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Quick answer: If you loved Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, try Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko, Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray and Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen.
Children of Blood and Bone is set in Orïsha, where magic was wiped out by a violent king and those who could wield it now live as oppressed second-class citizens. Zélie, a young diviner, sets out with her brother and a runaway princess to bring magic back. Tomi Adeyemi’s debut, inspired by West African mythology and Yoruba culture, was a landmark for YA fantasy. The picks below share its African-inspired settings, powerful young heroines and themes of oppression and hope. Most are young adult, with a few adult crossover picks.
Table of Contents
Why Readers Love Children of Blood and Bone
Readers love Children of Blood and Bone because it is both epic and personal. Tomi Adeyemi creates a vivid world of maji clans, gods and animal companions and uses it to explore real-world themes of racism and police violence, while giving Zélie a personal story of grief and strength. The pace is fast, the characters are bold and the romance is complicated. It started a trilogy, and its success showed publishers how many readers wanted fantasy rooted in African cultures.
How We Chose These Books
Every pick below shares at least one thing readers loved about Children of Blood and Bone: its characters, its mood, its setting or the questions it raises. We mixed well-known favorites with a few less obvious choices, and we noted the genre and who each book suits best in the table, so you can scan for the right fit before you read the blurbs.
We kept every description spoiler-free and flagged mature content where it matters, since some of these books are written for adults and others suit teens. If you’re not sure where to start, the tips near the end of this list match each pick to what you loved most. The FAQ at the bottom answers the questions readers ask most often.
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Genre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children of Virtue and Vengeance | Tomi Adeyemi | YA fantasy | Continuing the series |
| Raybearer | Jordan Ifueko | YA fantasy | Court politics and destiny |
| Akata Witch | Nnedi Okorafor | Middle grade fantasy | Younger readers |
| The Gilded Ones | Namina Forna | YA fantasy | Fierce warrior heroines |
| Legendborn | Tracy Deonn | YA fantasy | Secret societies and heritage |
| Beasts of Prey | Ayana Gray | YA fantasy | Hunting monsters |
| Skin of the Sea | Natasha Bowen | YA fantasy | Mermaids and Yoruba myth |
| Black Leopard, Red Wolf | Marlon James | Adult fantasy | Older readers who want complex epics |
| Who Fears Death | Nnedi Okorafor | Adult fantasy | Powerful heroines in a harsh world |
| Shadow and Bone | Leigh Bardugo | YA fantasy | Chosen heroines |
| An Ember in the Ashes | Sabaa Tahir | YA fantasy | Rebels and soldiers |
| Dread Nation | Justina Ireland | YA historical fantasy | Alternate history |
| Throne of Glass | Sarah J. Maas | YA fantasy | A deadly heroine |
| The Gilded Wolves | Roshani Chokshi | YA fantasy | Heists and history |
| Red Queen | Victoria Aveyard | YA fantasy | Class and rebellion |
1. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
The second book follows Zélie as she tries to unite the maji against a growing threat.
2. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
A girl raised in isolation joins the crown prince’s council and is secretly tasked with killing him. It’s warm and surprising.
3. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
A Nigerian American girl discovers she has magical powers in Nigeria. It’s the start of a beloved series.
4. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
A girl whose blood runs gold becomes a warrior in a kingdom that hunts girls like her. It’s dark and empowering.
5. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
A Black teen at a university discovers a secret society that guards the legacy of King Arthur.
6. Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
Two teens enter a jungle to hunt a deadly creature. It’s inspired by West and East African traditions.
7. Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
A mermaid tasked with collecting the souls of those lost at sea faces a rising danger.
8. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
A mercenary tracks a missing child through a mythic Africa. It’s violent, strange and ambitious.
9. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
In a post-apocalyptic Africa, a young woman discovers her powers. It’s dark and challenging. Content note: sexual violence.
10. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
An orphaned mapmaker discovers a rare power and is taken to a royal court.
11. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
A slave spying for the rebels and an elite soldier meet in a brutal empire.
12. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
In a Civil War where the dead rise, a Black girl trains to fight the undead. It’s fierce and smart.
13. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
An assassin competes to become the king’s champion.
14. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
A group of experts in 1889 Paris plan a heist to find an ancient artifact.
15. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
A commoner with powers is thrust into a dangerous court.
How to Pick Your Next Read After Children of Blood and Bone
- Want African-inspired fantasy? Raybearer, Akata Witch and Beasts of Prey.
- Want fierce warriors? The Gilded Ones.
- Want mythology? Skin of the Sea.
- Want an adult epic? Black Leopard, Red Wolf.
- Want a younger option? Akata Witch.
- Check content notes. Many books here include violence and oppression.
A Guide to the Legacy of Orïsha Series
The trilogy begins with Children of Blood and Bone, followed by Children of Virtue and Vengeance and the upcoming conclusion. Adeyemi’s world draws from Yoruba language and mythology, including orisha gods and the maji’s magical clans. If you enjoy her work, many of the picks here share an interest in blending African cultures and traditional stories with fantasy adventure. Content note: violence, loss and themes of oppression.
Related: what age Children of Blood and Bone is appropriate for and books like Red Queen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What book is most like Children of Blood and Bone?
Raybearer, The Gilded Ones and Legendborn are the closest YA matches.
Is Children of Blood and Bone for teens?
Yes. It’s YA with violence and some romance, suited to ages 13 and up.
How many books are in the series?
Children of Blood and Bone and Children of Virtue and Vengeance, with a third book planned.