ONYEKA and The Rise Of THE Rebels

I’m so excited to be back with you today, ready to dive into a book that has been on my radar since I devoured its predecessor. You know that feeling when a book series just clicks with you, and you find yourself eagerly counting down the days until the next installment drops? Well, that’s exactly how I felt about Tolá Okogwu’s incredible world of Onyeka, and let me tell you, Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels did not disappoint.

From the moment I turned the first page, I was swept right back into the vibrant, dangerous, and utterly captivating world that Okogwu has so masterfully crafted. If you’re a fan of high-stakes adventures, superpowered kids finding their way, and a touch of mystery that keeps you guessing, then you’re in for an absolute treat. This second installment picks up right where Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun left off, with Onyeka and her superpowered pals now living as fugitives. Imagine exposing a hidden agenda at a place that was supposed to be a safe haven – talk about a dramatic exit! They’re laying low, trying to figure out their next move, all while grappling with the agonizing uncertainty of Onyeka’s missing parents and the lingering danger faced by the students still at the Academy. My heart was truly aching for them as they navigated this new, perilous existence.

Just when you think things can’t get any more intense, their safe house is discovered, throwing them back into the thick of it. This is where the story truly kicks into high gear, as Onyeka has to make a difficult decision: turn to the only allies they have left – a mysterious group of rebels known as the Rogues. Now, if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for an unlikely alliance, and this one absolutely delivered. The dynamic between Onyeka’s crew and the Rogues is electric, full of tension, mistrust, and ultimately, a budding sense of camaraderie as they realize they share a common enemy. The question looms large: can these disparate groups truly come together to defeat their shared nemesis, or is there an even greater, unforeseen danger lurking just around the corner? You’ll be on the edge of your seat, trust me!

What truly sets Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels apart, and something I deeply appreciate in middle-grade fiction, is the incredible emotional depth woven throughout the thrilling adventure. Onyeka isn’t just a superhero; she’s a young girl facing immense pressure, personal loss, and the weight of responsibility. You feel her internal turmoil right alongside her, adding such a rich layer of complexity to the narrative. As Kirkus Reviews so aptly put it, "Okogwu knocks it out of the park with this highly anticipated sequel to Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun (2022). As Onyeka prepares to face Dr. Dòyìnbó, her internal turmoil comes to the surface, adding emotional depth and texture to this thrilling adventure that wraps up with a satisfying ending. Triumphant." And truly, it is triumphant. The ending felt incredibly satisfying, tying up enough loose ends to give you a sense of closure, while also leaving you eager for whatever adventures lie ahead for Onyeka.

For those of you who adore Rick Riordan’s mythological escapades, the magical realism of The Marvellers, or the classic ensemble heroism of X-Men, then you absolutely need Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels on your reading list. It’s a book that celebrates friendship, resilience, and the power of finding your voice, even when the world feels like it’s conspiring against you.

And speaking of the brilliant mind behind this series, let me introduce you to Tolá Okogwu. She’s a British Nigerian author, journalist, and even a hair care educator! Born in Nigeria and raised in London, Tolá has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and spent years exploring blogging, haircare, and freelance writing before returning to her true passion: fiction. Besides the amazing Onyeka middle-grade series, she’s also penned the self-published picture book series Daddy Do My Hair and Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door under the name Lola Morayo. Tolá lives in Kent, England, with her husband and two daughters, and yes, she’s an avid reader, a lover of music, and, just like many of us, a total sucker for melted cheese! You can learn more about her wonderful work at TolaOkogwu.com.

If you haven't yet embarked on Onyeka's journey, I highly recommend starting with the first book. You can find my thoughts on it and more details here: Onyeka and Academy of Sun. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Happy reading, everyone!