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She Who Knows
Part science fiction, part fantasy, and entirely infused with West African culture and spirituality, this novella offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a teenager whose coming of age will herald a new age for her world. Set in the universe Africanfuturist luminary Nnedi Okorafor first introduced in the World Fantasy Award-winning Who Fears Death, Firespitter is the first in the She Who Knows trilogy
When there is a call, there is often a response.
Najeeba knows.
She has had The Call. But how can a 13-year-old girl have the Call? Only men and boys experience the annual call to the Salt Roads. What’s just happened to Najeeba has never happened in the history of her village. But it’s not a terrible thing, just strange. So when she leaves with her father and brothers to mine salt at the Dead Lake, there’s neither fanfare nor protest. For Najeeba, it’s a dream come travel by camel, open skies, and a chance to see a spectacular place she’s only heard about. However, there must have been something to the rule, because Najeeba’s presence on the road changes everything and her family will never be the same.
Small, intimate, up close, and deceptively quiet, this is the beginning of the Kponyungo Sorceress.
When there is a call, there is often a response.
Najeeba knows.
She has had The Call. But how can a 13-year-old girl have the Call? Only men and boys experience the annual call to the Salt Roads. What’s just happened to Najeeba has never happened in the history of her village. But it’s not a terrible thing, just strange. So when she leaves with her father and brothers to mine salt at the Dead Lake, there’s neither fanfare nor protest. For Najeeba, it’s a dream come travel by camel, open skies, and a chance to see a spectacular place she’s only heard about. However, there must have been something to the rule, because Najeeba’s presence on the road changes everything and her family will never be the same.
Small, intimate, up close, and deceptively quiet, this is the beginning of the Kponyungo Sorceress.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2024
About the author
Nnedi Okorafor
152 books16.4k followersNnedi Okorafor is a New York Times Bestselling writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. The more specific terms for her works are africanfuturism and africanjujuism, both terms she coined and defined. Born in the United States to two Nigerian (Igbo) immigrant parents and visiting family in Nigeria since she was a child, the foundation and inspiration of Nnedi’s work is rooted in this part of Africa. Her many works include Who Fears Death (winner of the World Fantasy Award and in development at HBO as a TV series), the Nebula and Hugo award winning novella trilogy Binti (in development as a TV series), the Lodestar and Locus Award winning Nsibidi Scripts Series, LaGuardia (winner of a Hugo and Eisner awards for Best Graphic Novel) and her most recent novella Remote Control. Her debut novel Zahrah the Windseeker won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. She lives with her daughter Anyaugo in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about Nnedi at Nnedi.com and follow Nnedi on twitter (as @Nnedi), Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
July 14, 2024
Salt, dust, wind and a powerful will - this is Najeeba's tale.
- Nnedi
These words from the author's note are a perfect description of the novella, as well as Nnedi Okorafor's writing style. She Who Knows: Firespitter is Najeeba's origin story, as it were, and set in the same world as another series (Who Fears Death). It starts with Najeeba's Knowledge of the ancient Call to the salt mines, traditionally heard only by the men, and follows her as she faces all the consequences of answering it in the next few years. This is a standalone and I was able to follow the story even without reading Who Fears Death.
The world-building is Nnedi Okorafor's trademark africanfuturism (or africanjujuism, see Nnedi Okorafor) and I am amazed afresh at the vivid worlds she can build in just a few short pages. The book is set in a sort of post-apocalyptic world where the use of portables for communication is seen but their manufacture doesn't seem to be common. The story is steeped in myths and folklore however and it's wonderful to read such a rich story.
Nnedi's writing style is almost poetic, and describes certain moments, magic and mysticism beautifully. We see Najeeba's character arc as a response to the magic unfolding in her and all the other characters in relation to her. I did wish we could have seen more character development for Najeeba, especially in the latter half of the book (late teenage years). But I've been completely invested in this tale, as well as this world, since the first chapter of this novella and I look forward to reading more of this series, this world, and of Nnedi Okorafor's work!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the writing; One star for the world-building and description; Half a star for the characters and arcs; Half a star for the story - Four stars in total].
Thanks to NetGalley, Nnedi Okorafor and DAW Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- Nnedi
These words from the author's note are a perfect description of the novella, as well as Nnedi Okorafor's writing style. She Who Knows: Firespitter is Najeeba's origin story, as it were, and set in the same world as another series (Who Fears Death). It starts with Najeeba's Knowledge of the ancient Call to the salt mines, traditionally heard only by the men, and follows her as she faces all the consequences of answering it in the next few years. This is a standalone and I was able to follow the story even without reading Who Fears Death.
The world-building is Nnedi Okorafor's trademark africanfuturism (or africanjujuism, see Nnedi Okorafor) and I am amazed afresh at the vivid worlds she can build in just a few short pages. The book is set in a sort of post-apocalyptic world where the use of portables for communication is seen but their manufacture doesn't seem to be common. The story is steeped in myths and folklore however and it's wonderful to read such a rich story.
Nnedi's writing style is almost poetic, and describes certain moments, magic and mysticism beautifully. We see Najeeba's character arc as a response to the magic unfolding in her and all the other characters in relation to her. I did wish we could have seen more character development for Najeeba, especially in the latter half of the book (late teenage years). But I've been completely invested in this tale, as well as this world, since the first chapter of this novella and I look forward to reading more of this series, this world, and of Nnedi Okorafor's work!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the writing; One star for the world-building and description; Half a star for the characters and arcs; Half a star for the story - Four stars in total].
Thanks to NetGalley, Nnedi Okorafor and DAW Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2024
This novella is the back story of one of the characters from Who Fears Death. I haven’t read it, but She Who Knows stands perfectly well on its own.
The world is post-apocalyptic, afro-futuristic and fascinating. There is technology, but also strange spirits, strange creatures and things that feel like magic. The vibes are reminiscent of Binti, but the story is less emotionally wrenching (it’s not a criticism, I just mean that it has a calmer feel).
