Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold by P. Djeli Clark

What worked:

The book builds anticipation from the first page by introducing the Witch Priest’s daughter, Fulan. She’s summoned to her father’s underground throne room surrounded by heat, fire, and molten rock. The Witch Priest displays his ruthlessness by torturing a follower who failed a mission. Fulan is detained on her way there by a huge, muscular creature. The author shows off her viciousness as she quickly dispatches him and cuts the topknot from his head as a trophy. The Witch Priest orders Fulan, and a terrifying hunter, to track down Asha and bring her back to his throne. Fulan has flickering memories but readers can’t predict how they might affect her. Abeni is protecting Asha from the Witch Priest so readers will anxiously expect a future confrontation with Fulan.

The author creates a cast of characters with a variety of personalities, including one antagonist. Abeni plays the role of peacekeeper for her group, especially when Ama, princess of the Gold Kingdom, joins the story. Ama has a superior air of royalty but the other characters are chafed when she tries to order them around. Zaneeya is a spirit who transforms between a young girl and a panther and she’s more vocal about her irritation than the others. Zaneeya faces her problems head-on and often wants to resolve them with violence. Nyomi is a timid, porcupine spirit girl who loves to eat and has no problem munching on grubs, worms, and bugs she digs up in the dirt.

The author artfully creates a wide range of emotions as the plot’s suspense grows. Zaneeya and Nyomi add levity through starkly different means. Nyomi disappears at the first signs of violence while Zaneeya enjoys antagonizing others, especially Ama. Ama is torn between her role as princess and the despicable deeds her people have inflicted on others. She’s even more confused and upset when she learns the history she’s known all her life is wrong. The presence of the Witch Priest and Fulan invokes feelings of danger and malevolence which only grow as their influence spreads throughout the lands. Asha always projects feelings of calm when she speaks and shares words of knowledge and reason.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers who haven’t read the first book may be puzzled about the references to Abeni’s past deeds.  She leads her group of friends and can wield a staff with skill during battle but she doesn’t seem to possess any special abilities. Fulan calls her a sorceress but Abeni’s greatest powers seem to come from kindness, leadership, and a determination to do what’s right. The author reveals more about Abeni’s powers at the end of the book.

The final verdict:

This book can be enjoyed by itself but I suggest you read the prior one first. The story contains non-stop adventure and Abeni’s group offers a variety of curious characters. Abeni and Fulan go through huge changes and Ama must change too. I recommend you give this book a shot.