Thank you to Erhu Kome, Norton Young Readers, and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book to review. Unfortunately, I got about 52% of the way into this book and decided to put it down, but I will do my best to provide feedback on this title.

Having read and enjoyed Children of Blood and Bone, Forged by Blood, The Gilded Ones, and Beasts of Prey, I was eager to read <i>TheSmoke That Thunders to learn more about Urhobo and West African folklore and to appreciate the rich diversity across the African diaspora in YA literature. Although the story does well to introduce me to these parts of Urhobo and West African culture in a very simple and easy-to-understand way that would appeal to school teachers and to younger YA readers, what it lacks for me is a compelling story to support all these things.

Naborhi feels like a classic YA protagonist who shuns her arranged marriage and has haunting dreams about a boy who pleads her to save him. She completes her rite of passage, she says goodbye to her fellow friends as they get married or betrothed, she sees an animal spirit that happens to be a messenger of a god—All these things feel like they <i>happen</i> to her instead of her <i>making</i> them happen. When she wants to travel and see the world, she saves up money for the purpose of doing so but is later taken to a neighboring queendom when she is shot with a sleeping dart, which robs her once more of any tension and conflict that would propel her to travel and explore on her own.

I also couldn’t quite tell what the age of the reader was for this novel. Because of the travel, spirits, and adventure aspects, it feels more middle-grade adjacent, but Naborhi is sixteen at the start of the novel and is coming of age. There are some scenes where women are physically beaten by men and even one scene where a man declares that a woman has “lost her innocence” and “her pride” for allegedly seducing another man. He then asks, “Who will marry a broken thing like her? Not any man in his right senses,” and although Naborhi wants to step in and help, she’s ultimately made to turn away. That thinly-veiled misogyny intersecting with her feminist desire to help, learn to read, and be independent is very upper-YA, but it’s not quite fully addressed. It makes it hard for me to understand what the story’s point is thematically as a result. What does Naborhi end up wanting if she ends up getting it right away? What part of the story, according to the blurb, is political intrigue and fierce love?

To that end, I don’t think this quite hits the mark. However, I would love to read more of Erhu Kome’s works in the future and hope that I’m given the chance to do so.

Thank you NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for this digital advanced reader copy!

The Smoke That Thunders is a YA fantasy novel about a young girl who dreams of a life bigger than the life she's been dealt. Naborhi wants to see the world and go on adventures, not to be constricted by the social structures in which she must marry and dedicate her life to being a wife, and who can blame her? Naborhi gets her wish, but her adventure turns treacherous as she and her friends encounter many hidden dangers along their quest.

I loved the use of West African mythology and folklore in this book, and the story made me want to learn so much more. While this is marketed as YA, I'd say it probably reads more like a middle grade book - but rest assured, all ages can enjoy this story. There were so many times my heart swelled and broke for Naborhi, and she is a character I was rooting for the whole time.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"You seek happiness in the world, in yourself, and this is admirable. Though many know what their own happiness is, few have the courage to actually seek it"

"I only want the freedom to live my life how I choose, and to honor this family with my actions, not my marriage."

"Together. We'd lived this strange, beautiful life together for so long, and now we'd take on the world together."

"I was unstoppable as the mightiest river, but my friends, my family, were what fed my strength."

Thank you to Netgalley and W.W. Norton & Company for this ebook arc!

This is a great coming-of-age story. It's engaging and a quick easy read. The balance between backstory and action/adventure is spot on. The beginning of the story draws the reader in and makes me think.

I love mythology and fantasy so this was a great read for me. I haven't read much about West African mythology and I think The Smoke That Thunders brings some of that forward (most mythology books I find focus on Greek or Roman myths). I loved the elements of West African mythology and wished there was a bit more because this book has left me very intrigued.

The Smoke That Thunders is a good book for older middle-grade readers to early young adults. This makes a very smooth transition and introduction to readers that are switching age ranges.

