Crown of Thunder

By: Tochi Onyebuchi

Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi

In the sequel to the acclaimed Beasts Made of Night, Taj has escaped Kos, but Queen Karima will go to any means necessary--including using the most deadly magic--to track him down.

Taj is headed west, but the consequences of leaving Kos behind confront him at every turn. Innocent civilians flee to refugee camps as Karima's dark magic continues to descend on the city. Taj must return, but first he needs a plan.

With Arzu's help, Taj and Aliya make it to the village of her ancestors, home of the tastahlik--sin-eaters with Taj's same ability to both battle and call forth sins. As Taj comes to terms with his new magic, he realizes there are two very different groups of tastahlik--one using their powers for good, the other for more selfish ends.

Aliya is struggling with her own unique capabilities. She's immersed in her work to uncover the secret to Karima's magic, but her health begins to mysteriously deteriorate. With the help of a local western mage, Aliya uncovers her true destiny--a future she's not sure she wants.

As Taj and Aliya explore their feelings for each other and Arzu connects with her homeland, the local westerners begin to question Taj's true identity. Karima is on his heels, sending dark warnings to the little village where he's hiding. Taj will have to go back and face her before she sends her most deadly weapon--Taj's former best friend, Bo.

Critic reviews

"[A] rich stew of street smarts, myth, and almost nonstop action."--Booklist


"...Strong themes, including guilt, refugees, and the search for a home, make this series stand out."--SLJ

embracing your mental taste buds

this book and the first part are absolutely fantastic. the wonder of what will come next kept me on the edge of my seat I just wish it never ended.

Could have ended better

I was with the story although at times it did bore me but the ending just kinda cut off what happened was disappointing ending.

Beautifully Narrated

I just love this story. I love listening to the story, but I would have like Tash to be a bit stronger

A great Story!

I loved the story it was captivating! The narration is great and brings the story to life!

suspensesful, romantic, not cliché, female leads

the author is great at creating suspense leaving you wanting more. Unlike most action movies he does take time to vividly describe the environment, culture and emotions driving the characters. they are plenty of female leads that have agency and their own objectives.

Wow, Just the Begining

After two books, I feel like the story is just beginning. Tochi please keep going. This one of the few series in which brown people can immerse themselves in a world of wonder and possibility.

Finished for the Narration

Prentice is a fantastic narrator, as usual. I wanted to be more interested in this story, as the premise is so creative and exciting, but I considered quitting halfway through. Luckily, the second half was much more interesting. Like the first book, I felt like many events were unfinished or unexplained and needed more detail to feel more interesting or logical. Maybe an element of mystery is the point but the random plot bits were so numerous, it left me with many questions and having to track back to see if I had missed something. I guess one good thing is that it made the story pretty unpredictable? Overall, I did enjoy the explored themes of guilt and forgiveness.