A stunning, clever, and palpable coming-of-age story about family legacy, magic, and political turmoil.
Conflict brews on both sides of a mystical barrier that divides Opal Island into two factions: Parish One and Parish Two. Fueled by ambition, greed, and prejudice, leaders on both sides of the barrier plot against each other. Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Contessa Dusabe (Tessa), has yet to shapeshift into a wolf and finally be accepted by her illustrious parents’ pack, despite the eldest shapeshifter predicting that her turning will be vital for the survival of all of Opal Island.
I was recommended this book by the owner of Socialight Society, a black-woman-owned bookstore in Lansing, Michigan.
What I Loved About This Book
There was a lot to love about this book. Lovell is a talented wordsmith, and she has such a grounded, palpable writing style. The prose is smooth and clean, and not a word feels wasted. I enjoyed the way the story moves and how it often feels like you’re in the scene with the characters. I don’t always visualize what I’m reading, but this book really got me there.
I also appreciated how well-develped the characters are. Everyone’s a character; everyone’s dynamic. There are multiple point of view characters in this book, and each one feels authentic, like they’re their own people and they don’t just exist to serve someone else’s story. Even the adults in this novella are so well-written, which I feel is sometimes rare in YA. They have their own drama going on that doesn’t revolve solely around Tessa. Yet this is clearly Tessa’s story and her pending transformation is central.
Finally, I loved how intriguing this story was and how it kept me engaged. I had questions and wanted answers, so I read on. There were so many carefully placed details and tantalizing lines of dialogue that just sucked me into the worldbuilding.
What I Wanted More Of
To that end, I mostly just wanted more. I want to know more about the nomenclature (Parish, The Divine, The Creator). I want to know about Tessa’s shapeshifting abilities and why they’re so important. I want to know what happens next. I have my questions neatly written out on sticky notes and can’t wait for Book Two.
Rating
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I recommend this book to folktale and fable lovers, especially to fans of tales from the West African Diaspora. It definitely reads like a fable, which was another thing I loved about this book. I also recommend it to those who love shifting stories and want something new and exciting.