The Smoke That Thunders is an inspiring tale of a young woman who has spent her entire life fighting for what is right. From avenging her mother from her abusive father, to honoring her aunt, uncle, and sister, to listening to the favor of a unknown god, to saving not only the Prince of a foreign land, but the entirety of her own country in the process.

This book had a lot of potential. I loved the story line and am left feeling like this is the shell of something that could be great. I understand that this story is meant for younger readers, however I still feel like there was substance missing. Each pivotal moment felt rushed and the story moved along far too quickly. Too much was confined to too little pages which left the book feeling hollow. I just want more. Not like in addition to the ending. I’m not asking for a sequel. What I desire is more meat on the bones of The Smoke That Thunders.

I wouldn’t say that I had high hopes going into this story, but I really did expect to like this story. Whenever I read a book by a Black author, I always try look for things about the story that the author did well, However, reading The Smoke that Thunders made that hard. I DNF’ed the story at 18%.

This story follows Naborhi, a sixteen-year-old girl living in a small, traditional community. Naborhi’s family arranges for her to marry a man who upholds these traditional ideals, but she does not want to marry him or live the traditional life of a young woman in this society. Then she becomes bonded to a mysterious animal that opens her eyes to more things happening in the world.

My main problem with this story is the writing. At first, I thought I was getting into a YA book because that is what this book is being marketed as. This does not read like one. If anything, it reads more like a middle grade story in terms of the craft. The content itself does feel YA with a persistent theme on being a young woman groomed to be married, but not exploring that that theme in depth enough to actually make any notable commentary on them. It was surface level feminism at best to watch Naborhi say how much she didn’t want a traditional marriage.

The voice of the writing wasn’t my only hiccup with it. I feel like the scene transitions were jarring. Something would happen and then it would move on even though felt like there was supposed to be something more added to it (a character thought, more description, etc). It happened a little too frequently for me to truly get hooked into the story.

I think because of the basic craft issues I had with this story, everything fell flat. The world building made sense, from what I read, but from what I read, it didn’t really offer anything unique the other YA fantasy stories. (If I would have continued, maybe I would change my mind?) The characters feel like caricatures from most other YA fantasies, being very one dimensional so that I didn’t care for any of them. The plot itself had pacing issues, which I blame on the scene transitions but it also just could have been the plot points and meandering through details that didn’t seem to matter.

Overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this book to anyone. I don’t know who the intended audience is because the writing felt middle grade but the content felt YA. I just also don’t think it’s good on a craft level. But I’m just one person. Maybe try it for yourself to see if you like it.

The Smoke that Thunders is a debut YA Coming of age Fantasy story that is steeped in West African mythology. Readers take a journey with Naborhi, a young lady who desires more out of life and willing to fight for what she feels is right and just. In this coming of age story Naborhi discovers her true mettle. She learns about her connection to the gods and sets out on a quest of understanding and enlightenment.

Erhu Kome does an amazing job intertwining the intricacies of West African lore including but not limited to: religion, deities, female warrior tribes and lush world building. This is a YA Fantasy story that will appeal to all fantasy lovers young and old who thirst for adventure and learning about different cultures and worlds

Naborhi has big dreams, bigger than the others in her little village. She is 16, coming of age, and wants more than anything to travel the world and not end up as some boy's wife. When she accidentally bonds with a mysterious creature while out in the woods, her predictable life gets turned upside down. Naborhi must decide if it is the best or worst thing to ever happen to her as she answers the call of a god not her own and journeys with the rival kingdom's Oracle's son.

This book was written so beautifully that I devoured it in one sitting. While two nations at war is nothing new, the way that the author wove West African and Urhobo folklore into the story gave life to tired tropes. The mythology is alive in the imagery, flowing seamlessly from one part to the next. The only thing I craved with this book was more. I would have loved more world-building, more magic explained, and more of the mysterious forces guiding Naborhi and her cohorts along their journey.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see the world through the eyes of a dreamer, and who loves adventures seeped in magical meddling.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy through NetGally. It does not affect my review in any way.

