Title: Kin Magic: Journey to Enlightenment
Author: U.S. Obilor
Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
ISBN: 1665595922
Pages: 152
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
The Obodoma School of Miracles has a variety of cliques but they all have something in common: they’re all wizards. One clique, in particular, will embark on a journey in magic, friendship, enlightenment, and self. Ebere, Imani, Kali, and Shaka all have a purpose within the clique. Then there’s Taju who is known for being bad at all things which have given him the reputation of being the most hated person everywhere he goes. Despite this, he has reason to be happy with the friends that rely on him. This journey to enlightenment and self-discovery is set against a backdrop that weaves a beautiful fictitious tale behind the true origins of Africa that is truly magical.
The goal of Kin Magic: Journey to Enlightenment is to shed light on areas of Africa yet to be seen through exposure, development, and improvement which author U.S. Obilor weaves into the essence of the story. The primary location is the Obodoma School of Miracles which is a magic school for wizards all over Africa and the main class seen is Ancient History with a professor that takes on a mentor role to Taju and his friends. Through this class, Obilor delivers a lovely origin story behind magic by telling of a time when sorcerers were in every corner of Africa, the strict rules of magic followed (as in only for royalty), and the six great sorcerers that settled there. An assortment of characters adds to the story’s humor, charm, and lightness through their various personalities. Taju is an intriguing protagonist as he’s someone that doesn’t win at anything because he’s bad at all things with his only skill being talking which he would also lose in a competition for that. Despite all this, he’s still a lighthearted character who finds reason to be happy through his clique of friends which consists of Ebere (the caring one), Imani (the bookworm), Kalia (the rebel), and Shaka (who doesn’t know why he’s in the group).
The little details in the story are lovely such as the opening scene featuring a little bird that sparks Taju to get into trouble. This moment is one of several catalysts in the story which delivers magic through even small details. Kin magic is an important type of magic in the story as it is when wizards support each other to conjure synergic spells, which is a lovely symbolism for this clique of friends that support each other. Among the magical elements is a local mirror which is a cloth that you can view local news, a snake whispering at a poignant moment in the story, and ancestral keepers which are appointed guardians of the world. Easily woven into the plot is a rich mythology which incorporates Egyptian gods such as Ra and beautifully original explorations of the meaning of souls.
Obilor uses each of the clique members’ journeys to explore the wonders of Africa with plot points such as: Ebere visiting her uncle who mixes science and magic; Imani magically cleaning a hut for a visit from Queen Idia; Shaka growing up in Nigeria with a family that doesn’t know about magic; and Kali’s bond with a coalition of cheetahs. The shift in perspectives draws you into the magical and hidden wonders of Africa that Obilor captures through the originality in the storytelling. The writing style has a unique script-like formatting and a light tone which fits the wonder and discovery that the school setting offers. Lovely gray-scale illustrations depict different moments and details throughout the story which offers a look at Ra, the mirror, and various characters.
A story about enlightenment and unity comes to life off the page, Kin Magic: Journey to Enlightenment leaves you feeling hopeful after a journey about magic, friendship, beauty, and wonder that’s told through a fictitious origin story about Africa.
