The Smoke That Thunders

Gr 8 Up–A young adult fantasy debut filled with adventure, West African mythology, and magic by Kome, who is part of the Urhobo tribe in Nigeria, West Africa. This is a quick read with a couple of surprises. The plot starts out rather slow in the first quarter of the novel, then suddenly, action starts, providing synchronized details that build up, slowly revealing the plot and explaining the sequences. The real story starts to unfold in the village, then picks up once the three main characters begin their journey, never stopping until the thrilling ending. The novel follows Naborhi, a fierce teenager chosen by the gods, as she explores her fantasies of traveling and exploring the world instead of settling down into married life as expected by her family and community. The side characters are fascinating, especially Moyo and Atai, who are from other tribes. Readers will be wishing they’re relationship would’ve been explored more. The introduction of new places/countries and the quick introduction of the women of The Red Tapestry may feel unclear to readers, but overall, this is a culturally unique YA fantasy with a lighthearted narrative of pure adventure with heart-pounding danger and suspense.