Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Here's what we found in Children of Virtue and Vengeance. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Tomi Adeyemi's "Children of Virtue and Vengeance" is the second installment in the "Legacy of Orïsha" series, a young adult fantasy inspired by West African culture. The narrative picks up after the events of "Children of Blood and Bone," where protagonists Zélie and Amari have successfully restored magic to Orïsha, but with unforeseen and complex consequences. This revival of magic extends not only to the maji but also to members of the nobility with magical ancestry, intensifying the deep-seated conflict between these factions. The story plunges into a brutal civil war, exploring themes of anger, rebellion, and hostility as Zélie endeavors to unite the maji and secure Amari's claim to the throne amidst the monarchy's ruthless efforts to maintain control. The book is notably darker and more intense than its predecessor, confronting characters with profound trauma and moral dilemmas in a high-stakes environment. Targeting a young adult audience, the book navigates a complex political landscape where characters are forced to make difficult and often devastating choices. The narrative explores the psychological impact of war, power struggles, and systemic oppression. While featuring elements of romance and magical adventure, the overall content is characterized by its intense and often disturbing themes. Parents should be aware that it deals with significant emotional weight and morally ambiguous actions by its protagonists, making it a challenging read that prompts reflection on justice, vengeance, and leadership.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book contains extensive and brutal depictions of war, violence, genocide, and mass murder. Characters endure torture, and scenes of clashes between maji and nobility are described as intense and bloody, resulting in tragic deaths and widespread devastation. The narrative explores the deeply traumatic impacts of these events.
Content warnings for the book include 'strong war themes; death and violence; genocide; mass murder and attempted murder; blood and blood magic (not explicit); torture; depictions of grief; loss of parents and loved ones'. An early scene describes Zélie awakening on a boat in chains, amidst urine and vomit, evoking historical slave ship experiences. Battles between maji and nobility are portrayed as 'intense and bloody, and unyielding'.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult practices are central to the entire narrative. The story is steeped in a magic system inspired by West African (Yoruba) deities and rituals. Characters wield various magical powers, engage in 'blood magic' (though not explicitly graphic), and perform spells and summoning.
Scary & Intense Content
The book is exceptionally intense and frequently scary, characterized by brutal warfare, graphic violence, and emotionally disturbing scenarios. It deals heavily with character trauma, anguish, and rage, and includes themes of genocide and torture. Reviewers note a pervasive sense of dread, and some scenes are described as potentially triggering.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are core thematic elements, driving much of the conflict. Characters, particularly Zélie and Amari, often exhibit significant stubbornness, defiance, and an inability to communicate or compromise, leading to severe consequences. Amari, in particular, engages in rebellious acts that result in the sacrifice of innocent lives.
Would these 4 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
14+ due to prevalent themes of intense violence, war, genocide, torture, and significant emotional and psychological trauma. The complex moral dilemmas and some implied romantic/sexual content also contribute to this recommendation, making it suitable for mature young adult readers.
Good to Know
As the second book in a trilogy, 'Children of Virtue and Vengeance' ends on a cliffhanger, leaving many conflicts unresolved and setting the stage for future developments. Some readers expressed frustration over a perceived lack of character growth and repetitive conflicts in this installment, with protagonists making similar mistakes as in the first book. The book also engages with heavy social and political allegories, often compared to real-world issues of oppression and racism, and some specific scenes may be triggering, particularly for Black readers, due to allusions to historical atrocities.
What are you reading next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families