Abeni’s Song (Abeni’s Song #1)

In this enchanting first installment of an epic fantasy series based in West African mythology, a small village’s Harvest Celebration ends in disaster after a mysterious force destroys the town and kidnaps all the villagers—except 12-year-old Abeni. She’s saved by Asha, an elderly witch who lives in the surrounding Jembe forest and has been warning the villagers of impending doom. Distraught and confused following the traumatic event, Abeni struggles to adjust to living with Asha and Obi, a man made of straw, in a home in the witch’s secluded magical garden. Asha is secretive, only revealing that a great war involving spirits and mortals is brewing, that the villagers have likely boarded ghost ships far from the forest, and that Abeni must grow into her magical powers if she hopes to survive the ordeal. As Abeni experiences harrowing trials and tribulations, and recruits new fantastical and human friends, she’s forced to reckon with her hidden abilities and her place in her village’s shrouded history is this intricately detailed, riotously fun adventure by Clark (A Master of Djinn, for adults) that explores themes of loyalty, friendship, courage, and the power of belief in oneself. Ages 8–12. (July)