Content Warnings:
Major
Violence, Domestic Abuse, Misogyny
Moderate
Death of a parent, war

Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher (Norton Young Readers) for the chance to read an advanced copy of this book!

I liked this book a lot. It really fit what I have been looking for and desperately hoping for when I requested it. What I had been looking for was a non-western European inspired fantasy story and this book, influenced by Western African mythology and written by a Nigerian author, really fit the bill.

I like the world that's been created and really enjoy the little bits of world building that just are different from what I'm used to finding in fantasy stories. Things like what they eat and how they dress, small details that allow you to feel immersed in the world.

The characters are all likable, even if I found Naborhi a little frustrating at times - especially early in the book. But, she is a well developed character and I especially liked that she had to struggle with the idea that her best friend and her sister both like the system that she's wanting so badly to escape. While Naborhi is very much the YA fantasy kick-butt girl, she never dismisses the girls and women that prefer more traditional roles. She's not trying to overthrow a corrupt regime, she's just trying to find her place in the world.

The two boys, Atai and Tamunor, were good characters and both very different from each other with distinct personalities. (But, let's be fair, this is Naborhi's story and they are just here.)

I love, love, love the idea of the Red Tapestry. Without giving away spoilers, the idea for a group of women like this appeals to me - and appeals to me all the more because I know where Naborhi comes from and I can see just how much it appeals to her. (Also, as someone that has a really hard time reading books that have culture/s where women are second class citizens (or worse) I loved that there were so many capable women in this story.)

Finally, I would like to note that there is attraction here, but it is minor and so not the point. Which it is super nice to find a YA book that isn't focused on the romance. Instead, it takes the time to build friendships which is a win as far as I'm concerned.

Now the problems I had were pretty minor and forgivable, but they were there.

First, I had a slight issue with the pacing. I do think most of that was the fault of the synopsis covering such a huge chunk of the book and, in fact, giving away 75% + spoilers. Because of this, I kept waiting for the things mentioned in the plot to happen, which made the first 30% or so seem really slow and then it almost felt like the rest flew by too fast.

Also this is a debut novel. And it feels like it at times. Sometimes things are … under described? There is a bit of telling instead of showing. Not a lot, definitely not enough to ruin my enjoyment, but I do really look forward to what this author can do when she really starts perfecting her craft.

This review was duel posted to Netgalley and Goodreads.

The orphaned Naborhi is desperate to escape the trap of marriage and see the world, but doesn't want to go without her beloved younger sister. Unfortunately for her, her sister has no desire to travel and is instead looking forward to exactly the kind of life Naborhi so dreads. After Naborhi runs into a magical fox and starts dreaming of a kidnapped boy, she finds the courage to leave on her own and begins an adventure across the world to find a life for herself (and of course, save the boy). The adventure becomes a little too straightforward/easy towards the end for my tastes, but overall this is an excellent and enjoyable book.

Thoroughly enjoyable, even if I'm not the target demographic. The world building was the richest part of the book for me, as I learned a great deal about the culture, even if it was situational.

<b>ARC Review</b>

<b>Scale information:</b>
<b>1:</b> terrible, awful, I cannot stop ranting about how bad it was; <b>3:</b> this is exactly what I expect from a book of this genre; <b>5:</b> I cannot stop thinking about this book, I must own a copy, I will tell everyone to read it.

[2.5 rounded up]

It's been a bit since I touched Middle Grade, but I felt like this book was a good MG-YA bridge. I've been tired of the same fantasy-inspired-by-Western-Europe and Greek Myth retellings that we see again and again, so I was excited to dive into something new.

The book started off by really showing how sexist the MC's country is. It's not the whole continent (her country shares a border with a Queendom, after all); but the focus and the time spent on showing just how less-than women and girls are in this society is... Uncomfortable. I think it was the focus of the first 25% of the book, if I'm recalling correctly. Yes, this was a big theme for the book, and yes it absolutely had it's place. But as an individual, I'm just so tired of reading fantasy where we have to read in detail how awful it is to be a woman.