Najeeba is of the Osu-nu, the “untouchables” of the Okeke peoples. Osu-nu harvest salt, and their salt caravans travel on paths forbidden to anyone else. People Know when to go on the salt path. It’s the men who do this (because tradition!), but then the girl Najeeba Knows as well. This is the path that will lead her towards other strange talents.
The writing sparkles with sunshine, salt crystals, and mystery. Nnedi Okorafor, thank you for yet another good story.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-book!
The world is post-apocalyptic, afro-futuristic and fascinating. There is technology, but also strange spirits, strange creatures and things that feel like magic. The vibes are reminiscent of Binti, but the story is less emotionally wrenching (it’s not a criticism, I just mean that it has a calmer feel).
Najeeba is of the Osu-nu, the “untouchables” of the Okeke peoples. Osu-nu harvest salt, and their salt caravans travel on paths forbidden to anyone else. People Know when to go on the salt path. It’s the men who do this (because tradition!), but then the girl Najeeba Knows as well. This is the path that will lead her towards other strange talents.
The writing sparkles with sunshine, salt crystals, and mystery. Nnedi Okorafor, thank you for yet another good story.
Thanks a lot to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-book!
August 23, 2024
Listen, I always like Nnedi Okorafor's writing, but this is among my favorite books I've read from her. She Who Knows follows the mother of the main character in Who Fears Death, coming of age as a young teen girl in a society where the lives of women are often constrained. It's a fascinating take on science-fiction where the collapse of society and technology has made things feel like fantasy.
Najeeba's people are social outcasts, but they are the only ones who walk the Salt Roads- retrieving precious salt to sell at the market. But only boys and men travel the Salt Roads while girls stay home to read and have babies. But Najeeba feels the call of the road and her father allows her to come along on a journey that will irrevocably transform her.
Najeeba is such a great character and while this is a short novel, I felt like I knew her and was rooting for her to upend traditions and find out more about these mysterious abilities she is discovering. I was riveted throughout the story and it makes me want to go back and read everything else set in this world. Highly recommend this one! The audio narration is great- it feels like you're being told a story. Which I realize is technically what audiobooks are, but I hope you understand what I mean. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Najeeba's people are social outcasts, but they are the only ones who walk the Salt Roads- retrieving precious salt to sell at the market. But only boys and men travel the Salt Roads while girls stay home to read and have babies. But Najeeba feels the call of the road and her father allows her to come along on a journey that will irrevocably transform her.
Najeeba is such a great character and while this is a short novel, I felt like I knew her and was rooting for her to upend traditions and find out more about these mysterious abilities she is discovering. I was riveted throughout the story and it makes me want to go back and read everything else set in this world. Highly recommend this one! The audio narration is great- it feels like you're being told a story. Which I realize is technically what audiobooks are, but I hope you understand what I mean. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
July 4, 2024
-Digital-arc gently provided by Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review-
3.8 stars
'She Who Knows' es el nombre traducido de Najeeba , la madre de la protagonista de Who Fears Death. Esta novella es parte de una nueva trilogía en este universo.
Najeeba es una adolescente de 13 años en un pueblo de intocables, los Osu-nu viven en pueblos llamados todos iguales, alejados de los Okeke. Sin embargo ellos son los que extraen la sal de un lago y lo van a comerciar al mercado por unos dias , el unico lugar donde pueden estar junto a Okeke y los Nuru (que son descendientes de arabes y de piel más clara).
Osu-nu people are untouchable Okeke people; we are the slaves who chose to be slaves to the goddess Adoro so that we could be free. You only know the depth of the story as it is shared amongst your people. That’s not the full story
Hay un tiempo para esto, y los Osu-nu lo saben. La ruta no puede ser seguida por otros pues hay peligros, y sólo los hombres van, hasta que un dia Najeeba siente también la llamada... y así comienza su transformación.
Aquí se presenta una historia de lo que bien podría ser Africa postapocaliptica, llena de folclor, misticismo, magia y elementos futuristas. Como en la mayoría de sus obras, las voces femeninas hablan de racismo y opresión de genero, y elementos religiosos culturales a abolir.
Pero... como bien menciona alguien, el final es un CUÁL FINAL? te deja muy en el aire, y bueno supongo que espera dejarte enganchado a la trilogía. Si no fuera poreso le habria dado mejor puntaje.
Me quedan muchas interrogantes: acerca de la diosa, del lago, de la luz rosa, de la casa de papel
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
'She Who Knows' is the translated name of Najeeba, the mother of the protagonist of Who Fears Death. This novella is part of a new trilogy in this universe.
Najeeba is a 13-year-old teenager in a village of untouchables, the Osu-nu live in villages all called the same, far from the Okeke. However, they are the ones who extract the salt from a lake and go to market it for a few days, the only place where they can be together with Okeke and the Nuru (who are descendants of Arabs and have lighter skin).
Osu-nu people are untouchable Okeke people; we are the slaves who chose to be slaves to the goddess I adore so that we could be free. You only know the depth of the story as it is shared among your people. That's not the full story
There is a time for this, and the Osu-nu know it. The route cannot be followed by others because there are dangers, and only men go, until one day Najeeba also feels the call... and thus begins her transformation.
Here is a story of what could well be post-apocalyptic Africa, full of folklore, mysticism, magic and futuristic elements. As in most of her works, the female voices speak of racism and gender oppression, and cultural religious elements to be abolished.
But... as someone mentions, the ending is a WHICH ENDING? It leaves you very much in the air, and well, I suppose it hopes to leave you hooked on the trilogy. If it weren't for that I would have given it a better score.
I have many questions left: about the goddess, the lake, the pink light, the paper house
3.8 stars
'She Who Knows' es el nombre traducido de Najeeba , la madre de la protagonista de Who Fears Death. Esta novella es parte de una nueva trilogía en este universo.
