Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun | Book Review

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Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun
Series: The Tainted Blood Duology #1
Published by Harper Voyager on August 8, 2023
Genres: YA Fantasy, BIPOC
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased

Content Warnings: Racism, Classism, Violence, Death of a Parent, Death, Grief, Genocide, Abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual Assault, Suicide, Slavery
Rating:

In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people—the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright. But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity—kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s—and Dèmi’s—distress. The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.

In honor of Black History Month, I decided to read as many books as I could by Black authors, the first of those being Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun. Based on the description, I was very excited: Political intrigue. Unique magic system. Nigerian folklore. Powerful women. Yes to everything! However, there was one major flaw that turned me off completely, resulting in my barely 3-star rating and my decision not to pick up the next book in the duology. However, let's start with what I did like.

First and foremost, I loved the flawless integration of Nigerian folklore, from magical creatures to the orisha-blessed magic Dèmi and other magical people, called Oluso, use. This created a unique yet familiar magical system, as many of the Oluso have magic abilities similar to those found across multiple cultures. All of this was woven into a world plagued with colonization, genocide, racism, and classism. Non-magical folk called Aje have waged war against those with magical abilities, partially because of skin color and partially out of fear of the unknown and powerful. 

“My father once told me that truth has many faces, mouths that help us see more clearly. But justice has only one face—a sword for those who warrant it, whether they be the victims of yesterday or the victors of today.”

Despite the Aje's attempt to wipe out all Oluso, many have managed to survive in hidden places. The sense of community among the Oluso is strong, causing hidden members to adopt those outside of their families for protection and support. I adored the found-family aspect and the strength of the bonds portrayed throughout the story. This bonding is an integral part of the story, not only ensuring the success of their quest, but also impacting their magical abilities. The trust within this community is contrasted by the mistrust of those on the outside. 

“Fear is a strange master. It makes monsters from the simplest of men.”

While being Black is frowned upon by the white rulers, being Oluso is worse. Non-magical Black folk do everything they can to fit in, from straightening their hair to lightening their skin. This is similar to what many Black people did and still do to assimilate into an oppressive system that otherwise tries to eliminate them. Okosun's commentary on the lengths people will go to avoid the ire of their oppressors was eye-opening and poignantly presented in an easy way for young readers to understand. This is a young adult fantasy, after all. This is coupled with a couple of young and old revolutionaries seeking revenge and freedom.

Overall, Forged by Blood is a brilliant, yet young adult, portrayal of very real issues in a fantastical setting. What I didn't like, however, was the inclusion of the white Prince Jonas Dèmi eventually falls for. I think it's great Jonas wants to help Dèmi and the Oluso win their freedom, but the way in which he goes about it leaves a lot to be desired. First and foremost, Jonas sacrifices very little for the freedom of the oppressed. Maybe this changes in the second book, but as it stands, he gives up nothing to help the revolution. He barely leverages his privilege to help, unlike Reeve Warwick from Kamilah Cole's Divine Traitors duology. Jonas is barely an ally while Reeve is an accomplice. On top of all this, Dèmi falls for the colonizer, who is supposedly his fated mate. What? Ew. Can we stop with the oppressed falling for the oppressor trope already? It isn't even well done here, especially when there is another loving and supportive man in her life who truly sacrifices for their cause.

If you are willing to look past the awkward romance and teenage banter, there is a wonderful story of oppression integrated with Nigerian folklore to be found. I, however, could not get over the romance and therefore have made the decision not to continue the series.