Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orisha, 2)

Name: Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orisha, 2)
Rating: 8.49 (119 reviews)
ISBN: 9781250170996

Discover the groundbreaking series that became a global sensation―over 2 million books sold! An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller * A GOOD MORNING AMERICA Book Club Pick "Adeyemi has sparked magic once again." —The New York Times After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too. Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful as they are. But when the monarchy and military unite to keep control of Orïsha, Zélie must fight to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath. With civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart. Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi's New York Times-bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Praise for Children of Virtue and Vengeance: “Electrifying . . . With this second book Adeyemi brings a new maturity and depth to the series. Her characters are no longer underdogs on a hero’s journey to return magic―now they are leaders who are suffering from the consequences and trauma of their previous quest.” ―The New York Times “Like its predecessor, Children of Virtue and Vengeance is fast-paced and unafraid to ask tough questions about the cyclical nature of oppression and the systems that enforce it.” ―TIME “Relentless even beyond its finish, this is a sure-fire hit.” ―Booklist, starred review - The Complete Legacy of Orïsha Series: Children of Blood and Bone (Book 1) Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Book 2) Children of Anguish and Anarchy (Book 3)

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Published Dec 3, 2019

432 pages

Average rating: 8.49

119 RATINGS

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Oree

Jun 25, 2025

10/10 stars

This book is full of people trying to do what is right in their own way. From the throne, Inan tries to correct the mistakes and build a better future using the same system that brought Orisha to this point. He tries but his mom is a sociopath and does whatever is necessary to keep power. She has been setting up people to die since he was small! From his perspective, it also shows why change is slow because people's prejudices run deep.

Amari thinks she needs to be on the throne which I never understood as she wouldn't have a legitimate claim to the throne while her elder brother is alive. She really isolated herself in this book. She follows in her parents' footsteps as she proves that she is willing to do whatever it takes to win, like unleashing a Cancer's power on the village. Despite Amari's efforts, she ends up losing trust, love, and friendships.

Zelie was out for blood. Becoming a symbol/hero to her people puts a lot of pressure on her and she definitely leads people to help her with vengeance. It is all-consuming at some points of the book. Mazeli dies and it was obvious that it was coming because he was TOO likable of a character.

I think with Queen Nehanda alive, she will take back control of Orisha, if Inan got captured as well and is on the boat with Zel and Amari.

I'm also curious with Inan and Roen alive, who will Zel end up with?

Kia

Jul 12, 2026

6/10 stars

Definitely not as exciting as the first book; maybe a little too much happening to fast but majority of the characters actions are predictable. Hopefully the third book is as exciting as the first.

DilonW87

Dec 26, 2025

I enjoyed this one more than I did the first one . It was more fast paced and had more action. I enjoyed the story and continuing to learn the thoughts and emotions of the returning characters. Also getting to meet new characters including the Queen. The ending was a great cliffhanger and can’t wait to start the next one.

cdlaw97

Sep 22, 2025

10/10 stars

Ready for book 3!

Shawn💜Reads

Sep 17, 2025

8/10 stars

Amari pissed me tf off!!! Why would you have Inan meet you at the sanctuary?! Even if she felt she could trust him, the people she swore she was fighting for didn't, so why not choose an effin place to meet instead of bringing him to the maji home?! Of course, he'd be followed! I've seen so many comments about people being mad at Zellie for holding on to her rage but I completely understand where she comes from! Amari doesn't get it because she's never had to truly live in their shoes. She's not a maji! Ugh!!! And then her attack on the villagers. She just always thought she was right and that she just needed to be queen. It was giving Daenerys Targaryen! I do understand her heart being in the right place, but girl, let the people who have been constantly under the monarchy's attack choose you if they want and show you how to lead if it's you they choose. I hated that Zellie taught her incantations... Mazeli's death crushed me. Mama Agba's sacrifice broke me! Man! I kept hoping they'd find another way. Bruhhhh, that ending! I'm so glad I'm not reading this series as it came out because idk how I'd be able to keep it together. Lol. This one started a little slow for me but the battles were great. I wonder when/ if Zellie will find out about Roen playing both sides and I wonder what's gonna happen with his crew because I know that ain't over. I wonder if Tzain and Zellie will forgive Amari. I'm glad that Inan finally realized what was right and was making moves to move in that direction. I'm proud of him for that. Lastly, I wonder who Zellie will end up with. I'm kinda rooting for her and Roen. Overall, I truly enjoyed this second installment and I'm looking forward to the next. I need to understand what happened because I thought the battle was won.