Najeeba es una adolescente de 13 años en un pueblo de intocables, los Osu-nu viven en pueblos llamados todos iguales, alejados de los Okeke. Sin embargo ellos son los que extraen la sal de un lago y lo van a comerciar al mercado por unos dias , el unico lugar donde pueden estar junto a Okeke y los Nuru (que son descendientes de arabes y de piel más clara).
Osu-nu people are untouchable Okeke people; we are the slaves who chose to be slaves to the goddess Adoro so that we could be free. You only know the depth of the story as it is shared amongst your people. That’s not the full story
Hay un tiempo para esto, y los Osu-nu lo saben. La ruta no puede ser seguida por otros pues hay peligros, y sólo los hombres van, hasta que un dia Najeeba siente también la llamada... y así comienza su transformación.
Aquí se presenta una historia de lo que bien podría ser Africa postapocaliptica, llena de folclor, misticismo, magia y elementos futuristas. Como en la mayoría de sus obras, las voces femeninas hablan de racismo y opresión de genero, y elementos religiosos culturales a abolir.
Pero... como bien menciona alguien, el final es un CUÁL FINAL? te deja muy en el aire, y bueno supongo que espera dejarte enganchado a la trilogía. Si no fuera poreso le habria dado mejor puntaje.
Me quedan muchas interrogantes: acerca de la diosa, del lago, de la luz rosa, de la casa de papel
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
'She Who Knows' is the translated name of Najeeba, the mother of the protagonist of Who Fears Death. This novella is part of a new trilogy in this universe.
Najeeba is a 13-year-old teenager in a village of untouchables, the Osu-nu live in villages all called the same, far from the Okeke. However, they are the ones who extract the salt from a lake and go to market it for a few days, the only place where they can be together with Okeke and the Nuru (who are descendants of Arabs and have lighter skin).
Osu-nu people are untouchable Okeke people; we are the slaves who chose to be slaves to the goddess I adore so that we could be free. You only know the depth of the story as it is shared among your people. That's not the full story
There is a time for this, and the Osu-nu know it. The route cannot be followed by others because there are dangers, and only men go, until one day Najeeba also feels the call... and thus begins her transformation.
Here is a story of what could well be post-apocalyptic Africa, full of folklore, mysticism, magic and futuristic elements. As in most of her works, the female voices speak of racism and gender oppression, and cultural religious elements to be abolished.
But... as someone mentions, the ending is a WHICH ENDING? It leaves you very much in the air, and well, I suppose it hopes to leave you hooked on the trilogy. If it weren't for that I would have given it a better score.
I have many questions left: about the goddess, the lake, the pink light, the paper house
April 3, 2024
An excellent novella with a strong voice and fascinating world. The only small flaw is that the ending felt a bit rushed, but I still had a great time reading it and I heartily recommend it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2024
In a distant future Earth, Najeeba, a thirteen year old girl, feels a calling to go on the salt roads, where she must collect salt to sell at the village market. This task has historically been a male's task, so Najeeba finds herself in uncharted territory. Along her journey, she uncovers she has a magical ability. She has to navigate this new ability while confronting the consequences of her breaking social tradition.
This acts as a prequel and is the origin story for Najeeba, a character in Nnedi Okorafor's other novel, Who Fears Death. While it's not necessary to have read Who Fears Death first, I do think it provides some context to the character and some satisfaction in knowing where her story leads after this novel. That being said, you can definitely read this as a standalone and enjoy it. I loved reading about Najeeba, her family, their journeys, and Najeeba's ability. As always, Okorafor's world building is distinct and inventive. I would love to see where Najeeba's story goes after this novel and before Who Fears Death.
Thank you to Edelweiss for providing an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This acts as a prequel and is the origin story for Najeeba, a character in Nnedi Okorafor's other novel, Who Fears Death. While it's not necessary to have read Who Fears Death first, I do think it provides some context to the character and some satisfaction in knowing where her story leads after this novel. That being said, you can definitely read this as a standalone and enjoy it. I loved reading about Najeeba, her family, their journeys, and Najeeba's ability. As always, Okorafor's world building is distinct and inventive. I would love to see where Najeeba's story goes after this novel and before Who Fears Death.
Thank you to Edelweiss for providing an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2024
3.5/5
really impressed by how the author built this vivid, fantastical world in just a few short pages - i enjoyed the africanfuturistic elements, the strong narrative voice, the propulsive storytelling that had me flying through the book. i just wish the ending hadn't been so rushed.
really impressed by how the author built this vivid, fantastical world in just a few short pages - i enjoyed the africanfuturistic elements, the strong narrative voice, the propulsive storytelling that had me flying through the book. i just wish the ending hadn't been so rushed.
May 14, 2024
A young girl in a pseudo-dystopian desert of Africa dares to challenge cultural norms in this absolutely stunning coming-of-age novella steeped in tradition and magic.
I read it in one sitting. The world-building is beautiful, the writing is flawless, and the mysticism that feels so casual and effortless. But all of it flows together in the most epic backdrop for the protagonist to shine.
Najeeba embodies that curiousness and defiance present in every teenage girl. We follow her journey and growth over a few years as she tries to embrace a calling, only to be ostracized, berated, and gaslighted until we see the inevitable fire of feminine rage flicker to life within her.
I read it in one sitting. The world-building is beautiful, the writing is flawless, and the mysticism that feels so casual and effortless. But all of it flows together in the most epic backdrop for the protagonist to shine.
Najeeba embodies that curiousness and defiance present in every teenage girl. We follow her journey and growth over a few years as she tries to embrace a calling, only to be ostracized, berated, and gaslighted until we see the inevitable fire of feminine rage flicker to life within her.
February 10, 2024
This novella is well-written, and the imagery is fantastic. It’s a nice, quick read introducing you to the way of life on Earth in the future. There are mentions of ancient tech that is found and sold at markets, and people of African descent and those of Arab descent. The world described seems to be very desolate and harsh, but humans have adapted to the desert and travel long days and weeks to make their living. The novella starts when the main character is 13 years old, and she is only beginning to realize what society’s strict gender norms will mean for her personally. Cue mysticism, juju and redefining what it means to be female in a patriarchal world. I am team Najeeba, all the way, always.
