Akwaeke Emezi is a master of character work that is meant to leave you with a hollow ache of empathy. Somadina is no different. I will not be forgetting this one any time soon.

Somadina - Akwaeke Emezi

I will always pick up a new Akwaeke Emezi book; and I am amazed how each and everyone is so very different from the other and yet they are all beautiful stories. Somadina is a YA fantasy story that follows twins Somadina and Jayaike in their journey towards adulthood and the reveal of their magical abilities. In a world where magic abilities appear in the same way puberty does, this story offers both a coming of age and a fantastical adventure with an amazing crew of characters.

When Somadina’s new found magical ability triggers the disappearance of her brother, she joins her grandfather, sister and best friend on a journey to find and rescue Jayaike. This journey will serve as a trial testing facets of trust among family and friends. Somadina is so beautifully written, the characters are unique and powerful and the love they have for each other is reflected throughout the story. With glimpses of West African folklore and mythology and LGBTQIA representation, Somadina is a gorgeous unique story I would recommend to anyone.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for my copy; all opinions are my own. Somadina is out now, and check out Akwaeke Emezi’s other latest release, Little Rot as well, they are very different reads but both amazing in their own way.

Loved Emezi's writing as usual, and the magic system and setting here was wonderful. However, this ended up being a letdown for me, as the main character did not go through much development at all and remained very frustrating to read about as compared to the flawed but still riveting characters i've read from Emezi before so consistently. The ending was also incredibly fast, and wrapped up way too easily and perfectly and did not feel earned in any way. The whole novel went by so quickly that i found myself detached from the plot, but mostly detached and frustrated by the main character and how we were always being TOLD what her connection to her twin was rather than really getting to SEE it and feel like we CARED. Also the random bursts of jealousy and impatience from Somadina was endlessly irritating because once again, we never see that explored or challenged or redeemed by the end. Her flaws just felt so surface-level, and it made it harder to sympathize with her actions.

Akwaeke Emezi does it again—a gorgeously woven tale that feels both mythic and deeply personal, full of spirit, shadows, and heartache. I’ve loved all of Emezi’s previous books, but this one felt like being invited into something ancient, raw, and sacred.

Set in a richly imagined West African world, this story pulses with the magic of ancestral power and the ache of belonging. Somadina’s bond with her twin, Jayaike, is the soul of the novel—so when he disappears, it’s like watching a star flicker out of the sky. What follows is a journey that’s both physical and spiritual, as Somadina—long feared, long othered—must confront not only what’s out there in the Sacred Forest, but what lives within her.

Emezi’s writing, as always, is lyrical and cinematic, balancing lush, dreamlike magic with cutting emotional truth. They explore identity, power, alienation, and love in ways that feel completely unique, deeply felt, and full of reverence for culture and spirit. Somadina’s strength isn’t just in her powers—it’s in her defiance, her tenderness, and the way she reclaims the parts of herself the world tried to reject.

If you’ve ever felt like the world doesn’t know what to do with you… this book knows exactly how to hold you.

A must-read for fans of Pet, Bitter, and honestly, anyone with a soul.

Somadina was a super interesting read. I loved the character study and the writing felt propulsive. I'd read more from the author.

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy!
The world building in this was really interesting and unique. I found myself lost in the world Emezi created here with our characters. It was emotionally moving and beautifully written.
Yet another of their books to add to my favorites list.

Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. I didn't end up finishing it. I love Akwaeke Emezi and will always check out her work, but I will be more selective in the future of which books I select.

A beautiful story to add to Akwaeke Emezi's growing collection of incredible works. Can't wait to get this on my shelves!!

Absolutely loved this book. The writing was so vivid and immersive… it felt like I was right there with Somadina. Her journey was emotional, magical, and powerful from start to finish. I didn’t want it to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children for the e-book copy!

I have to preface this mini review by saying I really enjoy Akwaeke Emezi's writing. The way they are able to get you enraptured in a story is a talent to behold. However, I ended up sadly dnfing this newest release from them. I was anticipating this release as I enjoy the PET books but this book just did not grab me. The pacing was off and I felt the main character was not driving the vehicle in their own story. The side characters were more interesting than them and that was an issue. I do hope at some point I can give this book another try to see if the ending would make the story. I think if you like fantasy YA then this will be still worth checking out I just think for me YA has to truly grasp me in the beginning to keep me.

