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Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
The Seven Knots by Darius Smith is about a high school boy named Solomon Vance who lives in New Orleans. He starts seeing visions of a man he doesn’t recognize. That man turns out to be Hiram, his great-great-grandfather, who takes him to a hidden magical city called Ombra. This remarkable city was made by enslaved Africans who used magic and resistance to build it. As the story continues, Solomon finds out that magic runs in his family and that he is meant to help protect Ombra. He learns about the Seven Knots, which are magical seals tied to the city, and how to move between different realms. At the same time, certain groups are keeping an eye on him. Some want to use him. Others want to control him. Solomon has to learn the rules of this incredible place and how to control his emerging powers. Will he find his place in Ombra and protect it from unraveling?
The Seven Knots by Darius Smith is a supernatural YA fantasy that blends African-American history and folklore in a way that kept me fully hooked. Ombra comes across as believable, with streets and buildings brimming with history. The author does a fantastic job of balancing action with Solomon's character development. He doesn't suddenly turn into a powerful person after meeting Hiram. At first, he struggles, gets things wrong, and doesn't really know what he’s doing. Over time, though, he gradually learns and adjusts to his magical abilities. I appreciate how the novel weaves ancestry and identity into the story without overpowering it. The story makes it clear how family and ancestral history play a role in shaping a person's identity. This element adds a great deal of fascination to Solomon’s story. The pacing allows you to breathe but doesn’t let the tension drop. Fans of YA fantasy will, without a doubt, enjoy this exciting read. Very highly recommended.
