Goldenborn

Gr 9 Up–This novel follows Akoma, a sharp, determined supernatural investigator who is pulled into a dangerous web of mystery and crime as her work draws her deeper into the world of Ghanaian gods. When the god Anansi offers her a bargain—revive her father and help catch the serial killer she’s hunting—Akoma must awaken her ancestral magic, becoming the very kind of supernatural being she has sworn to fight against. What begins as a case quickly becomes something far more personal, as Akoma is forced to confront ancient powers, hidden histories, and the complicated ties of family and legacy that bind her to the divine. The true strength of this book lies in its imagery: the author brings Ghanaian mythology vividly to life, not just through descriptions of gods and magic, but through emotion, atmosphere, and deeply rooted cultural connections. The gods feel present and powerful, woven seamlessly into a modern, dystopian-leaning world that feels both familiar and unsettling. Each scene is layered with meaning, making the mythology feel lived-in rather than ornamental. ­Beyond the mythology, the plot itself unfolds in rich, deliberate layers. Family ­relationships, personal trauma, and moral ambiguity all intersect with the central mystery, creating a story that rewards careful reading. Every revelation feels earned, and the emotional stakes rise steadily alongside the supernatural ones.