Utomi's follow up to Daughters of Oduma once again puts a strong female character at the forefront. Dirt radiates strength, resilience, courage and loyalty despite the odds.

Thank you Simon Teen for the ARC., here is my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this sequel, it was packed full of adventure and action while also holding magical and fantasy elements. It has immense world building this story pulled a lot of the African culture while still having unique traits of each island tribe. It was a quick and easy read that felt fresh and new.

Thank you to Simon Teen for providing me with a digital ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this sequel to Daughters of Oduma by Moses Ose Utomi. The world is so rich and really leans into the found family aspect. I found all of the groups that lived on the island to be fascinating, but I especially loved the Mud Fam.

This book is a great blend of immersive world-building rooted in West African inspiration and unique cultural customs. At times, the writing almost felt cinematic, and the fight scenes were executed so well—dynamic and clear without being too violent for a YA novel.

The fantasy elements were compelling and accessible, keeping the story magical without overwhelming the reader with complexity. Still, the biggest strength here lies in the relationships and the deep bonds between the characters, especially the sisterhood within the Mud Fam.

I highly recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy that feels fresh and heartfelt, with strong themes, a powerful female protagonist, and a great emotional core.

Children of Useyi is a fantastic sequel that builds beautifully on the foundation of book one 𝐷𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝑑𝑢𝑚𝑎. This YA fantasy novel captures the essence of found family, showcasing themes of growth, unity, and strength. The relationships between the characters creates bonds that feels genuine and impactful throughout the story.

The action in the book (as well as book 1) is especially fun and entertaining. The bower rituals and unique fighting scenes are not only thrilling but also detailed, adding to the world and its customs. I would love to see this book (series) on the screen. The way it was written gave me a glimpse of how that would translate to screen. These moments brought an energy that kept the story interesting.

I loved how there is a balance of its emotional core with exciting fantasy elements, making it a perfect read for YA/teen audiences. It’s also an excellent choice for novice fantasy readers, offering a story brings imagination and meaning. 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑈𝑠𝑒𝑦𝑖 continues to prove why this series is one to read.