'Children of Blood and Bone' Headed to the Big Screen

Read Before You Watch, Plus 9 Similar Series to Read Next

A Risk Worth Taking

Tomi Adeyemi's parents sacrificed much when they emigrated from Nigeria to give their children a better life in America. So when their Harvard-educated daughter announced plans to quit her job with a film production company and write a book, they were not crazy about the idea.

Luckily, it was a gamble that has more than paid off. Her resulting novel, Children of Blood and Bone, book one in the Legacy of Orïsha series, debuted at number one on the NYT bestseller list. And now the 28-year-old author has landed a lucrative deal with Paramount Pictures to bring her story to the big screen. Adeyemi will also pen the screenplay and executive produce the upcoming film.

Book two in the series, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, continues the story of heroine Zélie Adebola as she fights the brutal suppression of the ruling class to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha. Book three is slated for publication in 2023.

Adeyemi drew inspiration from novels she loved like Harry Potter and An Ember in the Ashes, as well as West African mythology and her family's Yoruba culture and language. She's been called "the new J. K. Rowling."

What You Can Read Next

If you're already a fan of the Legacy of Orïsha books and anxiously waiting for the next installment, here are some similar reads to consider.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
The first in a gripping duology inspired by West African folklore, this is the story of a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village or face a fate worse than death. This 2021 debut is the first in the Deathless series.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Set in an epic fantasy world inspired by North Africa, the first volume of this series centers on two sisters, princesses who, according to tradition, must fight to the death to win the crown.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Raised in isolation by an often absent mother known only as The Lady, Tarisai is thrilled at the chance to join the Crown Prince's council. But when The Lady orders her to kill him once she gains his trust, Tarisai must decide where her loyalties lie.

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
In this much-anticipated series opener, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they strike a dangerous alliance to hunt down the creature menacing their home—and uncover ancient, deadly secrets.

Kingdom of Souls by Reena Barron
Arrah yearns for magic of her own. Yet she fails to live up to her family's legacy. Under the disapproving eye of her powerful mother, she fears she may never be good enough. But then the Kingdom's children begin to disappear.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Inspired by East Asian folklore, this series opener introduces Shiori, a princess with a secret—forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals her powers well, until an unwanted betrothal makes her lose control.

The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty
On the streets of eighteenth-century Cairo, Nahri is a con woman, relying on her unforeseen powers to swindle Ottoman Nobles. Then one day, she accidentally summons Dara, a powerful djinn. This is the first in The Daevabad Trilogy.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Despite coming from completely different backgrounds, growing up together in the same orphanage forged their friendship. Now they are both rising stars in the new regime and rivals for the top position in the dragonriding fleet.

These books are all YA series starters featuring diverse characters and thrilling magical worlds. Hopefully you'll find something here that satisfies your fantasy fix.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon