I’m excited out of my mind today to be hosting a Q&A with the famous author of Children of Blood and Bone!
Am. just. STARSTRUCK RIGHT NOW. Tomi Adeyemi’s debut has basically devoured the world and the hype is real, peoples. I’m super pleased I had a chance to read an ARC and chat with the author.
We also have a review and giveaway at the end of this post!!
Feel free to flail awkwardly with me, because you better believe that’s what I’m doing.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for organising the opportunity for this fabulous feature!
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.
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Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American writer and creative-writing coach based in San Diego, California. After graduating from Harvard University with an honours degree in English Literature, she studied West African mythology and culture in Salvador, Brazil. When not writing novels or watching Scandal, Tomi teaches and blogs about creative writing at tomiadeyemi.com, named one of the 101 best websites for writers by Writer’s Digest.
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@PaperFury: Children of Blood and Bone has such amazing world building! What was your favourite setting to create and write?
@TomiAdeyemi: Definitely the dreamscape! This is a setting that’s actually been in my head for a while. It’s popped up in earlier stories, but it never quite worked until Children of Blood and Bone!
It holds some of my favourite scenes in the book!
@PaperFury: Ah I loved those scenes! I’m so glad they worked for this book! How did Children of Blood and Bone get its title? Did it go through many changes?
@TomiAdeyemi: “Children of Blood and Bone” is actually a phrase from one of my favourite novels and inspirations, Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older.
In a scene reminiscent of Hamlet, 3 spirits are talking to the protagonist and say something along the lines of “you children of blood and bone” and I instantly knew that was the title. It was almost changed, but it ended up staying and I’m so happy that it did!
@PaperFury: I’m ridiculously happy it stayed too (it’s such a captivating title tbh). Can you tell us a little bit about your debut’s journey to getting published?
@TomiAdeyemi: It’s been a wild ride! I’ve been writing my whole life and working on books with the hope of getting published for 5 to 6 years. The first book I tried to get published took me 4 years, but didn’t go anywhere. However, I learned everything that I needed to learn about writing and publishing with that book, so it will actually always be the most valuable book I ever wrote for everything that it taught me!
With this book, the process was fast, but it was intense. The final product is almost 600 pages that were rewritten more times than I can count over an intense 18-month period, so it was a labor, but I am very proud of the final product.
@PaperFury: I love your attitude about the book that never got published…so so much truth there. (Also much relate because my first book did the same! But we learn and go forward, yes?!) Do you have a specific writing space or do you write anywhere/anytime?
@TomiAdeyemi: With Children of Blood and Bone, I used to write a lot at my desk, but had to cut that out because it’s not the most effective when you have to also do things in the daytime.
Now I’m trying to write book 2 4-5 days a week and focus on putting book 1 into the world on one day a week. It doesn’t always end up so nice and neat, but having guidelines helps me stay balanced and efficient.
@PaperFury: Your level of organisation is inspiring haha. Now what’s the toughest vs most fun parts of the writing process for you?
@TomiAdeyemi: The most fun part is outlining. It’s pure inspiration and imagination without any of the hard work of getting it on the page.
The hardest part is revision. It’s the most rewarding part, but I’m the type of person who cares about every single word on the page and when you have 140,000 words in your book, it’s a process that can drive you insane!
@PaperFury: I couldn’t agree more about revising…so frustrating and satisfying at the same time. And lastly! Has any chocolate been harmed in the making of your novel?!
@TomiAdeyemi: Lol! Not chocolate, but jelly beans and popcorn and grapes and beef jerky! Also lots of pizza!
@PaperFury: I love it! Thanks so so much for coming, Tomi, and so excited to cheer you on as your amazing book releases this month and takes the world by storm!
Children of Blood And Bone is such a rich and excellently built fantasy world my opinion is just: WOW. I also feel like this book is most definitely mega-hyped but worth it, ohhh so worth it. The writing is stunning, but we just need to all sit down in a bucket and admire the world building. And the characters go from headstrong-little-stubborn-darlings-making-bad-decisions to headstrong-little-stubborn-darlings-making-bad-decisions-BUT-WITH-MAGIC-AND-EMOTIONS which is excellent development.
