If you're a fan of the Harry Potter series like I am and are always looking for books that incorporate magical realms, you're going to love Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone.
The added joy, at least for me, with the magical realm included in this book is that it is based on Afro-religious beliefs, bringing in the representation of non-western cultures and religions.
In the world of Orisha magic connected to the Gods used to exist. But thanks to the ruthless fears of the ruling king, the maji, those who had magical powers, were targeted and killed. Those born with the mark of magical ancestry, the streak of white hair, live under repression and fear. The child of one of these maji, Zellie, remembers her mother being hauled out of her home and brutally killed by the king's soldiers and dreams of the return of magic. When presented with the possibility of bringing it back she embarks on a journey that will test not just her beliefs but her loyalties.
I absolutely loved following Zellie through her epic journey to bring magic back to her land. Reading about a young woman of color finding her strength and being a leader for her people is such a rare experience, still even today. There were also hauntingly similar depictions of governmental backed hatred and repression that we are currently witnessing. But Zellie's character gives us hope not only for Orisha and its people, but for us too. I eagerly await the sequel.