Akata Witch

by Nnedi Okorafor
Akata Witch cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Fantasy, Young Adult
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  • ID: 7843
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-18
  • ISBN: 9780142420911
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2017-07-11
  • Reviews: 4

Sunny Nwazue is a unique blend of cultures and appearances, feeling out of place in both Nigeria and the United States. Her life takes an extraordinary turn when she learns she possesses latent magical abilities. As a 'free agent,' she must quickly catch up on her magical education and training. Sunny joins a group of magic students, learning to navigate both the visible and invisible worlds. Their studies are interrupted when they are tasked with tracking down a powerful criminal who also knows magic. The group must rely on their newfound skills and teamwork to face a threat that outweighs their own powers. Akata Witch is a captivating blend of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. Author Nnedi Okorafor creates a rich, imaginative world that has been praised by renowned authors such as Neil Gaiman and Ursula K. Le Guin. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of friendship, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Reviews
Angry Happy Hat · 2019-11-13
thoughtful 4.00

The book explores social implications within a hidden fantasy world, offering a fresh perspective on conventional fantasy tropes. The protagonist's journey is both engaging and thought-provoking.

This review highlights how the book takes familiar fantasy elements and infuses them with deeper social commentary. The protagonist's struggles and discoveries are portrayed in a way that resonates with readers, making the story both entertaining and meaningful. The reviewer appreciates the unique cultural perspective and the way the book addresses issues of identity and belonging.

Quick quotes

    It takes a conventional framework—a hidden fantasy world and a girl who discovers she belongs to it—and unwraps the social implications.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on conventional fantasy tropes.

    The protagonist's journey is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Dear Author · 2017-06-26
enjoyable 3.50

The book is very readable and enjoyable, with an appealing protagonist. Despite the challenges faced by the main character, the story is engaging and well-crafted.

Akata Witch is a very readable and enjoyable book. The protagonist, Sunny, is an appealing character who faces numerous challenges, including being picked on by her classmates. Despite these obstacles, the story is engaging and well-crafted, making it a pleasure to read. The author does an excellent job of developing the characters and the world they inhabit, creating a rich and immersive experience for the reader.

Quick quotes

    Akata Witch was a very readable and enjoyable book.

    Sunny is an appealing character.

    The author does an excellent job of developing the characters and the world they inhabit.

Reading Asia · 2017-01-06
engaging 4.75

The book is recommended for its strong and likable heroine, realistic friendships, and highly original worldbuilding. The story is both engaging and original.

This reviewer highly recommends the book for its well-developed protagonist and the authentic portrayal of friendships. The fantasy world is uniquely crafted, offering a fresh and exciting setting for the story. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance adventure with deeper themes, making it a memorable and enjoyable read. The cultural elements and magical adventures are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    Recommended for the strong and likable heroine, the realistic and touching friendships, and the highly original fantasy worldbuilding.

    The story is both engaging and original.

    The cultural elements and magical adventures are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall narrative.

Disability in Kidlit · 2015-08-07
inspiring 4.50

The novel features a strong, sympathetic lead character with albinism, making it a standout in contemporary literature. The story is both heartwarming and empowering.

This review praises the novel for its portrayal of a character with albinism, noting that such representation is rare and valuable. The reviewer finds the protagonist's journey inspiring and the story's themes of resilience and self-discovery deeply moving. The cultural richness and magical elements add layers of depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Akata Witch is a great novel that features the first strong, sympathetic lead with albinism I've seen in quite a few years.

    The story is both heartwarming and empowering.

    The cultural richness and magical elements add layers of depth to the narrative.

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