So the world building was definitely masterpiece here for me. I always get so disgruntled when fantasies presented half-baked worlds. NOT HERE. I also think it did a great job building the world as you go instead of info-dumps. Although there are a lot of characters (and I mean, like MORE THAN 3 which is intense omg hold me) so it took me a long time to get everyone straight. But this is coming from someone who also can’t remember their siblings names. So.
It actually has 3 POVs! We have Zélie, Amari, and Inan…and then are FABULOUS. Zélie is the headstrong magical child who was my absolute FAVOURITE for her character development, badassery, and raw emotion. Amari is the naive princess who ends up being super fierce. (Also she and Zélie fight a LOT because they’re enemies at the beginning…BUT THEN THEIR FRIENDSHIP IS SO POWERFUL AND EXCELLENT.) And Inan is the misguided prince who spends the whole book being an ass but then I felt bad for him. SO. INAN.
And the plot is all action and finding magical objects and running for your freaking life. As it should be in a fantasy. Basically these troubled threesome (along with Zélie’s brother Tzain) are trying to bring magic back but they’re also messy teens who make mistakes and I loved watching them grow!
- epic female friendship that is actual goals
- the ending was an absolute riot of a ride
- mY heART GOT LOST WOW
- character development is A+
- lots of emphasis on glorious hair which is what I’m here for
- no one is ever what they seem
- slightly absolute dire need for the next book has hit me
OPEN TO AUSTRALIA ONLY.
Also, super fun, but there’s a hashtag called #NowWeRise celebrating Children of Blood and Bone and if you do something creative to go towards it, you can get a ton of extra points for the giveaway! The format of your post is up to you – initial ideas include a visual image, a video, an original story of your creation, or a personal story from your life that connects to the theme. Additional ideas include lists, fancasting, playlists, moodboards, or recipes. Let your imagination go wild!
I have heard so much about this, but it was all ~generically positive~ and I didn’t really know what the story was about, so reading this has absolutely made me want to read it for reals. In fact, I just placed a hold at the library yay! I think the hype of Illuminae and Daughter of Smoke and Bone were absolutely justified, particularly DoSaB. I would love to be able to discern the truth of things, though I think that there’d be a lot of sadness attached to that one too. Or maybe be able to find hope in hopeless situations, but I don’t know how that power would work.
AH EXCELLENT!! I actually got this note with my ARC that said I could NOT post anything about it until the 13th.😂 So I think that’s cool to keep the suspense but it’s nice to finally be able to talk about it haha. (Here’s to hoping you love it too!)
And discerning the truth is like such a wise idea for a wish…I really like that one. It’d be so handy for when I ask my sister for chocolate and she says she “doesn’t have any”…ha. Yeah sure.
The first book that comes to mind is Six of Crows. That book was SO hyped and I was a little scared to read it but the hype was SO real. And I love this Q&A! My other, now disregarded, old projects have taught me so much as well. And I can’t wait to read this book because it sounds fantaaastic.
Ahh same! I was worried about SoC and then like??? So silly am I?? It was perfect.😂 And ahh Tomi is amazing and I’m just so starstruck to have gotten to interview her!!
I’d love to be able to manipulate time. It would be awesome.
It would be SO handy for getting all your TBR read.😂
If I could have a superpower it would be to fly. Inspired by Peter Pan, my childhood favourite film and book. Awesome post, I am very excited to read this book now, sounds very interesting! The hype most definitely paid of on the Throne of Glass series! I have only just read this series and I really enjoyed it!
Yesss I’ve always thought Peter Pan had a great power choice there.😂
Six of Crows and The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue definitely lived up to (or maybe even exceeded!) the hype for me – and I almost didn’t read SoC because I wasn’t a huge fan of the Grisha trilogy. What was I thinking, right? I’m hugely excited for this one, and all the rave reviews it’s getting are NOT helping because I can’t buy books at the moment. There’s hype but there’s also reviewers I trust (like you maybe) giving it glowing recommendations.
