Goddess Crown

August 1, 2023
After being raised under heavy surveillance, a teen girl determined to locate her long-missing parents enters a powerful, patriarchal court with deep-rooted secrets and political drama. Kalothia, who has dark red hair and "coffee-rich skin," concocts a covert plan to flee the remote forest of Faledi, the place she calls home. She's been reared by dedicated guardians under tightly coordinated supervision, but the 16-year-old desires to find her parents, who fled in exile from the kingdom of Galla when she was a baby after supporting an allegedly treasonous queen. As Kalothia attempts her getaway plan, things go awry almost immediately as mysterious, violent assailants appear on the grounds of her hidden, fortified residence. Led by her instincts and the divine Goddess herself, Kalothia goes on a winding, adventurous trek to the infamous royal court, seeking the key to her parents' whereabouts. The story's well-timed action and tenacious protagonist make for page-turning thrills, and a lovely romance tucked away within its pages will make readers' hearts flutter. However, the underlying theme of young women building reliable, strategic alliances in addition to friendships while living in patriarchal kingdoms is equally important. There's also an emphasis on women's autonomy that offers an incisive, urgent critique of the real-life consequences of political gender oppression. Lapite's debut is a strong addition to the genre and a fine introduction to an enchanting world that is worth exploring. A punchy story radiating zeal and filled with suspense. (Fantasy. 12-17)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2023
Grades 9-12 Teeming with betrayal, secrets, and power struggles, Lapite's debut will have readers on the edge of their seats. Raised in the forest with her guardians, Kalothia has known a quiet life and is patiently waiting to be reunited with her parents. When violence intrudes upon her peaceful existence, Kalothia lands in the heart of the king's court with even more shocking news: she is the last living heir to the late king. Surrounded by royals who have their own agendas, Kalothia must determine friend from foe and prove to the court that a woman can lead. Lapite's Afrofantasy is perfect for a quick escape. The accessible world building does not rely on intricate magic systems; rather, Lapite uses the fantasy setting to highlight problems that plague our own world, like sexism. Kalothia's determined spirit rings true, and her uphill battle will endear her to readers. While sometimes predictable, Goddess Crown is tightly packaged and ties up ends nicely. Readers looking for an inviting fantasy or who want a grounded experience will love Kalothia and root for her through her plight.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from September 25, 2023
A sheltered teen who longs to find her missing parents must contend with a patriarchal society and dangerous political machinations in Lapite’s thrilling debut. Kalothia, who is almost 16, has grown up isolated in the kingdom of Galla’s Faledi forest with her caretakers, Aunty and Teacher, and a rotation of royal guards. Her parents’ whereabouts are a mystery; when she was a baby, they were ousted from King Osura’s court for supporting the purportedly treasonous queen, and forced to flee the kingdom. They delivered Kalothia to Aunty and Teacher, and haven’t been heard from since. After assassins destroy her home on her 16th birthday, Kalothia must depart with only her vervet monkey, Yeye, and the head of her personal security, Nahir, intending to leave the kingdom. When Kalothia makes a life-changing discovery, she determines to infiltrate the Gallan court seeking justice for her family—and find out who is trying to get rid of her. British Nigerian author Lapite delivers an engaging African-inspired fantasy replete with pulse-pounding action sequences, dramatic revelations, and an affecting developing romance spearheaded by a clever, headstrong heroine that readers can’t help but cheer for. Characters read as Black. Ages 13–17.