Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

Title: Children of Anguish and Anarchy (Legacy of Orïsha, Book 3)
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Year of Publication: 2024
Date of Publication: June 25, 2024
Pages: 353
ISBN-10: 1250171016
ISBN-13: 978-1250171016

Children of Anguish and Anarchy is the third book in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.

Summary

In Children of Anguish and Anarchy, Zélie thought her struggles had ended after overthrowing the monarchy and restoring magic. However, she soon finds herself imprisoned on a foreign ship, captured by warriors known as the Skulls. Their leader, King Baldyr, seeks to exploit her abilities. To counter his plans, Zélie, along with Amari and Tzain, set out to find new allies in unfamiliar territories. As King Baldyr’s forces approach Orïsha, Zélie is once again forced to protect her people from annihilation.

Main Plot & Characters

• Zélie: A resilient maji who, after restoring magic, faces new threats from King Baldyr and the Skulls.
• Amari: The former princess who stands by Zélie, seeking to unite their people against common enemies.
• Tzain: Zélie’s brother, whose unwavering support keeps her grounded as they journey through unknown lands.
• King Baldyr: The ruthless leader of the Skulls, intent on harnessing Zélie’s power for his own ambitions.

Key Themes of Children of Anguish and Anarchy

The novel is about resilience, unity, and the fight against oppression. It examines the challenges of leadership and the sacrifices required to protect one’s community. The story also explores trust and the bonds that hold people together in times of adversity.

But if I had to summarize what the story is essentially about in a few words, I would say it is about their efforts to gather support and confront dangers that threaten their homeland.

Writing Style

Tomi Adeyemi once again gives us a fast-paced narrative. There is a lot of action and at the same the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, so we get a comprehensive view of how events unfold. The prose is accessible, making it engaging for a young adult audience.

We are able to view Zelie’s perspective of course aw well as the POV’s of Tzain, Princess Amari, and her brother Prince Inan.

Impact of Children of Anguish and Anarchy

As the concluding volume of the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, this book introduced us to even more worlds. Children of Anguish and Anarchy, being the third book, naturally sparked a lot of conversation about the direction the book took. Like the previous books, there is a lot of magic and action to keep readers engaged.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!