In Nnedi Okorafor's Like Thunder: The Desert Magician's Duology: Book Two, the epic journey continues from Shadow Speaker. Dikéogu Obidimkpa, the rain-making boy, is unraveling, his past quest to save the Earth with his friend Ejii Ubaid far from over. Set in a vibrant, technologically advanced Niger in 2077, this sequel plunges readers into a whirlwind of Saharan sands, towering mountains, and bustling megacities. As Dikéogu's powers grow, so does his instability, leading him to record his story in an audiofile, a desperate attempt to maintain his sanity. Reunited with Ejii, their altered relationship and the unforeseen consequences of their past actions threaten to change everything, culminating in a breathtaking clash of magic and technology.
Review Like Thunder
Like Thunder, the sequel to Nnedi Okorafor's Shadow Speaker, left me breathless. It's a whirlwind of a story, hurtling across the landscapes of Africa, from the vast Sahara to bustling megacities, mirroring the turbulent emotions of its characters. While the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, having read Shadow Speaker beforehand significantly enhances the experience. The familiarity with Dikéogu and Ejii, their bond forged in the face of unimaginable danger, deepened the impact of their reunion and the challenges they face.
Okorafor's writing is simply captivating. The prose is powerful and evocative, painting vivid pictures of a future Africa infused with both advanced technology and potent magic. The blend of Africanfuturism and fantasy is seamless, creating a unique and compelling world that feels both familiar and utterly alien. The author’s skill in weaving together the personal struggles of her characters with the larger-than-life stakes of saving the world is masterful. We're not just watching a fantastical adventure unfold; we’re witnessing a deeply human story of trauma, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship.
Dikéogu's descent into madness is particularly compelling. The narrative framework, presented as his audio recording, adds a layer of vulnerability and immediacy. We're privy to his inner turmoil, his doubts, his fears, and his desperate attempts to retain his grip on sanity. It's a harrowing portrayal of PTSD, of the weight of responsibility, and the toll that saving the world can take on a young person's psyche. The exploration of mental health in this context adds a welcome layer of depth and realism to the fantastical elements.
The romantic tension between Dikéogu and Ejii is handled with a subtlety that avoids cliché. Their relationship is complex, marked by shared trauma, profound understanding, and a simmering attraction that feels earned and organic. Their journey isn't solely about finding love; it's about finding themselves amidst the chaos and confronting the ghosts of their past.
However, the pacing felt slightly uneven at times. While the moments of intense action and emotional revelation are gripping, some sections felt slower, potentially due to the internal monologues and the detailed exploration of Dikéogu’s mental state. This isn't necessarily a negative, as it contributes to the character's depth, but it might affect readers who prefer a consistently breakneck pace.
Overall, Like Thunder is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that stays with you long after you finish reading. Okorafor's imaginative world-building, compelling characters, and nuanced exploration of complex themes make it a must-read for fans of Africanfuturism, fantasy, and anyone seeking a story that challenges, provokes, and ultimately, leaves you deeply moved. It’s a story that asks difficult questions about the nature of good and evil, the cost of conflict, and the enduring power of hope in the face of overwhelming odds. It's epic in scope and deeply human at its core, a truly unforgettable reading experience.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.44 x 0.89 x 8.18 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 336
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: DAW
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