It is possible to read this without having read the earlier book, “Who Fears Death”, but both stories are set in the same world, and there does seem to be a vague-ish spoiler right at the end. Just an FYI. I’m sure I will have forgotten it whenever I get around to reading about Najeeba’s daughter in said book, knowing my brain. 😁
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I look forward to diving into more of Okorafor’s work!
4.5, rounded up.
It is possible to read this without having read the earlier book, “Who Fears Death”, but both stories are set in the same world, and there does seem to be a vague-ish spoiler right at the end. Just an FYI. I’m sure I will have forgotten it whenever I get around to reading about Najeeba’s daughter in said book, knowing my brain. 😁
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I look forward to diving into more of Okorafor’s work!
4.5, rounded up.
February 10, 2024
Nnedi Okorafor does it again!
As someone who loves all of Nnedi's work, I immediately requested this as soon as I possibly could. There are no words to describe the wonder of the world building, the absolute mastery of the storytelling. In this novella we are told the story of Najeeba, a (then) 13 year old girl who receives the "Call" to go and gather salt. In this world, salt is life. Najeeba experiences a series of incredible events that culminate in the discovery of who she is, and who she will yet become. This is a story of growing into who you really are, of discovering what it means to go beyond society's boundaries, and most of all, the power that a woman holds.
I cannot recommend this novella enough, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy! As always, all my thanks to both Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
As someone who loves all of Nnedi's work, I immediately requested this as soon as I possibly could. There are no words to describe the wonder of the world building, the absolute mastery of the storytelling. In this novella we are told the story of Najeeba, a (then) 13 year old girl who receives the "Call" to go and gather salt. In this world, salt is life. Najeeba experiences a series of incredible events that culminate in the discovery of who she is, and who she will yet become. This is a story of growing into who you really are, of discovering what it means to go beyond society's boundaries, and most of all, the power that a woman holds.
I cannot recommend this novella enough, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy! As always, all my thanks to both Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
August 24, 2024
First of all, big shoutout to author Nnedi Okorafor for giving some insight/info before the start of the story via her author's note. It was seriously so great to have a bit of understanding about the world before jumping into the action. Now, this novella is branded as both sci-fi and fantasy, and I guess that is accurate, but I'd say it falls much more strongly on the side of fantasy, just with a future time/setting. And since it is a series, maybe that will change! But know that in this first installment, you're definitely getting more of a fantasy vibe.
Najeeba is an incredibly compelling character, and I adored her journey. I don't think I always understood the magic part of it, but that is probably on me more than the book. There were some twists that I hadn't expected, and the story took some very dark turns. Overall, I am definitely looking forward to the next installment to see where the story goes next.
Bottom Line: More fantasy than sci-fi, but a very good story regardless.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Najeeba is an incredibly compelling character, and I adored her journey. I don't think I always understood the magic part of it, but that is probably on me more than the book. There were some twists that I hadn't expected, and the story took some very dark turns. Overall, I am definitely looking forward to the next installment to see where the story goes next.
Bottom Line: More fantasy than sci-fi, but a very good story regardless.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
March 11, 2024
'She Who Knows' by Nnedi Okorafor was a wonderfully exciting, mysterious, and thrilling read! This story is connected to a larger work by Okorafor called 'Who Fears Death', which I have yet to read, but this short story can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.
I jumped straight into this story, not knowing its relation to a larger work or universe, getting sucked in, and adoring the work none the less!
One of the most impactful themes in this novel was the struggle between gendernorms and the role of women amongst men in this world. We followed our protagonist as she struggled to find herself in this world that orbits around men and their work.
I absolutely loved this story! It was written so beautifully, immersing the reader into this barren world with beautiful landscapes and the most well written characters! I can not express how wonderful this novel and the world building were.
I can't wait to read more of Okorafor's works, and I will be telling everyone to read 'She Who Knows'!!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I jumped straight into this story, not knowing its relation to a larger work or universe, getting sucked in, and adoring the work none the less!
One of the most impactful themes in this novel was the struggle between gendernorms and the role of women amongst men in this world. We followed our protagonist as she struggled to find herself in this world that orbits around men and their work.
I absolutely loved this story! It was written so beautifully, immersing the reader into this barren world with beautiful landscapes and the most well written characters! I can not express how wonderful this novel and the world building were.
I can't wait to read more of Okorafor's works, and I will be telling everyone to read 'She Who Knows'!!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2024
This was my first read by Nnedi Okorafor and I really enjoyed it. It's a novella about a 13 year old girl, Najeeba, who receives the Call and decides to follow it, joining her father and older brothers along the salt road. By doing this, she challenges gender norms and cultural norms, however, Naj is willing to take that risk. The book has such great world-building and although I did not read the first book, I understand in this world, the characters are living in a desert land, where salt is life. Along her journey, Naj comes into her power and faces great challenges.
I enjoyed this novella a lot, however I do wish it were longer.
Thank you NetGalley, DAW, and Nnedi Okorafor for a wonderful read!
I enjoyed this novella a lot, however I do wish it were longer.
Thank you NetGalley, DAW, and Nnedi Okorafor for a wonderful read!
February 16, 2024
Nnedi Okorafor has been on my radar/tbr for years, and after reading this I am truly disappointed I didn't start reading sooner. Absolutely gorgeous writing, vivid imagery, and characters I fell in love with. I can't wait to read the other books in this universe - it stood on its own, but it made me so hungry for more.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
September 17, 2024
She Who Knows is a novella that tells the backstory of the mother of one of the characters in Who Fears Death. While it is tied to a longer work, it stands well on its own. Najeeba is only thirteen when she first heard the call to go to the salt markets. While it isn't actually forbidden, a female going in search of salt is taboo. Her journey sets her on a path that both isolates her from those she loves as well as protects them. Once again, Okorafor demonstrates her ability to bring both a world and a character to life.