If I could have any magic at all, I’d be able to pause or slow down time so I could get all the reading and writing done and still have time for some sleep.
Omg I was the SAME with SoC! I didn’t *adore* the Grisha books super wildly (I loved bk 2 but the 1st and 3rd fell a bit flat for me😂) And then here comes Kaz & Co. Literally the best things that happened to this world. *sniffles happily* Also I read The Gentleman’s Guide before it was hyped and HOLY HECK I was there for the hyping!!
Aww but I’m so glad you trust me!😂 I’m honoured!
I was really scared of the hype with The Lunar Chronicles but I think it was much deserved. As far as superheroes I would like superspeed but instead of using it to be hero or time travel I’d use it to get places on time or finish books due back to library.
Yesss I think the Lunar Chronicles perfectly lived up to it too! And why haven’t I thought of using superspeed for reading too?! Now I’m rethinking all my plans of being invisible sheesh. (Although, to be fair, being invisible means you could lurk in bookstores at all hours…)
When I was younger I was obsessed with x-men and wanted every power imaginable but I think I would like to either read-minds/ control them or be able to shrink and grow to any size.
I think some of my favourite books that lived up to the hype was Name of the Wind, The Infernal Devices trilogy and the Winners Curse trilogy.
Mind control could be very handy.😂LOOK AT US. Magneto would be so proud.😂😂 And YES! I loved The Name of the Wind and the Winner’s Curse books too! So worth the hype.
You know how Shadowcat can phase through walls to escape human interaction? That’s my dream magical power. :’)
I’ve heard a lot about this novel and I suspect I’ll only be hearing more since it’s just coming out. 😉 I’d like to read it (it sounds AMAZING) but it unfortunately might not be for a while. Still, it’s not a stand-alone, is it? So the longer I have to wait, the fewer sequels I’ll have to wait for. 🙂
A super-hyped book that deserved the hype…Hmmm. Six of Crows? Half Bad?
omg…now I want that power too. That would be so helpful. I’m all for being invisible.😂 And YES! The hype has been surreal for this one, but I’m super glad it’s not a letdown at all. 😉 And I think it’s a duology…at least Goodreads only has a second one listed and like if GR isn’t telling the truth, who is.
Why haven’t I started this book yet? That’s right, it’s so huge! Lol, I need to stop being scared of the length and just read the book. Also look at you superstar, I was flailing when I saw you’re hosting Tomi Adeyemi. I met her last year at the Fierce Reads party and she was wonderful!
And I have no idea why I have commented twice.
(Haha don’t worry about the double comment! My blog sometimes is weird.)
BUT YES C’MON START IT, MISH!! I’m pretty sure you’ll love it! Although it is huge. 😂Not arguing there haha. (But holy heck how lucky am I to get to chat with her?! I’m so starstruck right now!!)
As a younger teen, I would have wanted invisibility. (Now I know that would only have made things worse… I have to deal with people, it’s an unfortunate part of life…) What kinds of magic are in Children of Blood and Bone? mostly elemental (+ reaping souls)? It sounds like an exciting book! And when you talked about the amazing friendship, you had me. 😉
Thanks for the interview, Ms Adeyami! (and thanks for the Aussie giveaway, Cait. 😉 )
Ugh people. They’re just so much better in books.😂 And this actually has some really cool and different magic powers, like making dreamscapes and there’s elemental ones in there too! (And just having the really good female friendship is AMAZING. It shouldn’t be so rare in books, but I feel like it is?!😂)
Good luck for the giveaway! *throws confetti over Australia*
Lovely review, and great interview 😄
Aww thank you!! I had so much fun with this!
