The Black God's Drums
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
112
Novel • Fiction
New Orleans • Alternate 1880s
2018
YA
14-18 years
The Black God's Drums by P. Djèlí Clark is a steampunk, alternate-history novella set in nineteenth-century New Orleans, where thirteen-year-old street urchin Creeper discovers a plot by Confederate extremists to unleash a doomsday weapon, leading her to team up with airship captain Ann-Marie St. Augustine and her diverse crew to rescue a kidnapped scientist and prevent disaster, all while exploring her connection to the African goddess Oya. Sensitive topics include racism and enslavement.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Fantastical
Dark
Unnerving
12,265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
P. Djèlí Clark's The Black God's Drums is praised for its rich, imaginative world-building and compelling blend of steampunk and African mythology. Critics appreciate the strong, dynamic characters and the vibrant prose. However, some feel the novella's brevity limits deeper plot and character development. Overall, it's celebrated as a captivating, refreshing read.
Readers who enjoy speculative fiction rich with Afrocentric steampunk elements will be captivated by The Black God's Drums. Fans of Nnedi Okorafor's Akata Witch or Cherie Dimaline's The Marrow Thieves will appreciate its blending of folklore, history, and adventure.
12,265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
112
Novel • Fiction
New Orleans • Alternate 1880s
2018
YA
14-18 years
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