April 21, 2024
This novella captures the story of Najeeba, the first girl in the memory of her village to feel the mystical call to journey to travel the Salt Roads. The story introduces a rich and complex African-futurist world: a town of a scorned people, built on the sale of salt, and the young girl who can ‘travel,’ allowing her a view of the world and of herself beyond what her family or town can understand. Though the novella is quick to read, it builds a deep and complex world and explores the intersection of gender roles and cultural norms in an engrossing coming-of-age tale. I thoroughly enjoyed reading She Who Knows: Firespitter and am excited to read the rest of this trilogy as it is released.
This book is set in the same world as some of the author’s other works. After reading this novella, I certainly plan on reading more in the series. I found She Who Knows to be very approachable and complete even without reading other novels in the universe.
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was incredibly beautifully written and a very enjoyable novella; though the ending was a tad rushed, I am excited to continue Najeeba’s story in the rest of the trilogy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in the same world as some of the author’s other works. After reading this novella, I certainly plan on reading more in the series. I found She Who Knows to be very approachable and complete even without reading other novels in the universe.
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was incredibly beautifully written and a very enjoyable novella; though the ending was a tad rushed, I am excited to continue Najeeba’s story in the rest of the trilogy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
Three and a half
I must start by saying I have not read anything by this author before and this is actually a prequel to a series about this characters daughter. Najeeba is a thirteen year old when this starts living in a post apocalyptic world that takes segregation and racism to the extreme ! Her people are reviled because they apparently betrayed others by appealing to a Goddess. Now their men can sense where the most essential salt can be located but it’s only men who can or is it ?
I really liked Najeeba and thought she felt very mature and caring. I could even understand just how important salt could be in a world that has had technology and yet is now far more primitive and basic. Her hopes and dreams made sense particularly considering just how segregated and apparently abused her people are. This took colour bias and turned it in its head making it seem skin wasn’t important just everything that came before. I felt we got a lot less character development as things progressed and for this reader the spiritual side and just general paranormal aspects weren’t particularly explored. I did turn the pages eagerly I admit but for some reason the ending surprised me as it just suddenly happened ! I think my final thoughts are it definitely caught my interest and if you have read the series that follows than this is definitely worth a read but alas for me not perfect.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I must start by saying I have not read anything by this author before and this is actually a prequel to a series about this characters daughter. Najeeba is a thirteen year old when this starts living in a post apocalyptic world that takes segregation and racism to the extreme ! Her people are reviled because they apparently betrayed others by appealing to a Goddess. Now their men can sense where the most essential salt can be located but it’s only men who can or is it ?
I really liked Najeeba and thought she felt very mature and caring. I could even understand just how important salt could be in a world that has had technology and yet is now far more primitive and basic. Her hopes and dreams made sense particularly considering just how segregated and apparently abused her people are. This took colour bias and turned it in its head making it seem skin wasn’t important just everything that came before. I felt we got a lot less character development as things progressed and for this reader the spiritual side and just general paranormal aspects weren’t particularly explored. I did turn the pages eagerly I admit but for some reason the ending surprised me as it just suddenly happened ! I think my final thoughts are it definitely caught my interest and if you have read the series that follows than this is definitely worth a read but alas for me not perfect.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
August 22, 2024
This novella is the first in a duology centered around the mother of Onyesonwu, protagonist of Who Fears Death. Nnedi Okorafor’s work is generally something I enjoy, though never quite as much as I expect that I should or will. This was the exception to that rule; I loved it.
My memories of Who Fears Death are pretty hazy, and I don’t remember anything at all about Onyesonwu’s mother. So while I might have gotten more out of this story if that were different, I never felt the lack. (Mostly. I’ll get to that.) So I’d say this works just fine if you’ve never read anything else Okorafor has written. I’d actually say this is an excellent entry point to her work: Who Fears Death is an excellent, excellent book, but a book written on the theme of “rape as a weapon of war” isn’t exactly light reading.
Anyway, this book is set in the future of what is presently Sudan, though it’s long enough after the apocalypse that name doesn’t come up any time. Najeeba is a girl on the cusp of womanhood, and living in a village with fellow members of her untouchable caste. The village survives on the salt trade; nearby is the remains of a lake long since dried up, leaving behind a vast field of salt crystals. Once a year, the men of her village will receive a kind of supernatural calling, and know that it’s the time to go to the lake and harvest salt. This happens one-family at a time; there is never overlap, and no one besides these untouchables can ever find the salt lake. None of this is explained, it simply is.
I said “the men of the village” deliberately; it’s the men who do this. Women aren’t exactly forbidden, but they never receive the call and do not go. Except Najeeba does receive the call and her father permits her to come. This starts Najeeba off on a path where she pushes the boundaries of both her gender and her caste, bringing both prosperity and persecution. Najeeba also discovers her own powers as a sorceress, but that aspect of things isn’t thoroughly explored though it’s highly present. I expect it’ll be a big role in the sequel. Very much Afrofuturism, like everything Okorafor does.
So what about my earlier comment about how Who Fears Death “mostly” isn’t relevant to this? This is, as I said, about Onyesonwu’s mother, and as such is a prequel. But there’s a little coda scene at the end that takes place after the end of Who Fears Death that leaves me suspecting that the events of that book will matter very much going forward. Might have to reread before the sequel to this comes out.
My blog
My memories of Who Fears Death are pretty hazy, and I don’t remember anything at all about Onyesonwu’s mother. So while I might have gotten more out of this story if that were different, I never felt the lack. (Mostly. I’ll get to that.) So I’d say this works just fine if you’ve never read anything else Okorafor has written. I’d actually say this is an excellent entry point to her work: Who Fears Death is an excellent, excellent book, but a book written on the theme of “rape as a weapon of war” isn’t exactly light reading.
