Plot Summary

The Black God's Drums

P. Djèlí Clark
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The Black God's Drums

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

Book Brief

P. Djèlí Clark

The Black God's Drums

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

112

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Orleans • Alternate 1880s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

12,265 ratings

78%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Black God's Drums?

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.

4.3

12,265 ratings

78%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

112

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Orleans • Alternate 1880s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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