Children of Anguish and Anarchy

Children of Anguish and Anarchy is a 2024 young adult fantasy romance novel by Nigerian-American novelist Tomi Adeyemi. It is the sequel to Children of Virtue and Vengeance and the last book in the Legacy of the Orisha series. The novel follow Zélie as she faces King Baldyr leader of the Skulls, who seeks to harvest her power and use it to conquer Orisha. The book topped the New York Times Bestsellers list.

Background

Adeyemi began writing the novel in 2020. The novel introduces new worlds outside of Orïsha; the flora based civilization of New Gaīa and a vast country occupied by the tribes of Baldeírik. Adeyemi stated that the novel's depiction of slavery closely mirrors the Atlantic slave trade.

Reception

The book received positive receptions from book reviewers and readers alike and was among the most anticipated book of 2024. The book was a Publishers Weekly bestseller. Adeyemi appeared as a guest on ABC News to speak on the book. A review from Locus praised the novel stating "Children of Anguish and Anarchy is fast-paced, relentless in its action scenes and offers a compelling and decisive conclusion to a series that has made its author renowned and multi-award winning." A mixed review from Kirkus Reviews called the book "a thrilling, climactic storm with an abrupt conclusion."