Publishers Weekly
★ 09/25/2023
A sheltered teen who longs to find her missing parents must contend with a patriarchal society and dangerous political machinations in Lapite’s thrilling debut. Kalothia, who is almost 16, has grown up isolated in the kingdom of Galla’s Faledi forest with her caretakers, Aunty and Teacher, and a rotation of royal guards. Her parents’ whereabouts are a mystery; when she was a baby, they were ousted from King Osura’s court for supporting the purportedly treasonous queen, and forced to flee the kingdom. They delivered Kalothia to Aunty and Teacher, and haven’t been heard from since. After assassins destroy her home on her 16th birthday, Kalothia must depart with only her vervet monkey, Yeye, and the head of her personal security, Nahir, intending to leave the kingdom. When Kalothia makes a life-changing discovery, she determines to infiltrate the Gallan court seeking justice for her family—and find out who is trying to get rid of her. British Nigerian author Lapite delivers an engaging African-inspired fantasy replete with pulse-pounding action sequences, dramatic revelations, and an affecting developing romance spearheaded by a clever, headstrong heroine that readers can’t help but cheer for. Characters read as Black. Ages 13–17. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
The story’s well-timed action and tenacious protagonist make for page-turning thrills, and a lovely romance tucked away within its pages will make readers’ hearts flutter. However, the underlying theme of young women building reliable, strategic alliances in addition to friendships while living in patriarchal kingdoms is equally important. . . Lapite’s debut is a strong addition to the genre and a fine introduction to an enchanting world that is worth exploring. A punchy story radiating zeal and filled with suspense.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A sheltered teen who longs to find her missing parents must contend with a patriarchal society and dangerous political machinations in Lapite’s thrilling debut. . . . British Nigerian author Lapite delivers an engaging African-inspired fantasy replete with pulse-pounding action sequences, dramatic revelations, and an affecting developing romance spearheaded by a clever, headstrong heroine that readers can’t help but cheer for.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
An exhilarating, plot-driven romantic Afro-fantasy. . . Lapite brings this Afro-fantasy to life through descriptive, lyrical text. . . . Goddess Crown is a majestic, enlivening adventure that should appeal to fans of Tamora Pierce, Lloyd Alexander, and, yes, even Shakespeare.
—Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Teeming with betrayal, secrets, and power struggles, Lapite’s debut will have readers on the edge of their seats. . . . Kalothia’s determined spirit rings true, and her uphill battle will endear her to readers. . . . Readers looking for an inviting fantasy or who want a grounded experience will love Kalothia and root for her through her plight.
—Booklist
Opulence, beauty, and danger—Goddess Crown sweeps readers into a sumptuous new world that they won’t soon forget and introduces an unstoppable heroine in Kalothia. A magnificent and triumphant debut.
—Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times best-selling author and chief operating officer of We Need Diverse Books
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-07-13
After being raised under heavy surveillance, a teen girl determined to locate her long-missing parents enters a powerful, patriarchal court with deep-rooted secrets and political drama.
Kalothia, who has dark red hair and “coffee-rich skin,” concocts a covert plan to flee the remote forest of Faledi, the place she calls home. She’s been reared by dedicated guardians under tightly coordinated supervision, but the 16-year-old desires to find her parents, who fled in exile from the kingdom of Galla when she was a baby after supporting an allegedly treasonous queen. As Kalothia attempts her getaway plan, things go awry almost immediately as mysterious, violent assailants appear on the grounds of her hidden, fortified residence. Led by her instincts and the divine Goddess herself, Kalothia goes on a winding, adventurous trek to the infamous royal court, seeking the key to her parents’ whereabouts. The story’s well-timed action and tenacious protagonist make for page-turning thrills, and a lovely romance tucked away within its pages will make readers’ hearts flutter. However, the underlying theme of young women building reliable, strategic alliances in addition to friendships while living in patriarchal kingdoms is equally important. There’s also an emphasis on women’s autonomy that offers an incisive, urgent critique of the real-life consequences of political gender oppression. Lapite’s debut is a strong addition to the genre and a fine introduction to an enchanting world that is worth exploring.
A punchy story radiating zeal and filled with suspense. (Fantasy. 12-17)