Description

“An immersive, funny, clever fantasy with real emotional depth. I couldn’t put it down!” A.F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

“This book is incredible! With a dazzling cast of characters wrapped up in a rich, imaginative afrofantasy world, Adia’s thrilling journey will have you eager to turn the next page!” B.B. Alston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Amari and the Night Brothers

“A spellbinding story of empowerment and liberation…readers of all ages will do well to pick up this first entry in a powerful new fantasy series.” Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series.

Life in the Swamplands is tough for twelve-year-old orphan Adia. Her aunt and uncle believe she is an ogbanje, a demon-possessed child thought to bring misfortune. And when Adia manifests mysterious powers, accidentally destroying her village, she starts to think they might be right.

Adia flees to the faraway Academy of Shamans, hoping someone at the school can figure out what is wrong with her and fix it. But she doesn’t expect to stumble across a bunch of squabbling deities with a secret…

Joining forces with a snarky Goddess, a 500 year old warrior girl and a status-obsessed soldier boy, Adia goes on a mission through hidden realms to save her kingdom. But if she is to succeed, she must learn to wield her mysterious powers and figure out who she really is.

Discover an action-packed new series from a brilliantly exciting debut author, perfect for fans of SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL and NEVERMOOR.

Publisher Review

An immersive, funny, clever fantasy with real emotional depth. I couldn't put it down! * A.F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief * Deep, piercing, and urgent, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans marries historic heft with the soaring possibilities of magic to tell a spellbinding story of empowerment and liberation. Author Isi Hendrix makes a passion-packed entrance onto the middle grade stage, and readers of all ages will do well to pick up this first entry in a powerful new fantasy series. * Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series * This book is incredible! With a dazzling cast of characters wrapped up in a rich, imaginative afrofantasy world, Adia's thrilling journey will have you eager to turn the next page! * B.B. Alston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Amari and the Night Brothers * With heart and humor, Adia Kelbara is a tale of victory for anyone who's been made to feel ashamed of who they are. Not only does Adia prove that our power can be reclaimed, she takes us on a rollicking fun adventure along the way. * Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans trilogy * By turns immersive, thrilling, funny, and powerful, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans will grab readers from the first lines to the breathtaking finale. Readers will fall in love with Adia and root for her fierce quest to right the wrongs done against her people. * Sylvia Liu, award-winning author of Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation *