Legacy of Orïsha is the diversity fantasy fiction has always deserved, but not gotten in this whitewashed scene. Tomi Adeyemi shines in Children of Virtue and Vengeance, her second book in her Legacy of Orisha series. LGBTQ+, BLM, and the ACAB movement can take inspiration and see genuine progress with the visible diversity and values represented here. Young children can read about people just like them, whether that’s with coiled hair, oak brown skin, gap teeth, or anything else- Adeyene includes us all. 

Not only does she make diversity visible, but the phrasing around it makes it beautiful.

“Patches of discoloration circle her eyes and mouth, creating a beautiful pattern on her brown skin.

Tomi Ademyemi, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, pg. 121

Words matter, and describing vitiligo as a “beautiful pattern” will teach many kids to love themselves despite what loud stigmas might preach.

Whenever she smiles up at me, I see the adorable gap between her front teeth.

Tomi Ademyemi, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, pg. 121

Again, Adeyemi uses a positive “adorable” to describe the character’s differences. Language reveals the emotion and intent behind it, and using positive and correct wording in everyday life makes a difference. She includes a myriad of characters with different bodies and lives; From Albinism to prosthetic and amputated limbs, to name them all would to be cataloging the entire world. Tattoos? Piercings? Yes, Adeyemi is incredible.

Tomi Adeyemi blows me away once again with her second book, and I eagerly await the release of the next book in the Legacy of Orisha series.