Definitely would recommend as a quick MG-YA read for anyone who wouldn't mind reading the beginning!

<i>I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.</i>

This is definitely more MG than YA, but despite that, I still really liked this!

While the main plotline is pretty simple (girl who's the Chosen One goes on a quest to save a kidnapped person she sees in her visions), I loved how the author infused her Urhobo culture and beliefs into the story!

This is a feminist story that's appropriate for the MG demographic. I would've loved reading this as a young girl.

Usually I find Chosen One stories to be pretty meh these days (MC is too overpowered, there aren't actual stakes because of the MC being overpowered, etc.), the author had a good grasp on it in this novel without making Naborhi the typical strong female character.

I was a huge fan of how Naborhi stays true to herself and forges her own path, despite society telling her that her lot in life as a woman is to agree to an arranged marriage and be a good wife and mother. Even with an abusive childhood, Naborhi and her sister, Tega, manage to stay close and have a healthy relationship.

I loved the found family and lite romance. Especially for MG readers, the story heavily implies that it's definitely okay if your immediate family isn't your nuclear family. This point is really driven home since the society that Naborhi lives in really emphasizes the nuclear family as the prevailing option.

I wish there was more physical worldbuilding in the beginning. When Naborhi starts on her quest, the physical worldbuilding got better. But when Naborhi was in her hometown, there weren't really any good descriptions for me to latch onto.

I'm excited to read more from this author! If this has a sequel or becomes a series, count me in!

Thank you to Norton Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.

A beautiful YA fantasy novel that ties in Urhobo and West African Folklore. It reminded me of reading a fairy tale except the girl has a strong feminist voice in this one

*Thank you Netgalley and Norton Young*

TW: mention of domestic violence, mention of death of parents, some violence throughout

The story opens with Naborhi struggling with the life she has and dreams of something greater outside of her home village. After finding a mysterious animal, and strange dreams, she leaves her home with a couple companion's for this journey.

I really enjoyed following Naborhi and her companion's on their journey, but mostly hers. Also, I'm not well versed in West African mythology/folklore. There is also some Urhobo folklore in there as well. But again, I'm not well versed in it. I really enjoyed reading about those elements anyway. Especially with it being put into a story like this one.

This is a YA story, but as an adult I feel anyone can read it.

The Smoke That Thunders hooks you right from the beginning and drops you into the plot which I love! It's such an adventure filled ride, with a loving take on the Urhobo people highlighting girl power, that I wish I could read a million more stories like this! In particular, the first few chapters hone in on a claustrophobic, smothered feeling of wanting to branch out and live your dreams and all I wanted was for Naborhi to leave her village! The first half of the book had me itching to know how Naborhi was going to get out from under her family and go on the mythical adventure she deserved. However, I liked the intricacies of the rights and rituals described throughout the book, particularly in Naborhi's village. During the adventure scenes, every mishap was quickly resolved, a bit too quick for my liking, as the group was always in and out of danger without a true feeling of high stakes, but that was fine because it was understood that every little adventure was taking place on top of their big mission. I loved that Naborhi got to be a leader and show everyone how capable and cunning she was, and I liked that the book acknowledged that both with her family and the kingdom honoring and respecting her in the end. I thought the happy ending was well deserved and I enjoyed learning each of Naborhi's family members' reasonings for their paths and perspectives. Overall, this is a great YA book and exploration into a Urhobo tale that had a little bit of everything for everyone including family (both found and born into), love (romantic, platonic, and familial), adventure, and a happy ending. I look forward to reading more from Erhu Kome and I can't wait to introduce her books to everyone I know!