Emezi gets me every time. I was NOT prepared but can you ever be for their writing. This was. a great read. Excellent pacing. I loved the mix of historical fiction and speculative writing,

This story was amazing! Somadina blends fantasy, familial conflict, and familial strength beautifully. The narrative centers around twins Somadina and Jayaike, who live as outsiders within their village. Not only are they viewed as strange by the townspeople, but perhaps even by some of their own family. In a place where individuals receive "gifts/powers" as they approach adulthood, we see what happens when these powers manifest in unexpected ways.

Seeing the bond between the twins is really powerful, and when Jayaike is taken, Somadina does everything she can to find her way back to her brother. Her journey, however, is not an easy one, but one that exposes and sheds light on who she is and who she is meant to be.

I read this in tandem with an ALC, which added to the experience. The audiobook version brought the characters and the magical world to life in a unique way, enhancing my connection to the story.

I resonated deeply with the themes of feeling unwanted within your own family unit and the fear of abandonment that comes with always feeling on the outside. Somadina's struggle to find her place and her determination to reunite with her brother mirrored my own experiences, making her journey all the more poignant and relatable.

Somadina is a beautifully written YA fantasy that plays with the themes of uncovering your true power, grappling with the fear of drifting from those closest to you, and realizing the value of gifts that others may fear. Emezi’s writing is simply spell-binding; there were moments where I would get so lost in the world that I completely lost track of time. Stunning!

Somadina was a fantasy novel of loneliness, loss, learning of self, standing in your truth and learning that your darkness does not make you any less. Somadina and her twin were two halves of a whole. Her twin is kidnapped and she must embark on a journey to learn her gifts and her powers to save him. While Somadina was learning to understand her gifts, she was rightly afraid, but stood in her truth to save him. The importance of chosen family when you are different is such an important aspect of the story. Somadina was a protagonist that made mistakes in her journey, but they were relatable. As a young person it is easy to think that your differences make you unlovable and not trust the people around you. Somadina learned that you don't have to fight alone and you are stronger together with your circle around you.

Loved the magical system built after the split. The use of devias as the protectors and the mouth piece of Allah. But what is a devil to the personification of Allah. So many messages contained within the story. Definitely worth the read loved every moment.

Fantastic. Sucks you in right away and doesn't let go. Suspect this title is going to get some awards. Emenzi is back on their game!

This book right here? Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. This book was moving, and the magic system is so so good. This is a standalone novel but if more books were written in this universe I would immediately read them.

digital arc.

4.5🌟 This is yet another amazing read from Akwaeke. This storyline is magical and engrossing from the first page. I had such a great time getting to know Somadina and Jayaike, along with their sister, grandma, parents, and wider society. There was so much nuance and history wrapped into these characters' development that there was no choice for the reader other than to accept their humanity and root for a positive outcome. The frustrations, growth, and love expressed by Somadina were easily accessible , and it often felt like I was experiencing those emotions myself. It was a joy diving into this magical West African world full of rituals, gods, and unknown powers. The reveals were expertly time along the journey to recover her brother, and kept me hooked and guessing throughout.

I could feel that this would be a five star read from the beginning of the book. Akwaeke Emezi’s writing is magical, and she really demonstrates the beauty of storytelling in this novel. It’s a beautiful tribute to the YA genre in general, and was an extremely successful standalone novel. I loved Somadina, and I really enjoyed her journey in this novel. The characters in this book were so good, and as a result of the writing you could really feel it jumping off the page. I loved this one so much

Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Somadina must find her way on her own for the first time after her twin goes missing, taken by the hunter intent on devouring their gifts. An excellent stand-alone entry in Emezi's YA catalog. Fascinating world-driven fantasy based in Igbo spirituality, speaking to the deep chasms between each of us and the ways we can heal the rifts.

Emezi literally never fails, they are the most incredible author ever and it was slouch a blessing to read this!