Abeni and the Kingdom of Gold
by P. Djèlí Clark
Intermediate, Middle School    Starscape/Tor    368 pp.
4/25    9781250825858    $19.99
e-book ed.  9781250825865    $11.99

In this compelling sequel to Abeni’s Song (rev. 9/23), Abeni and her companions continue their quest to find the elder spirits who might protect Asha (the first book’s benevolent witch who here has been reborn as a child) from the malevolent Witch Priest. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they’re captured by the Gold Weavers, mysterious beings with the ability to manipulate gold at will. The Gold Weavers offer Abeni a bargain: her freedom in exchange for locating an ancestral relic containing the soul of their kingdom. Meanwhile, the Witch Priest builds his army, intent on world domination. Fearing Asha’s power to derail his plans, he dispatches his adopted daughter, Fulan, to capture both the reborn spirit and her guardian, Abeni. Fulan’s determination to prove herself adds another layer of danger. Clark adeptly combines action and emotion in this fast-paced narrative, which also explores themes of loyalty, heritage, and personal growth through Abeni’s evolving relationships with her companions. The author’s skilled incorporation of historical and magical elements enriches the world-building while reinforcing the tale’s central themes. This second installment successfully builds upon its predecessor while raising the stakes for all involved.

From the ">May/June 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.