Anyway, this book is set in the future of what is presently Sudan, though it’s long enough after the apocalypse that name doesn’t come up any time. Najeeba is a girl on the cusp of womanhood, and living in a village with fellow members of her untouchable caste. The village survives on the salt trade; nearby is the remains of a lake long since dried up, leaving behind a vast field of salt crystals. Once a year, the men of her village will receive a kind of supernatural calling, and know that it’s the time to go to the lake and harvest salt. This happens one-family at a time; there is never overlap, and no one besides these untouchables can ever find the salt lake. None of this is explained, it simply is.
I said “the men of the village” deliberately; it’s the men who do this. Women aren’t exactly forbidden, but they never receive the call and do not go. Except Najeeba does receive the call and her father permits her to come. This starts Najeeba off on a path where she pushes the boundaries of both her gender and her caste, bringing both prosperity and persecution. Najeeba also discovers her own powers as a sorceress, but that aspect of things isn’t thoroughly explored though it’s highly present. I expect it’ll be a big role in the sequel. Very much Afrofuturism, like everything Okorafor does.
So what about my earlier comment about how Who Fears Death “mostly” isn’t relevant to this? This is, as I said, about Onyesonwu’s mother, and as such is a prequel. But there’s a little coda scene at the end that takes place after the end of Who Fears Death that leaves me suspecting that the events of that book will matter very much going forward. Might have to reread before the sequel to this comes out.
My blog
August 7, 2024
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This novella is enchanting. I always enjoy post-the-apocalypse with rebuilt society stories that include some of the same technology as the past. This novella also has an intriguing concept that is based on a bit of magic. In this way, the novella is a blend of magical realism, afrofuturism, and sci-fi fantasy.
Najeeba herself is tough and resourceful, yet, because the novella is quite short with a lot going on, I didn’t feel I got to know her too deeply, but I sympathized with her plight. While the magic aspect is pretty integral to certain plot points, magical realism, versus straight-up fantasy, is not a preferred sub-genre of mine, so I did have questions about unexplained aspects (like what the ”witches” actually are?). Yet, I was absolutely entranced by the wonderfully flowing narrative, the descriptions of the landscape, and the story itself.
While “teenage girl subverts gender norms” is a very common story (this is not a YA though, to be clear), it’s always one I’m on board for. Yet, I found the world-building aspect not entirely fleshed out. In truth, this is one of those novellas that could have easily been a full novel given the potential depth of the various components. For example, we’re never really told in detail - at least I don’t think - why the salt road and market aspects are so sexist, because other aspects of her society don’t seem sexist. Najeeba’s mom is some sort of town leader, women appear to have a choice as to who they marry, and birth control is readily available (meaning women have control over their sexuality), so why there is sexism around the salt road in particular was something I could have used more background in. This wasn’t something that I noticed at the time of reading, just upon reflection. Did this affect my enjoyment of the story? Absolutely not.
Basically, if you want a quick read that’s very addictive and fun, you should check this out, as the prose is fluid, quick-paced, and very immersive.
This novella is enchanting. I always enjoy post-the-apocalypse with rebuilt society stories that include some of the same technology as the past. This novella also has an intriguing concept that is based on a bit of magic. In this way, the novella is a blend of magical realism, afrofuturism, and sci-fi fantasy.
Najeeba herself is tough and resourceful, yet, because the novella is quite short with a lot going on, I didn’t feel I got to know her too deeply, but I sympathized with her plight. While the magic aspect is pretty integral to certain plot points, magical realism, versus straight-up fantasy, is not a preferred sub-genre of mine, so I did have questions about unexplained aspects (like what the ”witches” actually are?). Yet, I was absolutely entranced by the wonderfully flowing narrative, the descriptions of the landscape, and the story itself.
While “teenage girl subverts gender norms” is a very common story (this is not a YA though, to be clear), it’s always one I’m on board for. Yet, I found the world-building aspect not entirely fleshed out. In truth, this is one of those novellas that could have easily been a full novel given the potential depth of the various components. For example, we’re never really told in detail - at least I don’t think - why the salt road and market aspects are so sexist, because other aspects of her society don’t seem sexist. Najeeba’s mom is some sort of town leader, women appear to have a choice as to who they marry, and birth control is readily available (meaning women have control over their sexuality), so why there is sexism around the salt road in particular was something I could have used more background in. This wasn’t something that I noticed at the time of reading, just upon reflection. Did this affect my enjoyment of the story? Absolutely not.
Basically, if you want a quick read that’s very addictive and fun, you should check this out, as the prose is fluid, quick-paced, and very immersive.
August 3, 2024
A mysterious and exciting Africanfuturist novella, She Who Knows tells the origin story of a character from an earlier novel Who Fears Death, but it also stands proudly on its own. I have read and enjoyed much of Nnedi Okorafor’s short fiction, particularly the Binti trilogy, and this new novella contained many of the themes I’ve come to expect from her work: strong-willed girls, desert societies, spirits and technology, and mystical powers that manifest in unexpected ways.
In She Who Knows, young Najeeba wakes up one morning imbued with knowledge that has only ever come to the men of her town; the call to walk the salt roads and mine from the dead lake. Her father is reluctant to bring her along at first, but as she travels with him and her brothers, encountering dust witches and glowing orbs, Najeeba discovers unique and unusual strengths within her that change her community’s way of life.
Great pacing and evocative writing, and my only complaint is that the story left me wanting more (often my issue with novellas!) but I will gladly dive into Who Fears Death to find out more about these characters and their journeys into the unknown.
Thanks to DAW Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In She Who Knows, young Najeeba wakes up one morning imbued with knowledge that has only ever come to the men of her town; the call to walk the salt roads and mine from the dead lake. Her father is reluctant to bring her along at first, but as she travels with him and her brothers, encountering dust witches and glowing orbs, Najeeba discovers unique and unusual strengths within her that change her community’s way of life.
Great pacing and evocative writing, and my only complaint is that the story left me wanting more (often my issue with novellas!) but I will gladly dive into Who Fears Death to find out more about these characters and their journeys into the unknown.
