The characters were fabulous, and readers can easily relate to them. I myself can’t wait to follow their journey in the next books. While being a middle grade book, it thoughtfully explores the topic of human bondage in way that is tangible and visceral for readers. Intermixed with this heavier topic, the book also beautifully demonstrates the concept of found family with Abeni, Zaneeya, Asha, and Nyomi. Most importantly, it demonstrates the power of empathy and the impact the treatment of our fellow human beings can have. It goes without saying that while I love the fantasy genre, I also recognize its lack of diversity so I treasure books that break the mold of the white male protagonist. Abeni’s Song wonderfully features strong female black characters, and weaves in African culture and lore which I found fascinating. My only criticism of this book is that towards the middle the storyline drag s a bit. That being said, I really don’t feel that the pacing problem took away anything from the story. This book is easily one of my favorite reads this year. I’d recommend this to all readers of all ages. Also, if you haven’t checked out any of P. Djeli Clark’s other books, I would highly recommend doing so as they are equally as great. Thank you for the arc!

Abeni’s Song is the first middle grade novel by P. Djèlí Clark. This is a great book that I think 11+ year olds would have a lot of fun reading. It has adventure, magic, found friends, and spirit animals! For anyone looking for a coming-of-age middle grade book, I would recommend this. I have read almost all of P. Djèlí Clark’s works and love his world-building. I look forward to the next quest with Abeni and her friends.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Starsscape, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Clark's writing jumps off the page no matter what genre or age group he writes for - and Abeni's Song is no exception! I'm so glad middle grade readers will have access to books like this.

I received an electronic ARC from Tor Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Clark creates a village where life feels relatable. Then, spins some portions to introduce fantasy elements for readers to think about.
Abeni is excited for the Festival until disaster strikes and otherworldly beings attack and take away everyone from her village. She alone is left with the Old Woman who lives alone and seems to protect the village. Tribal lore is woven in with the spirits and mortals in this battle with an evil spirit determined to take the children and take over the world. As the story unfolds, readers learn more about this being (though he is never seen) and about those he recruits to do damage to the mortal world. I'm impressed with the way the author weaves an entire world through showing small pieces and letting readers use their imagination to develop the entire space. These characters stir emotions and allow readers to be part of this unusual group.
Looking forward to the next book about Abeni as they search for the ghost ships.