Bummer. I’m not an aussie. Though even if I am, I don’t think I will win. I’ve joined a million giveaways but I never won a single one. Leave me here in a puddle 😭
Anyway, COBAB has been in my tbr shelf for so long now (with a thousand other books) AND I’M DYING TO READ IT. I love fantasy books and you’re saying that this book deserves the hype and the world building is superb so I absolutely want to read this asap.
One book that deserves the hype is The Hate U Give. I hardly read contemporary YA but I enjoyed it a lot. And I LIVED FOR THE HARRY POTTER REFERENCES. I’m planning to read The Cruel Prince after my final exams. Everyone is saying it’s so good and I can barely control myself to study when there is an awesome book waiting for me.
Bye. Gotta study now.
-R
Nooo, I’m so sad Rain! But if it helps, I rarely win giveaways either. We need to step in a pot of luck or something don’t we?!
I so so hope you get to read this one eventually though! IT’S SO INCREDIBLE. And the hype doesn’t lie! WOOO. And THUG absolutely deserved the hype too and I think The Cruel Prince lived up to it’s hype. 😉 I love that one!
I’ve been really looking forward to reading this one! It’s been on my tbr for AGES. And it sounds like it’s been standing up to the hype!
I really like the author’s attitude on how she spent so long trying to get her first book published, about how even if it never got published it taught her what she needed to know about getting published. I think that’s a really good way to look at rejection and whatnot, instead of going into a self-doubt spiral and just not trying again.
I know right?! She’s an absolute magical author queen and I’m so honoured I got to interview her! I really like how she said without that rejected book, COBAB wouldn’t exist and like…so true?! I need to think of it that way too. 😂 My debut isn’t even the first book I went on submissions with, but now I’m looking at that shelved book as a setting stone instead of a failure.
How are authors so cool and encouraging AHHH.
This is such a fantastic post and interview and screaming loudly about a really good book!
I’m currently halfway through the book right now and I am loving it! So freaking fantastic when hype pays off!
Omg so glad you’re reading and loving it too!! *flails* THE HYPE DOESN’T LIE!
Great interview, Cait! I’m looking forward to reading Children of Blood and Bone. For me, not a lot of hyped books live up to the hype, but I loved VE Schwab’s Shades of Magic series. Those books totally deserve their hype.
Oh oh YES. I love ADSOM and it was fully worth it for me too. I think it wasn’t as mega hyped when I started though, so there was less pressure haha.
That’s so awesome that you got an interview with the author! *smitten* I have thought about doing interviews in the future – was this over the phone/in person or via online chat? Just wondering so I can an idea of how to set up an interview in the future (I’m deathly afraid of talking to an author physically versus digitally). HOW DID YOU DO IT!?!?!? I would love some advice! 🙂
I’m COMPLETELY and utterly lucky to have gotten to interview her!😍 And well actually this is all through the publisher/publicist. I was asked to be part of the Aussie tour, so I send in my questions to the publicist and she sends them onto Tomi. I add in a few lines afterwards to make it look like a back-and-forth. 😉 But really it’s just the 6 questions that Tomi answered! But yeah I tend to only go through publishers because I know authors are busy! But that’s just me.
Gotchya, gotchya. BUT STILL COOL AS HECK!!! 😄
I’ve been hearing about this book all over the freaking place, but I’ve never been totally sure if it was like the second book in a series? Or if I’d even be interested in it? 😂 But you made it sound really good, so I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Haha it’s definitely the first book in a series. A debut!
AHHHHH you got to interview Tomi adeyemi. How cool is that? I’m glad you loved the book, can’t wait to read it, I read the first few chapters and I was blown away. It’s special to me cause it’s set in a fictional version of Nigeria and inspired by Yoruba folklore and I’m from Nigeria. So it was fun to see familiar things and places in it, I love that everyone likes it and there is no racism trying to stop this great book and the world sees that Nigeria has a lot to offer.
AHHH I’m so excited for this book.