Thanks to DAW Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 19, 2024
"I can do this thing," I said. It's a thing, but it has forms...Sometimes I am this glowing beast. Other times I am just the wind. And at the market, I can project a deep part of myself until it is loud and clear, and forceful...but it's all part of the same thing, I believe."
As an Igbo girl/woman in the diaspora (my mum is Nigerian, my dad is Kenyan and I live in Kenya) reading Nnedi's books always feels like coming home. Who fears Death showed me my Nigerian name in book for the first time (Ifunanya) and She Who Knows has now shown me my mother's middle name in a book for the first time as well (Unoma).
This book has powerful female characters and is set within the africanjujuism and africanfuturism worlds we've come to know and love. This is a great read for those who want to dip their toes once more in the mystical world of Who fears Death as it tells the story of Onyesonwu's mother and how she discovered she was a sorceress. I actually don't think it'll be thrilling enough for those who haven't read that yet.
Short, clean writing, almost slice-of-life. It was clearly a set up for a greater tale. I look forward to the rest of the story.
Thank you, Daw Books and Netgalley, for the review copy.
As an Igbo girl/woman in the diaspora (my mum is Nigerian, my dad is Kenyan and I live in Kenya) reading Nnedi's books always feels like coming home. Who fears Death showed me my Nigerian name in book for the first time (Ifunanya) and She Who Knows has now shown me my mother's middle name in a book for the first time as well (Unoma).
This book has powerful female characters and is set within the africanjujuism and africanfuturism worlds we've come to know and love. This is a great read for those who want to dip their toes once more in the mystical world of Who fears Death as it tells the story of Onyesonwu's mother and how she discovered she was a sorceress. I actually don't think it'll be thrilling enough for those who haven't read that yet.
Short, clean writing, almost slice-of-life. It was clearly a set up for a greater tale. I look forward to the rest of the story.
Thank you, Daw Books and Netgalley, for the review copy.
May 14, 2024
Okorafor is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I’m on a quest to read her entire backlist, as everything I’ve read from her has blown my mind. She Who Knows takes place in the same world as Who Fears Death and kicks off a brand-new trilogy.
This book is incredible and I can’t wait to check out more of the universe from this one. I loved the blend of cultural roots, tradition, and the supernatural set alongside technology the likes of which we have never experienced. One of the camel’s being named Noor also took me out. 🥺 🐫
I don’t read as much fantasy nowadays as I used to, but I can easily say Okorafor is in my top 3 for fantasy authors. Check this one out if you like scifi with emphasis on the science, fantasy, witches, and bad-a$$ women challenging social norms.
If you are looking for a place to start reading this author, She Who Knows would be a great place to jump in! I also absolutely adore the Binti trilogy and Noor was a recent favorite. Check my stories for past reviews!
**Thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for the eARC of this beautiful title!**
This book is incredible and I can’t wait to check out more of the universe from this one. I loved the blend of cultural roots, tradition, and the supernatural set alongside technology the likes of which we have never experienced. One of the camel’s being named Noor also took me out. 🥺 🐫
I don’t read as much fantasy nowadays as I used to, but I can easily say Okorafor is in my top 3 for fantasy authors. Check this one out if you like scifi with emphasis on the science, fantasy, witches, and bad-a$$ women challenging social norms.
If you are looking for a place to start reading this author, She Who Knows would be a great place to jump in! I also absolutely adore the Binti trilogy and Noor was a recent favorite. Check my stories for past reviews!
**Thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for the eARC of this beautiful title!**
August 19, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, releasing tomorrow, August 20th!
I'm a HUGE fan of Okorafor's Binti series, but didn't vibe as much with Who Fears Death-this new series of novellas is a side-story to that novel (although you don't have to read the former to understand or enjoy the latter). I really enjoyed this, though! I think Okorafor's plotting and prose really shine in a shorter format, and her worldbuilding is a great mixture of engrossing but easily understandable in a short time frame, which I think is why the length works well here. Loved Najeeba and her family, and while the pacing of the ending felt a bit rushed, I'm excited to see where the story goes from here in the next volume!
I'm a HUGE fan of Okorafor's Binti series, but didn't vibe as much with Who Fears Death-this new series of novellas is a side-story to that novel (although you don't have to read the former to understand or enjoy the latter). I really enjoyed this, though! I think Okorafor's plotting and prose really shine in a shorter format, and her worldbuilding is a great mixture of engrossing but easily understandable in a short time frame, which I think is why the length works well here. Loved Najeeba and her family, and while the pacing of the ending felt a bit rushed, I'm excited to see where the story goes from here in the next volume!
August 21, 2024
Once again an awesome and powerful story!
June 26, 2024
Thanks netgally for the arc to She Who Knows. This is the story of the heroine’s mother from “Who Fears Death,” but can be read without having read the daughter’s story. Reading She Who Knows has definitely made me want to pick it up though! I really enjoyed the world in this story, which was a futuristic Africa, with a blend of magic, technology and an old-world dystopian feel. Our heroine feels the call to the salt road, but going is completely against social norms; she has to push against everyone, including her family and friends, for the right to follow her calling. This book is fairly on-the-nose with its feminist messaging, forever, and I generally prefer a bit more nuance with social themes. I thought this was super easy to get into however, with great pacing and the character work was also top tier. 4 stars!
March 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.
This is honestly a fantastic little book, but I wish it was longer. By the time I felt truly settled in the story, it was already almost over. And on top of that I still have so many questions! I can't wait for the rest of this series to be released, plus I'm now super excited to read Who Fears Death (from what I understand it's a bit of a sequel to this, but about this main characters daughter?). Anyway, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy fantasy/sci-fi stories, especially ones that aren't set in the typical medieval-Europe-type setting.
This is honestly a fantastic little book, but I wish it was longer. By the time I felt truly settled in the story, it was already almost over. And on top of that I still have so many questions! I can't wait for the rest of this series to be released, plus I'm now super excited to read Who Fears Death (from what I understand it's a bit of a sequel to this, but about this main characters daughter?). Anyway, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy fantasy/sci-fi stories, especially ones that aren't set in the typical medieval-Europe-type setting.