So excited to have read an ARC for The Smoke that Thunders. This was a fantasy interwoven with West African mythology and it was done beautifully. The world was clear and easy to follow. Narborhi is a strong main character and it is powerful to witness her desire and determination to make her own path. The plot was not as nuanced as I would have liked for fantasy, however I still immensely enjoyed the story. This is a book that readers of all ages can enjoy and I am delighted to have experienced it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A story of Naborhi, who wants for a different life then the traditional life of a women in the Kingdom of Kokori- marriage and making a family. It is her time to go through her rites of passage and become betrothed but she wants freedom. She dreams of a different life but could not imagine the twist her life takes when she encounters a spirit fox only she can see.

This starts as a slow pace story, a story of a regular life that turns in to an extraordinary one touched by spirits. The plot gets much more rushed at for the last third of the book as it moves fast through the quest Naborh must complete. Naborh is endearing and the world is very interesting.

It reads like a young YA book although the protagonist is 16 and being prepared to be married the writing reads on the younger end of YAFantasy.

This is for the publisher but the book description is like a spoiler. The main character who’s point-of-view we are following doesn’t know that the prince mentioned in the description is a prince until over 75% through the book. Maybe that’s why it felt slow, as I was waiting for the political intrigue and war to start.

In The Smoke That Thunders, we follow Naborhi, 16 year old seeking to break the mold. Wanting to break out from the ‘norms’ and expectations of a female in this society. After wandering to the forbidden forest a mysterious creature appears to her and has her curious for answers. We follow Naborhi as she seeks to embark on her journey of saving this boy who appears in her dreams. Meeting Atai along the way and finds herself in the middle of a war.

I was so excited for this story both being Urhobo and West African folklore, mythology, and YA Fantasy. I found the plot to be lacking with quick resolution to high stakes and unnecessary scene placement. Not much drive in the plot and went awry in the middle of this story. This story was largely character driven and I was pleased to see such a strong FMC eager to follow her own truth. The inner battles that were shown and not told made me eager to see Naborhi’s story to an end. I liked the relationship with Atai and Tamunor. Naborhi often struggles about the family she left behind but quick found families among other parties told in the story.

The world building was a bit front loaded for me. I liked learning more about the history of the world and the why but would have preferred more of the ‘folklore and mythology’ embedded in this story over some of the atmospheric scenes. This story felt a bit too long overall.

Thank you to Netgalley and W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers for this digital arc copy.

I enjoyed this story! The setting is intriguing and I liked visiting the kingdoms of Oron and Ewuare and exploring the differences in culture, gods, and daily life. The entire story is narrated by Naborhi, and she is an easy character to relate to. Her journey (both physical and spiritual) is a satisfying one, as she learns how to balance her family's expectations of her with her own needs for fulfillment.

Although the storyline is tight and concludes nicely, I wish that there had been more complexity to some parts of the plot. It sometimes seemed that things just conveniently happened or were handed to the main characters without any additional context or effort being needed on their part. Similarly, I think more could have been done with some characters' backstories by taking advantage of the already strong worldbuilding foundation and fleshing out more parts of certain character's stories.

Overall, this book has a great message, a fun plot, and a strong main character. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast, easy read with plenty of adventure and Urhobo representation.

"The Smoke That Thunders" by debut author Erhu Kome takes readers on a captivating journey into a world steeped in West African mythology and rich with adventure. Through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Naborhi, suffocating under the weight of societal expectations, we are drawn into a tale of destiny, dreams, and divine intervention. As Naborhi discovers her connection to the gods and embarks on a quest with the enigmatic Atai, the novel unfolds with a sense of urgency and wonder, weaving together themes of freedom, duty, and the power of myth.

Rooted in Urhobo and West African folklore, Kome's storytelling shines with authenticity and depth, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar legends. With its gripping narrative and vibrant world-building, "The Smoke That Thunders" announces the arrival of a talented new voice in young adult fantasy. Erhu Kome's debut novel is sure to captivate readers of all ages, leaving them eagerly anticipating her next literary journey.