I’M ABSOLUTELY FREAKING OUT!! Famous author on my blog!! How lucky am I! *flails* And omg I’m so glad you’re loving it so far, and also that you can see the familiar places and everything. 😍 That’s ridiculously awesome and I hope there’s a ton more Nigerian-centred fantasy to come after this! Your country is amazing!
Awww…Thanks for saying my country is amazing. People tend to paint Nigeria in a bad way. I’m actually writing Nigerian centered fantasy so maybe you’ll be reading my book next. 😉😉😉. Have you read Akata witch, it’s also set in Nigeria?
I’m sorry to hear people think badly of Nigeria. That’s awful. And YES I HOPE ONE DAY I AM INTERVIEWING AND FLAILING OVER YOUR BOOK!!! (I haven’t read Akata Witch yet, but it is on my wishlist.😍)
I AM STOKED TO READ THIS. *packs my bags, flights to Australia just so I can have a chance at the giveaway*
I like your life priorities. YES COME HERE AND WIN AND READ AND LOVE IT!
Wow! I have seen this book being raved over everywhere, but it is CAIT that scores the awesome interview! You are riding a rocket, Cait!
Wishing you continued Happy Reading!
~Icky. 🙂
I’M SO LUCKY, I’M JUST FLAILING ALL OVER THE PLACE!! WHAT IS THIS MAGICAL LIFE.😍
Awesome, this is my current read! I’m not far in but I really like the writing style. It does have a magical quality to it. The last hyped book I really enjoyed was The Hate U Give. If I could have magical powers, I’ve always wanted to control fire which would be awesome.
Oh yes, THUG was hugely hyped too! I think my last mega-hyped book I read was The Cruel Prince or Turtles All the Way Down, and both of those lived up to it for me too!
Aah, I love author interviews! Of course it helps that I actually KNOW what the book in question is for once, haha. I’m sooo excited to read this, but of course it will probably be ages from now when the hype has died down and I can get my grubby fingers on a second-hand copy. But that’s okay! It will still be beautiful and inspiring and worth it 🙂
My magic powers would probably be something super lame, like the ability to never get food stuck in my teeth. Such is my life.
I’m so glad you liked it!!🎉🎉 It was so much fun to interview Tomi, and the book is just soooo good.😍
It is so good to see the book live up to its humongous pre-release hype!! I am trying to avoid reading reviews in its entirety, but all the reviews indicate that the world-building is as good as (and isn’t neglected to make space for), the character development and plot!!!
YES. Absolutely🎉!! The hype can be scary but I’m glad when it’s completely worthwhile hehe.
I have been waiting for this post since you spoke about it! I’m so excited to read the book this weekend, and can’t wait for it to live up to the hype! It was s o much fun reading her writing process 🙂 Loved that last question haha
Ahh I’m so glad you liked it!💕 It’s honestly the most amazing thing to get to interview famous authors. *flails*
Great interview! My magical power would be flying.
Flying would be AWESOME.
*screams and flails* Ms. Adeyemi’s responses were brilliant, and I love her positive outlook on things. I’M SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK. I made my library buy it. Okay, not made. But strongly suggested. With *the look*. And they’ve ordered it and put me down for a hold, so I’ll be the first to hold it in my grubby little hands when it comes in and have I mentioned I’m so excited? The idea of the West African culture being brought to life really captured my attention, especially with mention of the Orisha, so I’m so excited to see how it turns out.
My only qualm is that I’ve heard that Avatar: The Last Airbender was a big influence, and some people have mentioned that it shows in the storyline and that it felt a bit like Katara/Zuko fanfiction. So I have my reservations about that, but OMG SO EXCITED.
Omg I know right?! I came away from interviewing her feeling so encouraged, haha! I love authors that are inspiring and helpful as well as just being full of sheer awesome.😍 Goals!
Anyway here’s to hoping your library processes it super fast so you get to read it!!
I’ve never watched Avatar so I can’t comment on that. 😂
AAAAHHHHH!!!! You got to interview the author of Children of Blood and Bone!!! I’m so stoked for this book and you giving it so much love makes me really want to go out in the streets to find this book and READ IT!