April 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an arc to this for an honest rating.
First, this was a novella but it read like a full novel, in a positive way. I really enjoyed this. Najeeba, our main character, realizes she has the calling to go to the ice fields with her father and 2 brothers, which isn't a usual thing, as men are normally the people who go. Determined to break down barriers and answer her calling she tags along. She sooon realizes she has more than just a calling and will do anything to help her people and find out more about herself.
Najeeba is a loveable character, I connected with her and really took her seriously, especially for a teenager. I don't want to spoil anything so I will say this, the writing was great. As I mentioned I felt like I was getting a lot of necessary information in just a short amount of pages, 176, and really felt like it wasn't rushed. That is until the end. It's 4🌟 simply cause I felt like the end was rushed and I worry too much was left open for the second book in this trilogy, especially if that book is also going to be a novella.
Overall I enjoyed this and encourage you to give it a chance when it releases in August!
First, this was a novella but it read like a full novel, in a positive way. I really enjoyed this. Najeeba, our main character, realizes she has the calling to go to the ice fields with her father and 2 brothers, which isn't a usual thing, as men are normally the people who go. Determined to break down barriers and answer her calling she tags along. She sooon realizes she has more than just a calling and will do anything to help her people and find out more about herself.
Najeeba is a loveable character, I connected with her and really took her seriously, especially for a teenager. I don't want to spoil anything so I will say this, the writing was great. As I mentioned I felt like I was getting a lot of necessary information in just a short amount of pages, 176, and really felt like it wasn't rushed. That is until the end. It's 4🌟 simply cause I felt like the end was rushed and I worry too much was left open for the second book in this trilogy, especially if that book is also going to be a novella.
Overall I enjoyed this and encourage you to give it a chance when it releases in August!
August 1, 2024
Once again, Nnedi Okorafor has written a story so impactful that it's hard to put into words!
Several years ago, I read, "Who Fears Death," and it remains one of my favorite books (which, introduced me to the author's narratives) and I've been hooked on the author's stories ever since. This prequel, which is the first in a companion series to "Who Fears Death," follows Najeeba for 3 years of her life, which prove to be transformative in more ways than one.
For you see, her daughter, Onyesonwu, didn't inherit her abilities from only her father. Now, we learn how and why the mother was able to raise her daughter to be as determined and as powerful as herself. This is the beginning of what's to come at the end.
I'm very excited to read the next book!
Complete RTC!
Several years ago, I read, "Who Fears Death," and it remains one of my favorite books (which, introduced me to the author's narratives) and I've been hooked on the author's stories ever since. This prequel, which is the first in a companion series to "Who Fears Death," follows Najeeba for 3 years of her life, which prove to be transformative in more ways than one.
For you see, her daughter, Onyesonwu, didn't inherit her abilities from only her father. Now, we learn how and why the mother was able to raise her daughter to be as determined and as powerful as herself. This is the beginning of what's to come at the end.
I'm very excited to read the next book!
Complete RTC!
March 11, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you kindly to Penguin Random House for my review copy.
"To grow so much and then contract, to step onto your path, even when you didn't quite know it was a path, and then to suddenly shrink yourself...it hurt."
When I requested SHE WHO KNOWS: FIRESPITTER I didn't realise it was actually a prequel novella to Nnedi Okorafor's futuristic, post-apocalyptic fantasy series Who Fears Death. Regardless, I found this to be an exceptional and wonderfully executed work of futuristic fantasy that is inspired by West African culture and juju. It follows our protagonist Najeeba as she receives the Call to the annual salt roads which only men and boys receive and answer. Though unusual, her father allows her to travel with him and her brothers on the salt roads and she experiences a freedom like no other, and Najeeba and her family will never be the same. It is a short but compelling introduction into the exceptional writing and enticing imagery of Okorafor. I will for sure be reading the rest of the series.
"To grow so much and then contract, to step onto your path, even when you didn't quite know it was a path, and then to suddenly shrink yourself...it hurt."
When I requested SHE WHO KNOWS: FIRESPITTER I didn't realise it was actually a prequel novella to Nnedi Okorafor's futuristic, post-apocalyptic fantasy series Who Fears Death. Regardless, I found this to be an exceptional and wonderfully executed work of futuristic fantasy that is inspired by West African culture and juju. It follows our protagonist Najeeba as she receives the Call to the annual salt roads which only men and boys receive and answer. Though unusual, her father allows her to travel with him and her brothers on the salt roads and she experiences a freedom like no other, and Najeeba and her family will never be the same. It is a short but compelling introduction into the exceptional writing and enticing imagery of Okorafor. I will for sure be reading the rest of the series.
July 6, 2024
Okorafor really excels at novellas. While many novellas feel rushed, hers are perfectly paced and still include back story, world building, and character arcs.
This is the first in a prequel series for Who Fears Death, which I have not read. That didn't seem to hamper my enjoyment of this new book.
Najeeba is part of a West African people who harvest salt. Only the men hear the call to travel the salt roads, but one day she wakes up hearing the call, too. Her father lets her accompany him and her brothers, and the family gathers salt to sell at the market, which Najeeba, pretending to be a man, excels at. On that first trip to mine salt, however, she impulsively enters a witch—a kind of mini sand tornado—and is changed. She can now send her body out of itself. This is the very beginning of her origin as a sorceress.
This is the first in a prequel series for Who Fears Death, which I have not read. That didn't seem to hamper my enjoyment of this new book.
Najeeba is part of a West African people who harvest salt. Only the men hear the call to travel the salt roads, but one day she wakes up hearing the call, too. Her father lets her accompany him and her brothers, and the family gathers salt to sell at the market, which Najeeba, pretending to be a man, excels at. On that first trip to mine salt, however, she impulsively enters a witch—a kind of mini sand tornado—and is changed. She can now send her body out of itself. This is the very beginning of her origin as a sorceress.
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