Reviewed by Shravan
December 5, 2025
Simply put, this is an amazing series. There is so much attention to detail, creativity, and effort put into this series, and it shows. I love every single aspect of this book, including the characters, the plot, and excitement you get when reading this. I would give this series an age rating of 10+ because of the violence and the relative complexity, but it easily gets a 5 Star rating because of how many fantastic elements it has.
In this series Zelie and her friends are fighting against the monarchy to undo the destruction brought upon their kind 11 years ago, in the Raid. Hundreds of Maji, people who can cast and control magic were slaughtered, including her own mother. She has to complete an ancient ritual to bring back magic, but there are many, many obstacles in her path.
🎬 Also a Movie
Similar Series
See all →
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Rick Riordan
Aru Shah
Roshani Chokshi
TombQuest
Michael Northrop
Keeper of the Lost Cities
Shannon Messenger
Books in this Series
Common Questions About Legacy of Orisha
What age is Legacy of Orisha appropriate for?
Legacy of Orisha is recommended for ages 10-14 (Grades 5th-8th). There's significant violence and the story deals with heavy themes like oppression, loss, and fighting for survival. The world-building is incredible though, with so much attention to detail and creativity. I gave this series 5 Stars because every aspect is fantastic, from the characters to the plot.
What order should I read Legacy of Orisha?
Read in order: Children of Blood and Bone, then Children of Virtue and Vengeance. The story follows Zelie, who is fighting against the monarchy to restore magic that was destroyed 11 years ago in a devastating raid that killed hundreds of Maji, including her own mother. She has to complete an ancient ritual, but there are many obstacles in her path.
Is there a Legacy of Orisha movie?
A Children of Blood and Bone film is in post-production, expected around 2027. I'd definitely recommend reading the books first. The world Tomi Adeyemi creates is so detailed and vivid that you want to imagine it yourself before seeing someone else's version. The books have West African-inspired mythology that's really unique compared to the Greek and Norse mythology you see in most fantasy series.
Is Legacy of Orisha similar to Percy Jackson?
They're both about kids discovering magical powers, but Legacy of Orisha is significantly more intense and mature. Where Percy Jackson is light and funny, Legacy of Orisha deals with oppression, war, and real consequences. It draws from Yoruba (West African) mythology instead of Greek, which makes it feel completely different from anything else out there. If your kid loved Percy Jackson and is ready for something heavier, this is a great next step.
Legacy of Orisha is recommended for ages 10 - 14 (Grades 5th - 9th) with Lexile scores ranging from 670L to 670L.