I’M BEYOND EXCITED AHHHH😍I really hope you get a chance to read this one!
Absolutely loved this book and I love your interview as well Cait! Also bravo to you, sneakily getting a hint about progress on book 2 out there. I’m already dying and you’ve given me a breath of life bless ♥
*flails* So glad you enjoyed this! It was sooo amazing to get to interview Tomi. 😍😍
Wow, I’m happy you liked it! I know you aren’t the only one who did, but I was still waiting to read your review. You inspired me to make my own book blog, after all. I have followed you for a while now and you are kind of a role model for me. Hope you won’t think this as weird. Just letting you know that you rock and I’m so proud of your upcoming novel. Have a great day 🙂
Aww I’m honoured, Cri!! 😊💕 That’s completely lovely to hear and I’ll come stop by your blog after this. 😀 😀
Oh my God, really?! You’ve just made my day! *starts jumping all over the house like a fool*
Omg! I would to be a DreamTheif like Ronan from The Raven Boys! The ability to create anything by sleeping and dreaming sounds amazing 😍💕😍. Or any sort of Grisha from the Grishaverse!!
OMGG YOU WIN. THAT IS THE BEST IDEA EVER. Ronan though. <3
This book sounds awesome, I must read it! I will track it down to the ends of the universe! If I had magic powers I would like to be able to a) fly or b) teleport.
Those would be SUCH useful powers!!😂
I’m reading Children of Blood and Bone currently, and I just finished chapter 16, and it’s great so far! I really love all the POVs and Tzain and Mama Agba And baba, and basically all of them lol. So far, Amari is my favorite. She seems so kind but also so brave (running away from the palace must have been quite scary). Also Inan just seems so misguided, I’m sure he’s a good person inside. I’ve been so excited for this book, and it’s living up to expectations, which is great!
As for magical powers, I would love to be able to safely go in and out of books (and interact with all the amazing people in them obviously)! THIS HAS BEEN A LIFELONG DREAM AND IT BETTER COME TRUE SOMETIME SOON. Ahem.
And a book that was super hyped and payed off, I would go with The Cruel Prince. It’s new but it’s still super hyped and I loved it so much. It was just so, so good! I almost didn’t read it when I first read the synopsis last year, but then I read your review months later (thanks for being great), and so I just HAD to pick it up, and basically my reaction was: WOW.
I’m so glad you’re loving it too!! Inan…oh INAN. I found him pretty annoying but then his character development was A+?!? He was so misguided poor little dude.😂 But Amari was so freaking FANTASTIC and as much as I loved Zelie, Amari also had such good character development. I’m such a sucker for a good arc.😂
(THE CRUEL PRINCE IS ALSO MY FAVOURITE OF EVER.)
OKAY, I’LL READ IT. IT SOUNDS SOOO AMAZING. And I like the author so YES. Besides that cover is everything, I loved it since the first time I saw it, I’ve been waiting for ur review to be sure. Aaaand, if I had a magic power, I’d like to have Wanda Maximoff’s magic, I just love her.
Wanda!! She is so nice!! And so epically witchy!!
Aghhh I want this ASAP. I’m super excited to hold this gorgeous book in my hands.
I was super hyped up for ACOMF by Sarah J, Maas, and I know you’re not a fan of Throne of Glass, but I’m in love with that book from her second series.
For me, Illuminae and Nevernight were also worth the hype. Geez, I don’t know what my super power would be! I would love to know everything there is to know about the world and be a freaking master-mind. Yep, that would be it.
Also, I highly encourage you to take the quiz about “Everyone is a combo of twp princesses- Which One Are You?” from buzzfeed. Never laughed so much at a series of questions, and I think you would enjoy them too. <3 LOVED THIS POST.
(Oh I shall go look for that quiz!😂)
And YAS Nevernight and Illumiane were amazing!! I’m currently pining over Obsidio ajfksdlad I tell you. Books that destroy our feels are always the best.😂