First published 2014
In post-apocalyptic Africa, a woman survives her village's destruction and a brutal assault by an enemy general. She flees to the desert to die but instead gives birth to Onyesonwu, a daughter with sand-colored skin and hair. The child bears the physical marks of her violent conception, marking her as Ewu, a mixed-race outcast destined for a life of violence and rejection. But Onyesonwu possesses extraordinary magical abilities that set her apart from other Ewu children. During an accidental journey to the spirit realm, she discovers a terrifying truth: a powerful enemy seeks her death. Driven by this threat and her need to understand her own nature, Onyesonwu sets out on a perilous quest. She must navigate the complexities of tradition and history while confronting the spiritual mysteries of her culture. Her journey becomes a battle for survival and self-discovery as she learns to embrace the meaning behind her name.
Genres: african-literature, fantasy, magical-realism, apocalyptic
Vibes: dark, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, quest
Setting: Africa
Period: Post-Apocalyptic
MP3 CD · Brilliance Audio
Content warnings: abuse, violence